Contemplating full time RV living- need advice

[misshaberdasher]

Hello!
I'm a 24 year old woman that has been considering leaving my apartment behind for a full time RV living. I've compiled a list of pros and cons as far as I'm aware of, and I'm not intending to jump in to this with both feet without tons of research. As far as why I'm so eager about this, despite not having much experience in this world, is that I'm antsy, always on the move, and with my job being 45 minutes away from me, this will make life a lot easier. I can camp on the weekends in the mountains and move around with my job. On top of that, I'm gluten and dairy free, so this will make road trips a LOT less stressful. And if I ever feel like moving out of state, it won't be a huge ordeal with apartment hunting and moving. I just want that freedom of being able to move everywhere yet be home at all times. I just had a few questions, before I move forward with this...

1. It's just going to be me and my cat. What are camping grounds or RV places like, as far as people go (of course, this is different with every region but for the most part - are people generally friendly?)
2. Does cost almost balance out when comparing RVing full time and apartment living?
3. What should I look for in an RV? I live by mountains, so, winterizing for sure... what else is there?
4. What questions/answers should I be asking/expecting at any time I look at an RV? Things to look out for as far as performance, durability, etc.
4. Any general words of advice for me?

I've recently found a 1996 Safari Trek Pathmaker diesel for sale at about 15k, and I was hoping to get it before someone else does. Unless, of course, it just doesn't work out.

[I_am_still_wayn]

From the outside looking in, living in a RV seems simple, fun, and cheap. The reality is it most often is none of that. RV's are often very complicated with many different systems that require a lot of knowledge to maintain. To compound this, too many RV's are manufactured poorly with cheap components thus requiring more maintenance. Also, many of the "technicians" at RV dealers are inept. Rving can be fun, but it is also work with a substantial learning curve. Attempting to live in one full time in extreme climates is fool hearty at best. To own and maintain a RV correctly, you either need to be real handy with tools and fixing things, or real handy with your check book.

[littlemo]

I can't tell you anything about the unit you're looking at but as far as "full timing", I say go for it. If you are careful and get a good RV you can live pretty cheaply, just you and your buddy. You will be eating the same food and your cat will be also so no added expense there. There are so many forest campgrounds and places to "boondock" in your area that you don't need to spend a lot of time in private RV parks. The key will be getting the best RV and considering the weight of your "toad", etc.
Go for it! Just get on this forum and read, read, read! Ask questions. These guys and gals have a lot of knowledge.

[edbehnke]

start visiting campgrounds and talk to people. living in an rv, in a campground, can be expensive. campgrounds around Denver can run over $1000 a month. so, ask questions and then ask the rvers with questions you are not asking.

an winter in an rv would be interesting at best. good luck.

[Golden_HVAC]

The Trek, is that the one on a 3.9L Izusu engine, with a overall width of only 90"? That Safari is about bottom of Safari line, so $15,000 might be a bit high for that RV. I am pretty sure it is a front engine diesel, so be sure you can put up with the engine noise while driving.

Do you plan on towing a car to commute back and forth to work? there are many cars that can be towed 4 wheels down.

Always remember that the RV is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. If they really wanted to get say $12,000, they will not ask - advertize it at $12,000, they will ask for $15,000 or $18,000. You can offer something like $10,000, and once you offer that much, you can not go lower amount, (unless you find a mechanical problem during a inspection.) So find out the low and high bluebook values before making a offer, and always make the offer contingent on the RV passing a mechanical inspection.

The RV inspection should include test firing the water heater, refrigerator, other things in the RV, testing all the lights, microwave, generator, and other items.

Check the motorhome performance. See if the fuel filter has any water in it. How full is the fuel tank? A tank left 1/2 full or less for more than a year can collect water vapor in it, and absorb a lot of water, contaminating the fuel.

Has the RV been stored for a long time? That can result in bad fuel, leaking seals, ect.

Trek is one of the better RV's to full time in where it can reach 10F overnight. I don't know if anyone really wants to camp in -10F weather to much.. The insulation is not so good. You might want to consider moving to New Mexico, Arizona, or some other warm location in the winter.

Also consider most Colorado campgrounds are closed before the temps stay at 30F in the daytime, and usually will not open until April or May, when it is possible to refill all the water lines without them freezing and breaking.

If you plan on saving money, then consider dry camping a lot more. With a couple large 100 - 150 watt solar panels, and a small 120 volt inverter (100 - 300 watt range for about $45) you can keep the battery full without running the generator a lot. If it runs on LP gas, it can go through a lot quickly.

Lucky you, Colorado gets great sun, especially once above 5,000' elevation, the sun is much brighter.

SunElec.com

Fred.

[WoodGlue]

Rent an RV and take a 4 - 5 day trip and see if you like it at all.

WoodGlue