Klueck
Georgia
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Joined: 11/15/2008
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I also think that you should give it a try before you sell it. It would probably be more fun with wife/girlfriend but you could still enjoy it by yourself.
Don't forget to put insurance on it, especially since you've never towed before and don't have someone to help guide you. Liability insurance is extended from your tow vehicle while driving it, but no physical damage coverage for the trailer.
We used to live in Tampa and I worked full time and found lots of time to use our RV. Of course I had over 6 weeks vacation every year.
There are a lot of really nice parks close to you. Hillsborough River State Park is very nice. There are beautiful trails, a river to kayak/canoe on, and lots of wildlife.
Another of our favorite places was Silver River State Park, in Ocala. Beautiful spring fed river, great kayaking. Nice trails and easy to get in sites! Only about 100 miles from Tampa. You can check out my blog to see some photos of these parks.
If you take it camping, a lot of people will be there to ask questions. You can also ask questions on the forum. People are very nice (most of them) and even experienced RV'ers will learn a lot.
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Al B
Cowtown
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Joined: 10/22/2007
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Congratulations on the new trailer! Welcome to the site!  There are alot of good people here with lots valuable information. Asking lots of questions will help you with keeping the learning curve in check. Some of the simplest things can go sideways, and the best part about it, every RV'er will help another, it's truely something you have to experience. I have yet to hear of anyone get turned away cause they weren't experienced in a certain situation.
You must have had maybe a slight interest in an RV, otherwise you wouldn't have stepped on a lot, so I would give it a fair chance. If you give it a whirl, and are still, simply not interested, then you can say you experienced RV'ing, and it wasn't you. You gave it a chance. But, if you find this RV'ing thing ain't bad, then move up, find a way to take the motorcycle.
I also agree that you did the right thing and bought used, as you can resale it for the price you paid, or close to, or maybe higher and chock it up to experience with out a huge price tag.
All the best!
Cummins Powered
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jetenbu
Southeast Texas
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Joined: 08/03/2006
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Welcome to the forum and congrats on your purchase. I too had some of your concerns since I am single BUT I am retired. I love going places and seeing places I have never been. The interacting with other campers is priceless. Such great people, so knowledgable about RVing, so wiling to help you with any questions or concerns, all have an opinion on what options/add ons you should consider, just great folks to associate with.
There are camping clubs you can join for a few bucks a year and get half price camping at a lot of places. Search this site for 'camping clubs' and I am sure you will get plenty of reading material. Search the internet for those camping clubs you identify that you might want to join. You will find some clubs that you can join and pay $10. a night and some that are 1/2 price off the regular fees.
There are sites on the internet where you can find platforms to install on the back of your trailer to carry a motorcycle. You will want to contact them with the type of trailer you have and make sure they are compatible. From what I have seen, they have to have some welding done to the trailer frame to safely use (not just a bumper installation).
Give RVing a try and you will quickly decide if it is for you or not. I did and I love it. Each trip is another adventure, more new people to meet, more friends to make, more trailers/motorhomes to look at, more options/add ons to discuss and consider making to your unit, just a wonderful time to unwind and relax. I personally really feel the relief of stress over a multitude of things. Yes, being retired can still be a little stressful even though you are not working.
I wish you all the luck I can and hope to see you out there sometime. I come to Florida from time to time to visit my daughter who lives there with her husband and my 2 grandchildren. I personally try to avoid areas of the country that have cold weather just because I do not like it. A lot of folks on here camp in cold weather, you just have certain things you must do right.
Let us know how you like/dislike taking your first trip.
Jim
Driver: Me
Passengers: None
RV:1996 Holiday Rambler Endeavor LE, 230 HP Cummins - FMCA F408358
Toy: 1992 Geo Tracker 4x4
Favorite Quote: Now that's funny!
WARNING: THIS RIG PROTECTED BY SMITH AND WESSON!
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serpa4
Colorado Springs
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Joined: 06/15/2002
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Ya, don't buy a boat.
Love the camping life.
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jefff929
Pacific wonderland, wet side
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Joined: 05/23/2004
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motor2, one word... Boondocking. Check it out.
2001 Dodge 2500 QC, Diesel, Auto, 4x4 Shortbox, Stull running boards, 24.5' Prowler 5er
Diesel Bombers
My Baby
Another NWBomber
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Doug63
Liberty Lake, Washington, United States
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Joined: 07/16/2004
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Personally, I admire your gutsy go-for-broke mentality! There's no question that you have a LOT of things to learn, but the learning process itself is a very fun way to pass the time!
The first thing I'd do if I were you is try to find someone in your local area who can give you a few pointers (even some lessons) on towing/backing a trailer. That way, you'll have a little more confidence when it comes to taking your new RV to some fun locations.
Your work schedule is actually, in my opinion, one of your strongest arguments in favor of KEEPING the trailer! Yes, you work a lot and you work hard. Your original post gives the impression that you might not take much time off and I'm sure that, when you do have a vacation opportunity, the hassle of flying somewhere and the costs of getting hotels, etc. might be daunting. Having a trailer such as yours is a cure for all these things!
If you're anything like I was when we had our trailer, you'll soon keep everything except food in the trailer and ready to go. We had trailer-specific linens, clothes, shoes, boots, etc. All we had to do was load up the food and hit the road! You can start with weekend trips to somewhere close by just to get a feel for it. Next thing you know, you'll discover the joys of discovering the rest of the country in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home!
Owning and towing a trailer is never "cheap" but I find it's far less expensive than flying somewhere and renting hotel rooms. Plus, you eliminate the stresses of airports and you have your own schedule.
You also discovered the other cool thing about this hobby: customizing your rig to make it your own! After you add the awning (or even add-a-room), TV and microwave, you'll have started down the slippery slope of modifications! I say enjoy it!
This is no dress rehearsal...this is LIFE, and I heartily recommend that you live it! I'm feeling pretty confident that, on our death beds, none of us is likely to think, "I wish I'd traveled less and seen or done fewer things!" Quite the contrary, most of the complaints heard in the final hours start with, "I wish I had...."
So don't wish, DO IT! You've already mentioned exploring Florida and Georgia. Go for it, and welcome to the wonderful world of RV! As a single traveler, you'll also discover that fellow RV-ers are some of the friendliest people around, taken as a whole. Camping in RV parks is an awesome way to meet lots of interesting people.
Be sure to take lots of pictures to record your new memories!
Doug Thompson '63
Ford Expedition 5.4L '03
No rig at the moment!
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tomkaren13
West Central Florida
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Joined: 12/30/2007
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We are a ways away from you. Hopefully someone who lives in your area will offer to give you some tips in person. Doing a search on this forum can give you some answers. The RV FAQs listed on the blue banner at the top of this forum also has answers.
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motor2
tampabay, fl
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Joined: 11/22/2009
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Wow !
almost at a lost for words for all the kind, thoughtful replies and insight into the world or rv'ing. I truely appreicate it and maybe one day can return the favor to another newbie
Just dropped off the final payment today (balance due). As stated it was a private purchase. Was thinking about a lcd panel tv screen with all this turkey day sales but now wondering if I should not just band a tv from the rv altogether or at least now and then. Figure might still be good for watching if it is raining all weekend.
A few followup thoughts if ok...
1. have a reese class II hitch (toyota sold and installed) though the casita site suggest a class III. Hoping I can though get by with my class II, trailer weight of 2,400lbs and tow weight of 365 (class II i'm thinking is max 350 and my vechile can tow up to 3,500lbs but, again, hoping I can get by with it as is on the hitch I presently have installed).
2. No sway control or other replacement hitch will be used...again hoping I can get by as is. Will though get that braking device installed in the highlander to control the trailer brakes.
3. Have one of those pop up ten foot insta-sheds so will try to use that. A bit hard to set up and down by oneselve but will give it a try to save some $$$.
Do have a friend with a motor home so will get with him. Maybe have him ride with me when I go pick it up...or follow me. Should be picking it up 11/30 after work though will have the wiring 7-pin done before that happens with that brake device installed as well.
4. Don't think I could toss a motorcycle on the back of the rv even if I had something welded due to total weight issues (550lbs for the bike there abouts). Guess a good used towing vechile would be in order but uncertain I want to do that as yet until I try the highlander first. Actually it does average around 26mpg even on the highway so will see if she drops to 13mpg with the trailer. Could sell my 07 rx8 sports car and get $6,000 cash out of it but that won't buy much of a tow vechile let alone sort out what mpg whatever it is would get once towing but it might allow me to put the cycle in the back. Thinking honda ridgeline but need to take a break for a year on the spending I would say.
5. Still don't know why I cannot post on the ciastaclub forum site but will give it a few days and see. Can log into the site but seems the mods need to review before allowing one to post.
Thanks again everyone, you have lifted my sprints (and with my weight that was a large order for sure) !
Will see about a short trip or two in tampabay area or expand outward 4 to 6 hours. Two hour drive up north to my brothers place but at least that would be nice camping county east or north of beverly hills fl area.
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profdant139
Southern California
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Joined: 11/14/2005
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We also bought a TT as an experiment -- that was four years and thousands of miles and 200 nights of camping ago. We are hooked. But we were not sure at first, and figured we could always sell.
And if you decide to sell, Casitas are always in high demand and hold their value better than almost any other trailer -- maybe the best of any trailer. Less deterioration/wear and tear than on a "sticks and tin" box (like mine!).
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ritablack
Hazleton, PA
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Joined: 08/02/2005
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Don't sell too quickly, if you thought it would be a good idea, you should at least give it a try. Also coming from Florida, you can camp all year. State and Federal Parks are very inexpensive, but even private campgrounds are less than hotels.
My Dh and I got our TT (21 ft) in 2005, he got sick and only went camping 1 time before I lost him. The first 2 years after, I didn't do much camping, but the last couple have been much better. I really enjoy hooking up and getting away. Wouldn't sell it for the world.
You can join a group like LOWS (Loners on Wheels) so that you can meet other singles that go camping.http://www.lonersonwheels.com/
Rita Black
New TV-Golden Eagle-Jeep Commander 2006 5.7 Hemi
Eaglesnest-2006 Wildwood 21FB
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