Anyone Full Time In A TC?

The best i have read on any forum about the life of a Full-timer on the road. Regardless what you FT in (A,B,C class, 5th Wheel, or TC).
As said before. Well said.
thank you,
Scott

bka0721 wrote:
. . . .
One of the great pleasures I have, out here on the road, is meeting many of the RV.net Forum members and the Overland Expo 2013 was a rare treat. I had expected a few enquiries of my activities and equipment, but only two people actually came over and did a look over and only one couple actually stepped into the TC. One of them was msiminoff, who literally climbed up and over my rig, paying particular attention to my Solar~Phase II, addition. The other was CoopTC, who was literally hours into owning a TC. I spent a lot of time, reviewing much of what I have learned, being on the road and wrote up a “cheat sheet” for them, of things that might make life easier, out on the road. Such as, a LED night light in the bathroom, for those middle of the night visits.

There was never a feeling of a lack of interest in what I was doing, by others attending, or what I have done to my TC, but more of a fact that I don’t typically share what upgrades or improvements that I have done. Because of this many are and continue to be unaware. The other, IMHO, factor is that the typical TC person attending the OX13 was a seasoned TC camper, equally comfortable being on the road and high level of experience. Come on, look over the names that attended and the level of knowledge there. For me, I was going around picking the brains of the attendees and taking lots of my own pictures. Plus, it is a lot like a Wedding, so many people to visit with and so little time. Plus, I was staying pretty busy, working for the Overland Expo organizers. This group is looking at more of a TC presence for the OX14.

You are right, about coming out of the closet, with my opinions and sharing of being out here on the road. The reality is, the sum of the people Fulltiming, in a TC, or contemplating it, are staying in a parking lot, due to a remote job, or campground with full hookups, very different than what I have done or am doing now/today. Thus, what do I bring/add` to the conversation/discussion?

The one subject the OP/Others lurking has not addressed or has been addressed, is the type of TC one would choose for themselves, to Fulltime in. That all depends what your choice of use. One of the best bit of advice I received, when putting my own project together (I wish I could remember who it was), was; “To be successful at Fulltiming surround yourself with the things that allowed you to be happy in your home.” Such as, if you like to knit or read, bring things to enable that. If you like to watch TV and hang out, install a Bat Antenna or Satellite Dish. If you like to eat out, limit your travel to allow places to eat out, or if you like to dine in, bring those pans and dishes that allow you to eat in your TC. (I miss being able to bake and prepare elaborate dinners, but have become very proficient with my Weber grills). The second, after being on the road, for a year, pull everything out of your TC/Truck and reevaluate why you would continue having this item, if you haven’t used it for the last year, then repeat the following year, and year.

Like many that visit a National Park, some come for the views, taking pictures, camping, staying in Cabins, riding horses, hiking, climbing the peaks and climbing the peaks with technical gear. Truck Camping is very much the same, we all have different desires and interests. Sadly, many will judge you here, if you are not going for the “E Ticket” ride and climb with technical gear. I don’t worry about it, as I can get farther afield than pretty much anyone on this Forum, including Jefe or Whazoo (with all due respect), did you know my TC is a Transformer ;). I am often judged by the Large TC and Truck I travel in. What many don’t know is that when I go to places like the Mojave Desert and Canyonlands, I can stay out there for two + months, when most need to go back Moab, to restock, after a week or two. While they are restocking, I am still out exploring the White Rim Trail and beyond. This is the type of Fulltiming I choose to do. It is all in the preparation and what you bring in your tool box.

b

Insightful and well said.
Thank you.

jefe 4x4 wrote:
Whoa! Bryan! You just came out of the closet. (CFTTC-closet-full-time-truck-camper)
I am really, really sorry I didn't spend more time with you at the OX in May. Your case is unique in the annals of TC-ing. One other (couple) had a blog a few years ago doing a similar trek as yourself, but they finally caved-in to comfort and got a mongo MoHo to live in. But, no one, I repeat, no one has put as few miles on the interstate as yourself and spent so much time on 'the road less traveled' as yourself.
Your mention of the tough first couple years reminded me of the comment a young looking helo pilot said to the few he was taking up to the Mendenhall
Glacier (yes, on a cruise a couple weeks ago). When told he looked too young to be piloting such an expensive helo, he replied, "Oh this is my second day flying this thing. Yesterday was my first day and it WAS a little rough."
Anyone living FT in a TC need absolutely NO external gratification to keep going.
Congrats, Bryan on your perseverance with your plan. You are an idol to many on here.
I hope your savvy advice sticks to anyone with aspirations of full-timing in a TC, or anyone thinking about part timing in a TC. All BR's (Bryan's Rules) still apply.
People! There is not a place on the internet that I have found such a succinct pile of FT info as above.
regards, as always, jefe

Thank you, jefe’, you are much too kind.

One of the great pleasures I have, out here on the road, is meeting many of the RV.net Forum members and the Overland Expo 2013 was a rare treat. I had expected a few enquiries of my activities and equipment, but only two people actually came over and did a look over and only one couple actually stepped into the TC. One of them was msiminoff, who literally climbed up and over my rig, paying particular attention to my Solar~Phase II, addition. The other was CoopTC, who was literally hours into owning a TC. I spent a lot of time, reviewing much of what I have learned, being on the road and wrote up a “cheat sheet” for them, of things that might make life easier, out on the road. Such as, a LED night light in the bathroom, for those middle of the night visits.

There was never a feeling of a lack of interest in what I was doing, by others attending, or what I have done to my TC, but more of a fact that I don’t typically share what upgrades or improvements that I have done. Because of this many are and continue to be unaware. The other, IMHO, factor is that the typical TC person attending the OX13 was a seasoned TC camper, equally comfortable being on the road and high level of experience. Come on, look over the names that attended and the level of knowledge there. For me, I was going around picking the brains of the attendees and taking lots of my own pictures. Plus, it is a lot like a Wedding, so many people to visit with and so little time. Plus, I was staying pretty busy, working for the Overland Expo organizers. This group is looking at more of a TC presence for the OX14.

You are right, about coming out of the closet, with my opinions and sharing of being out here on the road. The reality is, the sum of the people Fulltiming, in a TC, or contemplating it, are staying in a parking lot, due to a remote job, or campground with full hookups, very different than what I have done or am doing now/today. Thus, what do I bring/add` to the conversation/discussion?

The one subject the OP/Others lurking has not addressed or has been addressed, is the type of TC one would choose for themselves, to Fulltime in. That all depends what your choice of use. One of the best bit of advice I received, when putting my own project together (I wish I could remember who it was), was; “To be successful at Fulltiming surround yourself with the things that allowed you to be happy in your home.” Such as, if you like to knit or read, bring things to enable that. If you like to watch TV and hang out, install a Bat Antenna or Satellite Dish. If you like to eat out, limit your travel to allow places to eat out, or if you like to dine in, bring those pans and dishes that allow you to eat in your TC. (I miss being able to bake and prepare elaborate dinners, but have become very proficient with my Weber grills). The second, after being on the road, for a year, pull everything out of your TC/Truck and reevaluate why you would continue having this item, if you haven’t used it for the last year, then repeat the following year, and year.

Like many that visit a National Park, some come for the views, taking pictures, camping, staying in Cabins, riding horses, hiking, climbing the peaks and climbing the peaks with technical gear. Truck Camping is very much the same, we all have different desires and interests. Sadly, many will judge you here, if you are not going for the “E Ticket” ride and climb with technical gear. I don’t worry about it, as I can get farther afield than pretty much anyone on this Forum, including Jefe or Whazoo (with all due respect), did you know my TC is a Transformer ;). I am often judged by the Large TC and Truck I travel in. What many don’t know is that when I go to places like the Mojave Desert and Canyonlands, I can stay out there for two + months, when most need to go back Moab, to restock, after a week or two. While they are restocking, I am still out exploring the White Rim Trail and beyond. This is the type of Fulltiming I choose to do. It is all in the preparation and what you bring in your tool box.

b

Photomike wrote:
bka0721 some great points.

One thing that I always caution people is that if you own a house or condo and are thinking about hitting the road DO NOT SELL till at least a couple years into the adventure. I have heard from a few people that have sold houses that were paid for and now are regretting it as they found out that the new "lifestyle" was not worth it. Better to rent out or even just leave the place locked up for a while till you figure things out.

This is sage advice. (and thanks, Mike)

Or, if it is time for you to downsize and you are not sure what the next steps are going to be and going out on the road, in an RV, could be the perfect time to provide some reflection. Then, yes, sell the house/condo.

The latter point, was the path I took. My kids were grown, college was done and grandkids are on the ground and running. Their lives are so busy And I was not seeing them that often anyway, so it was time to go. The time they meet me out on the road is just, well, spectacular.

I put everything in storage and every 12 to 14 months I travel through my former home area and am slowly cleaning out the storage. I just don’t want to be 10 years down the road, with $20,000 worth of storage fees, for $6,000 worth of stuff, furniture and cars.
Having a plan to start getting on the road and an exit plan, for getting off the road, is a good way to begin your new life on the road.

Yes, don’t sell the home, or cut all ties until you really know for sure if this is the lifestyle that best works for BOTH of you. Don't be surprised if it takes a coup,e of years to come to this decision.

b

bka0721 some great points.

One thing that I always caution people is that if you own a house or condo and are thinking about hitting the road DO NOT SELL till at least a couple years into the adventure. I have heard from a few people that have sold houses that were paid for and now are regretting it as they found out that the new "lifestyle" was not worth it. Better to rent out or even just leave the place locked up for a while till you figure things out.

Whoa! Bryan! You just came out of the closet. (CFTTC-closet-full-time-truck-camper)
I am really, really sorry I didn't spend more time with you at the OX in May. Your case is unique in the annals of TC-ing. One other (couple) had a blog a few years ago doing a similar trek as yourself, but they finally caved-in to comfort and got a mongo MoHo to live in. But, no one, I repeat, no one has put as few miles on the interstate as yourself and spent so much time on 'the road less traveled' as yourself.
Your mention of the tough first couple years reminded me of the comment a young looking helo pilot said to the few he was taking up to the Mendenhall
Glacier (yes, on a cruise a couple weeks ago). When told he looked too young to be piloting such an expensive helo, he replied, "Oh this is my second day flying this thing. Yesterday was my first day and it WAS a little rough."
Anyone living FT in a TC need absolutely NO external gratification to keep going.
Congrats, Bryan on your perseverance with your plan. You are an idol to many on here.
I hope your savvy advice sticks to anyone with aspirations of full-timing in a TC, or anyone thinking about part timing in a TC. All BR's (Bryan's Rules) still apply.
People! There is not a place on the internet that I have found such a succinct pile of FT info as above.
regards, as always, jefe

I tend to avoid posts about Fulltiming, because most are not Fulltiming, or planning to Fulltime anywhere close to how I Fulltime. So most of my suggestions would not be relevant and that might be the case for you too. For full disclosure, I just began my 5th year, Fulltiming in a Lance 1191 Truck Camper. I average 10 to 12 nights a year, backpacking and staying in a tent. The remaining nights are all in my Truck Camper. I don't stay in towns, I don't stay in Wal-Mart Parking lots or campgrounds. In fact, I don't even plug into electricity and haven't for a number years. That said, I did stay in a campground dry camping in Death Valley in February of 2012 and 4 days dry camping in Lost Dutchman State Park (AZ) this April. In 2012 I was on an interstate highway, once. This was the stretch between Boise and Mountain Home, ID. Also in 2012 I traveled from Oregon, through California, to the Mexican border, back to Oregon, through Yellowstone, Colorado to central New Mexico, by New Years Eve. Again in 2013, I haven't been on an Interstate Highway, starting 2013 in New Mexico, traveling through West Texas, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and still not on an Interstate Highway. For the remainder of 2013, I don't see any Interstates Highways either. While many Truck Campers go for weeks, I go a few months without taking the truck into town, or filling up water, propane or diesel. So it is described that I am a Xtreme Boondocker/Fulltimer. I filled up my propane once this year.

So I would be interested in knowing what you really mean about Fulltiming, in that are you going to stay in a campground, in and around a central location or are you going to travel and move around? All of these have different levels of complexities. Truck Camper Magazine featured a Truck Camping couple that have a 5th Wheel, on their own land in Texas, that they stay in and leave for trips/vacations in their Truck Camper. While they are Fulltimers, they are not Full Timers in a Truck Camper. Another Fulltimer lives in a Truck Camper, stationed in a Campground, with full hook ups and ventures out on trips in his Truck Camper. He is a Fulltimer, in a Campground, with Hookups. Another Truck Camper couple, in Truck Camper Magazine, has sold all of their properties and belongings and have gone out onto the road, traveling around with different locations to camp. This is probably the best example of a Fulltiming Truck Camper. All of these people are sharing the part that they left their previous life behind, with no ties to anything. No rent, no Mortgage, no lawns to mow, no property taxes to pay. It doesn't matter how many people give you advice, on going Fulltime, whether they are going out for the summer, or 5 months in a Truck Camper, or worked on the weekends with their families at home, it is not the same. To me it is like someone telling you about Ford trucks when they have never owned one. To live it, it is the deciding factor. For me, it hit me when I drove south out of Yellowstone and for the first time in 35 years of visiting that park, I didn't turn southeast, where I use to live in Colorado, but turned west towards the Pacific Coast. It was then I knew that my life had changed and I didn't have that familiar world to return too. You need to ask yourself that question and ask your wife that same question, are you ready for your world, as you have known it, to forever change? While there is nothing wrong in trying something new and then deciding it is not for you. But the thing is, once you cut the string, sale the house, car, boat and wave goodbye to your kids and friends, it changes. This why I advised earlier, I don't advise you to go Fulltiming in a Truck Camper. For me, I like not being around people and not talking to anybody for weeks at a time and discovering new things like where is the nearest NAPA or Home Depot Store, I do miss bookstores. Three things I didn't plan for, when I started my Adventure in June of 2009; (1.) How important electricity is for ME. I foolishly thought a couple of batteries and a generator would be all I needed (I added Solar 2 years into my Adventure). (2.) How I thought traveling around and seeing things would satisfy me. The reality is that I enjoy getting into an area and exploring, for weeks on end. Maybe only moving 3 times in a month. (3.) I thought seeing new people and new places would be exciting and satisfying, when in reality I discovered one thing I never even imagined, I missed Familiarity. I miss the fact that I don't see a familiar face, for months and months. I now make more of an effort to contact people along my route or have friends meet me out on the road. Usually this is someplace equally interesting whether it is a family member or long time friend, with an occasional visit of a RV.net poster. OP, put some thought into what you want out of this change of life. Are you prepared for finding electricity (Public Libraries, behind the outside Pop Machines at Wal-Marts at 3 AM in the morning, to run your laptop)? Are you prepared to find potable water and where are you going to dump your Gray and Black tanks? How long can you go on your propane tanks and stay warm when the winter sets in and you have day after day of below freezing temperatures? Are you prepared for the condensation and mold that develops inside a Truck Camper (Even more when you have extra people and a dog) in cold weather and pulling all your clothes and perishables out of cabinets and keep them from growing mold on them? Yes, OP, you have a lot on your plate and it will take time for you to sort all of this out. This is very different than just driving home, parking the truck and camper and just dealing with it, the next weekend. What are you going to do for aux vehicle? Are you going to be using your camper to pilot you two around to see all the things to see?

If you still answer yes, that this is going to be a choice, Fulltiming, keep this forum bookmarked on your computer and come here often, to ask questions.

Good luck and happy camping. Oh, yeah. I have no plans on stopping now and will continue to Fulltime in my Truck Camper. But I do admit, the first 2 years were difficult, looking back.

Final parting comment, and it is a cliche'; "If mom's not happy, no one is happy! "

b

We (wife, myself, and 40lb dog) have been living full time in a hard side truck camper (95 Lance 900) since March of this year, we were in an apartment for 6 months before this, and we lived in a pop up truck camper for 2 years before that. We choose the lifestyle to save money. We have a ton of student loan debt and are trying to pay it off ASAP. We are stuck in the city, and refuse to pay to camp, so we stay at Walmart and other places.

We hated having the apartment and so much stuff. Heck, we feel overloaded with stuff still! Our current 11'3" camper is just too large, we don't need or want So much space. We are actively looking for a smaller unit, with fewer options. Perhaps we'll even get a van or small class B.

We couldn't be happier! Living in our camper is awesome.

We ran into a couple last year at a campground that were full timing in their new Lance 1191 single slide. They had sold everything, and were about 3 months into their full time lifestyle. So far, they were happy. I remarked to my wife that it would be interesting to talk to these same folks a year from now to see how things are going. Three months is one thing, 3 years is another.

funny but I work out of mine all the time, no slides, face each other dinette. When I want to stretch out the lance dinette drops to cushion level in seconds, I pull the cushions together grab the pillows off the bed and I now have a very nice 6 foot couch to stretch out on.