Don MillerI think the TV script writers call this entry a time shift. It is when they just up and move the story ahead without much explanation other than they were tired of the old storyline. This is one of those except I will tell you why. I have been lazy about making time to sit down and write up. At the risk of breaking a promise, I will go back and catch up later.
So Jumping ahead to now.
The past few weeks, I have been stopping at RV stores looking at RVs and Trailers that will replace the teardrop when the time comes, After lasts night’s rain, that will be sooner than later. The water has gotten between the sheets of plywood that make up the wall and that is impending doom.
Anyway, I have been driving through the Southwest USA rolling through all of the options in my head for my new living situation. It’s a good thing this is a big country cause, there are A LOT of options and considerations for each.
My basic requirements are that I want to be able to sit up in it, stretch out for sleeping, be mechanically sound, road worthy and not too expensive. Towing a trailer everywhere is kind of a pain in the ass but so would having to drive an RV everywhere I go.
There is still some life in the Teardrop so not a real hurry. I would like to keep it for the well built trailer frame that it is resting on so I will need to be able to tow it a little while longer. That leans me towards an RV. Used RVs that don’t look like they were driven by Jed Clampett are upwards of 50k. Plus the 5 mpg rating that still hurts even at today’s pump prices.
In the end, I did neither. I bought a new (to me) 2015 Ford Explorer. I figured it could tow a reasonable sized trailer and it is big enough that I can sleep in it if worse comes to worse.
The sad part is that I had to give up my 2002 Ford Escape. I loved that car. It was only 2 wheel drive but it took me wherever I needed to go in all kinds of weather. It even had a cassette player that I still used. But all good things come to the end.
RIP 2002 Ford Escape. You will be missed.
Well congrats on thinking ahead and on the new rig!! Dual purpose and a real beauty to boot. Hope the hunt for the right RV has a successful end. Keep on truckin’, Don!
That was a quick response. It is much nicer than I am comfortable with. I have instituted the no eating on the car rule. Was going to drop you a line. Stating to head your way. Probably 2 – 3 weeks out though.
Oh boy that’s gonna be an adjustment! Nice upgrade, though.
Don, now you can sell those cassettes. The kids are really into them nowadays.
I am going to have to see if I can find a cassette player at goodwill. The are less than popular albums and mixtapes so they cant be replaced. I have been to a pizza place in Seattle where people donate their old mix tapes for a Pizza Discount. Then they play them. Viva la mix tape!!!