How We Lived: The RVs -

When we decided to tour the country via RV, it was a struggle to decide what type of RV to choose.

We came across a phenomenal deal on a diesel powered, 39 foot, Fleetwood Bounder from a sweet couple who could no longer travel, due to personal and health reasons. It was in great shape, and the owners had been meticulous about maintenance, providing us with in depth service records and details.

Fortunately, the same nice couple was also selling their 2003 Jeep Liberty that they towed behind. It was already set up with a tow bar and brake buddy system. We knew the necessity of having a car along with us, so that we could park the RV at a campground, and take the smaller vehicle for sight seeing trips, errands, and groceries.

Many National Parks have length restrictions on vehicles entering their parks, due to narrow roads. Many roads in general are not suited for such a large vehicle. (Thirty-five feet seems to be the average length allowed.) We decided to sell our cars and purchase the jeep to tow behind the motor home.

The RV had one large slide-out where the sofa and kitchen table were located. This gave us several extra feet of living space when we were parked. There was a queen bedroom in the back. The kids slept in the main living area on the “converted” table and sofa.

There was a good sized kitchen with a convection oven, stove, microwave, and a refrigerator, complete with ice maker. Surprisingly, there was plenty of storage both in the basement compartments around the exterior and inside the motor home.

We even had a combo washer/dryer unit, for those times when we had a few spare hours (insert sarcasm) to complete a small load of laundry. Using the campground’s laundry facility was much more efficient. The full bathroom was roomy with a corner angled shower and a good amount of storage.

We were brand new to this whole “RV”ing thing, so over several months we learned all about the pleasantries of things like hooking up the electricity and sewer connections, “dumping” the gray and black tanks, and filling up with propane so we could stay warm and cook. Just learning to “drive” this monster was challenging enough, which added to the adventure (as well as my stress level). But, these things became second nature.

Traveling by Motorhome is a great way to see the country. At the same time, we had a “home on wheels” where we could lay our heads each and every night. The kids were happy, because all of their favorite toys were with them at all times. It truly became “home.”

We decided after 2 and a half years with the Bounder, that it was time to sit still a little longer and save for overseas travel. So, we searched out a more ideal layout, and we found it! We went with a Heartland Oakmont, complete with a bunkroom, one and a half bath, king bed, full size refrigerator, and mega sofa. We LOVED it!