For many years I traveled first class, stayed in luxury hotels and had suites on cruises. My brother had been RVing for some time and kept after me to try it. I had no interest at all because I associated the word “camping” with Army camping. I had enough of that. In 2001 I married a High School girl friend who had been RVing for years.
I must tell you that I drove charter motor coaches for 6 years prior to getting married, so I was accustomed to driving big vehicles. My new wife and I are “snow-birds” spending 6 months in New England and 6 months in Florida. While in Florida during the winter of 2002 we went to an RV show where hundreds of motor homes, trailers and 5th wheels were on display. The Class A’s caught my attention and appealed to me immediately. They were very impressive, but when we were told the price it became clear that we were out of our league. We then looked at Class C’s and found one that was affordable. It was a Four Winds 31’ Chateau.
Our first trip was between New England and Florida. What fun that turned out to be. My brother helped me with instruction for beginner’s and showed me the process for dumping and how to operate the awning etc.
The next year we toured 40 of the 48 states on the way to Florida, which took 6 weeks. I was completely hooked on this type of travel. I used to joke with my brother calling him “trailer trash.” Now I are one! It is with great joy and pride that I admit to a complete conversion.
Submitted by James Lane of Englewood, FL as a part of the RV Centennial Celebration “Share Your Favorite RV Memory” contest.
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