Mulling over full-time RVing, with 2 cats

I have run the generator to keep my rig cool in situations like yours.

Thanks for your responses. It will take time to save for a used class-C anyway so I will be using the time to thoroughly investigate the costs and work involved in boondocking in an RV. I would want to make it as self-sufficient as possible (solar panels, etc.). The possibility exists that I could keep my RV in the parking lot at work, and just go off on my two-days-off each week exploring the region's state parks. :)

I just don't make enough for the houses/apartments in the area, and would rather avoid public housing. It's long been a dream to have my own place, but it's looking like the only realistic options are something like an RV or tiny house.

Four dogs in a converted cargo van???!!! My hat is off to that woman. It must be very hard, but she probably didn't have a lot of options.

~Qathe

anytime someone looks into rvs as a cheaper way to live, it sets off alarm bells for me. Rarely is living in an RV cheaper than the alternative in a given area. Most full time rvers will move around the country to be in the least expensive climate for a given season. i.e. south in the winter and north in the summer.

You say you would take your rv to work everyday. Where would you be taking it from? I'm assuming a campground. before looking at RV's, I suggest you price campgrounds in your area. Many times the cost of a campground plus the cost of daily commuting in a vehicle with poor gas mileage turns out to be more than renting an apartment. When pricing campgrounds, don't forget to factor in the cost of propane (lp gas) for heating in the winter. Heating an RV can be very expensive.

Not saying this can't work for you but heating and cooling goes far beyond just having the right thermostat. There has to be a power source hooked to that thermostat.

We spent four months last year next to a lady with four dogs living in a converted cargo van with a traditional window air conditioner cut into the side of the van with an extension cord running out to the campground electric hookup. No plumbing so she was dependent upon the campground restrooms and showers as well as laundry. So I know it can be done.

We camp with our cat all the time. Actually, over the years, we've had all kinds of animals, including a pet chicken. But of all the pets, cats are the most resilient. (They have 9 lives for a reason you know). But still, even with that, cats have their limitations.

Traveling with them is no problem. Keeping them inside the camper is no problem. Feeding and litter box is no problem. Cold is no problem. But heat is something else. Being in one of the Southern States, you'd definitely need to keep an air conditioner running. An RV (of any type) will turn into an oven very quick, especially in Georgia heat!

If you can overcome the heat with adequate air-conditioning, the cats will be just fine. So, you'll need to be camped somewhere that provides electricity.

When you factor in the cost of an RV, and a CLASS-C will require insurance to drive it on the road, and then cost of camp sites or places that will provide electricity, water, and sewage, you may find living in an apartment is cheaper. To live cheap in an RV takes a lot of strategy and means, usually very limited or no hook-ups.

Good luck in your endeavors. Remember: Where there is a "will", there is a "way"!