Sorry for the odd post title. Intro first then the paranoid part.
My name is Michael. Single, 53 years young and doing LOTS of research for full timer living. Been at the reading of all kinds of class A's "Off grid" solar systems and about anything else you could think of.Been fighting for SSI disability for a few years now(omg what a mess) and trying to keep my spirits up by planning a life more fun then the one I currently own. I been listening to all of you and find you delightful warm people. Thanks for being.
I always loved to travel and have lived all over the country. I found out a few years after my father passed that it was his dream to have a Class A and retire on the road. Mother would not have it though. Being single I can and am SO looking forward to it! So, nice to meet you all.
Here is where the paranoia comes in. When I "hit the road" most likely I will be doing it in a nice rig but on a thin budget.I'm good with a wrench and understand well by listening to you all, the benefits of road side assistance insurance and good maintenance. However, there is always the unexpected. I think I could cope along OK with that though it worries me a bit so i have been planing and researching "come what may" senerios.
Then I stumbled on this and I just about fell over and tossed the thought of travel out the window.And NO I don't have fear issues, nor do I spook easily. Two wheels around the country four times and loved it! But... what the hell? !!!! They can just take your MH, money or anything and not even charge you with a crime?Its one thing to be careful of location and good sense traveling in remote locations but... What the hell?
(Click the blue "no thanks, take me to sight" and the article will be there)
Please do a bit of research, not just what i gave. I think its terrifying for one that has no ability to fight back to loose everything for no reason at all.
I have been looking for MH all over the country and will travel to purchase one from you. I wont be bringing cash though. Almost all money is tainted with traces of cocaine by handling of it or close approximation to it. (thats true by the way not made up) If i get fresh clean new bills from the bank and a receipt of date and place i got it, they say that your on your way to buy drugs with it. I will also be forced right before finial purchase to call the cops with drug dogs for an inspection so that once stopped it wont be taken from me and be left on the side of the road. Yes that is ridicules! However it appears to be a good CYA and seems to be where the country is going now. What the hell guys? !!!!!
I dont do drugs and dont even take aspirin if i can help it. Never had any trouble much with police other then a stop or two. I dont nor plan on having any guns and if a cop wanted to take a look in my RV i would have no issue with that. In all honesty (and justice) i should have no reason at all to worry.
Ok, calling for help from my new friends. (you guys)Until this disability war is done im kind of living on the edge of homeless and am real tired of being afraid. I dont want to leave to chase my dreams and have to feel the same way of the police! If you could give some insight and your experience on this and help me get back down from atop my refrigerator I would appreciate it. I would like to be able to leave the house again someday in the future. LOL
Cheers and happy trails.
Michael
Lucky Mike said
07:42 AM Dec 22, 2013
Welcome to the Forum Michael!!!!!
I feel for you with the SSD/I Battle.....been there done that!......seems if your not disabled its pretty easy to get but if you are they make you fight it til nothing is left
Hope it all comes together for you , its a relaxed feeling out here once you make it!!!!!!
what ever you pick for a rig will be a personal choice but I can tell you you can make it out here on any budget !!!
GENECOP said
07:58 AM Dec 22, 2013
Michael, if you search heard enough you can find thousands of things to worry about, get yourself squared away, get on the road, have fun.......welcome to the forum...
Michael8008 said
08:21 AM Dec 22, 2013
Hey Guys.
I know, I have too much time on my hands right now and TV just dont get it for me so i spend all my time dreaming and researching going full time. Read read read.... Persist persist persist ay Mike? ;)
True genecop, one tends to get what they put there attention on as they say. But holy crap ya know? At 53 with long tied back hair in a $30k RV.... The thought just freaks me out so i thought i would bounce it off you guys that already live "the life" :D
True... i got myself all freaked out but its a big step at least for me and i would like to know as much as i can. I always say, "Dont say what you do know. You know that and its going backwards in time. Ask yourself what you dont know. That's the thing that will bite you in the end." Although, i guess i should watch more what I'm asking about.
Heres a good funny for ya. Im a certified trauma councilor. Ironic ant it?
I so need to get the hell out of here. Or at least go for a walk. Oh yea, its snowing sigh :/ Well at least maybe crawl down off the fridge. Picture grown man afraid of mice or something. I dont know, i thought it funny LOL Levity is our friend!
Cheers guys. Thanks for the "UP"
Michael
Lucky Mike said
08:39 AM Dec 22, 2013
The best part is being able to come out here at 53!!.....................nowhere to go , and plenty of time to do it!!!
Michael8008 said
08:57 AM Dec 22, 2013
Right on Mike. :)
Might be another year yet but i be joining ya all soon enough.
But tell me though. Any difficulty or advice regarding "the authority's" other then be respectful and the general common sense stuff? What are the most common occurrences that people run into with them?
God now i do sound paranoid! LOL
Just checking.
Cheers
M/
Terry and Jo said
09:48 AM Dec 22, 2013
Welcome, Michael.
Glad to have you at RV Dreams forums. Overall, this is an excellent website with a lot of knowledgeable and helpful folks. In fact, some would say it is the best website.
While we are all pretty laid back and all, there are a couple of topics that we avoid. Those topics are religion and politics, and if those come up, the two of us that are moderators are to quell any attempts to go down those roads.
Now, as for my experience with your question, keep in mind that I live in Oklahoma and we are pretty laid back out here. I do work for a state law enforcement agency, although not as a commissioned officer. I'm also a participant on a "shooter's forum" here in Oklahoma that has a LOT of police officers as participants. With that "experience" in hand, I can say that avoiding issues involves avoiding doing things wrong and always being respectful with officers and government officials. Even in a "laid-back" state like Oklahoma, bucking up to the authorities will definitely get one noticed more than being respectful and friendly.
Terry
SnowGypsy said
10:34 AM Dec 22, 2013
We have been traveling and relocating every couple years back and forth across the country for almost 30 years and have never been stopped by the law. Most often with some sort of RV along on the trip. I am always more comfortable seeing that the "law" is out there then when they seem to have no presence. I give two thumbs up to any person in law enforcement that has to stop individuals for infractions and/or deal with a lot of the scum that is out there. It is a dangerous job and there are many more honest ones than not. I think these cases you have referenced are few and far between.
I could start a list of things that could go wrong in either the RV lifestyle or S/B lifestyle and still be adding things tomorrow, probably weeks from now and that is constantly typing 24/7 but it would be a foolish waste of my time since I really have no control over what might happen and if one is making plans for a new lifestyle or what they will do next in their work and travels, there just isn't the time to worry about "what if".
I don't think most people carry a lot of cash anyway especially the amounts needed to make large purchases. That, in itself, is extremely unwise as you want a solid paper trail when making legal purchases of a sizable amount or at least I do.
Michael8008 said
10:54 AM Dec 22, 2013
Greetings Terry.
Thanks for the welcome and hosting the forum. I have learned so much and enjoyed it as well.
On your R&P comment. Understood. Thanks you.
As for the rest, I could not agree more. Through life i have had little trouble as i knew well enough to stay away from where trouble is. Also keeps ones spirits high and living on the sunny side of the street. I spent 12 years in LA and the same in Seattle. never had any trouble. I guess my question was geared more towards knowing where trouble is so one can stay away from it. And that's kind of why i have the concerns that i do. The world seems to have more and more sharp edges lately and i rather not get cut up by them if i can help it.
I certainly hope my "concerns" did not create offense. I have the utmost respect for officers, firefighters, Veterans and have a general love for humanity as a whole. I am a Vet and in the Navy I was a Crash Crew firefighter. For years now I have counseled many of each including EMT's in Traumatic Incident Reduction and my door is always open voluntarily to anyone regardless income. Its not the money, its the ability to help i enjoy.
If i may boast a bit... Though the honor to do such holds an extreme amount of confidentiality, i can say (without names) that my biggest win was working with a retired Seattle Police officer (also a Vietnam Vet) and his daughter (not related incidents) that his wife, though kind of a "stand offish" though a pleasant women hugged me unexpectedly and said to me... "Thank you for giving us our daughter back. I had no words to reply. It floored me.
This also contailed getting her off of the antidepressants that kept her unable to work, take care of her children or go to school. Its been about 8 years now. They are all living well and the daughter just finished her masters in criminal justice. May i say, there is no higher high that any drug can give then being able to do that! And yes, honestly I'm kind of proud of that.
So, i give this "bit more history" of me in hopes of explaining a bit more of who i am and how much I wished not to offend with my inquisition topic. I'm just a guy that lives to help (my mission in life it seems) and just wants to travel unafraid. To stay out of issues by staying away from areas they are in.
Ok then. Know you all know a bit more of me. Thanks for the welcome, thanks for listening and any advice in any direction is appreciated.
Kudos all.
Happy Trails
ML
Michael
Michael8008 said
11:07 AM Dec 22, 2013
Hello Snow.
Thanks for the input on your experiences.
I see by the reactions here by some that i apparently expressed my concerns very incorrectly. My apologies. Maybe its "newbie worry's" or just that i have way too much time on my hands and read too much. No worry's, ill get over it. LOL I just needed to "reach out" and balance what i am finding with the logic and experiences of people actually doing it. (full timers like yourselves)
Funny thing about the mind. When one has no data on a subject, the mind tends to want to fill the void itself. And usually with the worst possible thing available. As for me, sigh... just cuse i know a bit of the mind apparently i am still subject to it. LOL
So you raised a good question... "I don't think most people carry a lot of cash anyway especially the amounts needed to make large purchases. That, in itself, is extremely unwise as you want a solid paper trail when making legal purchases of a sizable amount or at least I do." So how are such transactions usually made? Bank wire, check, bank check atm? Ive herd that same question by another on a different forum and have yet to find the answer.
Thanks Snow.
Nice to meet you.
ML Michael
SnowGypsy said
11:39 AM Dec 22, 2013
If one has ever bought a car, the transaction with an RV is pretty much the same. Your credit union/bank is the best resource for information on how to handle a sale where a title is involved as they can advise best about how to the money should transfer as well as the title. The bank is usually familiar with the tactics of people who are trying to scam someone out their money which is also a real plus.
And, I forgot to mention, "Welcome" to the forum. There are many nice and helpful people here, well, actually, I don't know of anyone here that isn't nice and helpful.
RVKevi said
07:17 PM Dec 22, 2013
Well, when we bought both our truck and the Big Horn, we paid by check. We didn't take the rig home with us immediately as the truck wasn't ready, so the check had cleared before we picked it up. IIRC, we did take the truck immediately. The dealership had no problem with it.
Vi
SnowGypsy said
07:08 AM Dec 23, 2013
While a check could work at a dealership, I would not take a check from an individual unless we went to his bank and cashed it together before I signed the title. There are many scams out there and I have seen several on RVs. I have seen someone take a photo and description of an RV, run it in multiple cities across the country on Craiglist and they do not have the RV. I regularly report this when I see it. There is a whole scenario that comes with this scam which I don't remember the details for but anyone interested can probably "google" for how it plays out.
WestWardHo said
09:33 AM Dec 23, 2013
Welcome Michael,
It's probably common to worry about all kinds of unknowns before we make a lifestyle change. I wondered about making friends on the road and if folks in the big expensive motorhomes would even talk to us. Both were unfounded.
It's terrific to meet all kinds of people living this lifestyle, no matter hairstyle, age, skin color, religion or orientation.
You sound like a caring guy so you'll do fine. I would keep your money in a bank or S& L and have them wire transfer funds or write a check when you find the right rig to purchase.
What is it Lucky Mike says, live breathe, relax or something similar? Great advice.
Hello all you wonderful peoples.
Sorry for the odd post title. Intro first then the paranoid part.
My name is Michael. Single, 53 years young and doing LOTS of research for full timer living. Been at the reading of all kinds of class A's "Off grid" solar systems and about anything else you could think of. Been fighting for SSI disability for a few years now (omg what a mess) and trying to keep my spirits up by planning a life more fun then the one I currently own. I been listening to all of you and find you delightful warm people. Thanks for being.
I always loved to travel and have lived all over the country. I found out a few years after my father passed that it was his dream to have a Class A and retire on the road. Mother would not have it though. Being single I can and am SO looking forward to it! So, nice to meet you all.
Here is where the paranoia comes in. When I "hit the road" most likely I will be doing it in a nice rig but on a thin budget. I'm good with a wrench and understand well by listening to you all, the benefits of road side assistance insurance and good maintenance. However, there is always the unexpected. I think I could cope along OK with that though it worries me a bit so i have been planing and researching "come what may" senerios.
Then I stumbled on this and I just about fell over and tossed the thought of travel out the window. And NO I don't have fear issues, nor do I spook easily. Two wheels around the country four times and loved it! But... what the hell? !!!! They can just take your MH, money or anything and not even charge you with a crime? Its one thing to be careful of location and good sense traveling in remote locations but... What the hell?
(Click the blue "no thanks, take me to sight" and the article will be there)
http://www.nestmann.com/civil-forfeiture-of-cash-it-could-happen-to-you#.UrbHPLS7-fB
Also check your state and watch a bit more on the subject here.
http://www.ij.org/asset-forfeiture-report-federal-government
News report documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU_nh51FU14
Please do a bit of research, not just what i gave. I think its terrifying for one that has no ability to fight back to loose everything for no reason at all.
I have been looking for MH all over the country and will travel to purchase one from you. I wont be bringing cash though. Almost all money is tainted with traces of cocaine by handling of it or close approximation to it. (thats true by the way not made up) If i get fresh clean new bills from the bank and a receipt of date and place i got it, they say that your on your way to buy drugs with it. I will also be forced right before finial purchase to call the cops with drug dogs for an inspection so that once stopped it wont be taken from me and be left on the side of the road. Yes that is ridicules! However it appears to be a good CYA and seems to be where the country is going now. What the hell guys? !!!!!
I dont do drugs and dont even take aspirin if i can help it. Never had any trouble much with police other then a stop or two. I dont nor plan on having any guns and if a cop wanted to take a look in my RV i would have no issue with that. In all honesty (and justice) i should have no reason at all to worry.
Ok, calling for help from my new friends. (you guys)Until this disability war is done im kind of living on the edge of homeless and am real tired of being afraid. I dont want to leave to chase my dreams and have to feel the same way of the police! If you could give some insight and your experience on this and help me get back down from atop my refrigerator I would appreciate it. I would like to be able to leave the house again someday in the future.
LOL
Cheers and happy trails.
Michael
I feel for you with the SSD/I Battle.....been there done that!......seems if your not disabled its pretty easy to get but if you are they make you fight it til nothing is left
Hope it all comes together for you , its a relaxed feeling out here once you make it!!!!!!
what ever you pick for a rig will be a personal choice but I can tell you you can make it out here on any budget !!!
Hey Guys.
I know, I have too much time on my hands right now and TV just dont get it for me so i spend all my time dreaming and researching going full time. Read read read.... Persist persist persist ay Mike? ;)
True genecop, one tends to get what they put there attention on as they say. But holy crap ya know? At 53 with long tied back hair in a $30k RV.... The thought just freaks me out so i thought i would bounce it off you guys that already live "the life" :D
True... i got myself all freaked out but its a big step at least for me and i would like to know as much as i can. I always say, "Dont say what you do know. You know that and its going backwards in time. Ask yourself what you dont know. That's the thing that will bite you in the end." Although, i guess i should watch more what I'm asking about.
Heres a good funny for ya. Im a certified trauma councilor. Ironic ant it?
I so need to get the hell out of here. Or at least go for a walk. Oh yea, its snowing sigh :/ Well at least maybe crawl down off the fridge. Picture grown man afraid of mice or something. I dont know, i thought it funny LOL Levity is our friend!
Cheers guys. Thanks for the "UP"
Michael
Might be another year yet but i be joining ya all soon enough.
But tell me though. Any difficulty or advice regarding "the authority's" other then be respectful and the general common sense stuff? What are the most common occurrences that people run into with them?
God now i do sound paranoid! LOL
Just checking.
Cheers
M/
Welcome, Michael.
Glad to have you at RV Dreams forums. Overall, this is an excellent website with a lot of knowledgeable and helpful folks. In fact, some would say it is the best website.
While we are all pretty laid back and all, there are a couple of topics that we avoid. Those topics are religion and politics, and if those come up, the two of us that are moderators are to quell any attempts to go down those roads.
Now, as for my experience with your question, keep in mind that I live in Oklahoma and we are pretty laid back out here. I do work for a state law enforcement agency, although not as a commissioned officer. I'm also a participant on a "shooter's forum" here in Oklahoma that has a LOT of police officers as participants. With that "experience" in hand, I can say that avoiding issues involves avoiding doing things wrong and always being respectful with officers and government officials. Even in a "laid-back" state like Oklahoma, bucking up to the authorities will definitely get one noticed more than being respectful and friendly.
Terry
I could start a list of things that could go wrong in either the RV lifestyle or S/B lifestyle and still be adding things tomorrow, probably weeks from now and that is constantly typing 24/7 but it would be a foolish waste of my time since I really have no control over what might happen and if one is making plans for a new lifestyle or what they will do next in their work and travels, there just isn't the time to worry about "what if".
I don't think most people carry a lot of cash anyway especially the amounts needed to make large purchases. That, in itself, is extremely unwise as you want a solid paper trail when making legal purchases of a sizable amount or at least I do.
Thanks for the welcome and hosting the forum. I have learned so much and enjoyed it as well.
On your R&P comment. Understood. Thanks you.
As for the rest, I could not agree more. Through life i have had little trouble as i knew well enough to stay away from where trouble is. Also keeps ones spirits high and living on the sunny side of the street. I spent 12 years in LA and the same in Seattle. never had any trouble. I guess my question was geared more towards knowing where trouble is so one can stay away from it. And that's kind of why i have the concerns that i do. The world seems to have more and more sharp edges lately and i rather not get cut up by them if i can help it.
I certainly hope my "concerns" did not create offense. I have the utmost respect for officers, firefighters, Veterans and have a general love for humanity as a whole. I am a Vet and in the Navy I was a Crash Crew firefighter. For years now I have counseled many of each including EMT's in Traumatic Incident Reduction and my door is always open voluntarily to anyone regardless income. Its not the money, its the ability to help i enjoy.
If i may boast a bit... Though the honor to do such holds an extreme amount of confidentiality, i can say (without names) that my biggest win was working with a retired Seattle Police officer (also a Vietnam Vet) and his daughter (not related incidents) that his wife, though kind of a "stand offish" though a pleasant women hugged me unexpectedly and said to me... "Thank you for giving us our daughter back. I had no words to reply. It floored me.
This also contailed getting her off of the antidepressants that kept her unable to work, take care of her children or go to school. Its been about 8 years now. They are all living well and the daughter just finished her masters in criminal justice. May i say, there is no higher high that any drug can give then being able to do that! And yes, honestly I'm kind of proud of that.
So, i give this "bit more history" of me in hopes of explaining a bit more of who i am and how much I wished not to offend with my inquisition topic. I'm just a guy that lives to help (my mission in life it seems) and just wants to travel unafraid. To stay out of issues by staying away from areas they are in.
Ok then. Know you all know a bit more of me. Thanks for the welcome, thanks for listening and any advice in any direction is appreciated.
Kudos all.
Happy Trails
ML
Michael
Hello Snow.
Thanks for the input on your experiences.
I see by the reactions here by some that i apparently expressed my concerns very incorrectly. My apologies. Maybe its "newbie worry's" or just that i have way too much time on my hands and read too much. No worry's, ill get over it. LOL I just needed to "reach out" and balance what i am finding with the logic and experiences of people actually doing it. (full timers like yourselves)
Funny thing about the mind. When one has no data on a subject, the mind tends to want to fill the void itself. And usually with the worst possible thing available. As for me, sigh... just cuse i know a bit of the mind apparently i am still subject to it. LOL
So you raised a good question... "I don't think most people carry a lot of cash anyway especially the amounts needed to make large purchases. That, in itself, is extremely unwise as you want a solid paper trail when making legal purchases of a sizable amount or at least I do." So how are such transactions usually made? Bank wire, check, bank check atm? Ive herd that same question by another on a different forum and have yet to find the answer.
Thanks Snow.
Nice to meet you.
ML
Michael
And, I forgot to mention, "Welcome" to the forum. There are many nice and helpful people here, well, actually, I don't know of anyone here that isn't nice and helpful.
Vi
It's probably common to worry about all kinds of unknowns before we make a lifestyle change. I wondered about making friends on the road and if folks in the big expensive motorhomes would even talk to us. Both were unfounded.
It's terrific to meet all kinds of people living this lifestyle, no matter hairstyle, age, skin color, religion or orientation.
You sound like a caring guy so you'll do fine. I would keep your money in a bank or S& L and have them wire transfer funds or write a check when you find the right rig to purchase.
What is it Lucky Mike says, live breathe, relax or something similar? Great advice.
Sherry