Picking up the new RV...

Let me start by saying, this was NOT an impulse buy.  We searched high and low and researched options for over a year. It was important to Rickey that we start with a small, inexpensive model while we were dipping our toes into camping. 

We ended up purchasing from Explore USA in Canton, Texas, just east of Dallas.  The purchase was smooth.  While waiting for our options to be installed, we contacted our insurance agent and selected a policy for our second home.  Yes, it is considered a second home, so talk to your CPA about tax write-offs and benefits.  Storage of the unit itself is another consideration.  We live in neighborhood with an HOA and cannot keep an RV at our house so storing the unit in a convenient and safe location is something that has to be thought out.  Even if you have land that you can store your RV on, it's best to keep it covered and protected from the elements so you may need to build a garage, shed or covered area to park your RV.  If you have access to power, that is a huge advantage. Before taking the plunge, keep those extra costs associated with ownership in mind.  We opted for a covered storage facility just a few miles from home.

We were excited and nervous to pick up the new RV.  We drove to Canton and after inspecting the unit and signing a few last papers, we were on our way.  We wanted to hit the road right then; however, now that we had this second house, there was a LOT to do to prepare the inside and outside living areas to get it ready.  

Again, it's a second home so you'll need items to outfit it just like you would any other house.  Dishes, bedding, cleaning supplies and beyond.  We will talk about some of the items and storage supplies we bought in an upcoming post.

My husband is very handy.  He understands mechanics and likes to know how things work. I just want them TO work. Rickey's need to know and to understand everything about this RV is a huge benefit for our family because there are so many components. I still don't understand but we decided to plan a little staycation to get familiar with the RV.  Just planning a couple of days within 30 minutes of our home opened up a whole other dynamic of FINDING and BOOKING the right place.  For those newbies, we definitely suggest an inaugural trip close to home to learn how to use your RV properly.  There is a learning curve and it gave us so much comfort before taking a longer trip.  We chose to try her out at the Vineyards in Grapevine, Texas. But, first...every RV needs a name. We kicked around a few and while we were bouncing ideas, the word ADVENTURE kept coming to mind.  As we walked around the RV in our driveway, I thought about our sweet little neighbor who moved several years ago, but is just adorable, bubbly and fun and I mentioned Addi to Greyson and somehow Addi the Adventure Wagon surfaced.  Greyson LOVED it and somehow it became HIS idea. So there she was. Addi OUR Adventure Wagon.   Did you name your RV? We’d love to hear it. Share the name of your RV with us at Will RV!