The journey starts
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4988
Printed Date: 06 May 2024 at 10:57pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: The journey starts
Posted By: Livingood49
Subject: The journey starts
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 7:13am
HA! Upside down mortgage, short sale closing in 2 weeks, one month retired, and bought a 18 x 6.5 home on wheels. The R Pod is ready to go, heading South, and anxiety running high. What the hello am I heading into.  The journey is intended to be full time traveling this beautiful country of ours. After a short trial camp out locally, my wife, dog, and I will be heading to Asheville NC and the Smokies. Then the Keys for the winter. Budget is tight, resources are scarce. But the Lord provideth. Any encouragement, comments, and good ideas are always welcomed. New R Pod Roadie on the highway. ------------- Its the journey |
Replies:
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 7:23am
|
Welcome and Good luck! Don't know for sure but I bet campsites are very high in the keys, something to check out if money is tight. Asheville area and the Smokies has a number of campgrounds, all the federal ones, Forest Service, Park Service etc are without hookups and usually have a 2 week limit. Personally I've seen very few privately owned campgrounds I like, generally too packed in order to maximize profit for the owner. I'm 6 weeks retired and am heading out west from SC soon for an unknown period of time, probably at least a month hopefully more if snow doesn't run us out... Planning for out west has been tough, many campgrounds are full until early September then they close! ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 9:52am
|
Welcome. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 2:18pm
|
Welcome to the group!! Sounds like great adventure!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 3:35pm
|
Thanks for thefeedback. I hope to utilize the national parks wherever possible. I get a discount due to being a disabled vet (Vietnam era). Looking at possibly the natl park in the everglades. Heading out west in the spring. Hope to bump into you along the way. ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 6:05pm
|
Its sounds like you have some excitement ahead of you and your a encouragement to my wife and I. We are planing soon to be both retired and spending several months at a time in our camper with limited funds, I like challenges so I am looking forward to it. Hope you are able to make the best of it and it all works out well for you. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 6:15pm
|
Hi Dave & Danette, Appreciate your reply. My wife and dog have already made the camper their new home. We hope to do a 'test' early next week. If we weren't losing the house we probably would not be doing this. Something about making lemonade out of lemons. HA! At my age (65) this is definitely out of the box. Looking forward to it. Lets stay in touch and, hopefully, become neighbors at some crossroads. ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 6:17pm
|
Thanks Leo. Looking forward to it and to meeting some great people. Hope to bump into you.
------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: MollyBfree
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 9:42pm
|
Have fun and enjoy the Asheville area, it is very beautiful. (Eggs and beans give you lots of protein and much less expensive than meat....just remember to chew slowly you will be in close quarters after all...... ------------- Molly B Free |
Posted By: Marx
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 7:24am
| Welcome aboard! |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 10:22am
|
Thanks for the advice Molly B. I hope the dog agrees. ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 8:48am
|
When we headed south from Vt to the Keys, our first stop was at the Flying J in Northeast Maryland, we then stayed in Flying J truck stops all the way down and back up the coast. They all have 24 hr restaurants, dump stations and are very camper friendly. We actually joined their RV clob and swipe a card when we gas up or make purchases and the points add up an can be cashed in for coffee, showers, all kinds of things. They also have an IPhone app so you see where all the Flying J/Pilot stations are an their amenities. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Old Hippy
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 9:53am
|
Good luck on your trip !! Hope you make it out West There are plenty of free camping places out here maybe you should look into being a camp ground host !! Plenty of free full hookups and even small pay at some places !!West Coast weather makes it the best place in the country !!
|
Posted By: Outbackdave
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 12:32pm
|
Welcome. We just spent the week at the Julian Moses campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway, close to Blowing Rock. Beautiful campground. No hookups but that is what the Rpod Loves. $16.00 a night and you can stay up to 30 days. When you come to SC pm me and maybe can hook you up. ------------- 176T, Dodge Dakota TV, South Carolina Dave,Mary and Olivia(sheltie) Suzuki V-Strom Adventure, Custom built TearDrop |
Posted By: MollyBfree
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 12:44pm
|
OUtbackDave, If you are going to be at this campground next Sat, July 26th....I would LOVE to stop in to meet you and see your R Pod set up. My family is going to be there for a picnic. ------------- Molly B Free |
Posted By: Pod-a-terre
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 1:38pm
|
Linggood. Welcome. Used to live and work in CT. Retired now in SC.love it getting ready to travel again this time with a new 179 we hope to get soon. In your travels you may want to check our Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort are. It is right on the ocean and only about 30 minutes off I95. In any event ENJOY and keep us posted on your adventures. John ------------- John Kris "Lady Sarah" our Golden Aiken SC |
Posted By: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 8:37pm
| Welcome! You are heading toward our neck of the woods. If you like National Parks and don't mind dry camping, Elkmont campground in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is nice. Also, probably better than that, is the Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest. If you stay at Davidson, you can hit both Pisgah and Dupont National Forest in one day if you want. You are only about an hour away from Asheville from there. Asheville, of course, has the Biltmore - a must see if you are in the area. We just got back from there this weekend. We didn't stay at Davidson River, but plan to next chance we get. They have a few hookups, but there aren't many. They call it the "Land of Waterfalls" and you will be able to see many waterfalls featured in the movies - Hunger Games, Last of the Mohicans, etc. Beautiful place. One of my favorites. Have a great time! |
Posted By: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 8:40pm
| By the way, was anyone else staying in the Brevard area this past weekend? We had our first RPod sighting while we were checking out Cascade Lake campground for possible future use. |
Posted By: Outbackdave
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 8:52pm
|
We went to Boone last Sat., went through Spartanburg on the way up and back yesterday. We to have stayed at Davidson. Pre Pod days but a great camp ground and location. On our list for this fall. ------------- 176T, Dodge Dakota TV, South Carolina Dave,Mary and Olivia(sheltie) Suzuki V-Strom Adventure, Custom built TearDrop |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 5:12am
|
Davidson River in the Pisgah National Forest was mentioned. Have stayed there many times over the years. One loop of 10 sites out of the 160 total does have electrical hookups, no water/no sewer, but there is a dump station. Another loop of 13 sites does not allow any generators and the entire campground has a 4 hour per day generator run time maximum. Be advised this campground is almost always completely full in the summer season and fall leaf peeper season so plan ahead. This is also one of the ones with a 14 day stay limit from April 1 to October 31. 30 days rest of the year. Overall a great place! ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 6:39am
|
Being new, I'm not too sure how this forum works regarding replies. I hope this one reply reaches everyone who responded to my initial post. I just want to say 'Thank You' to everyone who took the time to say hello and to offer their great advice. I heard that the Pod community is a great place to belong. Now I begin to see how true that is. We are looking forward to meeting many of you along the way. You guys will definitely smooth out the bumps along the way.  ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: nlrstate
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:04am
|
Just an fyi...if you are traveling a long stretch and just need a quick free place to spend the night with no hookups, many of the Walmarts permit trailers and rvs in the parking lots for an overnight stay. You can download the Walmart app (it's $3 but well worth it) which will locate the closest Walmarts for you (great for grocery shopping), and it will also let you know if it permits overnight parking.
------------- Nancy & Dwight 2015 rpod 178 2013 Tahoe LTZ |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 11:40pm
|
Hi Nancy &Dwight, If you do a search on 'Flying J' you can download their locations nationwide. They are a truckers stop that also accomodate RV's. You can do an overnight, use the showers, and do your shopping courtesy of the 'J'. Much more protected than a Walmart parking lot. Hope it helps. :) ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 9:31pm
|
After years of using Walmarts and truck stops, I much prefer truck stops, even if they don't have a dedicated RV area (that said, we did use a Walmart just last week). No matter what web sites or apps say, we always go in and speak to someone to see if it is ok and where they prefer RVs to park. Walmarts either want you at the far edge of the main parking lot, or around back. Truck stops usually don't want you to park with the big rigs which is fine with me. I hate the smell of diesel exhaust. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 11:09pm
|
Hey Tech The Pilot Flying J is a truck stop that welcomes RV's for overnights with showers and good food. You can download their locations throughout the USA at www.pilotflyingj.com. Much more secure than Walmart. Hope it comes in handy for you. ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: M3
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 4:34pm
|
Not sure if you have gone to the Asheville area yet, but check out Moonshine Creek in Balsam, a little southwest of Asheville. Also, Mountain Stream is an outstanding little campground in Marion NC about 40 minutes east of Asheville. In both campgrounds ask for creekside sites. I have stayed at both of these and they are nice. Of course, my humble opinion. ------------- Mary and Tucker (my sheltie) 2015 r-pod 178 (lilypod) 2013 Toyota Tacoma |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 7:02pm
|
Hi Mary, Thanks for the heads up. Will definitely check it out. ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 9:20am
|
Livinggood welcome and thank you for your service to our country! Texman ------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 9:54am
|
Just to add, and I know it's been mentioned before, but AllStays proved invaluable to us on our last trip => http://www.allstays.com/ - http://www.allstays.com/ During our 26 day road trip we did not have reservations for 8 nights in five different states (Illinois, Nebraska, Utah, California, South Dakota, Iowa and Indiana). These were all one night stops. We were lucky and found very nice state parks each of those nights. We were incredibly lucky that we found space in Utah, CA and Iowa as these were Fri. or Sat. night stops. Summer weekends nights in popular parks without res. is a real gamble. We don't like traveling after dark and really like to explore every new place, so we almost always would quietly break camp at sunrise or slightly before. We always called ahead to see if spaces were available. I can tell you, though, that's not completely reliable. We learned pretty quickly that Camp Hosts can be your best friend with a handshake, compliments and friendly conversation - "you catch more bears with honey, than bees". They also usually know what spaces may have opened up with last minute cancelations. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Livingood49
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 9:58am
|
You're welcome Texman. I had to go back in my posts to see where I had mentioned anything about the service. HA! I appreciate the tip 'o the hat. Livingood49 ------------- Its the journey |
Posted By: kylekai
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2014 at 10:06pm
Even better is The Ultimate US Public Campground Project for iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ultimate-us-public-campground/id698323700?mt=8 - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ultimate-us-public-campground/id698323700?mt=8 or their web site: http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/uc/index.php - http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/uc/index.php
|