My name is Kyle, and I recently joined the forum to research and plan what will hopefully be at least a one year road trip around America.
The condensed version of why I am here is both positive, and negative. I have always wanted to see "whats out there", and traveling around towing a trailer seems like the way to do it. I've always enjoyed vacations, but often arrived home more tired, and in need of a vacation, than when I left. Rushing from place to place, like Clark Griswold, I kinda wrote the book on whirlwind trips. It would be very nice to be able to take a week, or a month in one place, and really explore.
At 42, I am growing disillusioned with the "Leave it to Beaver" American dream I was brought up to believe. I've owned a house for almost 20 years, made my payments on time, done all the "Right" stuff we are told to do, and frankly, I am sick of it. Basically, I feel like all I have earned, is a "score" that says I am entitled to more debt, and an obligation to fix/paint/remodel/insure/maintain/and worry about some sticks on a piece of dirt I am tired of! I have grown weary of piles of stuff that give pleasure for a day, a week, or a month, and then get cast aside, only to gather dust and guilt in their disuse.
I remember my first studio apartment in the early 90's. I had nothing more than I could move in two trips of my old 71' El Camino. Free furniture, a bed, a TV, and a couple photo albums. I was struggling to pay the bills, but I didn't need a mountain of stuff to feel at home. I also didn't feel the need for a fixed address.
I got married in 2009, and have two step kids, 16 and 18. Good days and bad there, as you can imagine. Before they get their start in the world, I'd like to take them around the country, and get some miles under their belts, before deciding what they want to do with their lives. I know that for me, the ages of 18-22 were pretty much lost in partying, and time not well spent. I don't regret it, necessarily, but I look back at it as somewhat of a waste. They will both have a AA degree before we leave.
Several deaths are motivating me as well. My Dad died one year after retiring from a 30 year career. He did it "By the book". He set himself up to retire comfortably, had his house paid off, and was looking forward to living into his 90's, like his parents. He died at 58. My Mother didn't make 70. In the last ten years, I have buried too many friends. Cancer, accidents, and unfortunately, murder and suicides, as well. We all hear the clock ticking to some extent, I just can't drown it out anymore.
So, with all that drama aside, here's what I am looking at for a timeline, and a plan.
By the spring of 2016, I plan to have sold, given away, or chucked virtually all of our "stuff", and purchased a large bumper pull trailer. We will sell this house, and bank the proceeds in an investment account, untouched except for potential catastrophe. At the end of our year, or however long we make it, we can choose where/if we want to settle.
I already have a 28 foot cargo trailer that I converted into a travel trailer, but, without slides, I don't see four people living in it for a year. I have towed it several thousand miles, without a equalizer, or any other stabilization, and it hasn't done anything too scary yet, so I feel fairly confident I can adjust to a heavier trailer, set up properly. If I had unlimited finances, I'd get a big, shiny 5th wheel, and an F450 to tow it. That's not gonna happen.
I currently have a 2002 Chevrolet 2500HD, with only 25,000 miles on it. It has the 8.1, Allison, and a 4.10 rear end. I should be good with a 30-32' bumper pull, if I keep the weight below 11,000 or so. It may not be ideal, but it's paid off. 20,000 miles to trek around the country, at 4 bucks a gallon, at an average 8MPG works out to an even ten grand in fuel. Lot's cheaper than a 50k diesel!
Depending on what time of the year our house sells, we head out, starting either north, or south, to follow good weather. Where we go, and what we do, are still very much open. I'd like to see most of the perimeter of the country, and certainly hit the highlights of most of those states. I've been to two corners of the US, I plan to dip my toe at all four.
So, that's it for now. Just another dreamer, wanna/gonna. I am starting to sell stuff now, and pile up money for a trailer. If all else fails, and life somehow gets in the way of my current plan, at least I will have gotten rid of tons of useless baggage, and have some money in the bank!
Great forum, glad I found it.
Regards, Kyle
TRAILERKING said
10:34 AM Aug 25, 2014
Welcome aboard Kyle and Family......................Good story too.
SnowGypsy said
12:51 PM Aug 25, 2014
I totally agree about "stuff" and also the rush that travel usually is. We have relocated several times spending an average of about 3 to 4 years per place with 2 years preferred because that is how long it takes for us to decide if that is a "forever" place. None have been. And, "Welcome!" you have given yourself plenty of time to plan and learn which will be a real plus when you hit the road.
Adam and Karen said
08:31 PM Aug 25, 2014
Vagabond, I love and can relate so much to your story. Most of my life, I've done what I'm suppossed to do; now I want to do what I want to do.
As for your truck/trailer, you should be fine. I've worked in the car business in "truck country" for many years. Your Chevy 2500HD with 8.1/Allison should be all the truck you'll need. We pull our 32 foot Dutchmen 30RL (7,000 pounds dry, about 9,500 loaded) with our 2011 Chevy 2500HD with the 6.0 gas engine just fine. We don't push things; we run about 60 on the highway and take our time up and down the long, steep grades here in the southern Appalachians, and the truck seems to enjoy the workout. Yeah, if money were no object, I'd have a GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD with the Duramax, but for Karen and I, money is an object.
Have fun on your trip, you may decide you just don't want to quit. Remeber, all who wander are not lost......
Vagabond said
08:43 AM Aug 26, 2014
Thanks for the welcome, folks. I'll have a million questions as this adventure unfolds, I'm sure. Thanks for the info on the truck, Adam. I have had two diesels in the past, and they were great.... For towing. Day to day, endless cold winter starts, and 2-5 mile drives, they just were not the hot setup. My only concern with the 8.1 is the much discussed startup rattle. About 20 seconds of what sounds like lifter noise, or piston slap. Everybody frets over it, but I have yet to read of one grenading because of it. I'll keep the oil changed, and topped up, and just run the thing.
Regards, Kyle
Fergizmo said
06:15 AM Aug 28, 2014
Kyle, welcome to the forum. Everything you need to know can be found here. We are from Wenatchee also. We started our full time travel adventures 1 year ago. We have seen so much and have met wonderful people. And haven't even scratched the surface. Enjoy the days ahead.
Vagabond said
05:58 PM Feb 2, 2015
Thanks, Allen and Donna. I feel a bit like an archaeologist, digging up my own old thread. I've been doing a lot of lurking, but not much posting.
Plans are changed slightly, but I have been selling stuff like a madman, and have 50% of my unsecured debt paid off now.
The kids will not be joining us on this adventure. It sounded like a great idea, at first, but when my wife and I sat down, and really gave it the nitty-gritty, it seems unwise. They are great kids, with bright futures. They are also teenagers, and are at the point I was, at that age. "Old people" (We are 43), can't tell them anything. They know best. My attitude is pretty much "OK, then go ahead and move out, and show us how it's done" :) Some of their ideas will work, others are nearly a guaranteed failure. Time to sort it out for themselves.
Wifey hates one of my favorite phrases. "Magical thinking". She sometimes grumbles at me when I bring it up, but I really find it a help in life. Magical thinking, in this case, would be believing that once we hitch up our shiny new trailer, and leave the driveway of our freshly-sold house, that the kids would magically transform into helpful, interested, and exciting companions. They would be happy with limited or no cell service, no high speed internet, and over the air TV, when available...
Hehehehe. Righhhht. :)
So, we are still on track to put the house on the market in March of 2016. Zero debt, and outta here! Really enjoy this forum, I have learned a lot just surfing around!
Regards, Kyle
TomW said
12:26 AM Feb 3, 2015
As you know, your kids have their own lives, friends, interests, and plans for their immediate future. Unfortunately, for them, they have their own lives, friends, interests, and plans for their immediate future. They will be missing a great opportunity for seeing a lot of this country in person.
I don't regret having lived the 'ideal' life of debt & possessions but neither have been extravagant but sufficient, when combined with family obligations, kept me from doing exactly what you are planning. Good for you, it took me 37 years to get out of the rat race.
We don't travel full time due to my wife's desire to stay near her church and aging siblings but we would like to. We are also older and unable to do some of the stuff we did years ago (like 5+ mile hikes) but we do still travel and do shorter walks.
Even without your kids, get out there and follow your dream while you can.
marianne57 said
07:32 PM Feb 3, 2015
Welcome Vagabond and I can relate to the "stuff" and feeling that we work for basically nothing in the end. We like you have seen many close friends and relations, pass away too young without a chance to enjoy what they have worked for all their life. Live your adventure while you can and hope you find the spot you enjoy the most to settle in. We plan to head out in mid 2016 also from the Eastern side of the US so maybe we'll cross paths somewhere in the middle. Take care and hope you get all the info you need here!
Vagabond said
06:29 PM Feb 4, 2015
Thanks for the encouragement, Tom. My Wife has similar concerns to yours. Her Mom died a year ago after a 6 year fight with breast cancer, and her Dad isn't in the greatest health. We talked a lot about it, and agreed that distance didn't matter as much as we had thought.
The thought process for us is, people usually die suddenly, or they take a while. That sounds kinda insensitive, but it isn't meant to, it's just been my experience. Short of a flight-grounding blizzard, we can be back in Wenatchee in 24 hours max, for less than $2000. If someone dies suddenly, 24hrs doesn't make much difference. The phone call is just as horrific, and there is nothing to be done to help them. If someone get's diagnosed with cancer, or injured, or something else, we can be there in a day. Heck, it might be one of us dropping dead. I just don't have a crystal ball. :)
I'll take your last line of advice, and run with it. My Dad never got to enjoy his retirement. That one still burns, and always will. (Sorry for the glum reply!)
Marianne, you never know, we might run in to you somewhere. Look for the bald guy and the brunette with the same nervous, "OMG, what are we DOING out here" look on our faces. Possibly a small, black, and slightly retarded cat, as well :)
We are looking forward to seeing the East coast, but I admit, in the early stages of pre-planning, it looks like a daunting area to navigate, and boondock! I've been to Florida, but never up the coast. We have been thinking of renting a car when we stay near DC. I can't imaging driving our full size truck around in parking garages, and that's the only "Big city" I want to see in our entire trip. I lived in Seattle for 34 years. Only the national treasures to be seen in DC, could drag me into another inner city!
Regards, Kyle
PD CFK said
06:41 PM Feb 4, 2015
Vagabond... We have stayed at Cherry Hill RV Park in College Park, Md. several times since my son is stationed in DC. It's really a good place to stay. Yes, we rent a car while we are there rather than driving the dually around. We once stayed at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Va. It was heavily wooded and rustic. You may like that sort of area instead. Pat K
Vagabond said
08:53 AM Feb 5, 2015
Thanks, Pat. I wrote those two places down in my notebook for future reference. I was pleasantly surprised to see that weekly rental rates for small cars can be downright affordable. The rental fee is often less than we would spend on gas, driving our truck!
Regards, Kyle
Hi folks,
My name is Kyle, and I recently joined the forum to research and plan what will hopefully be at least a one year road trip around America.
The condensed version of why I am here is both positive, and negative. I have always wanted to see "whats out there", and traveling around towing a trailer seems like the way to do it. I've always enjoyed vacations, but often arrived home more tired, and in need of a vacation, than when I left. Rushing from place to place, like Clark Griswold, I kinda wrote the book on whirlwind trips. It would be very nice to be able to take a week, or a month in one place, and really explore.
At 42, I am growing disillusioned with the "Leave it to Beaver" American dream I was brought up to believe. I've owned a house for almost 20 years, made my payments on time, done all the "Right" stuff we are told to do, and frankly, I am sick of it. Basically, I feel like all I have earned, is a "score" that says I am entitled to more debt, and an obligation to fix/paint/remodel/insure/maintain/and worry about some sticks on a piece of dirt I am tired of! I have grown weary of piles of stuff that give pleasure for a day, a week, or a month, and then get cast aside, only to gather dust and guilt in their disuse.
I remember my first studio apartment in the early 90's. I had nothing more than I could move in two trips of my old 71' El Camino. Free furniture, a bed, a TV, and a couple photo albums. I was struggling to pay the bills, but I didn't need a mountain of stuff to feel at home. I also didn't feel the need for a fixed address.
I got married in 2009, and have two step kids, 16 and 18. Good days and bad there, as you can imagine. Before they get their start in the world, I'd like to take them around the country, and get some miles under their belts, before deciding what they want to do with their lives. I know that for me, the ages of 18-22 were pretty much lost in partying, and time not well spent. I don't regret it, necessarily, but I look back at it as somewhat of a waste. They will both have a AA degree before we leave.
Several deaths are motivating me as well. My Dad died one year after retiring from a 30 year career. He did it "By the book". He set himself up to retire comfortably, had his house paid off, and was looking forward to living into his 90's, like his parents. He died at 58. My Mother didn't make 70. In the last ten years, I have buried too many friends. Cancer, accidents, and unfortunately, murder and suicides, as well. We all hear the clock ticking to some extent, I just can't drown it out anymore.
So, with all that drama aside, here's what I am looking at for a timeline, and a plan.
By the spring of 2016, I plan to have sold, given away, or chucked virtually all of our "stuff", and purchased a large bumper pull trailer. We will sell this house, and bank the proceeds in an investment account, untouched except for potential catastrophe. At the end of our year, or however long we make it, we can choose where/if we want to settle.
I already have a 28 foot cargo trailer that I converted into a travel trailer, but, without slides, I don't see four people living in it for a year. I have towed it several thousand miles, without a equalizer, or any other stabilization, and it hasn't done anything too scary yet, so I feel fairly confident I can adjust to a heavier trailer, set up properly. If I had unlimited finances, I'd get a big, shiny 5th wheel, and an F450 to tow it. That's not gonna happen.
I currently have a 2002 Chevrolet 2500HD, with only 25,000 miles on it. It has the 8.1, Allison, and a 4.10 rear end. I should be good with a 30-32' bumper pull, if I keep the weight below 11,000 or so. It may not be ideal, but it's paid off. 20,000 miles to trek around the country, at 4 bucks a gallon, at an average 8MPG works out to an even ten grand in fuel. Lot's cheaper than a 50k diesel!
Depending on what time of the year our house sells, we head out, starting either north, or south, to follow good weather. Where we go, and what we do, are still very much open. I'd like to see most of the perimeter of the country, and certainly hit the highlights of most of those states. I've been to two corners of the US, I plan to dip my toe at all four.
So, that's it for now. Just another dreamer, wanna/gonna. I am starting to sell stuff now, and pile up money for a trailer. If all else fails, and life somehow gets in the way of my current plan, at least I will have gotten rid of tons of useless baggage, and have some money in the bank!
Great forum, glad I found it.
Regards, Kyle
Vagabond, I love and can relate so much to your story. Most of my life, I've done what I'm suppossed to do; now I want to do what I want to do.
As for your truck/trailer, you should be fine. I've worked in the car business in "truck country" for many years. Your Chevy 2500HD with 8.1/Allison should be all the truck you'll need. We pull our 32 foot Dutchmen 30RL (7,000 pounds dry, about 9,500 loaded) with our 2011 Chevy 2500HD with the 6.0 gas engine just fine. We don't push things; we run about 60 on the highway and take our time up and down the long, steep grades here in the southern Appalachians, and the truck seems to enjoy the workout. Yeah, if money were no object, I'd have a GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD with the Duramax, but for Karen and I, money is an object.
Have fun on your trip, you may decide you just don't want to quit. Remeber, all who wander are not lost......
Regards, Kyle
Plans are changed slightly, but I have been selling stuff like a madman, and have 50% of my unsecured debt paid off now.
The kids will not be joining us on this adventure. It sounded like a great idea, at first, but when my wife and I sat down, and really gave it the nitty-gritty, it seems unwise. They are great kids, with bright futures. They are also teenagers, and are at the point I was, at that age. "Old people" (We are 43), can't tell them anything. They know best. My attitude is pretty much "OK, then go ahead and move out, and show us how it's done" :) Some of their ideas will work, others are nearly a guaranteed failure. Time to sort it out for themselves.
Wifey hates one of my favorite phrases. "Magical thinking". She sometimes grumbles at me when I bring it up, but I really find it a help in life. Magical thinking, in this case, would be believing that once we hitch up our shiny new trailer, and leave the driveway of our freshly-sold house, that the kids would magically transform into helpful, interested, and exciting companions. They would be happy with limited or no cell service, no high speed internet, and over the air TV, when available...
Hehehehe. Righhhht. :)
So, we are still on track to put the house on the market in March of 2016. Zero debt, and outta here! Really enjoy this forum, I have learned a lot just surfing around!
Regards, Kyle
I don't regret having lived the 'ideal' life of debt & possessions but neither have been extravagant but sufficient, when combined with family obligations, kept me from doing exactly what you are planning. Good for you, it took me 37 years to get out of the rat race.
We don't travel full time due to my wife's desire to stay near her church and aging siblings but we would like to. We are also older and unable to do some of the stuff we did years ago (like 5+ mile hikes) but we do still travel and do shorter walks.
Even without your kids, get out there and follow your dream while you can.
Welcome Vagabond and I can relate to the "stuff" and feeling that we work for basically nothing in the end. We like you have seen many close friends and relations, pass away too young without a chance to enjoy what they have worked for all their life. Live your adventure while you can and hope you find the spot you enjoy the most to settle in. We plan to head out in mid 2016 also from the Eastern side of the US so maybe we'll cross paths somewhere in the middle. Take care and hope you get all the info you need here!
The thought process for us is, people usually die suddenly, or they take a while. That sounds kinda insensitive, but it isn't meant to, it's just been my experience. Short of a flight-grounding blizzard, we can be back in Wenatchee in 24 hours max, for less than $2000. If someone dies suddenly, 24hrs doesn't make much difference. The phone call is just as horrific, and there is nothing to be done to help them. If someone get's diagnosed with cancer, or injured, or something else, we can be there in a day. Heck, it might be one of us dropping dead. I just don't have a crystal ball. :)
I'll take your last line of advice, and run with it. My Dad never got to enjoy his retirement. That one still burns, and always will. (Sorry for the glum reply!)
Marianne, you never know, we might run in to you somewhere. Look for the bald guy and the brunette with the same nervous, "OMG, what are we DOING out here" look on our faces. Possibly a small, black, and slightly retarded cat, as well :)
We are looking forward to seeing the East coast, but I admit, in the early stages of pre-planning, it looks like a daunting area to navigate, and boondock! I've been to Florida, but never up the coast. We have been thinking of renting a car when we stay near DC. I can't imaging driving our full size truck around in parking garages, and that's the only "Big city" I want to see in our entire trip. I lived in Seattle for 34 years. Only the national treasures to be seen in DC, could drag me into another inner city!
Regards, Kyle
Regards, Kyle