Hello everyone. We are a couple in our early 30s looking to make the switch to full-timers in the next 6 months or so. We just sold our house and we've been adopting a pretty minimalist lifestyle lately. Naturally, living in an RV full time seemed like the perfect fit. We are avid backpackers and mountain bikers, and we want to be able to explore more of this great country, and an RV should help us do just that. Currently we're in the planning stages and we're thinking of building a skoolie so we can have our RV just the way we want it. That being said, we're open to ideas and suggestions.

Here's a wish list for our dream RV:- rear garage (or at least a side garage) - this is a MUST to keep our 2 mountain bikes safe, secure, and out of the way.- reliable, strong, low maintenance drivetrain (we can dream)- low rust- able to cruise at 65-70mph comfortably- ground clearance is a plus, since we travel on a lot of dirt roadsplans:- 4,000 lb 4x4 toad- no blackwater tank, we will use a composting toilet- lots of solar panels and batteries- induction burner and solar oven for cooking (no propane stove, over, or microwave needed)- heavily insulated- small fridge, we don't need a full size fridgeideas that are still up in the air:- propane free?- wood burning stove?- length? 32-35 feet seems ideal- diesel hydronics heater?- build a school bus up?We have never owned an RV before, so it's a big step for us. We're doing the best we can to research and try stuff out, but we'll be browsing the forums hard and we are more than open to your suggestions and input.

Steve is an Instructional Designer and eLearning specialist, with a lot of video production experience as well, so expect to see lots of videos of our learnings. Tess is a hair stylist and has a true eye for art.The first step to educate ourselves was to rent an RV for a few days, and this is what followed...Noobie RV Rental Experience Day 1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEV4rfnGIKkNoobie RV Rental Experience Day 2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9KcPIMGOYENoobie RV Rental Experience Day 3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph7FlGqRWh8

Identify where you want your home address to be, for taxes, licenses, mail (that you would forward somewhere), prescriptions, etc. If you buy a RV with a loan, the interest is a home write off (I can provide the publication and page if you need it) also if you will be working out of it there could could be many more tax advantages if you want to keep track of it. Go to a Tax accountant and check your scenario out.There will be many that can provided services for mail in this chain.

We need to have a sticky for this kind of question.

2oldman wrote:We need to have a sticky for this kind of question.X2

Getting ready to take the plunge into full-time RVing

themoreweexplor
Explorer
Feb 13, 2016
We finally decided on a trailer: a 2010 Airstream Flying Cloud 30. We couldn't be happier.

The day we picked it up was an EXCITING day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mszsvyW7QI8
revump
Explorer
Oct 06, 2015
WE have enjoyed the last 4 years ... we have a 40ft Alfa and love it
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Oct 05, 2015
We've done a bit of shopping, and we're finding that the 5th wheels tend to be built better for full-timing than the bumper pulls, which makes sense. We're looking for the sturdiest bumper pull trailer we can find. We've heard good things about Nash, Arctic Fox, and Bigfoot. Next step is going out and seeing these models in person.
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Sep 11, 2015
We have purchased a van, and we'll be getting a travel trailer in the next few months.
Dustytuu
Explorer
Sep 11, 2015
Before anyone think of converting a school bus, or something into an RV..... how many RV parks or resorts would let you park there? Even in an emergency?
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Sep 09, 2015
Thanks indycamp, we will have to pick your brains, as there's a lot to learn.
IndyCamp
Explorer
Sep 09, 2015
I've been following your videos and want to say congrats on your van purchase and your travels. :C

We're around your age and full-timing is going to wait until retirement, but best of luck and safe travels!
trail-explorer
Explorer
Sep 05, 2015
Old school buses are generally "retired" for a reason - because they are getting to the point of being maintenance nightmares, so that's something to keep in mind.
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Aug 28, 2015
We found a van and I think it's going to be perfect for our adventures.

Grand Tetons Trip Video
themoreweexplor
Explorer
Aug 02, 2015
Very good feedback Geocritter, thanks for posting that. It sounds like we have similar mindsets. After checking out some airstreams, we think we've finally settled on an RV solution for us.

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