CROSS COUNTRY RV PURCHASE

The idea began last September when we attended the Southwest RV Supershow at Market Hall in Dallas. More than 400 motor homes, travel trailers, tent trailers and camper vans were on display for purchase. We brought Linda’s parents along because they have been full time 5er’s (fifth wheel owners) for 11 years and have owned 3 different RV’s. According to our trusty fitbit, we walked about 5 miles in and out of campers in a matter of four hours. It is very overwhelming and they all start blending together in your head. However, one model in particular had caught our eye. The Sprinter…

The reason it stood out is because it had a front living room. In a fifth wheel, the front is the hitch end that is hooked up to the truck. In most fifth wheel models since the late 1980’s, the front contains the bedroom and has been the most popular lay out over the years. We liked the Sprinter because it had 2 couches that can turn into beds, 2 reclining media seats, and a large TV over an electric fireplace, all located in the front. They say this layout is making a comeback. It certainly makes a nice seating area to hang out and chat with your company. The electric fireplace can also heat up the area on a cooler day or evening.

Linda especially likes the lay out because she does not have to look at a messy kitchen while lounging on the couch. Who wants to think about “work” while enjoying a good TV show or visiting with friends anyway?

Once we had decided this was the one for us, we found out that there were 2 kitchen table floor plans.  One had a regular kitchen table and 4 chairs like you would have in your house.  The other version had a bar height table with a tall bench along the wall and 3 bar stools on the opposite side.  It is large enough for 6 adults and has storage to boot! Sold!

Do you think we could find one in Texas? ….No! How about any southern state? …. that would be No!

Darin found one online in Michigan and he contacted the dealer. After accepting the offer on our house, and knowing that we were not going to be homeowners for very long, he flew to Michigan to pick up the fifth wheel and a truck. All the while, Linda was packing up the house. Here’s a map of the trip he completed in the matter of a couple of days:

It was a rainy, cold day in Michigan and the salesman didn’t give much of an instructional demo, but Darin seemed fine with that. He had just come from 80 degree weather.  Since he had the Find Friends app on his phone, Linda was able to track his drive and he made very good time! There was a running joke at the time – roadrunner Darin towing the trailer. We had some good laughs and Darin just kept driving.  When he made it home at 6:30pm, he ate and went straight to bed and slept until the next morning.

We had secured a covered parking space at a storage facility near Texas Motor Speedway. That way, when we are ready to head north, we just jump on I35W and go. That day is coming soon!