Good replies, all. The slides on our HitchHiker are large and only take a few seconds to put out. One of the problems with boondocking (like at a Wal-Mart) for a night, is the fact that our rig is 14' wide with the slides out. Places like Wal-Mart (and not all of them) allow overnight "parking", not "camping." Good Sam and many other RV organizations have put together a list of rules for overnight stops at places other than campgrounds to keep RVers from being bad neighbors. One of those suggestions is: don't put your slides out. Also, don't put out your awnings, BBQ grill, chairs, etc, etc. It's a parking place, NOT a campsite. Abuse the kindness that these places allow, and it will go away (and it has in many areas).
When people are boat shopping, I suggest they walk the docks at a marina to see how folks are doing things and visit with other boaters. Same goes for RVing. We visited with MANY people before buying our NuWa. Visit some campgrounds; as you walk by a particular RV and you see people out, say, "Hi! Nice rig you have there. Would you mind if I ask you a question?" Then go from there. People will tell you... probably more than you want to know. :wink:
Also, as with boats, RVs are compromises. Bigger is more comfortable with more amenities, but takes more truck to pull. Lighter/heavier weight is not an indicator of quality build. Buying your first RV is like buying your first boat - you may be fortunate to get the vehicle/vessel of your dreams, but generally you learn from the experience. Size matters: too small or too big can make the experience less than satisfying. BUT, I've met people who have sold their homes, bought their first 5th wheel and truck, and set out traveling full-time and love it!
We owned 6 motorhomes over the years... we kept each successive one longer than the previous, because we knew what would fit our needs. It's a journey where you learn along the way. In the nearly two years that we've owned our HitchHiker, we haven't had the need for the generator. We like to stay in RV parks or overnight where the temps aren't extreme. Even here in the Tetons, we haven't had occasion to turn on our propane furnace, other than to make sure it works. Our electric fireplace keeps us very comfortable.
Also as with boats, the discussion of "what to tow with" frequently comes up; those who have towed a lot of miles will tell you that you can't have too much truck.
Good luck with the search. Since this really isn't C-Dory related and some may feel it's too off-topic, if you have any specific questions, feel free to drop me a PM. It's a big decision (also like buying a boat), and good research pays off... but, experience is the best teacher.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
When people are boat shopping, I suggest they walk the docks at a marina to see how folks are doing things and visit with other boaters. Same goes for RVing. We visited with MANY people before buying our NuWa. Visit some campgrounds; as you walk by a particular RV and you see people out, say, "Hi! Nice rig you have there. Would you mind if I ask you a question?" Then go from there. People will tell you... probably more than you want to know. :wink:
Also, as with boats, RVs are compromises. Bigger is more comfortable with more amenities, but takes more truck to pull. Lighter/heavier weight is not an indicator of quality build. Buying your first RV is like buying your first boat - you may be fortunate to get the vehicle/vessel of your dreams, but generally you learn from the experience. Size matters: too small or too big can make the experience less than satisfying. BUT, I've met people who have sold their homes, bought their first 5th wheel and truck, and set out traveling full-time and love it!
We owned 6 motorhomes over the years... we kept each successive one longer than the previous, because we knew what would fit our needs. It's a journey where you learn along the way. In the nearly two years that we've owned our HitchHiker, we haven't had the need for the generator. We like to stay in RV parks or overnight where the temps aren't extreme. Even here in the Tetons, we haven't had occasion to turn on our propane furnace, other than to make sure it works. Our electric fireplace keeps us very comfortable.
Also as with boats, the discussion of "what to tow with" frequently comes up; those who have towed a lot of miles will tell you that you can't have too much truck.
Good luck with the search. Since this really isn't C-Dory related and some may feel it's too off-topic, if you have any specific questions, feel free to drop me a PM. It's a big decision (also like buying a boat), and good research pays off... but, experience is the best teacher.
Best wishes,
Jim B.