newbie beginning research on full timing

Question

First off, let me say that Im a newbie to the concept of fulltiming, but been using a shore based camper for 26 years at a campground. We bought a new 32 trailer 3 years ago and love it but are finding out that when we pull off on the time or 2 each year to go out with our adult kids, it just doesnt have enough outside storage and I have to fill the bed of my F150 with all the extra stuff that we need to haul for a weekend. Very little storage, just what is under the bed. So this trailer, while very homelike in features, probably wont fill the bill to take on extended trips.

So we are starting to look for a replacement 4 season trailer to live in full time in a few years when we retire. Still up in the air if we will become full time gypsies or keep a home base at this point, we may try wandering for at least 6 months per year, ans see what happens.

So before buy a tow vehicle, we have to find a trailer that will meet our travelling needs for a few years, and also allow us to live in it in WI, at least part time if thats the way we decide to go.

After owning many trailers, we have some very specific wants on features so it may take us a few years to find what we are looking for, be it trailer or 5th wheel. One of the questions we have is about campgrounds in the SW and in FL - do they allow you to bring your own golf carts? That would determine if we need a toy hauler or not, and to honest, the extra space in the garage might be a really good thing.

So instead of making a lot of phone calls to these sun worshiping meccas, we thought to go to the RV world of fulltimers that do snowbirding and ask.

We appreciate any info you can provide to us, and will continue to look at the tons of info at this site for fulltimers and the challenges this offers.

Thanks!

the_bear_ii · Answer

Most RV Parks allow you to bring a golf cart. Some do restrict where you can use them inside the park. One park we stayed at would allow you to use the golf cart to go outside the park and back in directly to or from your site but not joyride around the park. Another resort would only allow electric golf carts.

Restrictions like these (as well as other restrictions) are usually dictated by the parks liability insurance company.

Instead of a golf cart we purchased two used mobility scooters. No restrictions on the use of these. Plus if she wants to go one way and I want to go someplace else we can...another advantage the mobility scooters come apart in 6 pieces so they are easy to carry.

techwriter · Answer

How old will you be when you retire?

sdianel_-acct_c · Answer

In our 7 years of full timing we have found that many RV campgrounds or parks don't allow motorized vehicles inside the park. There are exceptions but I wouldn't rely on that unless you checked specific parks. You can have a scooter or motorcycle to enter and leave the park only, not ride around. My husband had a Honda Ruckus and about 50% of the parks where we stayed would allow him to ride it inside the park. We sold it. In the winter in FL parks increase their rates, some doubling.  I would do some research on FL winter monthly rates and the cost of electricity is extra.  We full time in a Class A and do the opposite of snowbirding. We leave FL in the winter for cheaper places.  Remember that your trailer will have limited carrying capacity due to weight.  Perhaps a fifth wheel toy hauler would be a better choice. They usually have more storage and seem more like a home.

wmgoat · Answer

TechWriter wrote:How old will you be when you retire?Between 68 and 71, depending on when my spouse decides to retire.  Ill still try to work remotely 6-8 months out of each year.

wmgoat · Answer

sdianel wrote:In our 7 years of full timing we have found that many RV campgrounds or parks don't allow motorized vehicles inside the park. There are exceptions but I wouldn't rely on that unless you checked specific parks. You can have a scooter or motorcycle to enter and leave the park only, not ride around. My husband had a Honda Ruckus and about 50% of the parks where we stayed would allow him to ride it inside the park. We sold it. In the winter in FL parks increase their rates, some doubling.  I would do some research on FL winter monthly rates and the cost of electricity is extra.  We full time in a Class A and do the opposite of snowbirding. We leave FL in the winter for cheaper places.  Remember that your trailer will have limited carrying capacity due to weight.  Perhaps a fifth wheel toy hauler would be a better choice. They usually have more storage and seem more like a home.We are leaning towards a 5th wheel toy hauler, but all depends on if we can indeed use our electric golf cart.  BTW, love your blog!  Great to see where you have been and what you have seen.

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