new to all this RV'ing and using Post campgrounds

my wife and I are looking into purchasing a RV and traveling the States, on a more or less full time bases.

I was wondering if this great group of folks have a list of do's and don't's to consider for buying a RV, which type, new- used, insurances, and the costs associated with long term camping and being on the road.

I'm a Viet Nam vet ( C-Battery, 4/42nd Arty, 4th Div., 69-70) and would love to get out there and meet all the vets that use military post campgrounds.

Any suggestions would be appreciated by my wife and I.

Thank you VETERANS and families for your service too our GREAT country.

Shot, over

lots of RV's out there to choose from -- you can drive 'em or tow 'em and it depends on what comfort level you need. Myself, I've been using a Truck Camper for years and carry gear and my MC in a small cargo trailer. As I get older, I'd like to get into a TT though -- and am thinking about a TT toy-hauler that carries a living space and then in the rear, a ramped area for my MC and tools. You can also get the TT with just living spaces -- Next up is the middle sized drive-able vehicles, and then the luxury coaches ...

I'd suggest you fine a large size RV dealer and just go there and brouse... figure out what size and configuration you like, or can survive in for months at a time. Once you do that, then start looking at quality and price. Ask others you see in the CG's too -- when you go on base, go to the CG and ask the guys that are doing it every day. We're more than happy to share our experiences.

But the most important thing is to do your homework before you spend your money. Lots of "bad deals" out there, low quality, and over-priced stuff... so do plenty of Q's and A's with the people that are NOT selling RV's ... Salesmen will tell you lots of things that sound good, but remember, they are trying to sell you a unit -- But the people out there camping will generally tell you what you really need to know ... Pay more attention to those NOT selling you something. Once you decide what you want, THEN go to the salesman, and go with information ... don't let him mislead you -- know exactly what you want when you go, and then all you're dickering about is the price ...

You've received good advice already. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

But I'll add a couple of my thoughts also. We don't like salesman or RV sales lots. As mentioned, most RV salesman don't know what they're talking about. Many of them don't even own an RV, let alone live in one. Their goal is to sell you. We prefer the large RV shows. Almost all states have an annual large RV show. At these shows, you have MANY types, brands, and models to compare, all within (smoewhat) walking distance of each other. A big bonus is the salesman are too busy to talk to everyone, and all the rigs are unlocked. You're free to browse without being bothered. But have an idea of the type of rig you're looking for. We spent 2 years looking at 5th wheels at RV shows, then changed our minds and looked at Class A motorhomes.

I also highly receommend attending a "Life on Wheels" rally. This is either a 3 day series of seminars, or a week long rally. It's a "school" on learning to live your your RV. Many people stay in nearby hotels and attend classes and discussion groups all day. Seminars are offered on all types of topics on living in your RV. From packing, to insurance, to battery maintenance, to fire safety, to safe driving, to tires, to solar, to campground memberships, to working on the road, to cooking in a small kitchen, to everything!!! Check out the schedule and see if one will be near you. www.rvlifeonwheels.com/

Expenses was (still is) a major concern of ours. I've kept a fairly accurate record of expenses while traveling fulltime in our RV for the past 3 years. Keep in mind, everyone's lifestyle and tastes are different and will have different expenses. But you can get an idea of the costs by looking at ours. There's also a ton of other information available on our personal website. The Happy-Wanderers

My final bit of initial advice - check into the Escapees RV Club. A FANTASTIC organization for supporting fulltime RV'ers. We joined a couple years before we started fulltiming. They also have an excellent discussion forums area. www.escapees.com

Since there's so much to offer advice on, feel free to ask specific questions. I'm sure someone will have an answer.

Right on Larry -- general questions get general answers ... the best thing here is to ask a specific question [or fifty specific questions] and get real answers. I, for one, love to share my experiences with the "new guys" because we have all made mistakes and it's better to share that than have it happen to someone else. So ask away, and we'll get you 'informationed-up" so you can make good choices.

And remember what Larry said too -- salesmen often know little about the units they sell ... they'll sell you anything, even a 15,000 lb unit and, with a straight face, tell you that you can haul it with your 6 cyl Tacoma -- I've asked questions and gotten answers from a salesman that actually made me laugh out loud right in front of him -- couldn't control it even though I did not want to be rude !! Sometimes you just can't help yourself -- so good luck with the search and keep us informed as you go along the "RV purchase experience" .... BD

Best advise I can give is: Get thyself to an RV Show. As has been stated you will find every kind of RV on display that you can look through without a salesman trying to sell on the spot. Of course, big shows can become very overwhelming.

First you must decide how you want to camp. Fortunately, we had family members who were already into RVing. My parents had owned everything from small travel trailers up to a Class C motorhome. My brother and wife had gone from travel trailer to fifth wheel. From their experience we decided to start off with a Class A (gas). We purchased a good used rig that was a few years old. My theory was I had a lot to learn about the care and maintenance of an RV. With our old unit I figured that if I screwed something up it would not be so bad than on a new on.

This worked for us. After four years we moved up to a new Class A (gas) and five years after that we moved up to a Class A (diesel).

Get as much info as you can. Decide how much money you want to put into this endeavor. Remember, with a trailer or fifth wheel you will still have to have something big enough to pull it. With a motorhome you will most likely need a car that can be towed behind it. (Not all cars can be towed four wheels down without modification.)

One suggestion: If you go to an RV Show look around for a booth that is selling a book by Ron Jones that deals with beginners in RVing. Ron is a retired Army guy that now travels to RV shows and rallies, giving lectures on caring for your RV. He has written a wonderful book the is especially good for beginners. His books are sold as most RV shows.

Another suggestion that has already been made. If you are around a military base go out to the base campground and talk to those of us who may be staying there. Most RVer's relish talking about their chosen lifestyle and their rig. Talk to them about their experiences and why they chose the type rig they are currently using.

I would like to thank those that have responded so far and too these that may yet respond.

I think it would help to explain what it is that my wife and I want in regards to getting on the road.

I'm a ex over the road truck driver and I'm leaning towards a 5th wheel RV in as much as that type of hitching system is one I'm familiar with. Also the advantage of being able to disconnect from the prime mover and being able to use my pick-up truck for running around is what we feel would work best for us.

This RV is projected to be our main home, we plan to keep our mobile home, however both my wife and I have some health issues that will cause us to see our doctors from time to time. My meds come from the VA via the mail and my wife's comes in the mail from ChampVA. I've been assured by the local post office that there is no postal regulation against mailing prescription meds by mail, and I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with this idea. We would have our mail forwarded to our son's home and then have him repost them to us via overnight delivery to whichever campground office that we happen to be at at that time. Is this workable?

Our intentions are that it will be just my wife and I with an occasional gusts (grandsons) we are looking a Challenger 29 TRL model 5th wheel. Now as I have some back pain from a auto accident some years ago is this unit one that I could handle myself, with some limited help from my wife?

I'm looking at a 3/4 ton GMC pick-up as I'm told that my 1/2 ton is not enough truck, Now which is the right choice the 6.0 liter gas or should I put up with the stink and noise of the Duramax diesel with the Allison transmission? Should I opt to purchase a duel rear wheels and face the prospect of having to buy an extra set of tires?

One last question, should I purchase the dealer offered extended warranty or are there other, better options available?

Looking forward to meeting all the military veterans RV'ers.