We started making plans for this lifestyle 3 years ago. We looked at all the options for travel- including trikes, hotels and a RV. We researched the options and weighed the pros and cons of each. We decided to get a RV, live in campgrounds and become "full timers". Next we had to decide what kind of RV we wanted- gas, diesel, Class A, fifth wheel, etc.. After putting this all on a spreadsheet and comparing these, we decided on a diesel Class A. From there we had to decide on a floor plan and a manufacturer. We were able to narrow it down to 3 different manufacturers. From there the search intensified and became exciting. After looking at an untold number of coaches, we were able to settle on the basic floor plan. We found the coach we were sure was the one for us. We were set to go look at it in Arkansas in just a few days. Our local dealer called and informed us a coach just came in on a trade and he felt it was perfect for us. He said we needed to come look at it ASAP before someone else grabbed it. We were at our favorite Mexican Restaurant and said we would be there in about an hour. We went to the dealer and there was Ethel. Ethel is a 45 foot 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus Model 45OP. He was right, she was perfect for us. We bought her on the spot.
Meet Ethel and our travel companion, Karma
She is everything we wanted and more. Ethel has all of the comforts of a Sticks and Bricks home- including heated floors, fireplace, central vacuum, dishwasher, and a washer and dryer. She looked brand new despite being several years old. She has far more features than we ever dreamed we might have in a RV.
We decided on a tow vehicle for getting around town and exploring the various areas. We were very limited in options for a tow vehicle, not many are approved to be towed "4 down". Fred is a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. When looking for vehicles that could be used as a TOAD, we felt the Equinox fit us best. The Equinox is large enough for the 3 of us, yet small enough to allow us maneuverability. The Equinox also gets average gas mileage, which we wanted because Ethel loves to drink up diesel pretty quickly. Fred came with a trailer hitch. We mounted a 1up rak attach (swing arm) and 1up Bike carrier. Finding a good bike rack was harder than we anticipated. Not all bike racks are approved for use on a tow car, so this took some research as well. On the bike carrier we have 2 Rad Mini Electric Bikes. The Rad minis were a great purchase. They provide us with plenty of exercise and another means to get around town. We can use the e bikes on and off road, so trail riding will give us many adventures off road.
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