We are working hard to find outside the box solutions to getting on the road sooner, and an interesting idea has come up in our discussions. So let me run it by our esteemed "RVeterans" (trademark)...
We have decided that 2019 will almost certainly be our FTing kick off date, but an opportunity to do it part time (9months) starting late in 2017 has revealed itself... with me continuing working in Chicago but using an Extended Stay America or similar for me, for the mid December thru mid March period and Cindi taking our future rig south during the cold months and returning for the warmer months and being stationary for 9 months more or less. My preliminary calculation says we could do it, which would include the 3 month ESA rental & 12 months CG fees with all discounts rolled in, which is well below our current mortgage. Our house equity would be used for the rig purchase with cash in reserve. 3 months apart we could do standing on our heads based on previous experience.
The idea is not fully fleshed out yet, but it seems doable. I could schedule my vacation and personal days to cover a good portion of the time when the rig would be "down South". Our biggest concern is Cindi being with the rig by herself.. and something happens that goes beyond her ability to handle it alone. With 4 weeks of vacation, and 2 personal days plus 5 stat holidays in that timeframe, it is conceivable that she'd barely have time to miss me.
Anybody working, or worked a similar plan? Any pitfalls that were encountered that we should consider? I know Terry & Jo did stationary for a few years so this would be somewhat similar in that regard.
Brian
D and M said
02:27 PM Mar 3, 2015
Brian,
We have been stationary now for almost 2 years. I will be retiring in August and we will finally be hitting the road. The 2 years have given us time to work out bugs, figure out how everything works, add items, and get the rig organized and ready to roll. Due to many factory issues we have needed that time to get everything fixed thru the dealer. The winters have been difficult and we are ready to kiss them goodby for good. I think your plan sounds doable and could be a good opportunity to get you where you want to be sooner.
Good Luck,
Dave
The Restless Youngs said
08:03 PM Mar 3, 2015
Brian/Cindi,
We've been stationary since June with a launch goal of April....so almost a year. I agree with Dave as it has given us some time to get everything figured out, organized, etc. and honestly, we've been able to save more money than we thought as we've basically banked our mortgage and taxes, and we find we don't eat out nearly as much as it's much more of an effort as restaurants aren't as convenient in the boonies. The winter has been sort of tough in the Northeast, but for the most part have managed okay. DH calls it Survivor--The RV Edition! You may be able to find some other housing options less expensive than an extended stay...(airbnb.com, etc.) Your plan sounds totally doable and right now wish I would have thought of Florida for this winter!!
Hope it works out for you!!!
cherylbrv said
08:38 PM Mar 3, 2015
Even if Cindi finds some difficulty, there are always people around the campgrounds and mobile techs to help out (at least that would be what I would resort to if Mitch wasn't around and something needed fixing that I couldn't handle - which is pretty much everything!)
Not to put a damper on things, but I've come to discover that all my plans are made in bubbles, so for both of you, the key is to be as flexible as possible and just go with the flow. But I think this is the case in life - not just RV'ing. Personally, I think if you can handle it financially and can be away from each other for extended periods, then go for it! Live the dream!
PIEERE said
09:49 PM Mar 3, 2015
Park the rig in a large enough campground. There are plenty of people with enough experience that are willing to help. For the techy stuff being close to an rv center and shopping Center is a plus. I would say doable.
DebbieM said
10:27 PM Mar 3, 2015
While not 3 months, I did spend 3 weeks by myself in a State Park (with permission for that extra week) while my husband was out of state. The folks at the park were very friendly and checked up on me often. I had no problems until the last day when someone stole our kayak. I'd stay by myself again if need be. I felt very comfortable. Like other said, I'd choose a park that was nearby a good sized town with a good amount of people in it.
Terry and Jo said
07:58 AM Mar 4, 2015
I'd think you've got a fairly good idea there, Brian, especially since you two would only be separated for a few months at a time. My biggest concern would be with Cindi driving the rig herself, unless you intend to move the rig and then return to your "home base" up north.
Have her start to posting on the forums herself, then if she has questions, she can always ask the folks here for solutions to problems. The three months wouldn't be too bad of a thing. When Jo and I first moved to Oklahoma City, she would have lost too many college hours if she transferred, so we lived separately for 9 or 10 months while she finished college near our old home.
Oh, and we are still living static. Just in Colorado now instead of Oklahoma.
Terry
BiggarView said
10:16 AM Mar 4, 2015
Terry, I would probably use some time to "relocate" the rig with her in this scenario and then drive/fly back. We could winter up here like Diana and Jim are doing in Michigan, and many others, but I don't think that's an option for us... never say never, though.
Cheryl, if we have learned anything in life... you've got to be flexible and the only thing you can control is yourself and your reaction to the chaos going on around you.
Cori, I forgot all about airBnB, thanks. Debbie, Pieere & Dave thanks for the suggestions also.
Now, if I could just get a transfer to a warmer climate, that would solve a lot of issues.
Brian
Diana and Jim said
01:24 PM Mar 4, 2015
Brian,
As Cori, Greg Terry and Jo can attest, winter is definitely doable in a rig up north...but down south would be better. Even as cold as it was, our rig doesn't seem too worse for the wear. We did spend a lot on skirting, propane and electric, but we are WAY ahead of what we were spending in our S&B. We were fortunate to have a great campground and a stable water and electric supply. And in our case, that skirting and the little oil filled heater under the rig was key.
North or south...it sounds like you have got a plan brewing! :)
Cori: Survivor - the RV edition. That sums it up! :)
Jim
NWescapee said
04:51 PM Mar 6, 2015
Sounds like a great plan, plus now you get to start thinking about where you want to go for your first winter south and the route there and back, built in traveling vacations while you help Cindi with the relocation!!
BiggarView said
07:29 AM Apr 3, 2015
Update...
Just got latest estimates of the value of the S&B... and with additional data plugged into our budget calculations for expected ACA expenses (the last item to get good numbers on) it now looks very promising for a 2017 PTing start (better than 50%) and 2018 (nearly 100%) Both plans still require PTing until a 2019 FT target date (still TBD). Seeing as we have legal action started in the "Pit Bull incident", we'd like to get a favorable resolution to that ordeal before we begin any plan.
Knowledge is power. I'm now crunching numbers on swapping our S&B mortgage for a 3 year (or less depending on how the numbers fall) RV note. We'd be debt free by our FTing target date.
Dale, I think Cindi would like a winter in NC to be with grand-daughter and her 2 children. Her hubby is in the USMC.
Jim, the winters up here make me nervous about living in the rig, but we're not completely averse to it. I'll need to get a handle on those winterizing costs and procedures to be able to live in the rig during IL's sometimes icy deathgrip. I haven't checked into potential campgrounds that even operate during the winter near here. I remember living in near Houston way back when I first moved to the USA... they measure winter in hours below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. That's my kind of winter.
Brian
TRAILERKING said
01:00 PM Apr 3, 2015
Good to see you have a plan.
BiggarView said
02:39 PM Apr 3, 2015
Bernie, we've had a plan since shortly after we decided going FT was what we wanted to do. The nice part is our target date has constantly moved up as we learn more and different options reveal themselves to us. So even the plan is evolving to fit new data. Ultimately, the one thing that will push us to go FT earlier than mid-2019 will be how quickly real estate prices come back in our area. It's starting to look promising.
Brian
Camper Chronicles said
04:11 AM Apr 4, 2015
Brian you know I am all for getting out there as soon as possible and I do believe with a little training Cindi would be fine in a stationary situation...most of the difficult stuff for me has been around moving. But I do want to caution you that you might feel resentful...living out of a hotel and working while she basks in the beautiful weather :) Not that Cindi doesn't deserve it, but it's tough bring the one in the cold...I know from recent experience. That being said you can live MUCH cheaper in the rig and even with two separate domicile costs...financially you would probably come out ahead overall. The other thing I like about the plan is allows for a transition period which I am a huge fan of as well. Just be honest with yourself about how much you are personally willing to sacrifice. So you don't find yourself resentful a few months down the road.
Much luck to you both...I'm routing for you...Trace
BiggarView said
11:20 AM Apr 4, 2015
Lee and Trace wrote:
...Not that Cindi doesn't deserve it, but it's tough being the one in the cold...I know from recent experience...
Us "Canucks" are a hardy bunch. I can handle it. Cindi, being a southern gal, well she's not very amenable to it.(LOL) But take or leave it?... I choose leave it, definitely.
We are working hard to find outside the box solutions to getting on the road sooner, and an interesting idea has come up in our discussions. So let me run it by our esteemed "RVeterans" (trademark)
...
We have decided that 2019 will almost certainly be our FTing kick off date, but an opportunity to do it part time (9months) starting late in 2017 has revealed itself... with me continuing working in Chicago but using an Extended Stay America or similar for me, for the mid December thru mid March period and Cindi taking our future rig south during the cold months and returning for the warmer months and being stationary for 9 months more or less. My preliminary calculation says we could do it, which would include the 3 month ESA rental & 12 months CG fees with all discounts rolled in, which is well below our current mortgage. Our house equity would be used for the rig purchase with cash in reserve. 3 months apart we could do standing on our heads based on previous experience.
The idea is not fully fleshed out yet, but it seems doable. I could schedule my vacation and personal days to cover a good portion of the time when the rig would be "down South". Our biggest concern is Cindi being with the rig by herself.. and something happens that goes beyond her ability to handle it alone.
With 4 weeks of vacation, and 2 personal days plus 5 stat holidays in that timeframe, it is conceivable that she'd barely have time to miss me.
Anybody working, or worked a similar plan?
Any pitfalls that were encountered that we should consider? I know Terry & Jo did stationary for a few years so this would be somewhat similar in that regard.
Brian
We have been stationary now for almost 2 years. I will be retiring in August and we will finally be hitting the road. The 2 years have given us time to work out bugs, figure out how everything works, add items, and get the rig organized and ready to roll. Due to many factory issues we have needed that time to get everything fixed thru the dealer. The winters have been difficult and we are ready to kiss them goodby for good. I think your plan sounds doable and could be a good opportunity to get you where you want to be sooner.
Good Luck,
Dave
We've been stationary since June with a launch goal of April....so almost a year. I agree with Dave as it has given us some time to get everything figured out, organized, etc. and honestly, we've been able to save more money than we thought as we've basically banked our mortgage and taxes, and we find we don't eat out nearly as much as it's much more of an effort as restaurants aren't as convenient in the boonies. The winter has been sort of tough in the Northeast, but for the most part have managed okay. DH calls it Survivor--The RV Edition! You may be able to find some other housing options less expensive than an extended stay...(airbnb.com, etc.) Your plan sounds totally doable and right now wish I would have thought of Florida for this winter!!
Hope it works out for you!!!
Even if Cindi finds some difficulty, there are always people around the campgrounds and mobile techs to help out (at least that would be what I would resort to if Mitch wasn't around and something needed fixing that I couldn't handle - which is pretty much everything!)
Not to put a damper on things, but I've come to discover that all my plans are made in bubbles, so for both of you, the key is to be as flexible as possible and just go with the flow. But I think this is the case in life - not just RV'ing. Personally, I think if you can handle it financially and can be away from each other for extended periods, then go for it! Live the dream!
While not 3 months, I did spend 3 weeks by myself in a State Park (with permission for that extra week) while my husband was out of state. The folks at the park were very friendly and checked up on me often. I had no problems until the last day when someone stole our kayak. I'd stay by myself again if need be. I felt very comfortable. Like other said, I'd choose a park that was nearby a good sized town with a good amount of people in it.
I'd think you've got a fairly good idea there, Brian, especially since you two would only be separated for a few months at a time. My biggest concern would be with Cindi driving the rig herself, unless you intend to move the rig and then return to your "home base" up north.
Have her start to posting on the forums herself, then if she has questions, she can always ask the folks here for solutions to problems. The three months wouldn't be too bad of a thing. When Jo and I first moved to Oklahoma City, she would have lost too many college hours if she transferred, so we lived separately for 9 or 10 months while she finished college near our old home.
Oh, and we are still living static. Just in Colorado now instead of Oklahoma.
Terry
Terry, I would probably use some time to "relocate" the rig with her in this scenario and then drive/fly back. We could winter up here like Diana and Jim are doing in Michigan, and many others, but I don't think that's an option for us... never say never, though.
Cheryl, if we have learned anything in life... you've got to be flexible and the only thing you can control is yourself and your reaction to the chaos going on around you.
Cori, I forgot all about airBnB, thanks. Debbie, Pieere & Dave thanks for the suggestions also.
Now, if I could just get a transfer to a warmer climate, that would solve a lot of issues.
Brian
As Cori, Greg Terry and Jo can attest, winter is definitely doable in a rig up north...but down south would be better. Even as cold as it was, our rig doesn't seem too worse for the wear. We did spend a lot on skirting, propane and electric, but we are WAY ahead of what we were spending in our S&B. We were fortunate to have a great campground and a stable water and electric supply. And in our case, that skirting and the little oil filled heater under the rig was key.
North or south...it sounds like you have got a plan brewing! :)
Cori: Survivor - the RV edition. That sums it up! :)
Jim
Update...
Just got latest estimates of the value of the S&B
... and with additional data plugged into our budget calculations for expected ACA expenses (the last item to get good numbers on) it now looks very promising for a 2017 PTing start (better than 50%) and 2018 (nearly 100%) Both plans still require PTing until a 2019 FT target date (still TBD). Seeing as we have legal action started in the "Pit Bull incident", we'd like to get a favorable resolution to that ordeal before we begin any plan.
Knowledge is power. I'm now crunching numbers on swapping our S&B mortgage for a 3 year (or less depending on how the numbers fall) RV note. We'd be debt free by our FTing target date.
Dale, I think Cindi would like a winter in NC to be with grand-daughter and her 2 children. Her hubby is in the USMC.
Jim, the winters up here make me nervous about living in the rig, but we're not completely averse to it. I'll need to get a handle on those winterizing costs and procedures to be able to live in the rig during IL's sometimes icy deathgrip. I haven't checked into potential campgrounds that even operate during the winter near here. I remember living in near Houston way back when I first moved to the USA... they measure winter in hours below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
That's my kind of winter.
Brian
Bernie, we've had a plan since shortly after we decided going FT was what we wanted to do. The nice part is our target date has constantly moved up as we learn more and different options reveal themselves to us. So even the plan is evolving to fit new data. Ultimately, the one thing that will push us to go FT earlier than mid-2019 will be how quickly real estate prices come back in our area. It's starting to look promising.
Brian
Much luck to you both...I'm routing for you...Trace
Us "Canucks" are a hardy bunch. I can handle it.
Cindi, being a southern gal, well she's not very amenable to it.(LOL) But take or leave it?... I choose leave it, definitely.