#2 May-Jun 2013 Now the Details

Now the details and negotiations between us could start.

We want to stay in provincial/state parks and RV resorts. Our “camping” was always in natural parks where we could see the stars and smell the trees. Now we are older and want some of the comforts of home – like electricity to operate the microware and make coffee. We learned that some parks/resorts can’t accommodate rigs over 40’ so that defined our length.

Now diesel versus gas. That was a big question that required much debate and negotiation between us. Diesel rigs are $20,000 to $30,000 more than gas. On a diesel pusher (engine in the rear), the entrance door is usually located in front of the steering axle which means access is across the foot well of the passenger (me). That doesn’t feel convenient when we are using the rig full time. Gas it would be. PS Ralph still wants his diesel with air suspension and brakes but no lottery winnings in sight.

Now what age of vehicle? The price of older units was tempting but Ralph always asked about technology and what might go wrong. We would live in this unit full time for a few years and cover many miles.

We talked to friends and RV dealers until we had a general idea of the vehicle we hoped would suit our plans. One Saturday in May we visited a dealership in Chilliwack but they had nothing that would suit us. Sunday morning there was a message on the cell saying a unit had come in with great possibilities for our requirements. Out to Chilliwack again. We put a deposit on a 2008 38’ Georgetown XL by Forest River with only 4400 km. It had not even been inspected by the shop so it was out to Chilliwack again Monday evening for a test drive. We drove it onto the freeway and back on the next exit. This is IT. Three trips to Chilliwack and we had a new home.

Next came the towed vehicle. Would we pull it on a dolly/trailer or flat tow it? Our current 2007 Toyota Yaris could only be towed on a dolly. We knew the vehicle history but it has low ground clearance. We want to go off the main roads and see more remote areas. Now, what vehicles can be flat towed and have more clearance? After much research to gain ideas Ralph phoned a car dealership. The first and only vehicle we saw was the right one. We have a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara that is towing behind us very easily. We sold our Nissan van and Toyota Yaris. Now we could begin to see the future.