My Plans Have Been Wrecked
My plan to retire in September, 2018 and live in an RV full-time is being re-evaluated. My plan was that when my auto lease was up in August, 2018 I could lease a big new tow vehicle (maybe an F-350)...
Forum Discussion
Just something to consider in reference to a Motorhome versus a trailer...
A motorhome requires you to have a second motor vehicle, which requires tax, tags, maintenance and insurance. If you are planning to park and stay for extended periods of time at each location, you are paying for the engine to just sit there unused for long periods of time. Extended non-use isn't great for an engine. But, there are lots of motorhomes that are built as extended use campers.
A travel trailer is the easiest to get into, doesn't require a specific type of vehicle or specific type of hitch. They tend to be smaller, have less storage and aren't designed for extended use. There are some that are bigger, some with great storage, and some that are meant for full time living... but not many.
A 5th wheel is my preferred option for full time living. There are many makes/models that are designed for full time living. The interior is designed to handle daily living, they have better floorplans for living, they tend to have more storage. You need a pickup truck to pull them, but then you only have ONE engine to maintain.
If I was in your shoes, I would buy a nice 1 ton truck now and use it as a commuter for the next 8.5 months and then take it full timing. They really aren't that much bigger or more difficult to drive. That way you only have to buy one vehicle that you were planning on buying anyways, and you can hopefully fully through with your original plan in 8.5 months.
Good luck, hope the time flies and you thoroughly enjoy retirement!
A motorhome requires you to have a second motor vehicle, which requires tax, tags, maintenance and insurance. If you are planning to park and stay for extended periods of time at each location, you are paying for the engine to just sit there unused for long periods of time. Extended non-use isn't great for an engine. But, there are lots of motorhomes that are built as extended use campers.
A travel trailer is the easiest to get into, doesn't require a specific type of vehicle or specific type of hitch. They tend to be smaller, have less storage and aren't designed for extended use. There are some that are bigger, some with great storage, and some that are meant for full time living... but not many.
A 5th wheel is my preferred option for full time living. There are many makes/models that are designed for full time living. The interior is designed to handle daily living, they have better floorplans for living, they tend to have more storage. You need a pickup truck to pull them, but then you only have ONE engine to maintain.
If I was in your shoes, I would buy a nice 1 ton truck now and use it as a commuter for the next 8.5 months and then take it full timing. They really aren't that much bigger or more difficult to drive. That way you only have to buy one vehicle that you were planning on buying anyways, and you can hopefully fully through with your original plan in 8.5 months.
Good luck, hope the time flies and you thoroughly enjoy retirement!
