As the old saying goes, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” Recently I wrote that I would likely buy a 40 or 45-foot diesel pusher. Instead, today I purchased a 33 footer!
“Nellie” is a 2008 Newmar Ventana with a 350 Cummins engine, Spartan chassis, 30,000 miles on the odometer, and 56 hours on the jenny, but she doesn’t look like the one in that link. The batteries are less than six months old, and the tires are three years old. The second owners, Tom and Wendy, spent a great deal of time and money redesigning the interior, to fabulous results. Wendy is a designer/decorator, and Tom is an engineer, and their expertise shows. This is no shoddy, DIY job!
During the test drive yesterday I was thrilled with Nellie’s nimbleness around traffic circles, stopping quickly, and accelerating to freeway speed. At 34 feet I will have no problem fitting into any state or national park, which was a concern in a larger diesel pusher.
Nellie has less basement storage and cabinet space than, say, a 40-foot Beaver, but for me, that is a good thing. Give me a space, and I will fill it to the brim. If I don’t have the space for it, it won’t be coming along.
It feels so good to have this piece of the puzzle filled in. Hooray!
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that is the nicest looking interior i’ve ever seen! eventually you’ll have to get a vinyl wrap to make that exterior match your design aesthetic 🙂
came over from the retro renovation post – please share info on those bar height stools on the patio – i’ve been searching for something like those! i’m in PDX!
your house is a gem, but what adventures await!
Hi, Jen, and thanks for stopping by to say hello! They are the Hee Stool, made by Hay in Denmark: http://hayshop.dk/products/22-dining-chairs/231-hee-bar-stool/
But never fear! You can buy them in the US, and they come in a variety of colors:
http://www.danishdesignstore.com/products/hee-barstool-hay-furniture-denmark?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_content=HAY+Hee+Bar+Stools+-+PAIR+By+Hee+Welling&utm_campaign=google+merchant
Happy Hunting!
I never thought of a wrap for an RV! That is a great idea! It makes it easy if you want to change it or if you are not thrilled with the results. I’m still dreaming of a retro trailer. One day it will happen, just not today.
Unfortunately a wrap for Nellie would cost in the $9,000 range, and it will last only four to five years and possibly less in sunny conditions (where I intend to spend much of my time). I sort of like the “Bread Basket of America” exterior hiding the “Soho Loft” interior – more stealthy that way! I do intend to put a wrap only on the rear of Nellie that will have the blog logo on it, and the tire cover of the CR-V will have the website address. That should be just enough advertising!
That’s good info to know. It would probably be cheaper to do a custom paint job. I’ve seen a lot of really fabulous glamping jobs. I’ll do it one day. Right now, I’m still in DC mode (during children).
wonderful, thank you!!!
FAbulous Darling!
Holy moly, that interior is gorgeous! We just sold our house and went full time as well… Enjoy your journey, hope to meet one day!
Lisa, that is an imperative.
What a fabulous looking vehicle/home. It looks like a wonderful place to spend time. I wish you luck on your trip and can’t wait to follow your adventures.
Dana, thank you for reading/following!
Luv your story! I sold my retirement home coming up on 2 years ago to become a full-timer. I don’t think I could ever go back to brick & mortar living, although it was quite an emotional undertaking to depart with a lot of my creature comforts that would not fit into my 34′ travel trailer. I need a designer to make me feel like I’m living in an office space instead of in a dishelved closest ))) LOL I will be early retiring from teaching next month and God only knows where I am going next.
Hope to cross you path out there, Devora!
Thanks, Tammy. I’m excited about taking some driving/towing lessons in the next few weeks. I’ve heard that Camping World offers lessons. I’m a little nervous about trying to park the whole thing, but people do it all the time, so hopefully I’ll be able to figure it out:)
Have fun!! I still have a canned ham! Also a 38 foot vintage trailer and a regular house. 🙂 If you make it through Darby, Montana come visit! That would be fun!
Thank you for the kind invitation, Jackie! I expect to come through Montana sometime in September, and I’ll let you know!
Following!
Congratulations on your new adventure. Your new motor home is amazing! Wish I were headed out with you! Have fun!
Helen, thank you saying hello! You will be my virtual co-pilot. I’m taking destination requests. 🙂
Hey Tammy! I’m a friend of Bill’s. My partner and I brought his car out to SEA? Anyway, I’m sorry to see your selling your home, but what an exciting adventure! What a beautiful vehicle you have!
My your tires always be full and your windshield clear!
Hi, Patty! So good to hear from you! I’m glad you got to come for at least one visit to the Atomic Abode. Hope you’re doing well! Thank you for saying hello.
Beautiful! Just need to pick the color that will be your pop! I hope to see it in person!
WOW!!! That’s beautiful!! 🙂