Fulltimers RV

There are literally hundreds of thousands of people who live in their recreational vehicle (RV) full time. In 2000, my wife and I joined that growing number. Having lived, worked and traveled in our RV for 6 years, I created this section to provide information that might help someone contemplating becoming a full timer. Let me begin with the statement that the term ‘recreational vehicle’ includes trailers as well as motorhomes. I make this comment since I have been asked on many occasions if I had an RV or a trailer.

My wife and I enjoyed “camping” in an RV for many years. We owned three Airstream travel trailers over the past 17 years.

In May 2000, I retired and set out with Georgia and Patrick, our Irish Wolfhound puppy, to tour the U.S. We traveled in our one-ton Ford Super Club Wagon pulling a 34′ Airstream Excella 1000 travel trailer. After two and a half years, we made a major change. We sold the Club Wagon and Airstream and purchased a Safari Sahara motorhome and a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

With this change, I thought it might be interesting to look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of trailers versus motorhomes. Regardless of which path you chose to take, I hope this information will be helpful to you.

For information on our Irish Wolfhound and our travels, see patrick-irish-wolfhound.com. I have also thrown in some photos, including photos of the Airstream Factory in Ohio.

In 2006, we sold our Safari and purchased a 1992 Newell Coach.

On April 13, 2009, Patrick’s journey with us ended as a result of bone cancer in his jaw which quickly spread throughout his body.

In 2012, we got another Irish Wolfhound puppy, Quinn. To follow Quinn’s travels, see quinn-irish-wolfhound.com.

There are forums that help support Newell owners with information regarding maintenance, upgrades and enjoying a Newell Coach. You might check out http://newellgurus.com.