However the weather on Monday in Central IL was not good for picking up the truck. We had a snowstorm with about 4-6 inches of snow. So I made an appointment yesterday to pick the truck up. Fortunately the weather did improve quickly and we had quite a bit of melting and with full sun the roads were fairly dry. Glenda and I drove down after I got off work and as we pulled into the driveway of the dealership Stephani had put it right out in front where we would see it first thing. That was exciting and a little intimidating. That is one big truck. After we signed all the papers and gave them a BIG check they gave us the keys and we got our explanation of all the features and how they worked. If you have followed the blog you know I also ordered the 5th wheel hitch with the truck to be installed at the factory and a nice bed cover to protect my investment. Anyway enough with the details. I drove the truck to work today and parked in the outer parking lot(Got to take care of my new baby) and took a photo. Here is what will be pulling our home around the country.
You can see in the background we have had our share of snow. The truck drives great and it isn't too bad on MPG's. It will be a little scary going to fill it up the first time. (The dealership gave us a full tank) This is the first real piece of the puzzle of our adventure that makes it feel real. Yes, we have the 5th wheel but it's still in Elkhart, IN. We have been in it but it doesn't feel real yet. Not until we get it home. So the truck helps with the "feeling real" process. I know the weather will be improving and our home will be with us soon. Glenda is doing a great job of getting the house ready now that she is retired. We have gone through photos, papers, stuff we haven't looked at in years. Taking some recycling, thinning out our clothes and just throwing things out. Still a little overwhelming but once the weather cooperates we can really get going on the house. If you have any comments on what you did to prepare for full timing please let me know. Thanks for following. Working toward retirement and full timing and it won't be long.
Kathy and I call Camping World a candy store for RVers but if you shop carefully there are many things that you can buy a lot cheaper at other retail outlets.
ReplyDeleteThe truck looks good and yes the reality is starting to set in. If you think the cost of fueling it up will be bad just think if you add an auxiliary fuel tank. Then you'll be picking yourself off the ground when you see the price. I have maintained a fuel log since our first fill up and can tell you to the penny what has been pumped into our tanks.
Whether full-timing or part-timing getting rid of your home will be an emotional roller coaster of getting rid of Stuff. That Stuff is holding you prisoner and the sooner you get rid of it the sooner you will be free to live your dream. Having garage sales, selling stuff online, giving to the kids only what they want or need then give the rest to charity and throwing the rest in the trash. It will feel enlightening.
Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Rick and Kathy, I read your blog every day but I don't tend to comment too much. I enjoy your posts and we are looking forward to "our time". Thank you for the comments you make on my blog. They are greatly apreciated. I had to go with the Ford like you. They have a great product. We are making progress on the house and getting rid of that stuff. Once the weather improves I know things will speed up. Not sure about an auxillary tank yet. Don't want to faint at the pump. Thanks again Curt
DeleteAnother step closer, I know our fuel bill with a diesel now is a little shocking but so glad we made the change. Hope the weather starts cooperating so you can get the rig home soon.
ReplyDeleteWe felt such a sense of freedom once the house was sold, if it wasn't going with us or in our small storage unit then it was either sold, given to goodwill or thrown out. Can't tell you how good it feels to not be owned by our stuff, I can go shopping with friends but don't usually buy a thing.
Amazon has become our choice for buying what ever stuff we need for the rig, most of the time they have the best prices and with a prime membership it's usually free 2 day shipping.
Enjoy your new wheels!!
Faye N Dave, thank you for your comment. I know there will be some sticker shock at the diesel pump. We are beginning to get some feeling of freedom as we go through our stuff. Our daughter is also an Amazon Prime member and likes the 2 day delivery, lower prices and huge selection. Once the weather breaks our home will be with us. As you said one step closer. Hope to see at Bo Wood this summer. Curt
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