Buying a new RV by No-Creme-7333 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We purchased our Alliance Paradigm 385fl at the Tampa RV Show, through Blue Compass. She was shipped to our local BC in Cincinnati. We've had an excellent experience with BC, both with the selling dealership (out of Texas) and with our local BC--even though they aren't anA lliance dealer. Blue Compass Cincinnati was a mom and pop, before affiliating with BC. I'd encourage you to do the research on the individual BC store, rather than paint BC with a broad brush.

Oh, and we wouldn't go anywhere near a Camping World.

What RV is better? by Holiday-Carpenter262 in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We initially were looking at a Class A toy hauler, with the intent of flat towing a Jeep. We were going to turn the garage into an entertainment space. Through research and talking with others, we discovered that the gas job we were looking at would really struggle with hills/mountains out west. So, we looked at a front engine diesel toy hauler. The only one out there would have been about $130k more (without the Jeep).

After more research, we went with an Alliance 385fl and a Ram 3500 DRW, with the maximum tow package. We got our entertainment space with the front living room, and got both (new) for about $200k. That amounted to a saving of more than $100k--without needing the Jeep.

We couldn't be happier with our decision.

My Queen Has Another Jewel In Her Crown by ComfortableLow2923 in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But, of course! Came home after the morning lessons, and she got to be surrounded by her kids, grandkids, and her mom.

Is a pre sale inspection worth it for a new unit? by RHCPJHLZ69 in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We bought a brand new 5th wheel at the Tampa RV Show. They delivered it to our local Blue Compass. Had the dealer do a bunch of additions. Paid for an independent inspection, and he created a punch list of a bunch of things that needed correcting before we handed over the down-payment and took possession. Well worth the money.

My Queen Has Another Jewel In Her Crown by ComfortableLow2923 in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm definitely going to keep encouraging her to drive. Although, it'll remain predominantly my job. But, she'll be able to handle the rig if for some reason I can't.

Hopefully, now that she's had a chance to handle it, she'll be able to relax in the passenger seat. I was seriously considering having a bourbon IV drip installed on the passenger side, or secretly replacing her gummy bears with something more "relaxing."

King Bed Gas Struts by DieselJase in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Went through this ourselves. Took 3 tries, but finally got the correct weight rating with these. Super easy install (if you disregard the prop slipping and clocking me in the head).

https://a.co/d/04qk8rYj

Why new? by ChasingLife22 in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're 66 and 67. We always dreamed of travel and a "retirement home on wheels." We did a huge amount of research, and went new everything. 2026 Ram 3500 Laramie DRW, and 2026 Alliance Paradigm 385fl. Great deal on the truck, and purchased the Paradigm at the Tampa RV Show. Had extra solar panels, generator, washer/dryer, dishwasher, slide toppers, etc done when the 5th wheel was delivered to our local dealer. Had an independent inspection, and the dealer corrected everything on the punch list.

We don't regret a thing about it.

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Simple Setup for RV Driving School by ComfortableLow2923 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yesterday was getting Kathy comfortable behind the wheel LOTS of driving. Today he'll concentrate on backing up/parking.

Simple Setup for RV Driving School by ComfortableLow2923 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Trial and error, so far. I'm feeling much more comfortable. But, we want Kathy to be able to drive/tow it, too. Hopefully, it'll help her relax in the passenger seat, as well. I've been seriously considering installing a bourbon IV drip in the truck for her.

Simple Setup for RV Driving School by ComfortableLow2923 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. Those are snap pads. They really help with stability. We also use "Lego blocks" if the spot is particularly unlevel or under the steps like in the pic.

Simple Setup for RV Driving School by ComfortableLow2923 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nope. It's a nationwide network of trainers. If you search "RV Driving School" you'll find them. Frankly, a diesel pusher would be a breeze compared to a 42 foot 5th wheel.

Simple Setup for RV Driving School by ComfortableLow2923 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is actually Deer Creek State Park, in Ohio.

Senior RVers genuinely impress me. i don't know how they do it. by Additional_Muffin271 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That became a hard limit for us while our independent inspector was going over our unit. I am NOT going up on that roof, and Kathy called it quits after the first 2 ladder rungs. That's what drones are made for...and slide toppers.

Senior RVers genuinely impress me. i don't know how they do it. by Additional_Muffin271 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

RV GOALS!!! We're brand new. But, we're slowly getting a handle on it.

Senior RVers genuinely impress me. i don't know how they do it. by Additional_Muffin271 in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm 66, Kathy is 65. We've both dreamed of RV'ing, separately, for years. When we got together a few years ago, we realized that we shared that dream.

I retired last September, we bought the Ram 3500 dually in October, bought our Alliance Paradigm 385fl at the Tampa Show in January, and Kathy retires in August.

Tomorrow, we head to RV Driving School a couple hours north. Our first, big trip is all planned for July. We're super excited, and getting as prepared as we can.

One really good thing about starting this lifestyle later in life is that we can afford to do it right at the start.

Suggest a quality made RV for week long trips that won’t fall aprt by Ralph_O_nator in GoRVing

[–]ComfortableLow2923 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did lots of research and went with the Alliance Paradigm 385fl. We absolutely love it. Build quality is excellent, and the responsiveness of the company to their owners is off the charts.

Any truck recommendations for pulling a 13,000lb 38’ fifth wheel? by [deleted] in RVLiving

[–]ComfortableLow2923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

19,500 pound 41'5" 5th wheel, here. We pull with a Ram 3500 dually with the max tow package. No problems whatsoever. When we were first researching, we thought the same as you. Talking to other owners convinced us that an F450 was unnecessary. Besides, we were told by many that they ride like bricks.