Looking to hire mentor/share expenses for 2-6 weeks

DutchmenSport wrote:
1. There are different "cultures" in every campground. No 2 are alike. The big difference is a "transient camper" who happens to pass through a "seasonal campground". Seasonal campers (sometimes) have a tendency to be territorial. State Parks are fluid, constantly changing. What may be a good group of people one day, may flip flop the next and the opposite personalities may be camping side by side the next. Some are wealthy, some are poorer, some have motorhomes, some have tents. All these factors create constant change in every campground. There are some places that probably should be avoided, others that are highly welcome. Some are more isolated, some are on the main-track and high profile areas. Some are inside city areas, some are remote. But each campground has it's own uniqueness. Over all, camping is still pretty safe. But always, like everywhere, your guard is never completely let down. I think in our world today, there is always an element of distrust. But this is also our natural instinct to help protect us too. Listen to your head, and you'll do just fine.

2. People on these forums fall into many categories, but mostly, I consider these forums our own little "community". The common bond is our interest in camping or RV-ing, whatever you want to call it. I do think, overall, everyone who actively posts on these forums are genuinely real and genuinely concerned and genuinely want to share from their own experiences (good, bad, or whatever). (we even learn from the "whatever" category too.)

3. In a lot of way, camping and RV-ing has not changed a lot. I think it's become far more 'technical' as campers and RV's become more sophisticated and people demand more luxury and comfort than 20 or 30 years ago. But the whole idea and purpose has not changed. There are 2 segments of camper, I have found out. Those who want to socialize with each other and those who want to be left alone. When you have young kids, families have a way of getting together. When you get older (face it ... we get more cranky and want to be left alone ... maybe not everyone, but many do.) I suppose there is a 3rd category of campers too, those who travel together and their "circle" of friends is pretty closed. Like extended families that camp together, or a group that camps together. They will be friendly, sure enough, but you probably won't be able to get inside their circle.

Yes, folks do still strike up conversations, but (from my experiences) they are short. (but I'm not very outgoing either). There are those who do hold up in their campers. I have learned there is nothing wrong with this, although I never understood it when I was younger, I do understand it now. Those who hold up in their campers, simply enjoy the inside of their campers and much as the outside. When you spend $35,000 to $95,000 for your RV, you want to spend time inside it too! The luxury is so nice, it's hard to step outside! I truly understand this now! And many folks (especially older folks), who hold up in their camper simply have already done it all (I know we have). When the kids were little, our lifestyle was constantly on-the-go, run, run, run, hiking, bicycles, horse back riding, swimming, site seeing, museums, events, go, go, go. Now that the kids are gone, it's VERY nice to just vegetate and do nothing. Face it, life has simply exhausted some of us. Camping is our way of getting away from everything and finally getting to relax and truly "vegitage" a while. (besides, we laugh at young families chasing their kids around, getting into trouble, and mom and dad going bonkers ... been there-done that! Now it's time for US to quietly laugh and smile and their antics! You have that group also.

Overall, kids still play safe, but always in a watchful eye of parents. Not like when I was a kid some 50 years ago when my parents shoved me out the camper door and I didn't return till night fall. (By did we get into some stuff). But no more. I think our world has changed to some degree, but still the campground and the kids playing is pretty safe.

It IS a great lifestyle, otherwise, no one would do it!

Wow! This is great insight. Many others have also provided great feedback. It heartwarming to see such a great outpouring of non judgmental, honest and helpful feedback. So often these type of threads degrade into snarky comments.

My opinion, FWIW, is that you should jump at the opportunity to do this. You sound intelligent and have put great thought into this. Make a sound decision and go for it. There are no guarantees in life.....

Nothing is forever. If you love it, keep doing it. If you don't, do something different.

I also believe that campgrounds still offer some of whats best in America. People of similar interests doing something that makes them happy. If the country would mimic the overall harmony that happens in campgrounds, if might be a better place. Campgrounds aren't perfect, but sometimes the whole "vibe" seems pretty close to perfect.

Best of luck. What's that great quote about travel....

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

Somewhere there is a senior who loves RVing but can no longer manage it by herself. Your problem and hers will cancel out, leaving good times for both of you.

Shearwater wrote:

Your process:
1. If you need internet access 9 to 5 M/F when will you travel? Will you be sitting in your RV every day pounding a keyboard? Why travel?

Excellent point, and that has occurred to me. That's why I wanted to do a real trial run, not just a week vacation.

Shearwater wrote:

2. Just about everyone (including me) suggests renting an RV for a week as the first step. Why are you so opposed to that? You may find that there is some aspect of RVing that is a dealbreaker and a weeks rental is a small investment to find that out. A week of living in an actual RV at actual campsites is a far better test of your compatibility with RVing than living in a confined space in your home. Plus, if you decide that this is a route that you want to follow, you will know a lot more about what you need to have in an RV.

I have no problem renting for a week, I just wanted a longer test run. I've already done 7-10 days in RVs and it was fine....but what is livable for a week can become unbearable after a month or two. At any rate, I'm not going to do this, but got lots of other good ideas on this thread.

I've read all the comments thus far so I might as well throw in my thoughts (in more or less random order). My wife and I have a class B (van-based) RV and we typically go out for a month at a time. Our goal is to experience the outdoors - State and National Parks, etc. Space is limited but we find it easy to deal with and it beats the heck out of motels and cheesy restaurants.

Safety - We have never felt unsafe in any campground we have been in. As far as I am concerned the major danger in RVing is being on the road with the other drivers who may or may not be functional.

Social interactions - For better or worse you meet all kinds of different people.

Internet - If you really need access for 40 hours a week, there are expensive satellite providers. I know nothing about them but check the tech forum here for info. For cell phone service we have Verizon. Excellent service near towns and along the freeways but as a rule, we find that the more interesting the place, the less likely you will have service.

Your process:
1. If you need internet access 9 to 5 M/F when will you travel? Will you be sitting in your RV every day pounding a keyboard? Why travel?
2. Just about everyone (including me) suggests renting an RV for a week as the first step. Why are you so opposed to that? You may find that there is some aspect of RVing that is a dealbreaker and a weeks rental is a small investment to find that out. A week of living in an actual RV at actual campsites is a far better test of your compatibility with RVing than living in a confined space in your home. Plus, if you decide that this is a route that you want to follow, you will know a lot more about what you need to have in an RV.

First, let me preface this with the fact that I grew up during Ted Bundy's crimes and with a parent who read a lot about true crime.

It's not the guy with the salvage van you have to worry about - you're not going to get in a van with him, so no risk. The danger is with the person who appears "normal", who fits in and doesn't raise red flags. That nice looking guy at the university with the broken arm who's struggling to get his tire changed...

People who would do you harm aren't always the weird ones.

As for camping, I think it depends on where you go:

Traditional campgrounds - not really much risk. They are usually fairly remote and, contrary to Hollywood, psychos don't wait 9+ months in a forest waiting for YOU to show up to kill. Campgrounds closer to towns are more likely to have issues due to the "weekend party" crowds, but if you keep your distance and don't confront them, they won't be more than a nuisance.

RV Parks - not really much risk. They are usually closer to a town, but cater to older couples with some families. You're not likely to get meth heads, etc., shelling out $30+ per night to stay there. They tend to have more rules and regulations that keep "rabble rousers" away.

Trailer parks - more risk. Much more varied residents. Long term and short term. Located in low rent areas. If you stay in these places, it is really best to check it out during the day and at night before committing.

Boondocking - can go both ways. Depending on where you choose to boondock, you can face more or less risk. That risk may not be with people, but with getting stranded.

Overnighting - higher risk. Walmarts, truck stops, etc. Depending on the neighborhood, store clientele, etc., you may see more problems here than elsewhere, but for most people, there are very few issues.

Stealth camping - higher risk. Parking in neighborhoods, etc. The risks here are from getting noticed by residents or that someone will try to break in thinking it's an empty RV.

Reality is that when you're traveling, you're much more observant of what's going on around you. That lessens the chances of something happening. Bad things are more likely to happen in your home town because you run on auto-pilot a lot of the time and miss signs of danger.

1. There are different "cultures" in every campground. No 2 are alike. The big difference is a "transient camper" who happens to pass through a "seasonal campground". Seasonal campers (sometimes) have a tendency to be territorial. State Parks are fluid, constantly changing. What may be a good group of people one day, may flip flop the next and the opposite personalities may be camping side by side the next. Some are wealthy, some are poorer, some have motorhomes, some have tents. All these factors create constant change in every campground. There are some places that probably should be avoided, others that are highly welcome. Some are more isolated, some are on the main-track and high profile areas. Some are inside city areas, some are remote. But each campground has it's own uniqueness. Over all, camping is still pretty safe. But always, like everywhere, your guard is never completely let down. I think in our world today, there is always an element of distrust. But this is also our natural instinct to help protect us too. Listen to your head, and you'll do just fine.

2. People on these forums fall into many categories, but mostly, I consider these forums our own little "community". The common bond is our interest in camping or RV-ing, whatever you want to call it. I do think, overall, everyone who actively posts on these forums are genuinely real and genuinely concerned and genuinely want to share from their own experiences (good, bad, or whatever). (we even learn from the "whatever" category too.)

3. In a lot of way, camping and RV-ing has not changed a lot. I think it's become far more 'technical' as campers and RV's become more sophisticated and people demand more luxury and comfort than 20 or 30 years ago. But the whole idea and purpose has not changed. There are 2 segments of camper, I have found out. Those who want to socialize with each other and those who want to be left alone. When you have young kids, families have a way of getting together. When you get older (face it ... we get more cranky and want to be left alone ... maybe not everyone, but many do.) I suppose there is a 3rd category of campers too, those who travel together and their "circle" of friends is pretty closed. Like extended families that camp together, or a group that camps together. They will be friendly, sure enough, but you probably won't be able to get inside their circle.

Yes, folks do still strike up conversations, but (from my experiences) they are short. (but I'm not very outgoing either). There are those who do hold up in their campers. I have learned there is nothing wrong with this, although I never understood it when I was younger, I do understand it now. Those who hold up in their campers, simply enjoy the inside of their campers and much as the outside. When you spend $35,000 to $95,000 for your RV, you want to spend time inside it too! The luxury is so nice, it's hard to step outside! I truly understand this now! And many folks (especially older folks), who hold up in their camper simply have already done it all (I know we have). When the kids were little, our lifestyle was constantly on-the-go, run, run, run, hiking, bicycles, horse back riding, swimming, site seeing, museums, events, go, go, go. Now that the kids are gone, it's VERY nice to just vegetate and do nothing. Face it, life has simply exhausted some of us. Camping is our way of getting away from everything and finally getting to relax and truly "vegitage" a while. (besides, we laugh at young families chasing their kids around, getting into trouble, and mom and dad going bonkers ... been there-done that! Now it's time for US to quietly laugh and smile and their antics! You have that group also.

Overall, kids still play safe, but always in a watchful eye of parents. Not like when I was a kid some 50 years ago when my parents shoved me out the camper door and I didn't return till night fall. (By did we get into some stuff). But no more. I think our world has changed to some degree, but still the campground and the kids playing is pretty safe.

It IS a great lifestyle, otherwise, no one would do it!

Shauna

I think you bring up some good points. By and large, I would agree with you that, as a whole, the folks you meet while RVing are pretty good folks and as a sub-segment of society, probably are less of a 'problem' than other segments of society. That doesn't mean we are immune to criminals though. I recall awhile back where someone who was a full time RVer was busted with bombs and bomb making equipment in his RV. Not saying you'll hook up with a mad bomber, but just to illustrate that even our sub-segment of society is not immune to the criminal element.

You are probably more likely to encounter problem people by camping/RVing in state parks etc than you would at an RV park. I have seen 'unsavory' looking folks walking around camp grounds in state parks.. They have direct access to the camping areas when they come in state parks.

All that being said, Im sure if you do your due diligence, you would weed out the undesirables. But, I also do not believe you need a mentor for 2-6 weeks to teach you the ins and outs of RVing. As others have mentioned, experience is what you need. Don't be afraid of it.. jump out and enjoy it.

From a personal perspective, I use RVing as an opportunity for me and my wife to get out and be alone (or semi-alone). We go camping with friends, or by ourselves. We aren't loners, but I don't seek out visiting with new people on every turn. I like sitting at my spot, with my wife, and drink a beer by the campfire. We are not ones that necessarily want to participate in pot-lucks, dances, etc that the various parks like to put on.

The above is meant only to address the thoughts about the RVing population in general, not necessarily your particular situation. I think you would have a hard time finding someone who is willing to share 125 square feet or so, with someone that doesn't know you very well (or you know them very well). The walls are basically non-existent and you will hear every normal noise from the bathroom, every fart/burp etc... all the snoring, coughing etc just as if you were sitting right next to them.

I think alot of us value our solitude, but also enjoy the camaraderie with other RVers, but like the opportunity to engage when we want to engage, and be alone when we want to be alone.

Im rambling a bit, but in the end, I think you can do this and you don't need someone to team up with for 2-6 weeks to learn.

Mike

Shauna,

I'm not among the naysayers. I think the whole trial thing with a complete stranger can work if done correctly. It sounds like you have thought this through very well and have a game plan. Who cares if you bail in 2 days, that's why you do the trial. It may even take several attempts at starting the trial to find someone who it can work with. I'm a 57 year old male and if I was in a position to help you out I would try it in a heart beat just for the experience because I've always had the mind set that you don't know if you'll like something unless you try it. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to help you. If you keep looking I bet you'll find someone, male or female, that would do this with you. Patience is your friend in this endeavor.

I have an acquaintance who has been assisting me in building my solar system on my camper and I've been looking for good used solar panels cheap. Not because I can't afford new ones, because I refuse to pay the prices for new ones they are asking. He told me the same thing time/patience is your friend so don't get in a hurry, take your time. i found 4 130 watt panels for 50 cents per watt but it took me a year of looking on Craigslist every other day or so. I wasn't in any hurry and time worked out in my favor.

Same goes for you, take your time and you'll find someone to do this with and no we won't read about you being found hacked to pieces and thrown into in alligator swamp somewhere, could that happen, absolutely, but not if you do your homework.

Hope you can make it happen.

ShaunaH wrote:
Most of my RV experience comes from long family vacations at campgrounds and RV parks along the West Coast in the 1980’s.

So you're not really a total newbie after all! That's good, you already have a leg up on those who have really never camped before. :W

As someone potentially looking to go full-time for a couple years, I’m curious to hear from the long-timers how much things have changed in the general community.

I really don't think things have changed with camping that much, other than some may tend to be a little more demanding, a little less tolerant, whether it's with you or park staff or whomever, but that's just a reflection of the general angst and response to it in our society these days. If anything, as a Canadian I have to remind myself when we're in the US half the people we come across whether camping or otherwise could be legally armed, unsettling in itself for those of us from this side of the border. :E In reality it's never been an issue and I hope it always remains that way but when I read of those who boondock in deserted areas I don't doubt that's just not something we'd do ourselves.

I’m now of the opinion that, for at least a subset of the population, watching televised news, especially right before bed, can cause us to become overcautious, even to the point of paranoia.

Part of the problem is that decades ago we might have watched the evening news, read a bit of the local newspaper, but these days we're fed a constant stream of 24 hour news cycle and the only way you can get away from it is to simply turn it off, as you suggest. Not to politicize this but the general consensus here in Canada is that the situation is shortly about to become much worse, meaning you ain't seen nothing yet as the bar indicating how offensive one can seemingly behave and get away with it is being raised every day. :( But that's yet another good reason to get away from it all, ignore that 24 hr news cycle, and enjoy what you can while you can. :B

3. Things haven’t changed completely, RVing is still a cool lifestyle for friendly and adventurous people to meet others and have a good time.

Do people still hang out on their sites and smile/strike up conversations with passersby? Or do most just keep to themselves or hole up in their RV?

For the most part I think camping is the same as it always was - folks just want to let their hair down and relax. Sure, sometimes you strike up conversations, other time you do just want to relax and not talk to anyone. Neither is right or wrong, it's just how the mood strikes you.

JMO, I too think you should forget about this full time idea for the time being, get yourself a small camper even if you have to rent a few times this season, and just give it a go for a few days at a time. As many have already pointed out you'll learn quickly, just as we all have, and although you're sure to have your own Griswold moments you'll also have a great time. Either that, or you'll figure out pretty quickly this isn't the sport for you. ;)

Best of luck to you. :B

I think it is awesome to want to learn and do something new.

You seem like someone that understands that there are things you don't know and are are willing to learn. Best wishes on however you do this adventure, enjoy it. Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.