Hi,
I started out with a 1975 F-350 supercab and camper. Later I upgraded the camper, and then to a 27' classC. This was followed by a brand new 1997 Ford based 30' Fleetwood Bounder. In 2006, I started full timing in the Bounder.
I also did not have major repair problems on a trip. Though I did have two blowouts in the 16+ years in the motorhome. I also had a slow leak, that required replacing two of the rear tires once, but not a 'flat' so to speak, we discovered the problem at a rest stop, while walking our dogs.
Sure the roof leaked at 16 years old, and I just recoated it last summer. But that coating should last many years, it is pretty thick.
My awnings have aluminum covers, and still look like new last time I opened them. The 460" V8 engine still runs like a champ at 50,000 miles and 18 years old. Never had a transmission problem, though I changed the fluid often. Someday I need to replace the fuel sendor and replace the fuel pump, but that requires dropping the tank, and I don't want to do that now, so it can wait.
I figure that I saved a LOT of money while I was living in the RV, and staying in BLM land, that is free, or very low cost. I never spent more than $200 a month on campground fees. Some months I probably did spend $200 on gas. Yearly insurance runs about $1,000.
So the several hundred that I spent on the RV each month is much less than getting a studio apartment in San Diego, at $800 a month + 75 for electric, and perhaps more if you have a gas bill too!
I have a 400 watt solar system on the RV, and direct TV at my sister's home, where I was able to take a receiver, and put that in my RV, and use it there.
Living in a RV can cost around $500 a month if you are careful with your RV parking locations, and perhaps like to dry camp! I love dry camping, especially if near a lake or creek, or overlooking a canyon someplace! The big trees in Sequoia NP, or other scenic places.
Check out
FreeCampgrounds.com They list many places to go camping, many are less than $10 a night.
The way I planned it was about 2 weeks dry camping, followed by a night in a RV park where I could do laundry. Or find a laundrymat while out sightseeing and then come back with my 3 baskets of clothes. I would use the front load machines, and they lock once you start them. I could go to a nearby grocery store, and be back before they finish. Then put everything into 4 large gas dryers, and be done with 2 weeks of laundry in 3 hours! I think that is pretty good - compared to washing days at home - now in my sticks and bricks home.
Yes there are many stories of people living in their RV's and changing the scenery every week! I liked that, being able to find new neighbors when I wanted too. Meet my nephew in Zion NP, just because I could! (well it is very pretty too). . .
There are several great posts on if a motorhome or fifth wheel is better for full timing. That was always my delema too. Fifth wheels are great for huge interior space, but not as easy to park in a city for a few hours rest. I can park near a city park, put down the jacks, and go to bed. I have plenty of battery power, and do not require starting the generator to make coffee. Normally I would cook on the stove, or use the oven.
I have a 4 wheel down towed car - Ford Edge. It is kinda heavy, but I was living in a area with snow, and all wheel drive was a consideration when I bought the Edge. It is one of the safest cars on the road, and does great in the snow too!
The fifth wheel would be nice when dry camping, and parked in one location for a while. But towing into a gas station - well I am OK with the motorhome and car, but don't know about truck and trailer. If you drive a diesel pickup, it will have a 30 gallon fuel tank, and at 9 MPG, that is only about 200 miles range with 1/4 tank in reserve. My 'plan' was to buy a F-450 with a standard rear 40 gallon tank, and install a 53 gallon aftermarket tank, giving a 500+ mile range, and I could fill it while the trailer is in the campground, and I am out sightseeing, or eating dinner or something.
Good luck,
Fred.
