A Change in RV
What an exciting end of summer. I decided to upgrade to a bigger rig so that two of us camping would be more comfy when friends or family came along. After researching travel trailers, I bought a 2008 Tango by Pacific Coachworks from Frank Biggs at Johnson RV Sales in Portland. My new trailer is light weight, 27′11″, and half ton towable.
Now that I knew how big my trailer was, that acted as my guide to buying the tow vehicle. Frank suggested a pick-up but added a Chevy Tahoe when I asked about an SUV. Turns out Tahoes really are for soccer moms. I finally test drove a pick-up, after many people suggested it and my constant reply that I wasn’t a pick-up girl. Well, turns out that I am. After a tiresome search of used pick-ups on the web and never finding one with the big engine, axle ratio and tow package that I needed, a neighbor recommended Johnston Motors in Florence. With my referral and introduction to Brian Johnston, he went to work finding me the Ford F150 with everything I needed. And more. I now own an ‘06 with warranty left and only 24,000 miles. The silver color matches one of the Tango detail colors and looks brand new. Stayed within my budget, sent me home with a full tank of gas, and I can’t be happier.
The only thing left to do now was to learn how to hook up and drive this new articulated combo after driving my little old 21 ft. Chinook motorhome. The guys at Johnston Motors took all the time I needed to go over the pick-up features before I drove it home. The techs at Johnson RV Sales did the same with all my new trailer features including the Prodige breaking system and stabilizers that were included with my trailer, and filled one of my propane tanks. They also tutored my first drive nearby to try backing up, parking and cornering before I drove home. Well, my brain got full long before they were done, but I had been assured by many of the RVW gals that I could master all this soon enough. And then there I was on my way home to the coast. The tech had told me not to worry about the other drivers near me. He said my rigs were real big and they’d see me coming and keep and eye on what I was doing. So I just concentrated on staying between the lines and trying to get the feel of the road. Made it home and had a community parking party on our RV lot as neighbors came to assist my first efforts there.
If any of you are looking for a change of rig, I recommend Johnson RV Sales in Portland, ask for Frank Biggs, and Brian Johnston at Johnston Motors in Florence. They will help you find the right rig at your price for happy trails. Barb