Driven by a Second Chance

We have a plan, and an outcome all prepared. It’s the middle part that keeps us on our toes.

Our first grand plan was to purchase a travel trailer that could be pulled by our current 1/2 ton truck. We researched the tow capacity, hitch weight, dry weight and GVWR and determined the configuration that would work with what we have. We would use it for a couple years, and then trade it in for a 5th wheel once we got more comfortable. We toured a number of RVs in the right size and capacity and found a few that we believed would work for our needs.

Part of our extensive research into this lifestyle, has been to watch different RV YouTube channels and get ideas, tips and tricks, as well as dream about places we are looking forward to visiting. A few weeks ago, we were watching a YouTube channel and they mentioned that they purchased their RV, a 5th wheel, and had it towed to a RV Park and were in the process of purchasing a truck to pull it. WAIT….PAUSE…THIS WAS AN OPTION?

So we took a deep dive into the logistics of purchasing the RV first. We called some RV Parks in the area, spoke with some of them about our options and started our new research and went to look at some 5th wheels. The difference was intriguing. A 5th wheel would give us more room, and feel more “home-like”. One major problem, our current truck wouldn’t pull it safely.

So now we had to decide the best way to proceed.

Option 1: RV first, truck second…. PROS we can start living in the RV and learn the functions of the RV. We could get comfortable with maintenance of the grey and black tanks. We could take time organizing our “stuff” in the RV and get used to living in a smaller space before adding the travel aspect to it. Most importantly, we could make sure that the truck we purchase will tow the rig we buy. CONS we are “stuck” in place until we find and purchase the new truck. We have to find a lot, in Florida, during the winter (aka Snow Bird Season), and secure the lot before we are able to purchase the RV, not really knowing the time frame for when we would take delivery.

Option 2: Truck first, RV second….PROS “plug-n-play” as we would already have the truck to tow the RV and wouldn’t be stuck to one location. We could travel quicker and see more than just one RV park. CONS we have to find housing until we are able to purchase the RV.

Seems like a no-brainer, so for now, we think option 2 is the best option. We’ve booked some temporary housing for a couple months after our lease is up to see if we can make this all work. What do you think is the best option?

In the end, we are ready to live this lifestyle. Sometimes I wonder if we have too much time to make all the decisions and sometimes I’m thankful that we do have enough time to weigh all of our options and make an informed decision.

So let us know your thoughts. Are we crazy? What option would you choose if you were in our position? We would love to hear your imput….

We hope you continue to join us on our journey…Driven by a Second Chance…at life!