(07-05-2026 12:36 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  Brief chime.
3A you’re a good person. Not just a good man.

Lots of people would have bailed on your situation.

To the travel, you kinda, gotta go to Big Sky country in Montana. Amazing to be standing there looking down on the clouds passing along under you.

Tahoe. Must do. Off season all the ski cribs will be cheap for a few days of rest. Great restaurants, wines and normal people for Califa.

Utah. Alta, Snowbird etc. most amazing mtns to take in.

Jackson hole. Do the tram to the top. Off season another “relative” bargain.

My bucket list still has Blackcomb Whistler there. That will likely be a punch out in the next few years or so.

After I sojourn on Deadliest Catch, of course…

Thanks, man. My sister has said something similar to me about sticking through all that. It's just my nature. I never really thought about leaving. My wife didn't cause herself to be that way. She just got unlucky. Even if she hadn't struggled so much with depression, she still hated traveling, even in her "up" periods.

So, I'm starting to think that maybe this next phase of my life is a reward for my decision to take the long road and stick that out. No regrets. We really still had a beautiful relationship.

I know my choice to buy an RV and wander out into the country alone seems a bit strange, especially at my age, but it will be what makes me happy.

As to your suggestions, I like all of them.

Big Sky, Montana. I plan to head to Glacier at some point, so I certainly will be spending time in Montana.

Lake Tahoe. Been there once on a ski trip, with my sister and her husband, when I was single. Beautiful place. Unfortunately, my sister and I both came down sick, so that's a definite yes on my list. Thanks for reminding me.

Snowbird in Alta, Utah. I know my skiing days are over, but I will still be in Utah and passing through that area at some point, between southern Utah, Yellowstone and Glacier.

Jackson Hole. Been there, but didn't take the tram, and it's close to Yellowstone, so that's a yes.

Blackcomb in Whistler. I'm starting to realize you're really into skiing, lol. I'll likely be going through there headed from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff.

Deadliest Catch? Too crazy for me. You can keep that one to yourself, lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Helpful.

Before my wife got ill, I was trying to implant the idea of traveling full time but not with a trailer, she didn't like it as she would say that it wasn't a vacation for her because she still needed to cook and clean. I told her that it was fine, no trailer but that we could travel to a spot where we could see all the sites and wander around...like a headquarters of a sort. Driving to a spot in your car and not having to worry about whether sites will accept your RV is much better. There are numerous hotels that cater to people who will be in a certain spot for a while like those that have business to attend to. These have kitchenettes and all the important stuff and you don't even have to clean them. When you go sightseeing you don't usually stay there, you'll just drive back to your motel, it's like when Chevy Chase went to the Grand Canyon, where he took three looks at the canyon and then exclaimed, "okay, let's go"! Sometimes, it's like that, it might be beautiful but you sure aren't gonna stick around, you go back to your headquarters which would be your fully furnished motel.

I don't know but at your age, our age, traveling like that...alone especially, things can get a little dicey. Like our own old bodies things break down and you sure don't want the hassles of fixing the RV problems. I've had enough with fixing things around the house, I'd just pay someone to do it and that's the mindset I would take if I considered traveling alone. Get a map, circle the area and the things you want to visit and go and then come back to your cozy inn. If I was free I'd would probably team up with you on your sojourns, as I also like to travel but not alone.

But, you're you and I'm me and the twain shant meet. Good luck on whatever you choose.

The adventurous and nomadic RV life is laudable, but it is not for me. I prefer vigorous activity followed by gluttony, comfort, and mindless entertainment, but will settle for the latter.

(07-05-2026 02:38 PM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  The adventurous and nomadic RV life is laudable, but it is not for me. I prefer vigorous activity followed by gluttony, comfort, and mindless entertainment, but will settle for the latter.

I can do all those from an RV, too.

Well, maybe a skosh light on the comfort. :)

Sorry I missed the start of this thread, but we just got back from Chicago for our son's Navy graduation. Good luck with this Andy.

Just a headsup; if you do an inverter and batteries, beware of BattleBorn. Their parent company is dragonfly, who's stock has been in the toilet for a year. They have been notorious for not abiding by their warranty. They also appear to have serious issue with the battery lugs, which Will Prowse at DiySolar.com has documented for about a year. Instead of fixing the problem, they are suing Will.

A lot of RV companies use these batteries as a default. So just a headsup on this. There's plenty of forum members on DiySolar and some of the other RV forums mentioned here that can lead you in a good direction if you want to go down that path.

(07-05-2026 04:41 PM)UofMstateU Wrote:  Sorry I missed the start of this thread, but we just got back from Chicago for our son's Navy graduation. Good luck with this Andy.

Just a headsup; if you do an inverter and batteries, beware of BattleBorn. Their parent company is dragonfly, who's stock has been in the toilet for a year. They have been notorious for not abiding by their warranty. They also appear to have serious issue with the battery lugs, which Will Prowse at DiySolar.com has documented for about a year. Instead of fixing the problem, they are suing Will.

A lot of RV companies use these batteries as a default. So just a headsup on this. There's plenty of forum members on DiySolar and some of the other RV forums mentioned here that can lead you in a good direction if you want to go down that path.

Congrats on your son’s graduation and thanks for his service.

(07-05-2026 07:07 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 12:36 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  Brief chime.
3A you’re a good person. Not just a good man.

Lots of people would have bailed on your situation.

To the travel, you kinda, gotta go to Big Sky country in Montana. Amazing to be standing there looking down on the clouds passing along under you.

Tahoe. Must do. Off season all the ski cribs will be cheap for a few days of rest. Great restaurants, wines and normal people for Califa.

Utah. Alta, Snowbird etc. most amazing mtns to take in.

Jackson hole. Do the tram to the top. Off season another “relative” bargain.

My bucket list still has Blackcomb Whistler there. That will likely be a punch out in the next few years or so.

After I sojourn on Deadliest Catch, of course…

Thanks, man. My sister has said something similar to me about sticking through all that. It's just my nature. I never really thought about leaving. My wife didn't cause herself to be that way. She just got unlucky. Even if she hadn't struggled so much with depression, she still hated traveling, even in her "up" periods.

So, I'm starting to think that maybe this next phase of my life is a reward for my decision to take the long road and stick that out. No regrets. We really still had a beautiful relationship.

I know my choice to buy an RV and wander out into the country alone seems a bit strange, especially at my age, but it will be what makes me happy.

As to your suggestions, I like all of them.

Big Sky, Montana. I plan to head to Glacier at some point, so I certainly will be spending time in Montana.

Lake Tahoe. Been there once on a ski trip, with my sister and her husband, when I was single. Beautiful place. Unfortunately, my sister and I both came down sick, so that's a definite yes on my list. Thanks for reminding me.

Snowbird in Alta, Utah. I know my skiing days are over, but I will still be in Utah and passing through that area at some point, between southern Utah, Yellowstone and Glacier.

Jackson Hole. Been there, but didn't take the tram, and it's close to Yellowstone, so that's a yes.

Blackcomb in Whistler. I'm starting to realize you're really into skiing, lol. I'll likely be going through there headed from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff.

Deadliest Catch? Too crazy for me. You can keep that one to yourself, lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Helpful.

In the Badlands I did Saddle Pass Trail by myself in May when it was hot. (https://unicornadventure.blog/saddle-pas...adlands/). I climbed to the place in the 2nd picture after the quick facts. The teenage kids and wife were too hot and tired to do it. When I got up there I ran into a couple from Texas in their 70s hiking up there (I was in my 60s, but they were older). And that's a short, but one of the tougher hikes in the park. They also were the ones who told me about the Avalanche Creek Trail in Glacier NP where we were heading after South Dakota. That was the best payoff hike in Glacier NP.

(07-05-2026 04:41 PM)UofMstateU Wrote:  Sorry I missed the start of this thread, but we just got back from Chicago for our son's Navy graduation. Good luck with this Andy.

Just a headsup; if you do an inverter and batteries, beware of BattleBorn. Their parent company is dragonfly, who's stock has been in the toilet for a year. They have been notorious for not abiding by their warranty. They also appear to have serious issue with the battery lugs, which Will Prowse at DiySolar.com has documented for about a year. Instead of fixing the problem, they are suing Will.

A lot of RV companies use these batteries as a default. So just a headsup on this. There's plenty of forum members on DiySolar and some of the other RV forums mentioned here that can lead you in a good direction if you want to go down that path.

Yep. Thanks. I'm upgrading to a 400Ah+ Lithium battery (or two), adding a 400W roof-mounted solar array, and all the other bells and whistles necessary to make it all work well. Also comes with a 4000W gas generator integrated into the 30 amp electrical service.

And Entegra doesn't use Battle Born, at least not on my model. I didn't check any others. And I'm certainly not adding any myself. Appreciate the heads up.

(07-05-2026 06:36 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 07:07 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 12:36 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  Brief chime.
3A you’re a good person. Not just a good man.

Lots of people would have bailed on your situation.

To the travel, you kinda, gotta go to Big Sky country in Montana. Amazing to be standing there looking down on the clouds passing along under you.

Tahoe. Must do. Off season all the ski cribs will be cheap for a few days of rest. Great restaurants, wines and normal people for Califa.

Utah. Alta, Snowbird etc. most amazing mtns to take in.

Jackson hole. Do the tram to the top. Off season another “relative” bargain.

My bucket list still has Blackcomb Whistler there. That will likely be a punch out in the next few years or so.

After I sojourn on Deadliest Catch, of course…

Thanks, man. My sister has said something similar to me about sticking through all that. It's just my nature. I never really thought about leaving. My wife didn't cause herself to be that way. She just got unlucky. Even if she hadn't struggled so much with depression, she still hated traveling, even in her "up" periods.

So, I'm starting to think that maybe this next phase of my life is a reward for my decision to take the long road and stick that out. No regrets. We really still had a beautiful relationship.

I know my choice to buy an RV and wander out into the country alone seems a bit strange, especially at my age, but it will be what makes me happy.

As to your suggestions, I like all of them.

Big Sky, Montana. I plan to head to Glacier at some point, so I certainly will be spending time in Montana.

Lake Tahoe. Been there once on a ski trip, with my sister and her husband, when I was single. Beautiful place. Unfortunately, my sister and I both came down sick, so that's a definite yes on my list. Thanks for reminding me.

Snowbird in Alta, Utah. I know my skiing days are over, but I will still be in Utah and passing through that area at some point, between southern Utah, Yellowstone and Glacier.

Jackson Hole. Been there, but didn't take the tram, and it's close to Yellowstone, so that's a yes.

Blackcomb in Whistler. I'm starting to realize you're really into skiing, lol. I'll likely be going through there headed from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff.

Deadliest Catch? Too crazy for me. You can keep that one to yourself, lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Helpful.

In the Badlands I did Saddle Pass Trail by myself in May when it was hot. (https://unicornadventure.blog/saddle-pas...adlands/). I climbed to the place in the 2nd picture after the quick facts. The teenage kids and wife were too hot and tired to do it. When I got up there I ran into a couple from Texas in their 70s hiking up there (I was in my 60s, but they were older). And that's a short, but one of the tougher hikes in the park. They also were the ones who told me about the Avalanche Creek Trail in Glacier NP where we were heading after South Dakota. That was the best payoff hike in Glacier NP.

I have recently downgraded to sissy trails only, and if it's above 75 outside, I'm not considering taking any steps in any sunshine, lol.

(07-05-2026 04:41 PM)UofMstateU Wrote:  Sorry I missed the start of this thread, but we just got back from Chicago for our son's Navy graduation. Good luck with this Andy.

Just a headsup; if you do an inverter and batteries, beware of BattleBorn. Their parent company is dragonfly, who's stock has been in the toilet for a year. They have been notorious for not abiding by their warranty. They also appear to have serious issue with the battery lugs, which Will Prowse at DiySolar.com has documented for about a year. Instead of fixing the problem, they are suing Will.

A lot of RV companies use these batteries as a default. So just a headsup on this. There's plenty of forum members on DiySolar and some of the other RV forums mentioned here that can lead you in a good direction if you want to go down that path.

We have had good luck with Redodo for about half the price of battle born. Good email support (had to jumpstart the BMS on one the kids ran completely dead), zero phone support.

Have had two on Ultrex trolling motor since 2021 and added a 50ah compact for live scope in 2025 when the smaller 30ah Amped Outdoors we had run for live scope went bad. My dad needed to ditch an optimax for a Yamaha sho 4 stroke so I did a lithium conversion for him to keep the weight even.

Also have Redodo LFP as house battery in the tritoon, and a compact 100ah in a tool box to run Starlink mini and a 12v TV.

(07-05-2026 07:45 PM)U_of_Elvis Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 04:41 PM)UofMstateU Wrote:  Sorry I missed the start of this thread, but we just got back from Chicago for our son's Navy graduation. Good luck with this Andy.

Just a headsup; if you do an inverter and batteries, beware of BattleBorn. Their parent company is dragonfly, who's stock has been in the toilet for a year. They have been notorious for not abiding by their warranty. They also appear to have serious issue with the battery lugs, which Will Prowse at DiySolar.com has documented for about a year. Instead of fixing the problem, they are suing Will.

A lot of RV companies use these batteries as a default. So just a headsup on this. There's plenty of forum members on DiySolar and some of the other RV forums mentioned here that can lead you in a good direction if you want to go down that path.

We have had good luck with Redodo for about half the price of battle born. Good email support (had to jumpstart the BMS on one the kids ran completely dead), zero phone support.

Have had two on Ultrex trolling motor since 2021 and added a 50ah compact for live scope in 2025 when the smaller 30ah Amped Outdoors we had run for live scope went bad. My dad needed to ditch an optimax for a Yamaha sho 4 stroke so I did a lithium conversion for him to keep the weight even.

Also have Redodo LFP as house battery in the tritoon, and a compact 100ah in a tool box to run Starlink mini and a 12v TV.

You're years ahead of me in knowledge and experience. I have shared a Ram ProMaster campervan with my sister for several years on numerous trips, and before that she briefly had a Class A. I have also rented a Class C a few times.

Beyond that, I'm having to learn everything on the fly. And quickly, based on the interest my house is getting in its first week.

Any help you or others can provide is appreciated.

(07-05-2026 07:29 PM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 06:36 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 07:07 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-05-2026 12:36 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  Brief chime.
3A you’re a good person. Not just a good man.

Lots of people would have bailed on your situation.

To the travel, you kinda, gotta go to Big Sky country in Montana. Amazing to be standing there looking down on the clouds passing along under you.

Tahoe. Must do. Off season all the ski cribs will be cheap for a few days of rest. Great restaurants, wines and normal people for Califa.

Utah. Alta, Snowbird etc. most amazing mtns to take in.

Jackson hole. Do the tram to the top. Off season another “relative” bargain.

My bucket list still has Blackcomb Whistler there. That will likely be a punch out in the next few years or so.

After I sojourn on Deadliest Catch, of course…

Thanks, man. My sister has said something similar to me about sticking through all that. It's just my nature. I never really thought about leaving. My wife didn't cause herself to be that way. She just got unlucky. Even if she hadn't struggled so much with depression, she still hated traveling, even in her "up" periods.

So, I'm starting to think that maybe this next phase of my life is a reward for my decision to take the long road and stick that out. No regrets. We really still had a beautiful relationship.

I know my choice to buy an RV and wander out into the country alone seems a bit strange, especially at my age, but it will be what makes me happy.

As to your suggestions, I like all of them.

Big Sky, Montana. I plan to head to Glacier at some point, so I certainly will be spending time in Montana.

Lake Tahoe. Been there once on a ski trip, with my sister and her husband, when I was single. Beautiful place. Unfortunately, my sister and I both came down sick, so that's a definite yes on my list. Thanks for reminding me.

Snowbird in Alta, Utah. I know my skiing days are over, but I will still be in Utah and passing through that area at some point, between southern Utah, Yellowstone and Glacier.

Jackson Hole. Been there, but didn't take the tram, and it's close to Yellowstone, so that's a yes.

Blackcomb in Whistler. I'm starting to realize you're really into skiing, lol. I'll likely be going through there headed from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff.

Deadliest Catch? Too crazy for me. You can keep that one to yourself, lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Helpful.

In the Badlands I did Saddle Pass Trail by myself in May when it was hot. (https://unicornadventure.blog/saddle-pas...adlands/). I climbed to the place in the 2nd picture after the quick facts. The teenage kids and wife were too hot and tired to do it. When I got up there I ran into a couple from Texas in their 70s hiking up there (I was in my 60s, but they were older). And that's a short, but one of the tougher hikes in the park. They also were the ones who told me about the Avalanche Creek Trail in Glacier NP where we were heading after South Dakota. That was the best payoff hike in Glacier NP.

I have recently downgraded to sissy trails only, and if it's above 75 outside, I'm not considering taking any steps in any sunshine, lol.

Well Avalanche Creek Trail when you get to Glacier NP is relatively easy. Good payoff for effort and plenty of company on trail. Also, shady.

That one I can handle.

(07-01-2026 08:56 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:11 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  Anyway, I'll shut up till the adventure begins.

Good plan.

Just remember, it's always darkest before the dawn but you have several known troublemakers in your corner. Shere, Stink, BTF and me.

I gotta say, I am more than a bit envious. Safe travels!

(07-01-2026 09:38 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:12 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  Don't forget to go to Pikes Peak and take the tram up to the summit. It's a sight to behold. My BIL drove it to the top, I don't have the guts to do that, I worry that my brakes will give out coming down. It's more leisurely taking the tram and you'll be sightseeing instead of worry about dropping off the road.

Thanks, Ollie. I actually plan to do that. When I was 15, my parents and sister and I went there. We were in a brand new 1962 Chevy II, but it was a tiny thing, especially for 4 people on a road trip from Memphis to Seattle.

Anyway, my dad decided he was driving to the top. Well, my mom, and to a lesser extent, my sister, were big chickens, so sure enough, about halfway up, my mom started freaking out and convinced my dad to turn around.

I was disappointed, especially that my dad never got a chance again.

I'm going to make up for that soon. I'm not about to drive my RV up there, but I def intend to take the tram.

There are few things if which I'm afraid. Pikes Peak was one of them. BUt it was akost thrilling at the same time. By the time we got to the top I was crying for my mommy. Much of it was done for effect so my kids could have something to laugh about but some of it was serious; I was that frightened. I don't do heights well at all. And I was on the passenger's side, at times looking 14000 feet straight down the side if the mountain. It damn near gave me a heart attack.

(07-01-2026 10:47 AM)BartlettTigerFan Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:33 AM)Tiger1983 Wrote:  How will you handle medical care?

I think Andy is so old as to be beyond medical care.

(07-01-2026 11:16 AM)TripleA Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 11:02 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  If you're out that way, DO NOT miss going to Devil's Tower. It's the coolest place in America that I've ever visited. I went just before sundown and watched the setting sun behind it which was very cool and made for great photos. Since it was later in the day, there weren't many people there so it was incredibly serene. You could hear the wind blowing past it and it make a spiritual sound that filled me with an amazing peace. It was easy to see why the natives used it as a spiritual retreat.

That's definitely on my list, as is all of the Black Hills and Badlands NP. I am likely going to create my domicile in South Dakota, so that area will be the very first place I visit.

The Black Hills and the Badlands are two places any traveler going west has to see. The Black hills and The Monument are must see places and the Badlands is like being on another planet.

(07-01-2026 06:26 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 09:12 AM)olliebaba Wrote:  Don't forget to go to Pikes Peak and take the tram up to the summit. It's a sight to behold. My BIL drove it to the top, I don't have the guts to do that, I worry that my brakes will give out coming down. It's more leisurely taking the tram and you'll be sightseeing instead of worry about dropping off the road.

And remember its 14,000 feet. I was fine, but my wife and on an earlier trip when I was in my 20s, my friend, both got headaches after about 10 minutes.

I got scaredy cat aches, THERE ARE NO FREAKIN GUARDRAILS!!!

(07-01-2026 08:43 PM)stinkfist Wrote:  

(07-01-2026 08:30 PM)TripleA Wrote:  Here is a really good review of the model I want. Shows everything. The lady doing the video is a bit goofy, but she is easy on the eyes.

I want "her" ... I'll bet she can make more than a sammich ...

With that voice she'd be dead inside two months. Of course I dont mean that in a literal sense.

I must commend the lefties, and the righties, who have kept politics out of this thread; it sure makes for a much more positive experience.