Ever since we decided to go full time RVing we had started watching several You-Tubers who were doing the same thing. We researched online. Scott got addicted to IRV2, an online forum on which RVers discuss everything and anything to do with the mechanics of their vehicles. Some things you take with a grain of salt and some you keep for reference.
There are a pile of clubs / organizations / apps and websites available. Some are more social, others offer discounts on camping, tires, on the road technology, others help you find your way (RV friendly GPS routing), even how to decorate your RV.
RVillage is an online platform aimed at enabling more social interaction between RVer's. It is free to join and similar to Facebook in some ways. You can join or start your own interest group and connect with like minded people. Or ask questions about campgrounds, rigs, how to fix something, what to visit... you get the idea. The main difference outside of the obvious RV focus is that when you arrive at a new location/campground you can choose to update your location. If other RVillage members are at the same park, you will be able to see their profiles and decide if you want to be social and try to meet some of them or maybe they'll send you a message to say hi or invite you over. You can friend people you meet and stay connected. I still do this mainly via Facebook and haven't really gotten into using the app too much but we still chosen to go to their first rally as part of our shakedown cruise.
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| Fantastic Glowing Firebirds |
An RV rally is basically a meeting of RVers. They could be part of the same club (like RVillage or FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) or all have the same type of vehicle (an Airstream or Roadtrek Rally). Usually the organizers have seminars or social activities planned.
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BOONDOCKERS WELCOME GET TOGETHER
hosted by Rose Ann and Larry
Left to right: Scott, Keith & Kathy, Kathy & Jerry , unknown |
This was RVillages' first rally and it was a bit chaotic from an organizational point of view but a lot of fun. Some things happened as planned, some didn't but overall it went well. There were some organized trips we could book if we wanted, lots of seminars and music in the evenings. One of the main highlights for us were the "Firebirds", giant metal structures which are feed with wood until they glow hot in the dark. Every night we hung out, chatting around the Firebirds getting to know other travelers. During the day we enjoyed the Instapot seminar which included several women making dishes while we watched and offering samples afterward. That room was packed to the rafters. There was even a dog show. We had volunteered to speak at a seminar about "Boondockers Welcome" (subject for another post) and met fellow Canadians Rose Ann and Larry doing that.
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| Very popular Instapot seminar |
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| Tanner entered the dog show |
The most important thing we took away from this Rally was new friendships. One morning at the daily free Amish donuts (also known as crack due to their addictiveness) "breakfast" we met Kathy and Keith Hoff, through them we also met Kathy and Tim Nowak who they came to the rally with. Kathy and Keith had started full-timing in May also, there house was on the market, as was ours... lots in common.
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| Scott at RV Hall of Fame |
Kathy and Keith had a car which we didn't on this trip so it was great to be able to tour around a bit. We went to the Motorhome Hall of Fame. YES!! there is such a place and since Elkhart, Indiana is the epicenter of RV manufacturers, it's in Elkhart. Housing a plethora of RVs from throughout the 19th century the Hall of Fame tells the history of RVing. There are so many great rigs displayed, including quite a few you can walk through. I couldn't even begin to tell you which my favorite was.
We also visited a couple of the local RV manufacturers for a tour. Grand Design, the company which recently built Kathy and Keith's fifth wheel and Nexus, a smaller company which focuses on B and C class vehicles. Both were very interesting.
The area around Elkhart is beautiful country, many Amish in their buggies, gardens made to look like quilt squares and hardy german food. See you again.
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