โAug-11-2015 07:19 PM
โAug-13-2015 10:05 AM
โAug-12-2015 07:48 PM
โAug-12-2015 02:00 PM
2gypsies wrote:2112 wrote:
Join Escapees. They can be great help.
www.escapees.com
Escapees is good for information but their home-owned parks and co-ops would not be for families.
โAug-12-2015 11:57 AM
2112 wrote:
Join Escapees. They can be great help.
www.escapees.com
โAug-12-2015 06:37 AM
โAug-12-2015 04:36 AM
โAug-12-2015 04:19 AM
arhayes wrote:
You'll get better info if you give us a little better idea of your travel plans. Are you focusing on one area of the country, how often you plan to move, etc. We are retired and been full timing for one year in a 43' Toy Hauler in which we carry out Goldwing motorcycle. We put 11,000 miles on last year, so fuel is an expense. Because of our rig size, we can rarely stay at state or nat'l parks. We have used various RV parks and resorts and our monthly expense with electric/water/sewer has been between 450 - $1100 per month. You'll often pay more for pull-thru sites or the premium sites it may take to comfortably accommodate your rig and family. If you can stay somewhere long enough to get a monthly rate, you can save some money and we did that when we wintered in south Alabama and central Florida this past winter. If you are somewhere that'll require you to use your furnace you can expect propane expenses to run quite a bit - up to $100 or more a month. We rarely need it but don't want to be in cold climates.
I cannot imagine 7 folks in one rig, but that's up to ya'll. As already stated, a TH will probably work better, BUT they are heavier by design and will increase the vehicle type and operating expenses for it. Ours has just 1 bathroom? But they have 2 bathroom models and Grand Design are rated for full-time use. As far as safety, we have never had an issue but do not stay in rough areas either. For the most part the RV community is friendly and helpful to each other. Of course we don't have kiddos with us to worry about.
Keep in mind that there will be monthly and annual maintenance to do on the rig and most things are not real inexpensive. The more you can do yourself, the more you'll be able to save. If you're handy with tools that'll be a money saver for you. Hope this helps.
โAug-12-2015 04:15 AM
soos wrote:
Check out this blog This couple and their 6 kids full time for a year or so seeing the country.
Kinsa's Blog
I believe they bought a Toy hauler with a loft bed.
โAug-12-2015 04:13 AM
coolmom42 wrote:
Check out national parks, national forests, & state parks for reasonably priced spots. If you want max flexibility, install enough solar and/or generator to allow you to go without electric plug-in for at least a week at a time. You would get payback pretty fast.
Make sure you switch to LED lighting if it's not in the RV you buy. That will save a ton of electricity.
Do your reading on here to educate yourself before you jump in. Go to RV shows and check out the options in RVs.
I think it's a great idea for a family!
โAug-12-2015 04:11 AM
1. What kind of weather do want to RV in?
2. Weather will determine geographical areas for raving
3. How old and how big are your kids? This answer will help narrow down the choices of RV choices
4. How are you going to school the kids?
5. Go on the good Sam RV web site and you get all the Information you need about RV parks i.e. Costs, location maps, amenities etc. Also buy the Good Sam RV
Park directory.
6. Have you worked out your medical plans for the family, financial
Banking plan to pay bills, getting your mail
7. Look at a Emergecy Roadside service plan ie Good Sam, Good Sam Travel assistance plan for medical emergencies if you are unable to drive your home(where ever that might be.
โAug-11-2015 10:37 PM
โAug-11-2015 10:34 PM
elhajj33 wrote:
Hi all,
My first post in the forums (be gentle if i break any social rules) ๐ My wife and I, and our 5 kids are seriously considering full timing. I've been reading the forums for a while and finally decided to post for the first time with some questions. Here goes:
1. 5th Wheels to buy. We're wondering what the "Chevys" and "Cadillacs" of 5th wheelers are? We really like the 2015 coachmen brookestone, but we've also looked at a 2013 Keystone Raptor today that was pretty posh. For us, the bigger the better and the TV will most likely be a Ford f-350. but we're wondering who makes the low end and high-end of 5ers?
2. Trailer parks or....What appeals to us about full timing is being able to be out in nature. I'm a semi pro photographer and i want us to be able to see beautiful places without breaking the bank each month. The wife and I are not excited about being in trailer parks with the kids being around who knows who.... are there "nice/safe" places to stay other than local trailer parks (this is the dumbest of my questions, i'm sorry but I don't know of any other way to ask it?)
3. Monthly camping/rental cost. I know this varies, but we're trying to figure out a budget and we're not sure what to put as the "rental space cost" per month. Sure would help if we could get a ball park.
I have a 1000 other questions, but I'll hold off for now, thanks again!
โAug-11-2015 09:14 PM
โAug-11-2015 08:22 PM
โAug-11-2015 08:21 PM
darsben wrote:
Consider volunteering at federal Campgrounds. You will get a free site usually with water, electric and sewer.You will volunteer so many hours a week in trade. This will cut down on expenses and allow you to photograph nature. In the Tonto national forest I have gotten great shots of Road runners, Gila monsters, tarantulas and man different birds.