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.
