Full-time and don't/didn't like it?

lakeside013104 wrote:
Third year a 5 month trip to Alaska cut short when wife fell off the rear step of our TC, while we were 200 miles back into the bush. After this nightmare unfolded and we made it home, no more long trips for us.

I am not a full-timer, but considered it. When talking to friends about their experiences, a "fall" or worse was always their concern. One friend said, "you will eventually want a home base".

lakeside013104 wrote:
There is a big difference between RVing and Camping. Parked like sardines... No such dramma as this in the many private spots near lakes that we camp at now.

"Sardines"? Never. "Private spots near lakes" Yes!

Then there are those who try to jump right into FT living. BIG mistake.

Back in 2006 we met a couple, just retired, sold their house, bought a 3500 dually & a 5er that had a $110,000 MSRP sticker on it. They were going to FT. They had never so much as had a popup before or a rental & they were going to jump right into a very nice 34' 5er.

They took delivery of the truck & trailer in March 2006. September 2006, they wanted OUT. This was not the lifestyle for them.

After 3 months, & price drops, they finally sold truck (16,000 miles) & trailer combined for $85,000.

Very expensive lesson learned.

Some of us try it for the adventure of it, and due to the necessity of it. We fulltimed for 3-1/2 years, in a special-ordered 40 ft Dutch Star/Spartan. We knew that at some point we would be going back to a brick house. People have told us that we didn't totally commit to it. That's TRUE. But now, we have more options on where we live. We prefer mild winters. And, we don't have to fly in "petri" dishes.

C Schomer wrote:
We tried 2 1/2 - 3 months in the Phx area for the last 3 years. We lived there for 13 years and we have plenty of friends but we're always anxious to get back home. Its hard to beat 5 acres, all the tools, toys and craft stuff AND shooting in the back yard! We're going to try 1-1/2 month, next winter. Craig

Almost a duplicate for us. Retired at 10:30 AM on the road at 11:00 the first year with our 40' 5er, went to FL. & AZ and after 5 months, back home. Next year reserved 3 months in FL. at a very nice site on an alligator filled mud puddle, after three weeks, wife was homesick for our home on a crystal clear lake in Northern Maine. Third year a 5 month trip to Alaska cut short when wife fell off the rear step of our TC, while we were 200 miles back into the bush. After this nightmare unfolded and we made it home, no more long trips for us. We still love to CAMP in secluded spots near home with friends who enjoy doing the same hobbies as fishing, hiking, and sharing each other's company & conversations around a campfire. No rules to follow other than to appreciate Mother nature's beauty and respect the land.

There is a big difference between RVing and Camping. Parked like sardines next to strangers who invest no time with their neighbors because you are a transient and will be gone shortly. Listening to neighbors fight and scream at each other and at their unruly pets is not something the DW and I wish to repeat. Rules of some campgrounds we visited applied only to transient travelers and not to folks that own their lots. No such dramma as this in the many private spots near lakes that we camp at now. No stress while traveling other than to avoid the moose and deer that often show themselves.

Each to their own. No full timing for us. No more RVing in crowded campgrounds with neighbors who will not speak or wave in a passing friendly manner. Now we Camp as often as time allows and truly enjoy the beauty around us.

Lakeside

We tried 2 1/2 - 3 months in the Phx area for the last 3 years. We lived there for 13 years and we have plenty of friends but we're always anxious to get back home. Its hard to beat 5 acres, all the tools, toys and craft stuff AND shooting in the back yard! We're going to try 1-1/2 month, next winter. Craig

Over six years of full-timing, we've met a few people who decided it wasn't for them. Most people who do that do so in the first year or so.

One of our best friends decided after three years, that though they loved being on the road, the needed to be 'home' to help with the grandchildren. Felt they were missing too much of them growing up.

We also know quite a few folks who have 'aged out' of the full-time lifestyle, or been forced out for medical reasons.

But I'm met only one or two that regretted the decision to go full-time after coming off the road.

I retired at 57 and we started traveling 4 to 6 weeks at a time. We have been doing that for 8 years and until this year it has worked great for us. At about 5 weeks we start looking forward to getting home. We love traveling but it is nice to know that we have an an base to go back to. We also have so many interest that we love doing and that makes taking everything with us impossible.
Next year we are thinking about snowbirding for 6 weeks if things around here ever get back to almost normal.

Were still working 40 but our plans is to keep a S&B home and use it as a launch off point for extended trips. We see no appeal for full timing, subject to change of course.

Mike

gbopp wrote:
There's a reason not everyone has a tattoo.

X2

2oldman wrote:

Bumpyroad wrote:
I think those who sell their house, an increasing asset, spend it all on a RV with none set back for the future, can find them in trouble when they have to sell their RV, a decreasing asset, to buy a home.

You'd have to be near brain-dead to do anything that rash.

Sign me up as brain dead. I have been full time for 10 years this coming August and wouldn't have it any other way. I volunteer with 2 other full timers one of which has been at it a little longer than me and one is brand new this year.