Like I suppose so many of us wanting to go full time, I have about 500 questions needing answers and about 1500 things to do before starting the "The Grand Adventure". But it occurs to me that I should first post my plan in general and seek feed back from all of you in the know before getting specific. Questions, comments, constructive criticism and advice are solicited. Here goes:
The Plan -
Fulltiming is the perfect solution for Ruth and me. The house is not right for us in old age and has to go no matter what. We have always traveled whether by popup, 5er (25'), motorcycle or just driving road trips. So we are going full time and reevaluating after the first 2 years when we will decide to continue on the road or buy more sticks and bricks. It also gives us time to see how much we miss living in our home town as well as look at other locations during our travels where me may want to live. If we continue, by that time we will know what type of RV best suits the type of camping we prefer and will upgrade to what is right for us. If we buy another house, we'll keep the 5er for travel.
The RV -
Not been fulltime before, we don't really know what kind of camping we prefer, the choices range from RV Resort to Boondocking. Not knowing our preference, we decided on a 5er in the 32' range. Today it's a Grand Design 303RLS pulled by a Ford 1 ton PS SWR crew cab long bed. This seems like a reasonable compromise, not too long, not too short. The truck gives us room to upgrade later (we never see ourselves in a 40' rig) and holds its value. If we go with a Super C later on. I can get a good trade on a Jeep toad. The trailer, well, I'll take a hit on that, but it will be turnig 40k into 20k whereas if I go Super C now and want to get out later, we turn 200k into 100.
The Insurance -
Having consulted with an agent here, we will take COBRA through my wife's employer for the time available which I think is 18 months. That gives us time to let the election play out and see what happens with Obamacare and let the insurance industry settle a bit. We also hope to learn more about what works for other fulltimers. Plus we are somewhat reluctant to ditch our current health care team. We schedule our physicals somewhere between June - August so we can return a year later at the same time for the next annual.
The Finance -
We have investments in Vanguard, Schwab and Ruth's 401. We plan to move our savings and checking from the local credit union to a national banking institution but are not sure which one. Bank of America, Wells Fargo and BMO are the leading candidates. We will consolidate our funds mostly in Vanguard but will retain the Schwab account as that is where our financial manager trades on our behalf. Then I can link Vanguard to the bank of choice.
The House -
We want to retire the end of April next year. That gives us from now until then to unload our stuff and empty the house. We move into the trailer which will be parked on a local seasonal site for the summer. We move into the trailer taking not much with us at first then accumulate what we need as we discover we need it. Hopefully that prevents us from taking more than we should. Then the house is listed and once it sells we are free to leave whenever we desire.
The Domicile -
My sister agrees to let us use her address here in WI so while we're insured by COBRA, we will remain residents of WI. I'm aware of the tax consequences but if we stay on the road we'll consider changing later as the health insurance picture clears up. I don't want to cause my sis undue burden so I will use a mail forwarding service even though we're not based in one of the big 3, SD, TX or FL. We use her addy for governmental and financial stuff. For everything else we use the forwarding service, packages, etc. As much as possible, we will use paperless delivery options. Perhaps that is my first question, can I use forwarding services the way I described?
That's pretty much it. We're very nervous (scared) about this so have at it and thank you all in advance for helping.
I want to add that we have been helped by many of the video bloggers out there. But the guy who does Love Your RV truly inspires me. Having watched his stuff, we are going kick our fears to the curb and just do it. (I'm a planner who grinds boulders into talcum powder before acting. Taking a leap of faith is way out of the box for me.) One day I must thank him.
Offtosmelltheroses said
04:13 PM Apr 26, 2016
Dan and Ruth -
While a certain amount of trepidation is unavoidable - sounds to me like you've done a very good job at identifying many of the issues and addressing them. Your plans look very well laid out. Some of the more experienced full timers here on the forum may be able to offer you some suggestions and/or constructive criticisms on aspects of your plan, but you appear to have things well in hand. We just completed a year of planning, RV shopping, etc., and it was overwhelming, however we're flying from Portland to Salt Lake City on Tuesday to pick our Tiffin and whatever anxst we''re still dealing with is balanced out by the excitement and sheer joy in finally finding "the one", and knowing we're ready to "rock and roll". Best of luck to you two, welcome to the forum and safe travels.
Jim and Deb
Dan and Ruth said
11:41 AM Apr 27, 2016
Jim and Deb, thank you for the input. Ruth and I are trying to consider all of the main issues we find while researching this adventure and hope to reduce the number of surprises. It seems though, at a certain point one has to just take the leap...
I do hope to hear from some seasoned full timers on this forum.
Best of luck on your trip. From what I've read, it seems you can't go wrong purchasing a Tiffin. It must be wonderful to have the start of it all so close at hand.
Camper Chronicles said
08:59 AM Apr 28, 2016
Wow do I love a plan and Dan you are a many after my own heart. The only thing I might add is how you like to travel. To some extent you won't know until you get out there and try it, but it's good to talk in general about places you want to see, how frequently you think you would like to move etc. First off that's the fun part :) Second, it's good imho to have some structure around that as well before taking off...at least for planners like you and me :) Good luck to you and can't wait to hear more as you go along.
Tracy
NWescapee said
04:15 PM Apr 28, 2016
Hi Dan and Ruth (from Dale and Ruth, LOL!, not too many Ruths on the forum),
Have you checked out Howard's domicile page? www.rv-dreams.com/home-base-selection.html Yes, you can use a mail forwarding company as you wish, but you might want to check out some of his info as well. The more addresses you have for various purposes, the more likely it is that it could cause issues, so just use caution as you proceed. We became SD residents after selling the house in WA, currently use Americas Mailbox but are seriously considering changing to Escapees in SD. I dread the address change activities again and while we no longer receive much mail, there's still a ton of notification to be done.
Like Trace, I'm a big planner, can't tell you how many spreadsheets I used during the process, but it's always nice to have at least one person of the couple to be the organized / detailed oriented one and that has continued to serve us well on the road when plans change unexpectedly.
Welcome to the forum, lots of info here. We're among the "somewhat" seasoned full timers as we're approaching our 3rd year anniversary, but there are many here who have many more years on the road.
Dan and Ruth said
06:26 PM Apr 28, 2016
Lee and Trace wrote:
Wow do I love a plan and Dan you are a many after my own heart. The only thing I might add is how you like to travel. To some extent you won't know until you get out there and try it, but it's good to talk in general about places you want to see, how frequently you think you would like to move etc. First off that's the fun part :) Second, it's good imho to have some structure around that as well before taking off...at least for planners like you and me :) Good luck to you and can't wait to hear more as you go along.
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
Good point. Ruth and I have discussed this but I failed to write about it. We are retiring somewhat early. I will be 59.5 and Ruth will be 60.5. Early on we think we will stay put a little more than travel in an attempt to be more cost effective until social security kicks in followed by medicare. We love the southwest, tentatively we think we will try using monthly rates offered by campgrounds and I have to admit I also look forward to some boondocking. Then we can completely canvas an area before moving on to the next site. But like you said, we'll see whenwe get out there. I've read posts and articles discussing how novice full timers try to pack too many miles in too quickly. I hope I can learn that lesson the easy way. I hope your summer is all you and Lee hope for!
-- Edited by Dan and Ruth on Thursday 28th of April 2016 06:29:17 PM
-- Edited by Dan and Ruth on Thursday 28th of April 2016 06:42:17 PM
Dan and Ruth said
06:41 PM Apr 28, 2016
NWescapee wrote:
Hi Dan and Ruth (from Dale and Ruth, LOL!, not too many Ruths on the forum),
Have you checked out Howard's domicile page? www.rv-dreams.com/home-base-selection.html Yes, you can use a mail forwarding company as you wish, but you might want to check out some of his info as well. The more addresses you have for various purposes, the more likely it is that it could cause issues, so just use caution as you proceed. We became SD residents after selling the house in WA, currently use Americas Mailbox but are seriously considering changing to Escapees in SD. I dread the address change activities again and while we no longer receive much mail, there's still a ton of notification to be done.
Like Trace, I'm a big planner, can't tell you how many spreadsheets I used during the process, but it's always nice to have at least one person of the couple to be the organized / detailed oriented one and that has continued to serve us well on the road when plans change unexpectedly.
Welcome to the forum, lots of info here. We're among the "somewhat" seasoned full timers as we're approaching our 3rd year anniversary, but there are many here who have many more years on the road.
Hi Dale and Ruth,
The lack of Ruths isn't limited to the forum, we don't run across too many anywhere. You make an interesting point about multiple addresses, I will have to consider that. And no, I haven't visited that page but will head that direction shortly.
Thanks for the welcome and reply, it was nice meeting you. Happy travels.
Dan and Ruth said
04:15 PM Oct 16, 2016
Update - we're one step closer to getting on the road. This past Friday we finalized the purchase of a 2016 Grand Design Reflection 317RST. It was a great deal on a close out model. Personally, we much preferred the floor plan of the 317 vs. the 318 that replaced it. The dealer agreed to store it until next May at the latest. Now we have to find a truck.
fun2travel said
05:45 PM Oct 16, 2016
Congrats on getting your new home. It will be time to go before you know it!
el Rojo and Pam said
07:40 PM Oct 16, 2016
Welcome Dan and Ruth(2) LOL. If Ruth(2) is as nice and friendly as Ruth(1)...Dan you've got it made. For general and full timing question you've come to a great place. For specific trailer questions, www.granddesignowners.com.
Anyway, Congrats and glad to have you with us.
Red
Dan and Ruth said
06:50 PM Oct 17, 2016
Thanks folks. We're really looking forward to getting out there. Right now, we're thinking about wintering in Tucson next year. I can't wait to put winter behind us.
Ruths-gotta love'em.
Dan and Ruth said
07:16 PM Oct 21, 2016
Today we added the final big piece. Next Friday we take delivery of a 2016 Ram Laramie DRW. It seems particularly well suited for towing as it has the Aisin trans, 5th wheel prep. package and rear air leveling system. It's a darn nice truck.
Dan and Ruth said
08:02 AM Feb 7, 2017
Update: Things are moving at what feels like a break-neck pace. Most of our stuff is gone, we have a signed offer on the house and anticipate closing on the 28th. We move into an apartment in 2 weeks. It's going to be an interesting year.
NWescapee said
08:25 AM Feb 7, 2017
Good luck! You are not alone feeling like you're in a whirlwind right now, most of us have "been there, done that", I can't tell you how great it was to start sleeping again once the house closed and all the "stuff" was finally packed in the RV, donated, sold, thrown away or put into storage.
BiggarView said
10:41 AM Feb 7, 2017
Love it. Still a couple of years out for us. Wish we were in your shoes.... All good things come to those that wait, so they keep telling me.
Like I suppose so many of us wanting to go full time, I have about 500 questions needing answers and about 1500 things to do before starting the "The Grand Adventure". But it occurs to me that I should first post my plan in general and seek feed back from all of you in the know before getting specific. Questions, comments, constructive criticism and advice are solicited. Here goes:
The Plan -
Fulltiming is the perfect solution for Ruth and me. The house is not right for us in old age and has to go no matter what. We have always traveled whether by popup, 5er (25'), motorcycle or just driving road trips. So we are going full time and reevaluating after the first 2 years when we will decide to continue on the road or buy more sticks and bricks. It also gives us time to see how much we miss living in our home town as well as look at other locations during our travels where me may want to live. If we continue, by that time we will know what type of RV best suits the type of camping we prefer and will upgrade to what is right for us. If we buy another house, we'll keep the 5er for travel.
The RV -
Not been fulltime before, we don't really know what kind of camping we prefer, the choices range from RV Resort to Boondocking. Not knowing our preference, we decided on a 5er in the 32' range. Today it's a Grand Design 303RLS pulled by a Ford 1 ton PS SWR crew cab long bed. This seems like a reasonable compromise, not too long, not too short. The truck gives us room to upgrade later (we never see ourselves in a 40' rig) and holds its value. If we go with a Super C later on. I can get a good trade on a Jeep toad. The trailer, well, I'll take a hit on that, but it will be turnig 40k into 20k whereas if I go Super C now and want to get out later, we turn 200k into 100.
The Insurance -
Having consulted with an agent here, we will take COBRA through my wife's employer for the time available which I think is 18 months. That gives us time to let the election play out and see what happens with Obamacare and let the insurance industry settle a bit. We also hope to learn more about what works for other fulltimers. Plus we are somewhat reluctant to ditch our current health care team. We schedule our physicals somewhere between June - August so we can return a year later at the same time for the next annual.
The Finance -
We have investments in Vanguard, Schwab and Ruth's 401. We plan to move our savings and checking from the local credit union to a national banking institution but are not sure which one. Bank of America, Wells Fargo and BMO are the leading candidates. We will consolidate our funds mostly in Vanguard but will retain the Schwab account as that is where our financial manager trades on our behalf. Then I can link Vanguard to the bank of choice.
The House -
We want to retire the end of April next year. That gives us from now until then to unload our stuff and empty the house. We move into the trailer which will be parked on a local seasonal site for the summer. We move into the trailer taking not much with us at first then accumulate what we need as we discover we need it. Hopefully that prevents us from taking more than we should. Then the house is listed and once it sells we are free to leave whenever we desire.
The Domicile -
My sister agrees to let us use her address here in WI so while we're insured by COBRA, we will remain residents of WI. I'm aware of the tax consequences but if we stay on the road we'll consider changing later as the health insurance picture clears up. I don't want to cause my sis undue burden so I will use a mail forwarding service even though we're not based in one of the big 3, SD, TX or FL. We use her addy for governmental and financial stuff. For everything else we use the forwarding service, packages, etc. As much as possible, we will use paperless delivery options. Perhaps that is my first question, can I use forwarding services the way I described?
That's pretty much it. We're very nervous (scared) about this so have at it and thank you all in advance for helping.
I want to add that we have been helped by many of the video bloggers out there. But the guy who does Love Your RV truly inspires me. Having watched his stuff, we are going kick our fears to the curb and just do it. (I'm a planner who grinds boulders into talcum powder before acting. Taking a leap of faith is way out of the box for me.) One day I must thank him.
Dan and Ruth -
While a certain amount of trepidation is unavoidable - sounds to me like you've done a very good job at identifying many of the issues and addressing them. Your plans look very well laid out. Some of the more experienced full timers here on the forum may be able to offer you some suggestions and/or constructive criticisms on aspects of your plan, but you appear to have things well in hand. We just completed a year of planning, RV shopping, etc., and it was overwhelming, however we're flying from Portland to Salt Lake City on Tuesday to pick our Tiffin and whatever anxst we''re still dealing with is balanced out by the excitement and sheer joy in finally finding "the one", and knowing we're ready to "rock and roll". Best of luck to you two, welcome to the forum and safe travels.
Jim and Deb
I do hope to hear from some seasoned full timers on this forum.
Best of luck on your trip. From what I've read, it seems you can't go wrong purchasing a Tiffin. It must be wonderful to have the start of it all so close at hand.
Tracy
Have you checked out Howard's domicile page? www.rv-dreams.com/home-base-selection.html Yes, you can use a mail forwarding company as you wish, but you might want to check out some of his info as well. The more addresses you have for various purposes, the more likely it is that it could cause issues, so just use caution as you proceed. We became SD residents after selling the house in WA, currently use Americas Mailbox but are seriously considering changing to Escapees in SD. I dread the address change activities again and while we no longer receive much mail, there's still a ton of notification to be done.
Like Trace, I'm a big planner, can't tell you how many spreadsheets I used during the process, but it's always nice to have at least one person of the couple to be the organized / detailed oriented one and that has continued to serve us well on the road when plans change unexpectedly.
Welcome to the forum, lots of info here. We're among the "somewhat" seasoned full timers as we're approaching our 3rd year anniversary, but there are many here who have many more years on the road.
Hi Tracy,
Good point. Ruth and I have discussed this but I failed to write about it. We are retiring somewhat early. I will be 59.5 and Ruth will be 60.5. Early on we think we will stay put a little more than travel in an attempt to be more cost effective until social security kicks in followed by medicare. We love the southwest, tentatively we think we will try using monthly rates offered by campgrounds and I have to admit I also look forward to some boondocking. Then we can completely canvas an area before moving on to the next site. But like you said, we'll see whenwe get out there. I've read posts and articles discussing how novice full timers try to pack too many miles in too quickly. I hope I can learn that lesson the easy way. I hope your summer is all you and Lee hope for!
-- Edited by Dan and Ruth on Thursday 28th of April 2016 06:29:17 PM
-- Edited by Dan and Ruth on Thursday 28th of April 2016 06:42:17 PM
Hi Dale and Ruth,
The lack of Ruths isn't limited to the forum, we don't run across too many anywhere. You make an interesting point about multiple addresses, I will have to consider that. And no, I haven't visited that page but will head that direction shortly.
Thanks for the welcome and reply, it was nice meeting you. Happy travels.
Anyway, Congrats and glad to have you with us.
Red
Ruths-gotta love'em.
Love it. Still a couple of years out for us. Wish we were in your shoes.... All good things come to those that wait, so they keep telling me.
Brian