We've arrived! April 2008

Written by Pete.

Sue,Amber (our Chocolate Labrador) and Myself, finally arrived here in Tampa, Florida on 29th March 2008 and we are spending the next 4 weeks or so searching for an RV that fits our requirements closely. Basically, an RV capable of 'fulltiming' in for around 13,000 miles, coast to coast across America and Canada and something that would be comfortable for all 3 of us.
We came to Tampa to initially check out a large RV dealer Called 'Lazydays' as we were told it was the biggest RV dealer in all of America, well, they were right!!
This place is huge, so huge that the only mode of transport are hundreds of golf buggies that ferry you around the sales lots! and in this heat you are glad of them, i can tell you!
They have a constant holding stock of around 1500 RV'S, new and used, and all for sale. The staff are all friendly and courteous, and the whole place has a very friendly feel to it. Absolutely no sales pressure or dodgy salesman just wanting to earn their commission, just a relaxed atmosphere. I could go on about 'Lazydays' all day but i wont, so check out their website and see for yourself. http://www.lazydays.com/ If you are looking for an RV here in the States, then these are the people to contact. If you dont find it here, you probably never will!
Obviously, our 'wish-list' was a very lengthy one with all sorts of 'must haves' rather than 'would likes' and we learned one of our first valuable lessons here "You will probably never find an RV of any kind that is 100 per cent perfect" Believe me, i have viewed hundreds and hundreds of RV'S, both 'in the flesh' and via the internet and its always "very very nice coach, but......"
You need to be aware of the main factors, which are budget,layout,size and do you feel comfortable in it,(though not necessarily in that order) it needs to have a 'homey' feel when you walk in, a bit like buying a house really, that's the only way i can relate to it.
And, take your time in choosing, any RV dealership worth their salt will listen to what your needs are and then try and point you in the right direction, and Lazydays were no different. Listen to your sales guy too, even if at first you think you may not agree with him, chances are he's sold more RV.S than you've had hot dinners, mull over what he's said and choose your RV with practicality in mind rather than the actual cosmetic looks of any one coach.

Obviously, we did a lot of homework before we left concerning visas, dog air travel, banks, a car, travel insurance, RV + Car insurance, breakdown cover, tyre policy, etc etc. Most of these are easily sorted out either by Lazydays or yourself while you are waiting for your RV to be prepared, EXCEPT THE VISAS!!!!