I've done several rides that spanned multiple days, the one to Alaska and back took 75 days and two engines rebuilds!
I am fortunate, in that I can work from anywhere, so long as I have Internet access.
Motels can be expensive, camping out of one's rig can be fun but the logistics use up space and add weight to the rig.
What to do? Especially when one wants one's loving wife to come along?
In our case, my loving wife Martha and I have decided to try RV Camping! Once we're fully setup, we'll tow one of the Ural sidecars in the trailer behind the RV. Using the RV motor home as base camp, the sidecar rig can be used for supply runs and exploring. In the long run, I'll trade in the trailer for a longer one perhaps so that Stewie, Martha's scooter can come along as well!
Today, we picked up a 2006 Jayco Escapade in pristine condition for what we considered a reasonable entry price into this new-to-us world of RV camping. We'll be camping at a KOA campground in Wellington, CO through Sunday and see how things go.
Following pics are from campingworld.com's website:
2006 Jayco Escapade CSLP
One slideout, overall length 24.8ft (7.5m)
Height is just shy of 11 ft (3.35m)
Towing capacity 5000lbs (2268 kg)
Looks pretty good for a 10 year old motorhome doesn't it? Here's some views of the interior.
Looking towards rear where the kitchen and bathroom are located
Sofa folds out, table is bed too (for kids) and there's the overhead bunk area
Some specs:
Engine: Ford Triton 6.8 Liter V10 (305 H.P.) - Yeah, we'll be lucky to get 10 MPG.
Chassis: E450 Super Duty
LINK to the sales brochure this particular Jayco RV was sold with: LINK
More to follow as we see how we do this weekend as RV campers. The correct tow hitch for my Aluma trailer is on order, I'll be testing towing the trailer with the Escapade next week. The lessons learned this weekend will drive further work/outfitting of the RV for future trips.
23 comments:
Nice! Thisis my idea of long distance exploration. Its perfect you have your own place and its cheaper than hotelling it. This my ultimate idea for future moto adventures. Its in really good shape, enjoy!
I must say Dar, sitting here at the dinette table, typing this reply.....the heater going, sitting on comfy bench seats, it's a lot more comfortable than sitting on a cot, in a tent. :)
Quite a bit nicer than the PT Cruiser as a URV. I have been collecting a lot of info on cell boosters, wi-fi boosters, solar panels, charge controllers, inverters, batteries, generators, etc. There is a ton information out there from folks who travel and work from their RV.
Dom, this is awesome, and long overdue. The perfect combination (well, in my eyes it is). I guess we all try to find some means of transport that include both, traveling with our spouses/partners, and also our love for two (in your case three) wheeled motorcycles. I am very much looking forward to reading from your RV travels. Maybe include some of Martha's notions as well, I would be interested what she has to say about this way of traveling/vacationing. Enjoy! I know I like it already.
RichardM, yes, quite a bit nicer. I too have been perusing the internet-access gear used by folks who work out of and seem to live out of their RV. I'm pretty close to ordering the weboost 4G amplifier from Amazon. The wifi in the campground we're in wasn't usable, so will look into wifi boosters as well. I am sure a key is that fact that our wifi adapters are inside the RV, an external antenna(e) should help.
Thanks SonjaM, I am sure Martha will pipe up with her take on RV camping. So far, so good though, she's got more of the RV fever than I do! Glad to hear you're on the mend!
The cheap way for campground wifi is a Ubiquity radio combined with a wireless ap inside. The Ubiquity interface would rule out non-techy types as you would have to go in and change it at every campground plus roughly aim the antenna. The Wifi Ranger has a simpler, user friendly interface. But a huge difference in price.
Very nice. We're looking forward to sharing in your adventures with your new home on wheels.
RichardM, which Ubiquity radio are you thinking?
Andy and Laura, thanks....it should be quite the experience.
Never mind RichardM, looks like Nanostation Loco M2
I would look at the Nanostation M2 instead of the Loco. Higher gain and about the same price.
You can mount it to your TV antenna so it can be "aimed" for the best S/N.
Trying to cancel the nanostation m2 loco and yes, planning on securing it to the tv antenna. If I cannot cancel, will try the loco for now.
Looks like a pretty nice RV and sleeping on a bed beats laying on the ground. Congratulations!
Thanks AZ HD, it sure does beat sleeping on the ground, or as I was most recently doing, a low profile cot!
I like it Dom, I see it working well for ya. I am almost jealous and looking forward to your new adventure
Thanks Spat/John...hopefully it works out ok. Lots to learn about taking care of the RV and the engine/chassis!
Congratulations and welcome to the amazing world of RV travel. There are many great sources of quality information out there, one being www.irv2.com. Family Motor Coach Assoc. Make sure you have a good road service tow plan from AAA, FMCA, Good Sam Club, etc. after ten years RV ing, I've got some great info for you. PM me when you have time.
I'm looking forward to seeing how you progress along this path Dom.
rrutel, Rick, thanks for the comments and info, will messenger you....
David Masse, thanks, we'll see where we end up!
Congratulations on the purchase. I am sure you two will have a lot of fun.
I too am looking forward to seeing how you enjoy it. And yes it must really beat tent camping.
Nice! We want to do the RV thing one of these days. This was the solution for a friend of mine. He liked to ride, but his wife did not. I don't think she ever got on the bike, but they enjoyed traveling together in their motorhome. Best of both worlds. May you guys have many happy travels!
Trobairitz, thanks...our first glamping was at a KOA to test out all systems. All went OK except for the black water tank which needs a purging I think. Tool for that inbound.
Kari, thanks, good to hear this concept has been proven.
Post a Comment