Forum Discussion

TheCusters's avatar
TheCusters
Explorer
Jan 14, 2016

Good idea or horrible?

My wife and I have always wanted to full time. But our current situation isn't conducive. We have one child in elementary school and I have a very nice job with amazing benefits. We have a travel trailer that we take normal weekend trips and a few week long trips a year. Our current situation is that we have a nice house in a nice neighborhood, and another empty lot in the same neighborhood that we bought as an investment. We have been talking about selling both properties and buying an acre or so, along with a newer 5er and tow rig. Would be able to do this for pretty much cash with current property values. We would park the RV on the property (no zoning issues here) and live in it during the school year. When my son is not in school, there are 4 campgrounds that we would float between that are all close enough for me to go to work every day. 3 of them on a huge lake/reservoir. And we would also take about 3 weeks a year for a big camping trip to other parts of the country.

So basically, we would be in a permanent location with our own power/water/sewer for about 8-9 months a year and on the road or campgrounds the rest of the time. Southeast TN, so winters aren't horrible. Just wanting some thoughts from the people here who have been there done that.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jan 14, 2016
    That is not fulltiming. That's throwing away all you have to live in an RV. Makes no sense to me.
  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2016
    Bad idea. Try camping in your drive way for a few winter nights with your TT.
  • weathershak's avatar
    weathershak
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2016
    Question. You can buy an acre of land, put in a well and septic, and are allowed to park an RV there and live in it? I wish I could do that in my neck of the woods (Delmarva).

    You will build more equity keeping your real estate. Best to wait until the kid (s) are grown up and on their own. JMO
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    Jan 14, 2016
    You need to do what's best for your family. In order to discuss it intelligently, I'd recommend you make two lists.

    On the first list, put down the pros and cons of staying in your current situation.

    On the second list, put down the pros and cons of moving into a RV full time.

    Then, with these lists in hand, have a family meeting to determine your best course of action.

    I do this with every major decision and it always helps us get properly focused.

    Now, even though you say current zoning would permit the RV on site full time, have you considered what it would do to the property values of your neighbors? Are there other property owners doing the same thing?

    Jim
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jan 14, 2016
    TucsonJim wrote:
    .

    Now, even though you say current zoning would permit the RV on site full time, have you considered what it would do to the property values of your neighbors? Are there other property owners doing the same thing?

    Jim
    he's not doing this in his own neighborhood.
  • dbob62180's avatar
    dbob62180
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2016
    TheCusters wrote:
    My wife and I have always wanted to full time. But our current situation isn't conducive. We have one child in elementary school and I have a very nice job with amazing benefits. We have a travel trailer that we take normal weekend trips and a few week long trips a year. Our current situation is that we have a nice house in a nice neighborhood, and another empty lot in the same neighborhood that we bought as an investment. We have been talking about selling both properties and buying an acre or so, along with a newer 5er and tow rig. Would be able to do this for pretty much cash with current property values. We would park the RV on the property (no zoning issues here) and live in it during the school year. When my son is not in school, there are 4 campgrounds that we would float between that are all close enough for me to go to work every day. 3 of them on a huge lake/reservoir. And we would also take about 3 weeks a year for a big camping trip to other parts of the country.

    So basically, we would be in a permanent location with our own power/water/sewer for about 8-9 months a year and on the road or campgrounds the rest of the time. Southeast TN, so winters aren't horrible. Just wanting some thoughts from the people here who have been there done that.


    I guess I would ask what is it you are looking for? It sounds like you have a pretty nice set up right now. Staying in your town and keeping life the same except for a change in living quarters isn't full timing - it is living in an RV instead of your house. I do agree with the others. It sounds like you are young. Enjoy your life now, keep building your equity in your properties. Before you know it, your child will be grown. Then you can hit the road for FT living!
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Jan 14, 2016
    Crappy life for your child.
    Also concerned about really cold days.
    You would need a four seasons camper.
    BUT IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. IT is a crappy life for a kid. No privacy no place to have friends over.
    BUT TO ME MONEY IS NOT the most important thing FAMILY FIRST TO ME.

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