the Wynns adopt Windy, our new Monaco Vesta RV
We head off to Eugene, Oregon to pick up our new state of the art Motorhome (if there is such a thing). It’s the all-new 2011 Monaco Vesta. We’ve added some great custom options to make it a little more earth-friendly.
Gone With the Wynns adopts Windy, a new Monaco Vesta from Gone With the Wynns on Vimeo.
We catch up with Ryan Lee, the director of marketing for Monaco, for a private tour of the Vesta in production. After the tour we give you a sneek peek at our new coach Windy!
Check it out as we hit the road in our new “green” RV! Also stay tuned as we plan to do an official fuel economy test to calculate the official Miles Per Gallon MPG of our new Monaco Vesta.
Barbara Carlson
A big thank you for your article on steering stabilizers. I showed the article to my husband and he immediately ordered the brand you had installed. We have a 30″ gas Class A and as my husband puts it, “I am driving every second”. He also said the installation was bad at all. Thank you, thank you! Our travels have been much easier.
Also want to wish you safe sailing and many happy adventures with your new boat. Wow!!
Nikki Wynn
Awe, thanks guys! So glad it helped improve the overall experience!
Jason Zwolak
I know you guys purchased Windy many years ago and have sold it since… but I was wondering if you ever considered the Damon Avanti when you were shopping at that time? I see you looked at the Tiffin Allegro Breeze and I know you shopped around. Do you know/remember anything about the Avanti? What are your thoughts? I’m considering buying a used one and it is a step down from the Vesta, and therefore a step down in price 🙂 It still has a lot of nice things… Thanks in advance for any thoughts you have!
Jason Wynn
We purchased the Damon Avanti as our first RV. We talk about it here and there, here’s one recent mention: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/shady-truth-buying-rv
Jason Zwolak
Thanks, Jason. You’re reply gave me the idea to run a search for “Avanti” on your blog and I see a few different comments on it. No details, but I’m getting that you guys don’t like to talk about it 🙂 I also see that you really liked Windy and would buy a Vesta again but not an Avanti (at least, Niki said this). So I’ll use my best judgement and look these models over closely in person before making a decision.
Jason Wynn
FYI – I’ve heard the few 2012 Avanti’s were put together a bit better than the older ones.
Candy
I just saw your House Hunter RV yesterday and just had to find you on the web…and there you were!! I hope you’re still enjoying your travels. Stay safe and God bless!
Jason Wynn
Thanks for searching us out! We’re excited to have you along for the ride. Let us know if you have any questions, or favorite places we MUST visit!
Barrelmaker
Just saw the episode and see now that you’ve been on the road for quite some time. If you plan to continue check out http//cretanchronicles.wordpress.com for an example of what a blog can be.
MA Cornell
Saw your House Hunter RV segment today so I thought I’d check out your blog. We don’t RV full time but do spend 2-4 months in it during the summer. We live in Florida now but are from the Buffalo area in New York. I hope you’re enjoying your trip so far. Any suggestions for the California area? We’ve spent time in Utah and colorado but haven’t made it to California yet. Our biggest problem with being out a long time is mail. We’ve worked it out but it can be difficult. How are you dealing with it? Florida has some great places to camp if you get this way. Enjoy.
gonewiththewynns
MA Cornell, We loved Trinidad and Humbolt CA. It right near the Redwood Forest which you should visit in the early spring! Also, check out the Cardiff area just outside of San Diego. There are so many cute beach towns in that area with great campgrounds. Type “California” in the search bar on our website and you will see our posts from there. As for mail, Jasons mom is our savior. We have everything sent to her, she opens and sends us what we need.
Richard
That is so great. We are looking forward to the day we can do just the same. We live in Forest County PA, that is mostly national forest and has several rv camp grounds in the area. Our plan for years has been to retire and but an rv and hit the road. Maybe we will see you at a camp site some day.
Lyn Ayre
Hi there, we watched your House Hunters RV segment today and decided to follow your Blog. In 1998, we were doing the same thing, had some major garage sales, had the our new home on wheels picked out, had an article written up in an RV magazine and picked out a place to live full time in our RV. We didn’t get to do it, at this time, due to me being diagnosed with Lupus. It turned out okay because I’ve created a beautiful world for myself through the art of Natural Perfumery. I can hardly wait to ‘live vicariously through you'(big smile) as you live on the road for the next few years. I’ve put a link to your blog on my desktop and will check in every once in a while to see how you two are doing. Bright Blessings to you both. We’re so happy for you. Love Lyn and Norman Ayre, Coquitlam, BC, Canada
john
I am sooo jealous. I did that when I was a kid but for just a month. You guys are both a beautiful couple and hope you get to see all the best places. That diesel was a smart move by far as the motor will last much longer than a gas one. Happy RVing!!
gonewiththewynns
Thanks John, we are happy that we made the choice we did and couldn’t be happier with the freedom that the RV lifestyle provides. Thanks for following us on our adventures, maybe we will see you out on the road one of these days!
Jack Keath
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO VISITING THE WINE COUNTRY AND EXPLORING ROUTE 66. I HOPE ALL IS GREAT WITH YOUR TRAVELS SO FAR AND LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR BLOGS…JACK
Jack Keath
SAW YOUR RV SHOW AND I CHOSE THE SAME LIFE OF TRAVEL THAT YOU GUYS DID. ID LOVE TO HAVE THE FREEDOME TO TRAVEL NOW THAT IVE RETIRED AND HAVE THE TIME FOR FUN ADVENTURES, WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU GUYS FOR LUNCH OR DINNER SOMEWHERE SOMEDAY. I ENJOY PHOTOGRAPHY AND EXPLORING SMALLER, OUT OF THE WAY PLACES. SO HERES TO MEETING UP SOME DAY, CHEERS!
gonewiththewynns
Jack, let us know where your travels are headed and maybe we can meet up!
Tiffany
Hi guys!! I just saw your show on HGTV for the first time when you were buying your RV…. That is so cool … I bet you guys are having so much fun … How long have you been gone now? I know on the show it said you were going for 2 years.
Well I hope to keep up with your blog . Have a great weekend.
Matthew
Jason,
I read where Nikki stated she was going to keep a “hard” copy of actual real-world mpg on your travels, but I’m curious to learn how the generator, drinking-water, black-water and overnight camping costs are adding up. I’ve been researching the RVing life for about six months, and I was surprised to learn how expensive a night at an RV park with full- hookups cost. Are you guys maximizing your time spent outside the RV parks where I read can charge $30-$35/night? And if so, how great is the generator in terms of ease of operation, noise, gallons/hr, finding free, clean dringing water, and dumping sites? So far, what has been the most surprising cost that you did not anticipate? Also, I’ve been trying to work out a system by which I could receive mail because I too will not retain my home. My brother has volunteered to receive, hold, and forward my mail if possible. Do the RV parks have such a service?
Have a wonderful and safe two years, I’m truly envious!
Thanks for your reply,
Matthew
gonewiththewynns
Matthew, you’ve asked many great questions here. Stay tuned we’re working on a post with answers to several of these questions.
nancy
watched hgtv reruns and decided to see where you are now a year later. I noticed your emails stopped in Dec. Hope you are still having fun.
Richie Grant
Hi-Saw you on HGTV and wanted to follow your adventures. Since you are east of the Mississippi this year-head to Fayetteville, WV. Check out Wild Blue Adventure Co-my nephew, Chris Kappler flies bi-planes out of the small airport there. You can fly over the New River Gorge Bridge or go white water rafting. It is a charming beautiful area. Have fun!!!
gonewiththewynns
Richie, thanks for the tips! I will have to look into the Adventure Co. Nikki loves to fly!
Cathy
I’m watching the House Hunters show now and look forward to following your travels!
Triish
Hope you had an awesome Christmas on the road!
HappyMommy2
Watched you guys on HGTV on Christmas night! What a great idea. I wish I could do that as well. You guys are doing the right thing before starting a family; you should enjoy life to the fullest. I went to Europe with my partner when we were younger and never regretted. Have lots of fun and I will be following your blog to keep up with you guys. Happy New Year! 😉
gonewiththewynns
Thanks for the support! We are so happy we took the nomad plunge!
Bryan
Watching you on HGTV on Christmas day!! You guys rock! Will enjoy keeping up with you! Look forward to all of your excitement. Have the time of your lives!
gonewiththewynns
Thanks! We are and will continue to have the time of our lives! 😉
TucsonBill
Jason/Nikki, We toured the east coast in 2010 from Maine to Florida and home to Tucson. Lots of great places to visit but one that surprised me was the time we spent in Natchez Mississippi. The camp ground accross the river in Vidalia Louisiana (River View RV Park) is great. The old Antebellum homes make this stop worth while and Jason you will use your video skills to the max. Keep on “RVing”.
gonewiththewynns
Great reccomendations Bill, we love Walla Walla Onions so I’m curious to taste the famed Vidalia onions and compare! We’ve heard of Natchez as well, but don’t know much about it yet. Happy Holidays
Triish
Considering your response to Chad, when did you actually begin RV’ing full time?
Happy Holidays!
gonewiththewynns
Triish, We’ve been on the road full time since Feb. 14th, 2011. We spent Valentines Day doing a Chocolate and Beer tasting at Rogue Brewery in Portland, OR, then we purchased our coach and hit the road full time. Before that we owned a Damon Avanti for 1 year that ended up being a lemon, and before that we owned a 1985 VW Vanagon for 5 years. We love being on the road!
Chad
Question about the HGTV show. It portrayed you as wanting to start traveling in an RV, but when I read this blog, it appears that you were already on the road and your first RV was a lemon. Why didn’t they show that you had already started your trip? Also, it seems from your blog that the RV company approached you about working out a deal to buy one of their rv’s at a discount in exchange for the free advertising that your blog would give them. If this is the case, why did the HGTV show depict you touring other models and choosing from three RV’s? Thanks
gonewiththewynns
Hey Chad, thanks for the fact check. Currently we have no sponsors of our travel blog. We simply love our Monaco Vesta and we’re happy to share our experiences with other people excited to get out on the road. Maybe one day we’ll be able to work with a like-minded company to help increase our reach for the RV and US travel community. Till then, its just the two of us and our cool cats. We did plan to be on the road in 2010 but we purchased a lemon RV from another company, so the Monaco Vesta is our first coach to hit the road full time in. The Monaco RV has been great to us over the past year, and we hope they are paying attention to the great publicity we’re giving them for free!
TucsonBill
Hey Guys, Saw the TV show and looked up your blog. It would be nice to see a map with your route followed. Also interested in your menues prepaired and daily routines relevent to the RV. Keep on “RVing”.
gonewiththewynns
We’re working on doing some posts for the cooking savvy. Nikki is quite the gormet cook, and she has a bunch of great RV friendly Recipes to share. As for seeing our map check out our Where the Wynns Blow page
Cheryl
Hi Wynns – Watched you last night on HGTV – my Husband & I are in search of a trailer to hit the road as you did so the show was perfect timing. I’m glad to see that there are others out there with the same dream. People look at us like we have 2 heads! We have 2 boys under the age of 5 so we figure this is a perfect time to take 6 months and see America.
gonewiththewynns
We have met several young families on the road who travel full time and teach their kids through home school. Can you imagine using all of North America as your classroom? What an opportunity. If you have any questions about hitting the road let us know as we’re happy to help.
Retiredatthebeach
Hi Guys,
Loved the HGTV special. After retirement, at 50′ I opted for the beach life. The motor coach looks interesting and wish you well on your journey. There is something special about living your dream at any age….
Best Wishes. From Myrtle Beach, SC
gonewiththewynns
Myrtle Beach huh? We’ve heard wonderful things about the east coast and we’re most excited to check it out. The RV lifestyle isn’t for everyone, however for us its just what the Dr. ordered!
Tom
Hi Nikki and Jason,
I saw the episode of you buying your motorhome last night on HGTV. What a wonderful plan you have about traveling around the country. I love the RV life as I have been doing it for over 40 years,in a couple years I hope to do some full-time rving as you meet some wonderful people. Best of luck and ENJOY!!
gonewiththewynns
One of the best things about RV’ing full time is the people you meet. Happy people, thoughtful people, helpful people; I’d say 90% of the people we’ve met on the road have inspired us in one way or another.
Triish
Like Petrece, I just watched your HGTV segment and wanted to immediately follow your RV journey. I admire that you’re following your dreams now, rather than waiting for retirement, when many are unable to for a variety of reasons. Stay safe. Have fun.
gonewiththewynns
Thank you for the kind words! It was a major leap of faith to sell everything and shut down our companies, and the decision pays off every day we wake up. We absolutely love life!
Petrece
Hey Wynns, I just saw your episode on HGTV House Hunters and decided to check out your blog….wishing you guys safe travel and god speed!!!
gonewiththewynns
Thank you for your kind words. We travel with the best intentions and are glad when people send good vibes our way. Happy Holidays.
Rande
Hi Wynns, I’m happy to read you still love your Windy. How are you coping with no full wardrobe or drawer space for clothes etc.?
Gone With the Wynns
We are still loving our Windy. At first I was a little nervous about the wardrobe space but as it turns out it is just perfect. We are going to post a video soon of some of the updates we have made and even show how we have organized. I am the girl with lots of shoes and I have even managed to find space for them!
Mike
Love your Monaco factory video! When will you post the official Vesta mpg? I have the same 6.4 liter sequential turbo diesel in my 09′ Ford F-450 and I can’t get close to 17 mpg empty! My display always shows a much higher mpg then my actual manual mpg calculation.
Because of your video I have now done tons of research on the Vesta and I hair trigger close to making a purchase from Motorhome Specialist in Texas. Official “real world” is all I need to close the deal! Also, were you given special factory access or can anyone get a factory tour and delivery? Now that you’ve owned it it for 6mos I’m sure those who follow you would love to read about a detailed longer term report.
Thanks
Gone With the Wynns
We are getting about 9-11mpg in the mountians and on normal roads we get 13-14mpg. Our dash display always shows more as well, but I keep a hard records so that I know what the real numbers are. We do love our vesta and just hit 10,000 miles and plan on doing a post about our mpg and lots of other good stuff people might want to know. You can get a factory tour too, we were just lucky enough to get a private tour but they have a couple schedueled most days. We also have an instant rebate coupon given to us by monaco for our readers, send me an email from our contact page and I will send it to you!
Nikki
Troy
Love everything about the Vesta except the paint options, but otherwise very impressed. When you were doing your test was the generator running while you were driving?
Gone With the Wynns
Except for the paint options? That is one of the main reasons we selected the Vesta because of it’s lack of multi-color swirls like most RV’s. In our opinion the simple exterior options make the Vesta stand out from the crowd. As for the fuel test we were not running the generator during the test.
Randee
Hey Wynns! We are thinking of getting our own Windy and are wondering what kind of gas mileage you are getting, do you tow and also how does she do going up and down mountains?
thanks ,Randee
Gone With the Wynns
We did an official fuel test for Monaco 2 weeks ago and we averaged 17.1 MPG on the trip computer from Bakersfield, CA to Redding, CA. We are processing the technical data and should have an official MPG number soon. Honestly we have been averaging between 13-15 MPG on most of our trips because we've been in and out of the mountains. We do tow a smart car behind us, so it's not too big. If you're interested in purchasing a Monaco Vesta, or any Monaco product please let me know…..Monaco is offering an incentive for those who subscribe to our blog…….and it's totally worth it. Also feel free to email or call me from the contact page if you want additional details as I'm happy to help.
-Jason
Glo
Omg! Love Miss Windy! Miss you guys! I luv, luv,luv the vids. Ya'll are so cute and creative.
Hugs,
-glo
Gone With the Wynns
Glo, We love you too! Maybe we can feature you two in a feature when we're back in Dallas. You guys are probably more comfortable in front of the lens than we are! Miss ya, and keep those comments coming.
-Jason
Crispen
That RV is SWEET! Great videos guys.
Jason, hit me up when you are in Dallas this month!
Gone With the Wynns
Thanks for the comment Crispen…..I think you'd love watching the chocolate and beer episode from Valentines day too! Good Times.
-Jason
Clint Cavin
Sure beat's what your dad and I traveled in back in 1969…..Have fun and God Bless
Gone With the Wynns
Hey Clint thanks for the comment! I don't know….travelling by motorcycle sounds pretty cool too. Gone With the Wynns version 2.0? Maybe?
-Jason
dr coffee
Have a good trip.
Gone With the Wynns
Thanks Grandpa!
-Jason
Bobby
Looks pretty cozy.
Gone With the Wynns
It's a little tighter than our studio was, but fun none the less! Thanks for the comment!
Candace
The Vests is truly a beautiful coach. All you need now are some disposable Cooks crazy cups (search on twitter)to share with visitors along the way ! We hope to see you at a stop somewhere …. we'll be following your blog.
Gone With the Wynns
Hey Candace,
Thanks for the comment…..and love the cup that says 'enjoy the wildlife CAMP NAKED'. Awesome! Happy Travels.
Samuel
Let me know if you are going to be in the Portland area. I'd like to hook you up with Chris Allnat. He gives a great tour of their farmers market and other sites.
Gone With the Wynns
Hello Samuel! We're totally going to be in Portland, OR in early summer. We'd love to see your friend Chris, and get a tour for all of our viewers to enjoy! Thanks for the hook up!
Hunter
Windy is awesome!!! Can't wait to meet her!
Gone With the Wynns
Yea, she's pretty slick. Hopefully we can connect and enjoy a bottle of 'high dollar' wine together in the living room.
jacob
Love the intro guys! I can't wait to see where you are off to next!
Gone With the Wynns
Thanks for the comment. Keep an eye out for our Taos, NM snowboarding video. See ya soon.
lauren
i want to meet windy in person!! she looks pretty hott!!!
Gone With the Wynns
She is a damn sexy motorhome! Thank you Monaco.
mary
can't wait to meet Windy! She looks pretty sleek!
Gone With the Wynns
You'll see her in California! Can't wait to raft the Kern River with you.