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rollindownthero's avatar
rollindownthero
Explorer II
Dec 12, 2017

Can I really do this?

Hello to all! I don't know if this is the correct place to ask this question(s) or not, so forgive me if not in the correct category.

I will be retiring in 3 years. I have been researching full timing in an RV for about a year now. I really like the idea of having the capability of being able to move around. I am thinking that I won't "travel" that much but rather find a location and stay a month or two then go to the next location. Will definitely follow the warmth and be in Florida for winters. I just can't decide in what or if I can really afford to do it.

I am leaning toward a used class a gas motor home, in the 35' range. My current vehicle is towable on a dolly. I really don't want to buy a big truck to pull something. I am by myself. Here is some other info on me:

1) Plan on being debt free at retirement. This includes having either a toad or tow vehicle paid off by then.
2) Looking at spending $35,000 to $50,000 on what ever I decide to get. Will pay cash.
3) Will have approximately $2,000.00 a month for social security coming in.
4) Will have approximately an additional $25,000.00 in savings after purchasing the RV.
5) I am NOT handy repairing anything mechanical ie; engines.

Here are my questions:
1) Is it bad for a motor home to sit for a month or two? I have considered buying a park model home but I want the option to move around.

2) Is living full time in a motor home doable on $2,000.00 a month? Please remember I am alone, no other person or pets to consider. I don't have a lavish lifestyle, don't eat out very often, stay pretty much at home now. I don't want to get into it only to discover in a year or so I can't afford it.

Thank you for all your expertise advise in advance.

27 Replies

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  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2017
    I don't think it's advisable to spend 2/3 of your savings on a motor home. How about a lightweight towable to pull. When the motor home is in the shop, where will you live?
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2017
    LIKE COOLMOM42 STATES:
    What is your landing plan?
    That is when you can no longer travel and must stay in one place.
    Will you have a pet?
    Some breeds of dogs are not allowed in some RV parks. Number of pets can be a factor as well.
    If you suffer a major breakdown you could seriously deplete whatever assets you might have at the time.
    MY opinion is you do NOT have enough cushion to SAFELY do it and have anything left when you must come in off the road
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2017
    Go on over to cheaprvliving.com for much good advice on living cheaply.

    In your shoes I would look for a trailer & tow vehicle. That is by far the cheapest entry point to RV life. It's easier to buy a dependable used tow vehicle than a dependable used motor home. Something like a F-150 and a smaller used toy hauler that you can customize to your needs would be a good choice for a single person.

    I would also look for some supplemental income. $2K/month isn't much.

    You need an exit strategy. What if you get tired of it, or have medical reasons that you can't do it anymore? You need enough income and/or savings to get set up in a place to live. Don't put ALL your savings into the depreciating assets of a RV and tow vehicle.
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2017
    My travel experience is that given your budget monthly stays would be a must generally speaking you can get a month for what two weeks would cost in a campground. We have found Texas parks much cheaper than Florida
    consider part time employment to supplement your income - medical, dental and eye care can take a chunk out of a budget. With a monthly rate you will have to pay electric on top of it.
  • FunnyCamper's avatar
    FunnyCamper
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2017
    and remember when one says 'can I really do this?' you are asking for concrete affirmation you will be perfection in your quest....won't happen :) You gotta wanna do it and just go out there and do it. That is how lives are made, by exploring, experimenting and thriving on the future of what will come thru your path of adventure......so go for it big time and enjoy the heck out of life as you see fit.

    just another thought of how I see life :) :) many other's will see it different....lol
  • FunnyCamper's avatar
    FunnyCamper
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2017
    Will answer a few in bold in your post for ya.
    rollindowntheroad wrote:
    Hello to all! I don't know if this is the correct place to ask this question(s) or not, so forgive me if not in the correct category.

    I will be retiring in 3 years. I have been researching full timing in an RV for about a year now. I really like the idea of having the capability of being able to move around. I am thinking that I won't "travel" that much but rather find a location and stay a month or two then go to the next location. Will definitely follow the warmth and be in Florida for winters. I just can't decide in what or if I can really afford to do it.

    I am leaning toward a used class a gas motor home, in the 35' range. My current vehicle is towable on a dolly. I really don't want to buy a big truck to pull something. I am by myself. Here is some other info on me:

    1) Plan on being debt free at retirement. This includes having either a toad or tow vehicle paid off by then.
    2) Looking at spending $35,000 to $50,000 on what ever I decide to get. Will pay cash.
    3) Will have approximately $2,000.00 a month for social security coming in.
    4) Will have approximately an additional $25,000.00 in savings after purchasing the RV.
    5) I am NOT handy repairing anything mechanical ie; engines.

    Here are my questions:
    1) Is it bad for a motor home to sit for a month or two? I have considered buying a park model home but I want the option to move around. Park models don't move around 'so well' so a MH is better. NO it is not bad to sit for 2 months in a location at all.

    2) Is living full time in a motor home doable on $2,000.00 a month? YES YES but it is 100% about what you want and how ya do it but we sure could do it easily.Please remember I am alone, no other person or pets to consider. I don't have a lavish lifestyle, don't eat out very often, stay pretty much at home now. I don't want to get into it only to discover in a year or so I can't afford it. You will grow into it to be smart, and thrifty and enjoy the lifestyle so much....point blank, you darn well go for it :)!!!!

    Thank you for all your expertise advise in advance.



    you have a heck of an adventure ahead of you...enjoy it to the fullest!! I know you will be fine and have a great time moving forward into full timing!!

    don't let donn0128 scare ya in any way out of what you desire. darn right you can do it :)
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Dec 12, 2017
    To answer your question
    1) yes its bad
    2) living on two grand a month doable, yes, in a MH, possible, but not smart. MHs are the number one most expensive form of RV there is. You could easily spend up words of 2000 dollars just for a set of tires. Maintenance could kill your monthly income with just one breakdown.
    To live that cheap you will need to find some form of supplimental income, camp hosting to pay for your monthly site fees would help. How do you plan to pay for health insurance? Some retirees report 500 a month for premiums. Do not even attempt to rely on medicare part a only. One hospital stay could bankrupt you. Living full time is not cheap. Park rent could set you back 500 a month, insurance?
    You really need to sit down and write an honest budget including everything then come back and tell us how much disposable income you have.

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