We did it.
After planning, budgeting, dreaming, and more than a few “are we really doing this?” conversations, we officially purchased a 5th wheel RV — and not just any RV. She’s an Open Range 2006, 35 feet, an oldie by RV standards, but in very GREAT shape, and absolutely full of possibility.
There’s something special about older rigs that have been cared for. They come with stories, character, and a soul you just don’t get fresh off the lot. This one felt right from the start.
Buying Smart, Not Just Buying New
This RV wasn’t about shiny and new.
It was about solid bones, smart money, and vision.
And that vision? Oh, it’s big.
The Game Plan: Demo First, Dreams Next
Tomorrow is demo day, and honestly, that’s where the fun really begins.
The first plan of action is bold and unapologetic:
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Removing the couch
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Removing the dinette
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Removing the three bunks in the second bedroom
We’re clearing space to reimagine how this RV works for us, not how it worked for a family fifteen years ago. Once the demo is done, we’ll roll straight into about three solid days of taping and prepping — the unglamorous but crucial step before a full interior transformation.
Then comes the good stuff:
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Full paint job
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Wallpaper accents
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New lighting throughout
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Top-of-the-line solar
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Upgraded speakers
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New stove
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Possibly a new refrigerator
This won’t be a quick cosmetic flip. This is a thoughtful, layered remodel designed for real life, full-time living, and the next chapter of our adventures.
DIY Meets “Let’s Hire This Out”
To stay smart financially, some of this remodel we’ll be doing ourselves — and yes, that mostly means Evielynne leading the charge. Painting, wallpapering, prep work, design details — that’s where we can save real money and still get exactly what we want.
But we’re also realistic.
Some projects are worth hiring out:
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Because they’ll get done faster
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Because they require specialized skills
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Because time is money too
This balance lets us protect our budget and our sanity.
The Move That Made It All Happen
We officially got the 5th wheel moved on February 6th, and we can’t say enough good things about Victory Mobile Service and Repair.
📞 435-291-0061
For $150 (plus a very well-earned $50 tip) to move the RV 10 miles one way, it was absolutely worth every penny. Smooth, professional, stress-free — the kind of service that makes a big day feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
In the RV world, reliable help is gold. This was gold.
Passing the Torch: Todd’s Story Becomes Ours
One of the most meaningful parts of this entire experience wasn’t the paperwork or the price — it was Todd, the previous owner.
Todd worked with us through the process, and when the day came for the RV to leave, you could see it on his face. He was sad. Not regretful — just emotional. That RV held memories for him. It had been a part of his life.
And oddly enough, that brought us peace.
Knowing that this rig was loved, cared for, and connected to someone before us made it feel less like a transaction and more like a passing of the torch. That connection now becomes part of our story.
We’re incredibly grateful for that.
Gratitude Changes Everything
This whole experience has been humbling.
We’re grateful:
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For the opportunity
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For the timing
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For the people who helped
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For the fact that this dream didn’t stay a dream
Not everyone gets to say, “We bought the RV and still had room to build it the way we want.” That’s not lost on us. We’re walking into this chapter thankful, excited, and grounded.
Content Is Coming — A Lot of It
Make no mistake — there will be videos.
There will be pictures.
There will be messy demo shots, paint splatters, progress updates, and probably a few “what were we thinking?” moments.
And we can’t wait to share it all.
This isn’t just a remodel. It’s a story unfolding in real time.
Enjoy the Journey (Yes, Really)
We’ve always loved the quote from our famous RV friend Enjoy the Journey — and now it feels more fitting than ever.
Because this isn’t about rushing to the finished product.
It’s about the process.
The work.
The learning.
The mistakes.
The wins.
And yes — we will absolutely enjoy the journey.
Still Us. Still Rolling. Still Me Gone.
Through all of this, one thing stays the same.
We are still Me Gone RVing Adventures.
Because the ME has always stood for Mark and Evielynne.
Different rig.
New chapter.
Same hearts.
Same love for the road.
This Open Range may be a 2006, but for us, it’s brand new — and it’s about to become home.
Stay tuned.
Demo starts tomorrow.
The adventure continues.
CHECK OUT THE WALLPAPER WE BOUGHT FOR OUR BATHROOM
