January 20 to February 14, 2014 NOMADS Project, Mercedes, MS

February 15 (Approximately) to June - Gate Guarding, TX or LA.

June, 2014 - Up to Alaska!

September - NOMADS Annual Meeting, Branson, MO



Friday, August 9, 2013

Moving from Montana to Cedar Creek

Upper Deerfield Twp, NJ

Our first RV was a 1989 Class A Motorhome.  Just to see if we liked RVing.   Enough said!

We kept it for two years.   Since Leonard NEEDS a truck and can't live without one, we decided to try out a fifthwheel.  So in 2007 we bought a used 2002 Cedar Creek.  It suited our needs for weekend and vacation camping but we knew it was not suitable for full timing.   There was little counter space, the under storage (basement) was not heated, and there was cold air drifting in the larger slide when the winds blew.  In the last 12 years that have been so many improvements in the insulation of RV's.

So in 2009 we purchased a 2009 Montana.   We lived in it one year before retiring and hitting the road.    We have no complaints about this Montana.   But as full timers we have become frustrated having only a RV size fridge.   In addition to having to make ice cubes and not having an ice maker.  How primitive!    And as with any RV that is almost 5 years old, there are some irritations such as screws working lose and other minor issues.

So in the last few months we have mulled over getting an upgrade.   When in Lousiana some months ago we looked at a couple of Redwoods.  They were nice but we were not sure that is what we wanted.

Well yesterday I was bored watching Leonard play Spider Solitaire on the computer from the time he got up until he went to bed except taking meal breaks. AGAIN!   So I suggested we take a ride over to the dealer where we bought the 2002 Cedar Creek.   I had been online and saw they had a Heartland that looked interesting.  

We didn't like that Heartland but sitting next to it was this:



So "for fun" we told each other we would talk to the dealer and "just for fun" see what it cost and what we could get for a trade-in on the Montana.   We made it clear to each other, we were not buying.    We take possession next Thursday.

Lots of storage in the basement and a much larger storage compartment than the Montana in the front.



One thing we HATED about the Montana was the size of the front closet.  So narrow than we had to adjust hangers at an angle to close the doors.   No problem here.


We can actually walk in the closet.   Not seen in this picture are shelves and storage compartments for shoes, etc.    Laying on the floor are two folding chairs.  We like this idea since usually there is just the two of us so why have four chairs around the table, getting in the way.    

Another shot of the bedroom.   That is the linen closet with shelves and two laundry bags hanging from racks under the shelves.



Of yea, a King Size bed.  Just bought some sheets - not cheap are they!

This is the kitchen.   I especially love the "Hoosier Cabinet" at the far end.



One thing the Montana has is lots of storage.   No sure if this Cedar Creek has as much.  Truthfully we have not seen any RV that has the kitchen storage the Montana 3544SA has.   But this Cedar Creek seems amble.

The Living room.    Lots of large windows letting in lots of light.


Entertainment center with TV that stores behind the fireplace.   We had this type set up in the Montana also.



The bathroom:

 


What we lose:    A dedicated Computer desk, maybe some kitchen storage, some funds from our savings ( a lot less than what we expected!!)

What we gain:    A REAL residential size refrigerator with an ice maker, a larger shower, a self leveling system, a sofa bed with a real mattress instead of the air mattress we had to inflate when the granddaughters stayed over, an inboard water filration system, LED lights with lifetime warranty, vinyl storm doors that are easily removed, a GOOD mattress (not a cheap RV type), a sutiable clothes closet and so much more.

Tomorrow we head to our famlity cabin in north central Pa to do some repair work.  We get back on Tuesday.  Wednesday we will spend time doing some minor repairs on the Montana, removing everything we can and giving it a good cleaning.  Then Thursday its a brand new home.  

The next week we take the granddaughters camping for 6 days.   Fun times ahead.

14 comments:

Travels with Emma said...

How exciting for you! Especially since you promised each other you were just looking. ;)

owensontheroad said...

Well now Len will have something to do instead of being glued to the computer game :) Good for you guys! It looks like a nice new home!

hobopals said...

We had several RVs I should have named "Just for the Fun of It"! In fact, Jack my Lab, should have been named "Just for the Fun of It".

I should have run any time Rich uttered those words. But, looking back, I'm glad he got to enjoy the things we bought "just for the Fun of It":)

You only go this way once, and it's not a dress rehearsal. Congratulations. Enjoy your new home.

Kenny And Angela's Adventure said...

That looks awesome way to go guys nice:)

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

You two crack me up. I like the way you have fun. A bit expensive, but I like it.

Your new home looks absolutely lovely. We put in a res. ref. in our Tiffin MH. I loved it. Now I have a dinky one in the 5th wheel. We need to do something about that and fast!

Donna K said...

Congratulations on your new home - it's just beautiful. Just for the fun of it can always get you into trouble LOL!!

Chuck and Anneke's RV travels said...

Congrats, I am sure you will really enjoy it!

Anonymous said...

You will be thrilled with losing the computer desk. Laptops are made for laps. The full size refrigerator is biggie. The ice maker is like icing on the cake.
Be sure to join the Cedar Creek RV Owner's Club (www.cedarcreekrvownersclub.com). They are a fun bunch and are very helpful. They also take trips together so maybe you guys can join them on their next Alaska trip.
Hope to cross paths one day as we traverse the USA.

Donna W. said...

the scariest words I hear around here is when Sam says, I'm just going to look-those are generally budget busting words. from pics it looks a lot like the montana. well congrats on your new house. now u need a house warming party :-)

Allan and Jeanne said...

Congratulations on your new home. Looks really nice. Hope you get many years out of it.

JO said...

What a beauty. Congratulations! Hope you have many years of great comfort and travel.

Anonymous said...

She's beautiful! I'm so proud for y'all.

Judy H.
Central, LA

Carol Kerr said...

The new digs look great! I really like the "Hoosier" cabinet as well and can't beat the residential fridge. Congrats. Can't wait to check it out when you get down to Mercedes.

MargieAnne said...

How exciting. Love the just looking for fun ... so much more fun than going shopping and a great result. I'm sure you will be very happy with the icemaker *smiles*