Done with research and reading,,,,,,,

I got just about all the info we needed from forums just like this.
Everyone's requirements and needs are different but in general most things are similar. A bit of wiggle room in your thought and it will work out.
An example of making changes on the go with us was we planned on moving around more, which we did for several years, but thought it would be nice to have a good base of operation, a home base. We found a lovely RV Resort in the north near family and friends with most of the amenities we like and bought a site. This is "home."

On our travels we came across another wonderful place, in the south, that has become a winter retreat. Our going to and from has become our travel.......
BUT! Getting there and back can take a month each way and never the same way twice. This year we went from the west coast of Canada ( home ) to our winter retreat in So. Cal. by way of Dodge City, Kansas and San Antonio, Texas. The way back had us golfing for a week in Death Valley and sitting overlooking the Columbia River Valley.

Communication is handled by Verizon and we do everything by computer.
Our mail, what little there is, is handled by having it go to my son's place and he monitors it for us as we Skype at least once a week.

My wife made me promise not to let her die in a 5th wheel. When she gets sick I'll buy her a park model.

Flanz wrote:
Our decision has been made, an Entegra it is. Most likely an Anthem DEQ.

Met a couple of people with Entegras. Looks to be a good choice and I'm envious of your king bed.

Flanz wrote:

But here's where we stand.
1.We plan on being part of the class of 2015 for fulltimers, this is Nonnegotiable

Watch that "nonnegotiable" -- you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Flanz wrote:

2.We need to sell our house, think we're okay here
3.We need to sell ALL of our stuff, outside of personnel items, think we're okay here

Unless you're way ahead of the curve or plan to store your stuff, consider an estate sale.

Flanz wrote:

4.We need to pick health insurance, a little up in the air here. Depends on domicile
5.We need to setup a domicile, depends on health insurance and taxes

It sounds like you're not old enough for Medicare, so check www.healthsherpa.com where you essentially "shop" for coverage by ZIP code.

For full timers, it used to be that no sales tax states like FL, SD, and TX were considered the best states to domicile.

However, for me and my spouse (both under 65) and others, ACA has changed the full-time RV game. For example, we ruled South Dakota out because the state's health care options are pathetic. We ended up using my company's COBRA at $1100/month, a Bronze-level health insurance, dental, and vision plan. (I used to think the COBRA plan was outrageously expensive . . . times have changed.)

Also, as mentioned by a previous poster, TX is about to implement a RV-unfriendly vehicle inspection program.

In our case, we bought a park model in Arizona (so we're actually half-timers) and changed our domicile to AZ because, even though it has a sales tax and a vehicle licensing tax, it is far more tax friendly than our old state of Wisconsin.

Flanz wrote:

6.We need FULLTIMER vehicle insurance, i.e MH. truck, and Harley, could use help here

We use Miller insurance agency for RV, auto, park model, and umbrella liability. Miller is an agency who can shop multiple insurance companies and plans.

BTW, I think umbrella liability coverage is a must for a full timer without a house.

Flanz wrote:

7.We need to setup our finances (IRA's and brokerage accounts) do we go either a fully managed or Fee only managed accounts

Talk with friends about this one. Just make sure that your manager understands (or makes an honest attempt) to understand your full time lifestyle.

Flanz wrote:

8.We need to decide on how we communicate on the road, Internet and cell phone access

Most full timers I'm know select Verizon for cell and possibly data + Millenicom for data. Even with Millenicom's recent price increase to $90/month, I don't think you'll find anyone else who can provide 20 GB/month at that price.

We have two iPhones and a USB modem with Verizon + Millenicom. We average 30GB/month on the road.

I'd also suggest a Skype or Line2 WiFi phone service. This gives you the option of placing a call via a WiFi hotspot which proved essential several times for us.

Flanz wrote:

9.We need to decide on campground and other types of clubs to join, working on this, but open to suggestions.

We just use our Good Sam Membership.

Best of luck out there.

Sounds like a good detailed plan to get started. You can change plans on the fly as required.

Escapees RV Club (highly recommended) is based in Texas. However, with a possible new vehicle inspection law going into effect next year Texas might not be the place to domicile. Escapees is presently working with govt official to make some changes to this law. Escapees is now testing a way to domicile in Florida and looking into South Dakota to offer alternatives. South Dakota has problems with PPO medical insurance so be aware of that issue.

Escapees has a wonderful mail forwarding service, too.

Folks talk about an exit plan. You don't need a definite exit plan and the OP has done it right - putting money aside for it for when it's needed. In our large circle of full-timer friends beginning when we did - 16 years ago, we know of no one who had a definite exit plan and we've all succeeded. Some are still full-timers. That's what we did 16 years ago and it's worked out just fine.

Hi Paul,

Something else to consider is, if you plan to boondock, a solar system to provide for electric needs is a money saver. Each night one boondocks is at least $12.00 left in the bank. For full service campgrounds that number jumps up to $30 (or more) per night.

12 x 365 = $4380
30 x 365 = $10,950

It does add up!

Flanz wrote:
Ah yes....The exit plans as well as other decisions.

I'm still having concerns about our investments. Does anyone use a planner to manage their investments full time OR part time?

I have used both Fidelity and T. Rowe Price for financial advice as part of the account arrangement that I have with both firms but I do not actually permit them to actively manage assets. Your current broker(s) probably offer similar services.

Would it be plausible for you to move invested funds into laddered retirement date accounts to minimize your feeling that you need to actively manage your investments? The other alternative is to take a wait and see approach, leaving your investments structured as they currently exist until you get on with full timing.

Once you are "retired" and on the road you may find that with easy internet access and some leisure time to fill managing investments could become a satisfying "hobby".

BCBS won't cover you in many states if you are a full timer and want to buy a private plan. SD and NH are two I personally know about and many others have been posted over the years.
They will cover you if you have a current plan with them as a pension benefit.

For a private plan they say you must have a real address and the street address of a mail forwarding service will not suffice. They also require you to be in state for half of the year.

Ah yes....The exit plans as well as other decisions.

The exit plan - We have put money aside for this and during our travels will hopefully decide where we want to settle. We are healthy with no preexisting conditions.

We plan on having a domicile in either Texas or South Dakota

Verizon has been decided for the cell service and I think millennium.com will provide our internet.

PPO from BCBS is a stronger candidate for health insurance. Still not sure if it'll be on or off exchange.

I'm still having concerns about our investments. Does anyone use a planner to manage their investments full time OR part time?

Flanz wrote:


9.We need to decide on campground and other types of clubs to join, working on this, but open to suggestions.

Purchase a resale, check the Internet. check the annual maintenance fees. We found one in Crossville, TN C2C RPI and ARO $200 to buy-in and only $40.00 a year.