Hope to retire in May

[Ropdoc]

Hello all,

My wife and I hope to retire in May. We are looking at selling the old 5th wheel (Raptor 3712) and get the Forest River Cedar Creek Forest River 38CK Fifth Wheel. I am hoping to setup a tool slide in the front storage for my wood lathe and scroll saw, well thats the plan anyway. I am doing this to make money along the way. We are looking to buy property in West Virginia area. Get out of CA.

Any advice on the 38CK or retirement in a 5th wheel?

[DianneOK]

We had an 800# Kwikee slide installed at build time in our Teton

[Ropdoc]

johnwalkerpa1 wrote:
I am not sure how campgrounds and/or your fellow campers may react to you using power tools for your woodworking......could be a noise issue for some...

yea I thought about that. I loved the idea of setting up a cargo trailer as a shop. I've seen it done. Could try and sound proof it. But the Motorhomes are so much more expensive than the 5th wheel. I would have to check how loud the Lathe is and then ask before starting.

Does anyone know the name of the slide out racks for inside the lower storage? I've seen them for the freezers and stuff.

Dave

[johnwalkerpa1]

Ropdoc wrote:
Hello all,

My wife and I hope to retire in May. We are looking at selling the old 5th wheel (Raptor 3712) and get the Forest River Cedar Creek Forest River 38CK Fifth Wheel. I am hoping to setup a tool slide in the front storage for my wood lathe and scroll saw, well thats the plan anyway. I am doing this to make money along the way. We are looking to buy property in West Virginia area. Get out of CA.

Any advice on the 38CK or retirement in a 5th wheel?

No real advice but something to consider depending on where you are planning to stay along the way....I am not sure how campgrounds and/or your fellow campers may react to you using power tools for your woodworking......could be a noise issue for some...

[Ropdoc]

DianneOK wrote:
I suggest you get out there and see the "world" for a while....stay in different areas. If you find a place you think you want to settle, stay in every season first.

I think that is a great idea. I keep pushing my wife to do it. But she is worried about leaving her home. Me, I can't wait. There is so much to see and explore in this great land of ours.

We are close to getting all of our debt cleared. Right now it is down to the house a car, a truck and the trailer.

[DianneOK]

Dave I understand your frustrations with your birth state. We left CA as soon after retirement as was practical. We began our 9 year fulltiming adventure even before retirement.

CA drove us out as well. It took us 8 years to find our dream place. I suggest you get out there and see the "world" for a while....stay in different areas. If you find a place you think you want to settle, stay in every season first.

[Ropdoc]

RVUSA wrote:
Wow from Ca. to west by god virgina? Was it really that bad there? :B

If you are thinking of making money and are handy at the wood smithing, I would give a class A pulling a trailer with your wood shop in it too.

I was born here, but no longer my home. City gives me fines for stupid things like eves needing paint and moving of trash cans and other things. But does nothing about multiple families living in a single family home or other major issues.

I got a permitt to do landscaping work. Met the print perfectly then the city came back and told me I could not do what was on the drawings. This after I paid for the permit and work. I can go on and on. Don't get me started on the gang house that does who kows what with girls and boys. I just hate it here. So looking to buy a piece of land out of town to build and live what is left of my life.

We are also preparing for a ministry that as we travel we would go to different churches and teach them about small groups and the importance to the church and congregation.

I have a shop in my garage now. I am just learning about woodwork. Have a pen lathe for various project to gift as gifts and sell.

Thank you for your patience and time.
Dave

[hawkman541]

I know several people who make small wood projects and sell them on Amazon and Ebay. Its mostly a hobby, and not to make a living. One of my friends make a wooden game and makes a pretty good amount of money. Good luck

[HappyKayakers]

You might make a few bucks by making custom plaques at RV parks or shows. You know those cute ones that say "Cramalot Inn" or "Bill & Helen, Decatur, IL". Other than that, wait until you get to WV, then set up a permanent business.

BTW, in case you hadn't noticed May is less than 5 months away. If you 'hope' to retire by then, you're probably not ready to retire.

[RVUSA]

Wow from Ca. to west by god virgina? Was it really that bad there? :B

If you are thinking of making money and are handy at the wood smithing, I would give a class A pulling a trailer with your wood shop in it too.

[donn0128]

Cedar Creeks are great fivers. While the front compartment looks large when empty, believe me you will fill it up really fast with "stuff" once you get it home. I spend a weekend each spring trying to pare down all the stuff that accumulates in my storage bays.
If you really want to make money, like someone else said, keep working. On the road most people are lucky to make minimum wage and in reality most of us would prefer to volunteer camp host. At least we are not stuck for 3 or more months if you really dislike the place your at.

[campigloo]

I have never owned one, just seen them at the shows. Sweet rig. Hope you enjoy!

[K_Charles]

If you want to make money, don't quit working just find another job. If you want to retire, don't worry about money just go have fun.

[Scott16]

Congats on the retirement. You might try the workcamp route at campgrounds. A lot of people do it. Your specialty might come in handy. Just a suggestion for you. Best of luck down the road.
Scott

[Ropdoc]

Oh and any ideas of how to make money while on the road?

Thank you.