Hello all!!!

[firecop]

:D

We bought our first RV this week after wanting one for over 7 years! We got a 2007 Pioneer 26 foot Bunkhouse TT with a large slideout. We pull it with our 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Baure. The Expedition is great because it rides (and tows) like a dream, the kids love the DVD player and video games.

We have 2 boys, 8 and 1 and are excited to go on our first trip, likely in a few more weeks when the weather gets better. I have been researching campgrounds and hope to get as many trips as possible in before the weather gets bad again.

We decided that life was too short and we wanted to make some memories for the boys. I have worked sooo much in the last eight years that my oldest son hasnt really had any "great" vacations. I'm in a place now where I can take time off as needed and I can wait to spend time with my family. We have friends and family with RV's and listed to them and their adventures, we also looked to them for advise on purchasing.

I have been literally researching for years and knew exactly what we wanted, needed and could afford (now I have to hope I made the right choice) so let the adventures begin. I think we will start with a really short trip (about 15 miles from home) to get aquainted with the whole unit, and probably wont get too crazy the first year. Next year I would like to put some big miles on it and really explore some country! I have alot to learn but I am excited we have finally done it! My oldest is chomping at the bit to go so we have been getting all the equipment together, loading the camping and fishing stuff, packing the telescopes and dreaming of where the road will take us.

This forum is awesome and has great information! It is so huge I will probably be reading for weeks! So many tips!!! :)

Well, look forward to seeing you out there in the great wide open!

FC

[papahog]

Welcome to the forums. I like it here also. Learned a bunch. I started here after I went full time and started traveling the United States.

I pull a 27 ft with large slide out with a F-150 4X4 with a 5.4 liter V8 and it is most amazing tow vehicle. I have to pay attention to it being back there as it tows so good.

Welcome
Ken

[jimbo]

Welcome I also do the travel trailer thing with my family but I'm retired now and we found a nice seasonal cg to keep out trailer in year round. we practically live there in the summer. I'm sure you will have fun with the family and have a lot of time to bond with the kids. My son is autistic and he has a hard time meeting new freinds but in the cg most kids don't care that he's a little different and he loves to play with the other kids. The cg were in is small and we know most of the kids he hangs with and can let him go off on his own which we wouldn't dare do here at home. Since we went to the cg his teacher even noticed the difference inhimwhen he returned to school he was much more social and mature with other kids. Enjoy and happy camping.:D

[elainefaith]

jimbo, i was so touched by your story that i copied it and sent to a friend who's son was recently diagnosed with autism. she was touched and happy to hear that there is life after all......e

[ladyliberty]

You both should see how children with autism react with horses....Most have an AWESOME experience......we have several local children that come for group with the horses at the barn....it is an experience...

[elainefaith]

Thanks ladyl, i'll pass it on to my friend. In the keys we have swim with the dolphins for kids and adults with problems, probably the same reaction as with your horses.

[ladyliberty]

being a native of Florida (Pensacola) I know about swimming with the dolphins...At the Gulfariaum in Ft. Walton Beach they used to offer the program of swim with the dolphins to paying guests prior to Hurricane Ivan but since Ivan when so much damage occurred, I don't know for sure about now.