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Full-Time RVing?

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Topic: Full-Time RVing?
Posted By: Larry
Subject: Full-Time RVing?
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 12:33am

What do you think of living in your RV full-time and traveling here and there?

 

There is a lot of discussion about this over at RV.net and insurance companies do offer “full-timers” insurance for those who live in their RV. Some might think that and R-Pod is too small for full-time living but I have met people who live in their truck camper full-time; lots of truck campers are smaller than and R-Pod.

 

I am retired, considering selling my house and living in and RV; don’t know if it will be the R-Pod I currently have or a medium sized travel trailer which I might buy; I really don’t care for a 5th Wheel or Class A.

 

There is a stigma attached because some people say it is like being homeless but I think that there is a lot of freedom in it. When I was younger I hitch hiked all over the U.S. back in the 1970’s with just a back pack; some friends and I also hitched around Europe, and also back in the 1970’s I traveled and lived in my tricked out Volkswagen Van. But as you get older you start thinking about being stable.

 

One guy I met online was telling me about his parents who were very grumpy and always at each other than they sold their home and went full-timing in a 5th Wheel. He said that their attitudes really changed and they lightened up a great deal; being out in nature all the time, etc. I guess there are lots of pros and cons to such a lifestyle and it all depends on a person’s resources, since of adventure, and tolerance for living in a small place.

 

What do you think?

 




Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 5:24am
 At one time many lived in tents and wagons. Over the years houses have gotten larger and larger. Now there is a trend for smaller houses. There are some who want to live a more conservative life style. I just read that a musician sold his home and is now living full-time in a small RV. His average yearly income is 11,000 dollars and he still able to save for his retirement. He loves it and does not regret his change. If you are able to manage financially and think of the day when you are no longer able to drive and plan for that it sounds great. We have a 171 its not large but your not spending 24 hours a day living in it. Nature is wonderful, I agree it is good for your well being.     David and Danette

-------------
SWFL   171
2010 Jeep Liberty


Posted By: Larry
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 7:18am

Given the housing market crash a lot of people ended up walking away from their homes or had their homes foreclosed on them, and owning a home is not what it used to be. I am in a very unique situation; as a disabled veteran I can camp at State parks for free and national parks at half price; I can also camp at RV parks on military bases which are rather cheap and tax free. I can also get medical care at any VA hospital or clinic and every State has VA hospitals and clinics. So it would be a lot cheaper for me to live full time in and RV and travel around then it would be maintaining a house as I have been; no mortgage or rent, no HOA dues, and no electric bill just to name a few things.  

 

I lost my eyesight during the Vietnam War and was totally blind for about 5-years; it was quite and experience; I went thru a dozen eye surgeries to regain my eyesight, but when I was blind I thought of all the things I’d want to see if I had eyesight, then I got my eyesight back and started taking it for granted like most folks. I will be 65-years old next year and I hope that I will still be able to drive well into my seventies.

 

My wife died from breast cancer in 1992 and I was living in a big house in Denver which we both shared. A few years after her death I decided to sell my house and move into a studio apartment. I told myself that anything I could not get into that small studio apartment I was either going to sell or give away. I used to be a college teacher and publishers would give me books to recommend to students so I had more than 2,000 books on my bookshelf, which I reduced to about 100, sold some but gave most to the local public library. It felt so good to downsize my life.

 

The bigger your house the more stuff you will put in that house to fill it up but when you downsize your life things become a lot simpler. Thing is none of us know how much time we have and I’d like to go full-timing in and RV for at least 5-years before I get too much older, have failing eyesight and be unable to drive. I do think full-time RVing offers a lot of freedom and constantly being out in nature just might improve my health; I know it does right now when I go on a one or two week camping trip. I meet so many very friendly people out there when I am camping and some of them are full-timing in their RV.



Posted By: Maryjo
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 7:22am
My brother and sister-in-law dreamed of doing just that for years. When he retired, they rented out their house bought a 5th wheel and put an ad in the RV magazines for jobs. They are now in Santa Fe NM working at the KOA there and loving it. They already have jobs at the same KOA for next year. They have been doing this for 3 years now and loving it. Last year they were in Carlsbad. They have seen and done  more in the last 3 years than they could ever dream of. I love it because I can go visit,see all the sights, and still have my own space in my Foxy-Pod. I don't know if I personally could do it full time, but it is nice knowing I have the option. It is also nice seeing how happy my brother and sister-in-law are.

-------------

FoxyPod (Maryjo)2010 R-Pod 173 Tow Vehicle:2004 Expedition


Posted By: Larry
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 7:36am

I have met a lot of campground hosts who are full-time RV’ers; some are at KOA as you mentioned, and others at State and National Parks. Most campground hosts get their camping site and satellite TV for free, and some also get a stipend. But there are jobs available at campgrounds. I have even met families with children who were full-time RVing; they were home schooling their kids in the RV while the other parent worked a part-time job somewhere. Not all full-timers are retired.

 

There are lots of Europeans who come here to the U.S. and rent and RV to tour the U.S. for a few months, as well as I know of a couple who went to New Zealand and instead of getting a hotel they rented and RV and toured New Zealand. Some people who are full-time RV’ers will put their RV in storage and go on and ocean cruise for a week or so, or fly off to another country, and then come back to their RV and continue touring here in the U.S. There are so many possibilities and the more I think about it the more appealing it becomes to me.



Posted By: tpierce220
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 7:59am
It's something that Louis and I have talked about over the last year.  We have a 2300 sq/ft house, and the thought of maintaining it when we get older is becoming less and less appealing.  Louis wants more of a compromise in that he wants some place that we can call "home" even if it is for a short time in the summer so that we can take care of doctor visits and such.  He's been looking at park models online thinking that he could live in that on a permanent site.  

We're fortunate that there's two private campgrounds about an hour from our house.  We're going to take a look at one, Woodhaven Lakes, http://woodhavenassociation.com ,probably sometime in November to look at their lots for sale to see if there's something that we can get even if it's to park ¡Podtástic! at for now.  


-------------
Adventures with ¡Podtástic!--Life in a Forest River RPod 182G with Tim and Louis and our two cats, Desi and Lucy. Check our website at http://podtastic.info for information on our journeys.


Posted By: Kenn
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 8:00am
Full time Rving sounds like it would work out for you. However, you might want to consider a slightly larger RV where, you're not roughing it as much. Would you much rather have one hook-up for black and gray instead of switching the two back and forth? I agree that you don't need a 5er, but at least something with better space and perhaps a bigger bathroom. You paid your dues during Vietnam, so there's no reason to live to simply. Wouldn't it be great to not have to shop for a week of groceries by having a bigger fridge?
 
You mentioned that some people live in truck campers. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should or it'll be worth it. A different floorplan style trailer would suit your needs better.
 
Enjoy the freedom and luxuries that you fought for. I know that when I'm done with it all, I'm going to enjoy the freedom and sacrifice I paid for during my tenure.


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2010 RPOD 176 (Silly-POD), 2011 Forest River Stealth 2612, and 2014 Forest River XLR 380AMP


Posted By: Heidi
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 8:30am
Larry, Life is short and if full timing is something you can do and want to do than you should go for it. There is so much out there for us to see and do that wasting a moment wondering if we should is just that, a waste. I think a backup plan is a good idea for when you get tired of travel but until then go and enjoy. Nothing is permanent. You can change your plans, your RV, your TV, and your mind at any time, but you may never get the chance to start this adventure again. Good Luck and ENJOY!


-------------
we R-pod people
175 ,2 peeps and one small horse


Posted By: tdrace
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 8:52am

I just sold my house and moved into an apartment. At 56 I have begun thinking of retirement and did not think my home would be able to net any money as it was 130,000 underwater. Now I enjoy the freedom of camping on my off time instead of keeping up the house and yard. When I retire I would to love travel and workcamp. If you have the chance I say(Go FOR IT LIFE IS TO SHORT). Best of luck maybe I will see you out there.



-------------
Theresa's Seaside Cowgirl
2010 FORD F150 V-8
2010 R-POD 173
Sisters on the Fly #1569


Posted By: rpoders2
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 9:43am
I've really enjoyed reading these posts...and Larry, thanks for your service!

-------------
Ellen, Dick (2 legs)
Mo Chara (the camping cat) Dudley (the world's best camping dog)
RPod 173
'07 Honda Pilot


Posted By: pepperpod
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 10:45am
Larry have you considered living in a mobile home park in your rv?  We spent 2 months in Florida in a friend's park model a couple of years ago.  The people next to us were in a travel trailer and came every year to that park.  They loved it.  They did not have to drive from campground to campground.  I know that it would cost you more since you have the discounts.  I say, if you want to full time, go for it!

-------------
Pepper,Coach,and Henry (a very brave little Maltese)
R Pod 172

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor...unknown


Posted By: Larry
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 3:09pm

Thank you everyone for the support and positive feedback.Thumbs Up

 

Kenn, I tend to agree with what you have said and I have been looking online at other travel trailers. The longest I have ever continuously camped in my R-Pod 171 has been about 90-days and I was glad to get home to a larger space after that. Yes, the bathroom in the r-pod does not even leave you much room to wipe your butt.

 

Because of my eyesight; I still have some depth perception issues, and so I don’t want too big of a travel trailer; maybe something under 30-feet long or even 25-ft. would work. Hell I crashed my r-pod the day I drove it home from the dealership; pulled into a gas station and crumpled my drivers’ side fender of the pod on a post. If I had a 5th Wheel I probably would wipe out a bunch of parked cars.

 

But I am considering a larger TT than the pod but that also means I will have to upgrade my TV. A park model sounds good as a base but also with the savings from not living in a house, and from hopefully selling my house for a profit, I could occasionally rent a small apartment for a few months every now and then. I’ve really been looking at all of my options for sometime now and I’ve made lots of notes and saved them on my computer about full-time RVing and some of the possibilities.

 

My next door neighbor is a single woman in her 50’s and she is afraid of living alone; her husband died some time ago, and she tells me that it is different for a woman living alone then it is for a man living alone; which I fail to see the difference. I have met and spoke to women online who were full-time RVing alone and enjoying it. One of the things about the full-time lifestyle is having the confidence and emotional comfort to let go of the traditional and embark on and alternative lifestyle regardless if you are a man or a woman. Again, thanks for all of the feedback.

 

Peace and good journey to everyone! Beer



Posted By: Abby
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 4:44pm

I'm about 5 hrs from the mid-east coast.  I'm amazed at the cost of renting condos during the winter.  That would be a great way to get out of the TT for a few months.  (Look at Virginia and Myrtle Beach area) 



Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2011 at 7:15am
Originally posted by Larry Larry wrote:

What do you think of living in your RV full-time and traveling here and there?

 

There is a lot of discussion about this over at RV.net and insurance companies do offer “full-timers” insurance for those who live in their RV. Some might think that and R-Pod is too small for full-time living but I have met people who live in their truck camper full-time; lots of truck campers are smaller than and R-Pod.

 

I am retired, considering selling my house and living in and RV; don’t know if it will be the R-Pod I currently have or a medium sized travel trailer which I might buy; I really don’t care for a 5th Wheel or Class A.

 

There is a stigma attached because some people say it is like being homeless but I think that there is a lot of freedom in it. When I was younger I hitch hiked all over the U.S. back in the 1970’s with just a back pack; some friends and I also hitched around Europe, and also back in the 1970’s I traveled and lived in my tricked out Volkswagen Van. But as you get older you start thinking about being stable.

 

One guy I met online was telling me about his parents who were very grumpy and always at each other than they sold their home and went full-timing in a 5th Wheel. He said that their attitudes really changed and they lightened up a great deal; being out in nature all the time, etc. I guess there are lots of pros and cons to such a lifestyle and it all depends on a person’s resources, since of adventure, and tolerance for living in a small place.

 

What do you think?

 

 
 
The concept of full-time RV'ing is fine and I know many people who do it.  My wife and I could do it, but not in an R-Pod for a variety or reasons.  Most of the folks we know that do it only stay at a couple different places a year.  If it were us, I'd want to stay only a couple months at each place, in order to see the whole country.
 
 


-------------
"Ray & Connie"

- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road



Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2011 at 7:24am
Have you considered a Class-C?  It could be a bit larger than the R-Pod and solve your "needing a larger TV" issue.  You could sell the TV and get a small scooter or something to haul along, so you get go close distances while you're parked.  I guess is really depends on how long you think you'll be at each stop.  If you're staying in the same spot for months at a time, you're probably better off with the TT-TV combo rather than a Class-B or Class-C.


-------------
"Ray & Connie"

- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road



Posted By: pmjensen
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2011 at 9:37am
Obviously, there are many things to consider.  We moved from a 2100 sq ft townhouse to an under 800 sq ft park model mobile home.  I still have a few years to work,(We moved here for a job I was offered) We live in a park here in So. Texas with great weather, year 'round camping etc.  We take our Pod out about every other weekend. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the cheapest places in the US to live.  Most people think of how hot the summers are. well it doesn't get any hotter than a lot of places up north during the summer.  We just have it for a longer period of time.  Enough of my ramblings.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

-------------
2011 R-176 Nuestro Pod
2011 Frontier SV


Posted By: Larry
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2011 at 1:51pm

This-is-nascar, thanks for the suggestions. I’ve already made up some tentative year long camping schedules which include about 12 different stops over a 12-month period. I like moving around and seeing the sights. I guess I got it from my days in the army; they would send me one place for a few months and then another place for a year or so and then another place , etc. until I had been pretty much all around the world when I was in the military.

 

The idea of a Class “C” and a scooter is appealing but I’m looking at trading in my Ford Edge and buying and F-150 with a camper shell which would give me some extra storage space in the back of the truck. I agree that the R-Pod is a little small for full-timing but I was just wondering what others here thought about it. I’ve met people who turned their noses up to the idea of full-time RVing with the attitude that it is some kind of hobo lifestyle but obviously that was their issue.

 

Pmjensen, I was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas in San Antonio when I was in the military. I took my U.S. Army Combat Medic training there and I did enjoy that area of the country, but if I remember correctly they did have a mean rainy season and a season where there were some very large bugs, almost like cockroaches, crawling around in the city. Although it may not be that way where you are located, nonetheless, I definitely agree that it is one of the most inexpensive places to live in the U.S.

 

I am aware of Americans who full-time RV in Baja, Mexico which they say is rather peaceful and much better than the border towns. They also tell me that you can live very well on about one thousand dollars a month down there and the views are spectacular on the Baja peninsula. I have been RVing in Canada but have yet to do such in Mexico.



Posted By: Val
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2011 at 10:32pm
I follow these two blogs...especially the "life on the open Road" one.  She has full timed for 10 yrs. and posts great pictures and info.
the volkswagon one is a widower who is travelling solo...you should visit both blogs. They are both very imformative.  
http://www.lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com - http://www.lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com
http://www.lifeinavolkswagonbus.blogspot.com - http://www.lifeinavolkswagonbus.blogspot.com

I can't wait to see some of the wonderful places I see on there, but for now I am a caregiver of an ederly parent so these blogs are enjoyable for me. 



good luck....nothing like some adventures.


Posted By: Val
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2011 at 10:43pm
correct address

http://www.lifeinavolkswagenbus.blogspot.com/


Posted By: Larry
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2011 at 2:07am

Val, thanks a lot those are great blogs, especially the one “On the Open Road;” she appears to have a real nice medium size rig also and not some big 5th Wheel or Class A; and she lives off the grid with solar heating and free boondock camping. Just goes to show that there are so many ways to do the full-time RVing lifestyle.

 

The Volkswagen one sort of reminds me of the 1970’s when I lived in a Volkswagen Van traveling around the Southwest U.S. My R-Pod 171 is definitely a lot more spacious, and has more amenities than a Volkswagen Bus but most likely does not get as good gas mileage as that VW bus. I have talked to campers who were full-timing in a small truck camper so there are people out there doing it in smaller rigs than the R-Pod.

 

Again thanks; I bookmarked them and will look in occasionally to review their travels. I figure I am about a year or two at the most away from going full-time RVing; the big hold up is selling my house. Like most places where I live in Northern California has a depressed housing market and my equity has bottomed out. My house has been appraised by the county tax assessor for a lot less than what I still owe and so I am hoping in a year or two that will change and I’ll be able to sell my house for a profit and begin a new adventure full-timing.

 

In the mean-time I’ll keep enjoying my R-Pod and reviewing potential future travel trailer online that I might want to purchase for a full-time RVing lifestyle.



Posted By: Arfpod
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2019 at 11:46pm
Wow!  What a great story.  I am miving into the Arfpod with my 4 best doggy friends.  A bit nervous about it, but I am not missing any of the masses of stuff I filled by home with as I downsize.  Thanks for the inspiration!


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2019 at 5:54pm
I spent 3 months in my 178 while retiring from the Army.  Here's a couple a couple of issues.  Climate - it is not a cold weather camper, you can take precautions, but it is NOT a cold weather camper.  Clothes - my clothes were on a travel rack in pick-up.  I would exchange outfits on a daily basis  I used the campground restroom shower.  Very limited fridge space, I used a good cooler.  Bought ice every 2-3 days.  I used an electric heater, worked fine.  Everyone around me had bigger RVs but I did fine.  It took a planning and some creative changes.  I was by myself and I never felt cramped.  My TV worked and had a ton of DVds.  The convection oven was super. AND I had a gas grill.

-------------
Mike Carter
2015 178


Posted By: Oliver
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2019 at 6:57pm
Larry, I don't know if you are still here, your post is 10 years old. I am a Vietnam vet, forced to live in my Rpod in a state campground, and it's not free. I don't khow how you get it free. I am waiting for the VA to give me a hearing for a claim I filed over 5 years ago for agent orange cancer.


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2019 at 10:26am
Originally posted by Oliver Oliver wrote:

Larry, I don't know if you are still here, your post is 10 years old. I am a Vietnam vet, forced to live in my Rpod in a state campground, and it's not free. I don't khow how you get it free. I am waiting for the VA to give me a hearing for a claim I filed over 5 years ago for agent orange cancer.


Larry's last log in was 04 Sep 2012.. pretty sure he isn't still here.


Different states have different rules. Your state may be very different from his. My state, at state parks, has a 50% discount for disabled vets. 100% if you are 100% disabled. At national parks, and COE parks, I get 50% for my disability with the disabled America the Beautiful card.


-------------
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: Oliver
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2019 at 7:51pm
Thanks FP...Here in SC, I get 35% off for either senior, or vet. I have enjoyed my America the Beautiful card. Mine is a senior pass, not disability, gives me 50% off. I hope it does at COE parks too? Have you been to the Great Smoky Mountains? Davidson River is my favorite park in NC. I have been interested in the Corps of Engineers parks. Since my dad was a Major in the COE. Never been, but I understand they are nice. Which ones have you been to? They are on my places to visit soon list.


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2019 at 8:18pm
We have been to many COE parks, and we go to the Smokies or Blue Ridge mountains often. In fact we just got back Saturday from +2 weeks in the Blue Ridge, just off the parkway, next to the New River State Park area.

I am not quite old enough for the senior pass, but my Army career left me just enough messed up to qualify for the disability card... Have only used it at a couple boat ramps so far.. 


-------------
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: Oliver
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2019 at 2:11pm
what are your favorite COE parks?



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