Our RV Journey: From Pop-Up Camper to Chapter Presidents

Keywords: RVing, RV lifestyle, RV chapters, RV travel, Family Motor Coach Association, RV adventure, RV tips, RV destinations

My wife, Keitha, and I began our RVing journey in 1979 with a pop-up camper, launching a passion for the RV lifestyle that continues to this day. Using my US Air Force reenlistment bonus, we set off on a 30-day RV adventure, traveling from Idaho to Michigan and back. While we sold that first camper a year later due to life changes, the experience left a lasting impression and planted the seeds for a lifetime of RV travel.

In 2001, we reignited our love for RVing with the purchase of a 33-foot fifth wheel. The following year, we embarked on the ultimate RV road trip across the United States, through Canada, and up to Alaska. Since then, we’ve owned a variety of RVs, including a 28-foot fifth wheel and a 28-foot bumper pull trailer. Over the years, we’ve explored nearly every state, each one offering unique RV camping experiences and unforgettable adventures. Choosing a favorite RV destination? Impossible! Every stop has its own charm and magic.

Joining the RV Chapter Community

In 2012, after settling in Texas, we discovered the benefits of joining an RV chapter. We received an email from the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) about local chapters and decided to join the Travlin Texans. Yes, we noticed the quirky spelling, but that only added to the group’s charm! Through this RV chapter, we built friendships and found a deeper connection to the RVing community.

A couple of years later, we stepped into leadership roles as 1st Vice Presidents of the chapter. One of our main responsibilities was choosing RV parks for the group’s rallies—a fun way to combine our love for RV destinations with the social aspect of chapter events. Eventually, we were honored to serve as chapter presidents. Thanks to the strong foundation laid by previous leaders, our role was less about fixing problems and more about maintaining the wonderful community spirit that has defined the Travlin Texans since 1987.

Why Join an RV Chapter?

RV chapters like ours provide more than just social opportunities—they open doors to new adventures, tips for RV travel, and connections with like-minded RV enthusiasts. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or just exploring RV camping, joining an RV group can enhance your experience.

We’ll dive deeper into the benefits of RV chapter membership in a future blog post, so stay tuned! For now, I hope our story inspires you to hit the road and create your own RVing memories.

RVing Tips for Beginners

1. Start small—like we did with a pop-up camper—and work your way up to larger rigs.

2. Don’t rush! Take time to explore destinations and enjoy the journey.

3. Consider joining an RV group or chapter for support, camaraderie, and new travel ideas.

More to Come

This is just the beginning of our story! I’ll be sharing more about the benefits of RVing, tips for choosing the right RV, and how to make the most of your RV lifestyle in future posts.

Safe travels,

Al