Greetings to all from a would-be future RV-er (advices and suggestions needed!)
Leliko said
10:24 AM Mar 11, 2014
Hi everyone,
So this is it! I've decided to join this RV-er family and here is my first-ever post to any RV forums!
First about myself: I'm almost 40 young (forever young!) woman living in southern MD with my hubby, two kids and an adorable Wheaten Terrier. My hubby is a highly educated scientist whose work is done solely on the computer. I work in clinical research and am now trying to get a work-from-home job. My son is heading to college next year, and my daughter is still in an elementary school.
Now, I've grown weary of the Rat Race and am dreaming to get an RV and hit the road with my family. Coming across rv-dreams.com and reading about others who ditched corporate jobs and set traveling has definitely helped my ideas to mature the way they have! Notwithstanding the fact that I know nobody who lives on a road and, frankly, the idea to ditch the usual surroundings (read: cube-style stable working, busy lifestyle for a highly educated middle class family) is highly unusual for someone with my background and from my area, I am willing to do it. I am tired of paying bills and getting only couple weeks vacation a year. We used to live in Europe and have lived/traveled a bit in several European countries, and we both miss traveling.
So the idea is to go travel AND work from home. We have no savings (planning to buy both RV and towing truck by bank financing) and wouldn't be able to afford not to work, that's why I'm trying to switch to working from home with my profession, and my husband can potentially ask his employer to work from home full-time, providing we have an excellent internet service (we can't depend on free Wi-Fi-s, obviously). We would homeschool our daughter who LOVES outdoors and will be very happy to be on an open road, I suspect. I plan to first go see US/Canada, then Europe, and after that my hubby wants to try sailing but that's completely different story.
Now, there are many things we will need to take care of before our departure but the first and foremost would be to find a suitable RV. I've been looking at tons of different TTs and 5th wheels online but it's so difficult to decide just from online. One thing we've decided is to get a 5th wheel - if only for being much more easy and stable to tow. Now, we are going to nearby Virginia RV show this weekend but I'd like to gather your pointers before we get there, mainly:
- Please recommend a 5th wheel, preferably new and between 30-40K, that would have washer-drier, at least one desk, dinner table that would be spacious and suitable for two laptops. and a kitchen island
- I'm planning to stick to warmer climates but would like to have good insulation and tanks that won't freeze in winter anyway. What to look for?
- Anything I should be looking for at the RV show.
I have to admit that I haven't had much time to explore this or any other forum in-depth so please forgive me if these questions were asked and answered elsewhere, and kindly give me the link.
Yours in traveling,
Leliko
-- Edited by Leliko on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 01:10:38 PM
The Bear II said
01:29 PM Mar 11, 2014
So far you have made the right choice by reading through the information contained on RV-DREAMS.com. You may want to rethink the financing of an RV. It would be better if you can pay cash for one, maybe look at well kept older models to begin your adventure. That way if you decide this lifestyle isn't working you won't have a loan to get rid of along with the RV.
Howard the creator of this website as well as some of the other RVers on this and other RV websites use the techniques and tips provided by a great financial advisor and radio talk show host, Dave Ramsey. If you haven't already you should go on his website and order his books or attend his Financial Planning Seminars. His techniques will help you realize your goals.
Good luck on this new journey....
Technomadia said
02:10 PM Mar 11, 2014
Welcome from fellow professional Gen-X RVers :) We've been on the road for nearly 8 years now, working remotely from the road doing software development, consulting and more.
And there's lots of us out here doing it of a variety of ages :)
Here's some resources for you that you might find helpful on your journey to the road:
And.. since you mentioned needing good mobile internet, here's our resource center that overviews the topic, including our video chat and our book on the subject: www.technomadia.com/internet
For your RV, I'd recommend looking at as many models in person as you can to see what will really work best for you and your family. I highly advise not going new and financing if you can avoid it. It can be common that after a year or two on the road, you find what you thought would work for you doesn't, and you need to switch it up. If you finance new, you'll quickly be upside down in your loan - making it difficult to trade to a different RV (or, sell the RV).
Best wishes in your journey to the road.. and welcome to the community!
- Cherie
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
03:59 PM Mar 11, 2014
Welcome to the site!
Research is the key, and as said above get in as many models you can. You do need to look behind the gloss and fufu stuff to see how well the rig is built. Also its much better to buy a 5'er first then buy the truck to tow it. If you look at slightly used models you can move up in quality for the money.
Terry and Jo said
06:23 PM Mar 11, 2014
Lela,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You had definitely found a good source for information about RV's and the RV lifestyle. The folks here have an amazing amount of knowledge to share.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only "dumb" question is the one that doesn't get asked and one makes an expensive mistake. Even old questions when asked by new people tend to give a new perspective on the topic. Also, in the blue bar above the forums, there is a "search" function. That can be a very helpful resource. Also, go to the website's home page and use the "Site Map" link to find a LOT of information about everything from systems on the RV's and even Howard and Linda's financial information.
Lots to learn here, so have fun looking.
Terry
Leliko said
05:15 PM Mar 17, 2014
Thank you all for all your wonderful suggestions! My husband already opened and started exploring internet options for our RV traveling, whenever that will happen.
Speaking of which, we went to a nearby RV show. It was our first ever time to enter RVs and explore from inside! I have decided to buy a fifth wheel and didn't even bother to look at TTs, however after browsing all 5th wheels I was disappointed not to have found one that would have it all... For those of you, who suggest not to buy new, that might not be solution for us at all. We might need to order a custom-built RV that would answer (almost) all our needs. The first and foremost is a separate room for our daughter which I think I've found online in Open Range 413RLL model. There is no other comparable model to that... and that costs a lot of money...
I'm browsing all these posts and imagining myself on the road with my family. It's heartbreaking when you know where you want to be and how you want to be living but you can't (yet) do that. On the other hand, it's also invigorating to know where you want to be and how you want to be living. I hope we will plan is very seriously and hit the road in 2015.
I will be posting in other parts of this wonderful forum to get your suggestions.
Happy camping!
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
06:57 AM Mar 18, 2014
Start looking for bunk house models. Heartland makes several different model lines with the bunkhouse available. This gives your daughter private space and gives you a separate bedroom as well. Another option is Toy Haulers. The rear area can make a nice bedroom or play/work area away from the main living. Happy hunting!
BiggarView said
08:59 AM Mar 18, 2014
The Bear II wrote:
So far you have made the right choice by reading through the information contained on RV-DREAMS.com. You may want to rethink the financing of an RV. It would be better if you can pay cash for one, maybe look at well kept older models to begin your adventure. That way if you decide this lifestyle isn't working you won't have a loan to get rid of along with the RV.
Howard the creator of this website as well as some of the other RVers on this and other RV websites use the techniques and tips provided by a great financial advisor and radio talk show host, Dave Ramsey. If you haven't already you should go on his website and order his books or attend his Financial Planning Seminars. His techniques will help you realize your goals.
Good luck on this new journey....
Absolutely agree. Get a handle on the financial picture, figure a budget and stick to it. Easier to buy what you want when you know whats available to buy it with. Mortgage is a French word, which literally means "death deed". That should tell you something. Avoid debt, especially on a depreciating asset.
WestWardHo said
10:20 AM Mar 18, 2014
Leliko,
I'm joining the others in welcoming you to this forum. You'll find so much information here. I'm so glad Bear II and biggaRView pointed out some of the financial aspects with being debt free. When I first read your post, your comment about no savings concerned me. I don't want to rain on your parade but in my opinion it would be best if either or both you and your husband could retain your employment. There are very few if any workamping jobs that could pay enough to replace your salaries.
Your excitement for this lifestyle is palatable which we all share but if I might suggest slowing down a little and enjoying the research time and the fun of looking for rigs and dreaming about this lifestyle. You may find your list of what you must have changes. Many of us go thru several models until we find the one! Others with good savings/income and a lot of experience on the road do custom build a unit but we ALL make some compromises. Additionally, we have found that buying your rig is just the beginning. They're kind of like boats which are often described like holes in the water that you throw money in. Then come things like health insurance, good sewer hoses, water pressure regulators, generators, wheel covers, patio mats, outside chairs, grills, Internet devices and boosters, etc., etc.
We are out here on all kinds of incomes from very small to generous. As Howard and others so often say there is no single right way to fulltime but everyone recommends doing the planning and thinking things through.
You CAN do this, I just want you to enjoy it and not regret your decisions.
Sherry
Leliko said
01:17 PM Mar 18, 2014
Dear Sherry,
I'm so sorry to have confused you but I never meant to go workamping (when I posted my inital post, I thought it meant "working and camping" kind of like working from home and camping, not exchanging my work for a camping spot). I've edited my original post to avoid further confusion.
Both my husband and I need to retain our employment. I have really hard time finding a work-from-home job in my profession in clinical research but hope this will happen one day (hopefully some time this year!). Right now we are paying 2000 USD monthly in rent. This money would be enough to pay for fifth wheel and TT monthly mortgage plus to cover campground costs for a month, that's why I am not worried about buying RV. At least we will still have our RV, even if depreciated in price, after couple years of traveling to sell, whereas right now we are just throwing that money out in rent. Hope my thinking is right.
I know I CAN do this but knowing is one and doing is other... I am looking forward to meeting one woman with hubby and two small kids who lives in RV full time. They will be stopping nearby sometime in May. Meeting with her and her family might motivate my husband and myself more about this lifestyle, you know.
I take my hats to all those who are doing this already, especially the ones who are doing it in their before-retirement age, working from home while traveling. It's easier to decide to hit the road than to actually do...
LandL Partners said
04:49 PM Mar 19, 2014
Leliko, just wanted to say welcome! We are also in Southern MD but in the process of selling our home. We purchased a used Class A last year which was the first I had ever been in any type of RV. After that i fell in love with the idea of full-timing and have been working a plan to consult from the road. Good luck in your research and planning!!
Hi everyone,
So this is it! I've decided to join this RV-er family and here is my first-ever post to any RV forums!
First about myself: I'm almost 40 young (forever young!) woman living in southern MD with my hubby, two kids and an adorable Wheaten Terrier. My hubby is a highly educated scientist whose work is done solely on the computer. I work in clinical research and am now trying to get a work-from-home job. My son is heading to college next year, and my daughter is still in an elementary school.
Now, I've grown weary of the Rat Race and am dreaming to get an RV and hit the road with my family. Coming across rv-dreams.com and reading about others who ditched corporate jobs and set traveling has definitely helped my ideas to mature the way they have! Notwithstanding the fact that I know nobody who lives on a road and, frankly, the idea to ditch the usual surroundings (read: cube-style stable working, busy lifestyle for a highly educated middle class family) is highly unusual for someone with my background and from my area, I am willing to do it. I am tired of paying bills and getting only couple weeks vacation a year. We used to live in Europe and have lived/traveled a bit in several European countries, and we both miss traveling.
So the idea is to go travel AND work from home. We have no savings (planning to buy both RV and towing truck by bank financing) and wouldn't be able to afford not to work, that's why I'm trying to switch to working from home with my profession, and my husband can potentially ask his employer to work from home full-time, providing we have an excellent internet service (we can't depend on free Wi-Fi-s, obviously). We would homeschool our daughter who LOVES outdoors and will be very happy to be on an open road, I suspect. I plan to first go see US/Canada, then Europe, and after that my hubby wants to try sailing but that's completely different story.
Now, there are many things we will need to take care of before our departure but the first and foremost would be to find a suitable RV. I've been looking at tons of different TTs and 5th wheels online but it's so difficult to decide just from online. One thing we've decided is to get a 5th wheel - if only for being much more easy and stable to tow. Now, we are going to nearby Virginia RV show this weekend but I'd like to gather your pointers before we get there, mainly:
- Please recommend a 5th wheel, preferably new and between 30-40K, that would have washer-drier, at least one desk, dinner table that would be spacious and suitable for two laptops. and a kitchen island
- I'm planning to stick to warmer climates but would like to have good insulation and tanks that won't freeze in winter anyway. What to look for?
- Anything I should be looking for at the RV show.
I have to admit that I haven't had much time to explore this or any other forum in-depth so please forgive me if these questions were asked and answered elsewhere, and kindly give me the link.
Yours in traveling,
Leliko
-- Edited by Leliko on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 01:10:38 PM
Howard the creator of this website as well as some of the other RVers on this and other RV websites use the techniques and tips provided by a great financial advisor and radio talk show host, Dave Ramsey. If you haven't already you should go on his website and order his books or attend his Financial Planning Seminars. His techniques will help you realize your goals.
Good luck on this new journey....
And there's lots of us out here doing it of a variety of ages :)
Here's some resources for you that you might find helpful on your journey to the road:
Our Ramblings Video Interview series with a variety of working on the road nomads: www.technomadia.com/ramblings
Links to dozens of other working on the road RVers: www.technomadia.com/links
And.. since you mentioned needing good mobile internet, here's our resource center that overviews the topic, including our video chat and our book on the subject: www.technomadia.com/internet
And, as it sounds like you'll be traveling with your daughter, check out www.familiesontheroad.com and www.fulltimefamilies.com .
From there.. you'll find tons of resources :)
For your RV, I'd recommend looking at as many models in person as you can to see what will really work best for you and your family. I highly advise not going new and financing if you can avoid it. It can be common that after a year or two on the road, you find what you thought would work for you doesn't, and you need to switch it up. If you finance new, you'll quickly be upside down in your loan - making it difficult to trade to a different RV (or, sell the RV).
Best wishes in your journey to the road.. and welcome to the community!
- Cherie
Research is the key, and as said above get in as many models you can. You do need to look behind the gloss and fufu stuff to see how well the rig is built. Also its much better to buy a 5'er first then buy the truck to tow it. If you look at slightly used models you can move up in quality for the money.
Lela,
First of all, welcome to the RV Dreams forums. You had definitely found a good source for information about RV's and the RV lifestyle. The folks here have an amazing amount of knowledge to share.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only "dumb" question is the one that doesn't get asked and one makes an expensive mistake. Even old questions when asked by new people tend to give a new perspective on the topic. Also, in the blue bar above the forums, there is a "search" function. That can be a very helpful resource. Also, go to the website's home page and use the "Site Map" link to find a LOT of information about everything from systems on the RV's and even Howard and Linda's financial information.
Lots to learn here, so have fun looking.
Terry
Speaking of which, we went to a nearby RV show. It was our first ever time to enter RVs and explore from inside! I have decided to buy a fifth wheel and didn't even bother to look at TTs, however after browsing all 5th wheels I was disappointed not to have found one that would have it all... For those of you, who suggest not to buy new, that might not be solution for us at all. We might need to order a custom-built RV that would answer (almost) all our needs. The first and foremost is a separate room for our daughter which I think I've found online in Open Range 413RLL model. There is no other comparable model to that... and that costs a lot of money...
I'm browsing all these posts and imagining myself on the road with my family. It's heartbreaking when you know where you want to be and how you want to be living but you can't (yet) do that. On the other hand, it's also invigorating to know where you want to be and how you want to be living. I hope we will plan is very seriously and hit the road in 2015.
I will be posting in other parts of this wonderful forum to get your suggestions.
Happy camping!
Absolutely agree. Get a handle on the financial picture, figure a budget and stick to it. Easier to buy what you want when you know whats available to buy it with. Mortgage is a French word, which literally means "death deed". That should tell you something. Avoid debt, especially on a depreciating asset.
I'm joining the others in welcoming you to this forum. You'll find so much information here. I'm so glad Bear II and biggaRView pointed out some of the financial aspects with being debt free. When I first read your post, your comment about no savings concerned me. I don't want to rain on your parade but in my opinion it would be best if either or both you and your husband could retain your employment. There are very few if any workamping jobs that could pay enough to replace your salaries.
Your excitement for this lifestyle is palatable which we all share but if I might suggest slowing down a little and enjoying the research time and the fun of looking for rigs and dreaming about this lifestyle. You may find your list of what you must have changes. Many of us go thru several models until we find the one! Others with good savings/income and a lot of experience on the road do custom build a unit but we ALL make some compromises. Additionally, we have found that buying your rig is just the beginning. They're kind of like boats which are often described like holes in the water that you throw money in. Then come things like health insurance, good sewer hoses, water pressure regulators, generators, wheel covers, patio mats, outside chairs, grills, Internet devices and boosters, etc., etc.
We are out here on all kinds of incomes from very small to generous. As Howard and others so often say there is no single right way to fulltime but everyone recommends doing the planning and thinking things through.
You CAN do this, I just want you to enjoy it and not regret your decisions.
Sherry
I'm so sorry to have confused you but I never meant to go workamping (when I posted my inital post, I thought it meant "working and camping" kind of like working from home and camping, not exchanging my work for a camping spot). I've edited my original post to avoid further confusion.
Both my husband and I need to retain our employment. I have really hard time finding a work-from-home job in my profession in clinical research but hope this will happen one day (hopefully some time this year!). Right now we are paying 2000 USD monthly in rent. This money would be enough to pay for fifth wheel and TT monthly mortgage plus to cover campground costs for a month, that's why I am not worried about buying RV. At least we will still have our RV, even if depreciated in price, after couple years of traveling to sell, whereas right now we are just throwing that money out in rent. Hope my thinking is right.
I know I CAN do this but knowing is one and doing is other... I am looking forward to meeting one woman with hubby and two small kids who lives in RV full time. They will be stopping nearby sometime in May. Meeting with her and her family might motivate my husband and myself more about this lifestyle, you know.
I take my hats to all those who are doing this already, especially the ones who are doing it in their before-retirement age, working from home while traveling. It's easier to decide to hit the road than to actually do...