Thinking of full timing? Good or bad idea?
I have been recently thinking of buying a nice class A RV and living in it full time instead of apartment living. I figure why pay rent when I can just make a rv payment and I can go any where I want ...
Forum Discussion
It's nice to read some helpful answers to the OP's question rather than the snarky comments! :)
'Tatest' gave a great overview to some of your questions.
Yes, it does feel like an apartment. An RV has everything you might need. You just have to get used to a smaller space and not be a 'saver' of stuff. We full-timed for 16 years and traveled constantly. However, we were retired when we started and saved our money over the working years so that we were able to do it carefree. It's a big difference rather than being young and having limited savings. You'll use it up fast.
Yes, you can find many free spots, especially in the west on BLM land or in national forests. However, there are regulations on where you can park. You also cannot 'camp' on Wal Mart parking lots or any other business. When you see folks doing so, they're doing it for a quick overnight before moving on. Also, you can't just dump your wastewater on the ground wherever you are. You would have to drive somewhere to dump it properly and there are web sites that have an extensive list for doing so. You could also move to a RV park every so often to dump your tanks, refill with water, vacuum, etc. using the electric, etc.
I think the first thing you need to think about is a job. How will you earn money to travel? Fuel? Repairs? Especially if you plan to travel...will your job allow this?
You asked about being pulled over on the highways often. I'm not sure what you meant. There's no reason to be pulled over unless you've done something wrong - just like in a car.
You stated a motorhome for your use....if you get a very small length Class A motorhome or Class B or C (Google this to see what I'm talking about), then yes, all you might need is a motorhome for getting around. However, it would be extremely helpful to tow a car behind the motorhome to go to work, shopping, siteseeing, etc.
If you bought a travel trailer or 5th wheel, you'd need a truck to pull it but then you'd have a separate vehicle for getting around.
There's a lot to think about before doing this big step, especially if you're young. Check out the full-timer's forum on this site and read, read, read.
Many young folks now full-time and work from the road. It can be done. Google this, too, to hook you up with young bloggers who RV and read about their daily life. Good luck in whatever you choose.
'Tatest' gave a great overview to some of your questions.
Yes, it does feel like an apartment. An RV has everything you might need. You just have to get used to a smaller space and not be a 'saver' of stuff. We full-timed for 16 years and traveled constantly. However, we were retired when we started and saved our money over the working years so that we were able to do it carefree. It's a big difference rather than being young and having limited savings. You'll use it up fast.
Yes, you can find many free spots, especially in the west on BLM land or in national forests. However, there are regulations on where you can park. You also cannot 'camp' on Wal Mart parking lots or any other business. When you see folks doing so, they're doing it for a quick overnight before moving on. Also, you can't just dump your wastewater on the ground wherever you are. You would have to drive somewhere to dump it properly and there are web sites that have an extensive list for doing so. You could also move to a RV park every so often to dump your tanks, refill with water, vacuum, etc. using the electric, etc.
I think the first thing you need to think about is a job. How will you earn money to travel? Fuel? Repairs? Especially if you plan to travel...will your job allow this?
You asked about being pulled over on the highways often. I'm not sure what you meant. There's no reason to be pulled over unless you've done something wrong - just like in a car.
You stated a motorhome for your use....if you get a very small length Class A motorhome or Class B or C (Google this to see what I'm talking about), then yes, all you might need is a motorhome for getting around. However, it would be extremely helpful to tow a car behind the motorhome to go to work, shopping, siteseeing, etc.
If you bought a travel trailer or 5th wheel, you'd need a truck to pull it but then you'd have a separate vehicle for getting around.
There's a lot to think about before doing this big step, especially if you're young. Check out the full-timer's forum on this site and read, read, read.
Many young folks now full-time and work from the road. It can be done. Google this, too, to hook you up with young bloggers who RV and read about their daily life. Good luck in whatever you choose.
