Geogypsy and the three RVs

Sort of feeling like Goldilocks but with three RVs, one too big, one too small, and one just right.  I’ll start with a little backstory and lots of links if you need to catch up.  Then share a before and after tour of the new-to-me Class C RV.

Sunset from Quartzsite camp

I’ve owned my 36-foot 5th-wheel for 12 years, living in it primarily during summers while working as a seasonal Park Ranger.  I didn’t buy it to travel in.  Instead I traveled many winters in a variety of slide-in truck campers, the most recent one I used last summer.

After the rain from Quartzsite camp

Then, September 15th the truck-camper burned completely and I lost my precious kitty Sierra.  After a month of traveling with Hannah’s caravan I felt desperate to have my own bed on wheels again.

So I bought a small 4-window shuttle bus with a “no-build build” that was livable, though not my ideal.

Ended up in Quartzsite Arizona at the BLM LTVA La Posa South for the winter.  Sure not my usual way to winter.  After I had the 5th-wheel towed to Quartzsite I spent almost two months getting everything out of it.  I had too much stuff!  Many of you probably do too.

Actually moving out

As I started to settle in to the little bus I continued to search local classified ads (Facebook Market Place) for a Class C RV, early 2000s, 24-26 feet long, no slide-outs, with solar, and low mileage under $20k.  I looked every night.  January is all about RVs in Quartzsite.  So I figured it would be a great place to sell and possibly buy.  Sure enough.  January 5th, I saw a Class C for sale that checked more than all my boxes.  Located only half a mile from my camp, I was the first to look at this new listing.

2001 Fleetwood Tioga 24d, 61k miles, jackknife sofa; remote start with GPS; Viper alarm and keyless entry; backup camera; security system wired up with monitor; cell phone booster; all-terrain tires 1 ½ years old; interior LED lights and colored strip lights; water heater; 50 gal water tank; plumbed quick connect for catalytic heater; residential fridge ?self defrost; generator; 1200w solar panels, 5 Battleborn lithium batteries with all Victron components

What was I thinking to own three RVs?

                                            Come on in

My offer was made and accepted Friday afternoon and Monday we took care of business.   OMG!  I now owned three RVs.

Right from door living space to cab (before and after)

Eric, the seller,also known as the Nomadic Fanatic on YouTube, seems to change RVs almost as frequently as I have.  This is #16 for me over 48 years of wheeleastate.

Left from door kitchen to bed left and bathroom door right (before and after)

Monday, we drove 1 1/2 hours to Buckeye for the nearest BofA where we both bank.  I drove the RV and it handled great but the pavement on Interstate 10 is awful, more potholes than pavement.

Double bed (before and after)

Parking was tricky near the bank but Eric guided me into a couple of corner spaces.  I have to get used to be longer again.  The banking went smoothly.

                                            Bathroom with white board

Made a quick run into a large Goodwill right across the street from the bank.  I didn’t buy anything because I didn’t know what I needed yet.

Ran into a little traffic snaffu getting to WalMart where I managed to shop for just under an hour and $185.  I bought like I haven’t been able to in many months. Two half gallons of my favorite ice cream, pizza, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Then we drove back and made it before dark.

Painted the bead board

So I moved again.  But first I cleaned.  I’m not a clean freak.  However…  I call the dust velvet, cobwebs silk threads, it’s my dirt and I live with it.  The point being, MY dirt not somebody elses.

Solar equipment and batteries in basement under bed

This next move seemed to be quicker as I was more motivated, and had less to move with space to put it.  To save photo overload I’ll only share some of the before and after new-to-me RV pics.  For more check out this RV tour video.

Then I waited, and waited some more, trying to sell too big and too small.  Showed the 5th-wheel several times yet the only offers were half my asking price.  Then mid-January a lady from Yuma walked in and lit up like I had when first seeing the inside of this spacious well-lit RV.  Done deal.  Did have to wait two weeks for her to organize moving out of her current permanently parked RV and finding transport for the new one.  No big deal.  It wasn’t going anywhere.

However, I was, at least for a few days.  I really needed a break from Quartzsite and moving.  So I went to Yuma about an hour away for some shopping, visiting a friend, and camped just across the border at another BLM LTVA called Pilot Knob in Felicity California, the center of the world.

Rain brought a magic show to the desert.  Think it’s a sign?

Clouds cleared after returning to Quartzsite and I managed to shoot January’s full moon rise over the New Water Mountains.

And then with the “Big Tent” show over, I went to play in Quartzsite.  That brings us to February.

I highly recommend watching the RV tour on my YouTube.  And if you haven’t already subscribed, please do.  I finally made it over 1000 subscribers, a requirement to monetize, but still need more watch time which is another requirement.  Like and leave a comment so I know you’ve been there.  Thank you!