Hello Y'all - On My Way in May!

[TFToyhauler]

Starting with a 3 year unforeseen delay I'm poised to hit the road in May. I've read and watch all about Bob and friends enjoying life but I'm still filled with apprehension even though this has been the plan since I bought a truck and toy hauler to carry my motorcycle and see the US.
I'm sorting through my few remaining things, trying to decide where to head to from N Alabama. I know I'll need some time to get properly equipped for dry camping so I could use some ideas.
Somewhere with hookups until I get solar or should I go for broke and hit some BLM camping with my generator?
Can't wait to hear your thoughts.  :s

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard the posting side of the CRVL forums.

If you're leaving soon probably go south , weather is no fun up here in the northern parts right now! Unless you like sleeping in snow caves ! Just kidding you'll be safe by May.

Try a month with hookups at a campground , then a month boondocking with just your generator.
Then you will have some experience doing both and a better idea of how you want to proceed in month #3.
Maybe you'll want to go back to the campground and maybe you'll want to get a solar system and go back to the boonies. OR maybe you'll be happy the way you were with just the genny.

Let us know how things are going.....

Oh yeah almost forgot.....
Got pictures of the rig???

 

[PatsyG]

Welcome TTF Toyhauler. I will trying different things, too. Soon as my van is roadworthy again.

 

[Txjaybird]

Starting with a 3 year unforeseen delay I'm poised to hit the road in May. I've read and watch all about Bob and friends enjoying life but I'm still filled with apprehension even though this has been the plan since I bought a truck and toy hauler to carry my motorcycle and see the US.
I'm sorting through my few remaining things, trying to decide where to head to from N Alabama. I know I'll need some time to get properly equipped for dry camping so I could use some ideas.
Somewhere with hookups until I get solar or should I go for broke and hit some BLM camping with my generator?
Can't wait to hear your thoughts.  :s

greetings and congrats!!  you may want to also check out other govt. agencies  for camping....USFS....NPS....USACE/COE & BUREAU OF RECLAMATION..... who has great water sites.  also there are various passes available including one for seniors and one for folks with any permanent disability, i know the last one is a permanent pass and there are no age restrictions both offer good discounts.  i never knew that i could get out from under rent payments & the bills that go with it until i found the cheaprvliving site . i cannot find a single van that i can afford down here in L.A. [lower alabama], they all have a bunch of stuff i don't want/need like power locks/windows/seats etc.  and the cargo vans just seem to vanish into thin air!         happy trails,,,,texas jaybird

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums TFToyhauler!  Congratulations!

 If you're 62 or older the pass that Tjbird mentioned is really great - http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html
 It'll will get you free admission to national parks and half priced camping at COE parks, national parks, national forest campgrounds and fee based BLM campgrounds.  COE campgrounds are usually very nice and a good place to start when you're new to RVing - http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDirectoryListByAgencyID.do?contractCode=NRSO&agencyID=70902

 Most BLM land is desert and it's starting to heat up in a lot of the southern areas already. By May it's time to be heading to lower mountain elevations if you stay in the southwest. The best thing to do is check the weather for different regions and go where you'll be comfortable.
 
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started.   We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Yogidog]

Hi,  that's along time to wait, u must be so excited to get going! I totally understand delays, I praying I don't get stuck here because I feel I need to attend to family members.

What I am finding is it is way less nerve wracking to be on the road verses all this planning. I was on the road for 2 years having no idea what I was doing and it worked out, made mistakes, learned adapted, gained alot of confidence. The biggest thing I learned was to pay attention to when I needed down time, find a quite place and stay put, it is a learning curve in the beginning.
Yay for u! I miss it so much. Wishing u well!

 

[TFToyhauler]

Oh yeah almost forgot.....
Got pictures of the rig???

You asked for pics, here they are!

 

[WriterMs]

Welcome!
Wow at the storage you have. Looks like you'll have extra gas cans along, so supplying your generator would not be a problem. The main thing folks here are careful of is not running a genny where it can disturb your neighbors (or at least not running it for a long time each day).

My advice on where to go first would be to make a list of the special places you want to see or the types of landscapes you'd like to try out. Then narrow down that list by which of those would have a good climate in May and June. Perhaps then start out with the place on your list that is closest to you. Once you know where you'd like to go, THEN look at the camping possibilities around that place. Does it have a Corps of Engineers site nearby? BLM land? Nice RV parks?

Remember what your wheels are there for -- they let you move if you don't like where you're parked!

 

[TFToyhauler]

Thanks all for the welcomes and great suggestions. 
I'll turn 62 in March and can always use ways to save money. Trying somewhere with hookups for a month or 2 will give me some time to figure things out. I hope to explore on my motorcycle as much as possible.
Maybe by mid summer I can catch up with a few of the group and get to know a few. I've been secluded for the past couple of years and hope to change that if possible.
Thanks again! Tim

 

[rvpopeye]

Nice "starter" set up !
It looks like you'll be well equipped no matter what you want to do or where you go to do it.
As you get more road time under your belt you'll have a better idea of what other things you want to add or get rid of .
Ask any questions that come up along the way and I'm sure you'll get tons of info to guide you along.
Lots of folks here with all kinds of experience on many many subjects.

 

[nobodyG17]

Sweet setup.   Best of luck with whatever you decide.