New Fulltimers

[rbracketts44]

Hi,
We are Linda and Richard Brackett from Lakeland, FL. We were very happy to have sold our home just two weeks before Charley hit, got our new coach, 2003 Gulfstream Sunvoyager Trio, a week after we sold the house. We absolutely love it.
We have been in Vancouver, WA visiting with my wife's daughter and family. In-fact, we have been watching our two little grandchildren until my step-daughter could make more arrangements for a suitable day care for them. WE JUST LOVE IT!!!!!
We arrived here about the 20th of August. We drove straight here from Florida with harldy any sightseeing on the way. After being in this lovely park (RV Park Vancouver which I would strongly recommend to all in this area) for about three days, a strong wind came up in the middle of the night and blew our awning off, which was nearly 400.00 to repair. We had a major leak up front over the passenger seat, and our headlights had to be repaired....one pointed to the road, and the other, only the Lord knows where it went....so we didn't drive at night ( that is after the first time).
It took us forever to get the lights repaired. I called Gulfstream to get a new light, but of course we couldn't get a light directly from them....they gave me a few Gulfstream Dealerships in the area which I had to call for them to order for me. Finally got the light (another 200, including shipping costs)....only to find when trying to get the new light installed...there were no clips to hold the adjusters in place. I had a terrible time getting the clips, but I finally managed to find them. Now I need to unhook the rig and head back to the RV sales to have the clips put on.
We also found on the workhorse web site that is on http://www.irv2.com, there was a replacement of shocks going on and our coach was one of them, so got new shocks......and also a brake replacement, but our brakes were fine.
Workhorse was wonderful to work with for any of you who might be in the same situation and don't know it.....just bring up the irv2 website, click on "Forum" and just go down the list until you come to workhorse, then click on that and you will find the questions about the shocks and brakes.
We leave here on Nov 1st for Florida...our travel back will take us to Fresno, CA, San Diego (was there in 1965-69 in the Navy and want to see how much the area has changed over these 40 years), then to Mesa,AZ, a stop in Texas to visit some friends, then finally head back to Lakeland.
So far we love being fulltimers. It's been a little difficult in deciding what to bring as far as clothes, kitchen items, etc., but I'm sure we will learn more as we continue to travel.
Thank you for having such a wonderful website.

Richard and Linda Brackett
2003 Gulfstream SonVoyager Trio
Workhorse 8.1 with 22.5 wheels
Toad: 2002 Saturn L200
Girls: Misty Rose (Yorkie) Taffy (Bichon Frise)[/b]

[admin]

Richard and Linda: Thanks for sharing and for the extra kind words - I only have one word of advice, These wonderful homes on wheels we live in are a machine that does need attention from time to time. BUT THE GOOD DAYS WILL FAR OUTNUMBER THE BAD You have learned early on that 'things' happen, hopefully some of your expenses will be covered by warrantee.

It sounds like getting out of Florida in the nick of time and spending time with the grandkids are such a great experiences that it should make up for the less than perfect maintenance upsets that needed attention. Just Remember that the Future Belongs to Those Who Believe In The Beauty Of Their Dreams.

Most importantly it sounds like you have a great trip planned but most importantly remember to have fun. Be sure to take time to enjoy the journey getting there as well as your destinations when you arrive. RV Living - The Freedom Lifestlyle is explained in detail in my book. RV Living in the 21st Century: The Essential Reference Guide for ALL Rvers Take care till later P&J[/i]