Contemplating MAJOR lifestyle change to fulltime rv'er...
Charmaine said
08:41 PM Aug 12, 2016
I have been a serious horse person my entire life, but six years into my (semi) retirement, I am considering selling the farm and becoming a full-time rv'er (I'm a healthy, adventurous, pretty handy, and mechanically inclined woman who has trailered horses around the country for years).
I'm too old for this to be a midlife crisis (and can only hope it's not early onset dementia ), but I'm fascinated with the thought of simplifying my life and trading all the mowing and farm maintenance and animal care for leisurely hikes and bike rides and seeing parts of the country I haven't seen yet.
I think it's more common to see couples take on this lifestyle, but I'd be interested in any stats on how many singles may be doing it? I'm doing my research and know I should likely "ease" into it to eliminate the "what the hell was I thinking?" moment, but unfortunately that isn't possible (would need to sell my property to purchase the rv, etc)... just need to make the decision, dive into it, and be prepared for the consequences. I think it will take about a year to prepare, and I have registered for the Spring Rally.
I would like some opinions on purchasing new vs used.... I am planning on buying a Class C, and while I know there are some great deals on used units, I feel like I need to buy new to eliminate the concern of having unexpected repairs in the first couple of years... I just don't want any expensive surprises on my fixed income, and I generally don't trust how people maintain and care for equipment and vehicles.
Thanks in advance for any comments. I have found this venue to be very informative and invaluable as I contemplate this huge decision.
Second Chance said
06:35 AM Aug 13, 2016
Charmaine,
Sounds exciting! When we attended the spring rally in 2015, we were amazed at the number of "solos" either already on the road or working up to it - and many of them women. One lady I remember in particular is a former jockey who was pulling, if I remember correctly, a 40' fifth wheel with a big daully diesel truck (though I think the class C is a very good idea for a single person). A couple of thoughts and responses to your questions:
1) You didn't mention it, but are you thinking about pulling something smaller (a small car) with the C? We had some fellow camp hosts in NC who traveled with just their class C... it was quite a production when they needed to go into town for groceries, go sightseeing on the back roads, or park at a mall or shopping center in town. A motorhome is also a very good choice for a single woman from a security point of view. If you need to just stop overnight, you don't have to get out of your locked RV - just pull over and hit the hay!
2) New vs. used; the only thing you would gain, in my opinion, by buying new would be a warranty. There are very few who have purchased new who haven't had at least a short list of things that needed repairing - some minor, some major. You might be able to afford a higher quality used unit than new, the previous owners would have eaten the bulk of the depreciation, and many of the initial issues would have been ironed out. You could always buy one of the extended coverage policies (such as Route 66) to cover unforeseen stuff if you're not comfortable "self insuring." We've been inside several 15-years-and-older Lazy Days class Cs and they're built somewhere between the proverbial brick outhouse and a fine yacht. The lack of slides also makes them less prone to leaks and mechanical issues related to the slides (and I didn't feel cramped inside, either). Lazy Days owners are also something of a very nice cult and do lots of things together. We got to know several who are single women during our time at Jojoba Hills Escapees RV resort in southern California - great bunch of people. I know this sounds like a Lazy Days add, but I have absolutely nothing to do with them. My wife and I were just very impressed.
3) The spring rally is one of the best things you can do. Besides the wealth of information presented, the opportunity to network with a lot of people in various stages of the journey was invaluable for us.
4) If you haven't already, check out and possibly join the Escapees RV Club. Their web site is considered by many to be the definitive source for domicile information and guidance for full-timers. We use their mail service (Federally approved) for a legal address and, thus, our legal domicile is in Texas (a major advantage for taxes and cost of vehicle registration). Besides their regular web site, they have forums active forums with folks who have been full-timing anywhere from zero to thirty years and more.
https://www.escapees.com/
Best of luck and we hope to see you on the road!
Rob and Laura
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
07:31 AM Aug 13, 2016
We meet solo's just about everywhere we go, young and old, male / female, some are new to the full timing style, others are continuing after losing their spouse. There are several "clubs" that have rallys or events, Escapee's for example, has a group of solo's that meet in different parts of the country either at scheduled times or many times by accident.
There is a website called Hitch Itch . com www.hitchitch.com/links.html where you can find many solo blogger's sites.
As far as new vs used- used usually has all the bugs worked out, but a careful inspection needs to take place before purchase. A company in Texas called PPL Motorhomes, www.pplmotorhomes.com/ specialises in consignment RV units. They offer a variety of services to both the buyer and seller. Inspections, repairs, etc.
Safe travels!
The Restless Youngs said
04:29 PM Aug 14, 2016
Like others, we have met lots of solos as well. Some travel by themselves, and other, part of groups or caravans. Two of the single ladies we know (also have class C/B+) belong to a RV Single Club and they seem to enjoy that quite a bit. The group is WIN: rvsingles.org. Just another reference point for research. Good luck in your research!!
solo boondocker said
08:24 AM Aug 17, 2016
Charmaine,
Hello! I've been a solo full timer in a 28 foot Class C for several years and still love it. I'm putting a link at the end of this to a reply I made to Andrea. She, like myself, had a much lower budget. If you have the money, new or just a couple of years old is the way to go.
My 28 footer is a little too big for me. I could easily give up 6 to 8 feet without losing comfort. Parking would be a little easier too. I really haven't needed a toad and never met a solo that had one. I'm not against them- just don't need the extra effort and expense.
There are quite a few solos on the road. Most are not on the internet and most that are don't post on forums. And some female solos post as married or "coupled" for safety.
Given your location, Florida is likely you best choice for a domicile. KY and TN aren't full-time friendly. I have looked into both states. I think one of the FL services was offering a discount if you joined Passport America -or maybe it was the other way around!
ps I was going to post the peanut butter test for dementia..... but I forgot what it is
Charmaine said
08:17 AM Aug 18, 2016
Thanks, everyone, for your responses... (solo boondocker - we have the same birthday a year apart )
Lots to ponder and I am digesting a lot from this wonderful site and forum... we'll see if I can bear to give up my horses and take this chance on the unknown... love to travel and camp, but there is that nagging fear of "what if I regret giving up the only way I know to live"?
Maybe I'll see some of you at the Spring Rally... looking forward to that. Thanks again.
Camper Chronicles said
08:46 PM Aug 18, 2016
Hi Charmaine,
We had a work kamping job at a day use park with horse trails last year and this year the position was taken by a solo full timers who had a horse. So I know of at least one other person who is going what you want to do. I think full timing with a horse would be great. There are so many beautiful places we have gone with horse trails and I think it would be amazing. That being said it would require much more detailed planning of course, but almost everywhere we have been there are places that cater to people with horses and generally those RV sites are large and in really beautiful locations.
The rally is a good call. It's great meeting other people in the lifestyle. As far as women soloers there are many of them and they all seem pretty happy. Being mechanically inclined and independent are major advantages and you seem to have both of those traits. Good luck to you and keep in mind if you are crazy so are the rest of us :)
Trace
Charmaine said
09:19 PM Aug 18, 2016
Thanks... interesting to hear someone is full-timing with a horse. I did consider that briefly.
But, I am actually contemplating giving up my horses, a lifetime passion, to simplify my life and reduce the heavy work and responsibilities as I age. Whether I can give up the horse world altogether or not is yet unknown, as it is all I have ever known.
While I have hauled horses literally cross country many times alone as I had to relocate for my govt job/primary career, I just can't see dragging even one around with all the moving, etc. that would be necessary... the logistics would be difficult, as would the travel/changes on the animal.
But, thanks for the info. Still lots to think about. If anyone is interested in what I am considering giving up, here is my website: www.serenitystables.net. Happy Trails
John U said
12:23 AM Aug 19, 2016
Charmaine,
Great website! Tough to give up but age catches up with us all.
Understand and agree with the "work" load & simplification premise! Even a new rig will generate a "punch list" of repair items but usu less than buying used but used has lots less deprecation and costs less initially. Having said that I have purchased new 16 of my 18 units in the last 43 years. Never gave up the S&B or my ranch as the income generated more than pays for my 9 months or so a year that I travel. Hopefully one's "passion's" in life can be made to pay for one's "Dreams" thru out life.
Best wishes and I do believe one should follow their Dreams and try to find a way to make their Dreams pay for their Dream!
I have been a serious horse person my entire life, but six years into my (semi) retirement, I am considering selling the farm and becoming a full-time rv'er (I'm a healthy, adventurous, pretty handy, and mechanically inclined woman who has trailered horses around the country for years).
I'm too old for this to be a midlife crisis (and can only hope it's not early onset dementia
), but I'm fascinated with the thought of simplifying my life and trading all the mowing and farm maintenance and animal care for leisurely hikes and bike rides and seeing parts of the country I haven't seen yet.
I think it's more common to see couples take on this lifestyle, but I'd be interested in any stats on how many singles may be doing it? I'm doing my research and know I should likely "ease" into it to eliminate the "what the hell was I thinking?" moment, but unfortunately that isn't possible (would need to sell my property to purchase the rv, etc)... just need to make the decision, dive into it, and be prepared for the consequences. I think it will take about a year to prepare, and I have registered for the Spring Rally.
I would like some opinions on purchasing new vs used.... I am planning on buying a Class C, and while I know there are some great deals on used units, I feel like I need to buy new to eliminate the concern of having unexpected repairs in the first couple of years... I just don't want any expensive surprises on my fixed income, and I generally don't trust how people maintain and care for equipment and vehicles.
Thanks in advance for any comments. I have found this venue to be very informative and invaluable as I contemplate this huge decision.
Charmaine,
Sounds exciting! When we attended the spring rally in 2015, we were amazed at the number of "solos" either already on the road or working up to it - and many of them women. One lady I remember in particular is a former jockey who was pulling, if I remember correctly, a 40' fifth wheel with a big daully diesel truck (though I think the class C is a very good idea for a single person). A couple of thoughts and responses to your questions:
1) You didn't mention it, but are you thinking about pulling something smaller (a small car) with the C? We had some fellow camp hosts in NC who traveled with just their class C... it was quite a production when they needed to go into town for groceries, go sightseeing on the back roads, or park at a mall or shopping center in town. A motorhome is also a very good choice for a single woman from a security point of view. If you need to just stop overnight, you don't have to get out of your locked RV - just pull over and hit the hay!
2) New vs. used; the only thing you would gain, in my opinion, by buying new would be a warranty. There are very few who have purchased new who haven't had at least a short list of things that needed repairing - some minor, some major. You might be able to afford a higher quality used unit than new, the previous owners would have eaten the bulk of the depreciation, and many of the initial issues would have been ironed out. You could always buy one of the extended coverage policies (such as Route 66) to cover unforeseen stuff if you're not comfortable "self insuring." We've been inside several 15-years-and-older Lazy Days class Cs and they're built somewhere between the proverbial brick outhouse and a fine yacht. The lack of slides also makes them less prone to leaks and mechanical issues related to the slides (and I didn't feel cramped inside, either). Lazy Days owners are also something of a very nice cult and do lots of things together. We got to know several who are single women during our time at Jojoba Hills Escapees RV resort in southern California - great bunch of people. I know this sounds like a Lazy Days add, but I have absolutely nothing to do with them. My wife and I were just very impressed.
3) The spring rally is one of the best things you can do. Besides the wealth of information presented, the opportunity to network with a lot of people in various stages of the journey was invaluable for us.
4) If you haven't already, check out and possibly join the Escapees RV Club. Their web site is considered by many to be the definitive source for domicile information and guidance for full-timers. We use their mail service (Federally approved) for a legal address and, thus, our legal domicile is in Texas (a major advantage for taxes and cost of vehicle registration). Besides their regular web site, they have forums active forums with folks who have been full-timing anywhere from zero to thirty years and more.
https://www.escapees.com/
Best of luck and we hope to see you on the road!
Rob and Laura
There is a website called Hitch Itch . com www.hitchitch.com/links.html where you can find many solo blogger's sites.
As far as new vs used- used usually has all the bugs worked out, but a careful inspection needs to take place before purchase. A company in Texas called PPL Motorhomes, www.pplmotorhomes.com/ specialises in consignment RV units. They offer a variety of services to both the buyer and seller. Inspections, repairs, etc.
Safe travels!
Charmaine,
Hello! I've been a solo full timer in a 28 foot Class C for several years and still love it. I'm putting a link at the end of this to a reply I made to Andrea. She, like myself, had a much lower budget. If you have the money, new or just a couple of years old is the way to go.
My 28 footer is a little too big for me. I could easily give up 6 to 8 feet without losing comfort. Parking would be a little easier too. I really haven't needed a toad and never met a solo that had one. I'm not against them- just don't need the extra effort and expense.
There are quite a few solos on the road. Most are not on the internet and most that are don't post on forums. And some female solos post as married or "coupled" for safety.
Given your location, Florida is likely you best choice for a domicile. KY and TN aren't full-time friendly. I have looked into both states. I think one of the FL services was offering a discount if you joined Passport America -or maybe it was the other way around!
http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t61546941/first-time-rv-buyer/?page=1#comment-61605007
Good Luck
solo boondocker
ps I was going to post the peanut butter test for dementia..... but I forgot what it is
Thanks, everyone, for your responses... (solo boondocker - we have the same birthday a year apart
)
Lots to ponder and I am digesting a lot from this wonderful site and forum... we'll see if I can bear to give up my horses and take this chance on the unknown... love to travel and camp, but there is that nagging fear of "what if I regret giving up the only way I know to live"?
Maybe I'll see some of you at the Spring Rally... looking forward to that. Thanks again.
We had a work kamping job at a day use park with horse trails last year and this year the position was taken by a solo full timers who had a horse. So I know of at least one other person who is going what you want to do. I think full timing with a horse would be great. There are so many beautiful places we have gone with horse trails and I think it would be amazing. That being said it would require much more detailed planning of course, but almost everywhere we have been there are places that cater to people with horses and generally those RV sites are large and in really beautiful locations.
The rally is a good call. It's great meeting other people in the lifestyle. As far as women soloers there are many of them and they all seem pretty happy. Being mechanically inclined and independent are major advantages and you seem to have both of those traits. Good luck to you and keep in mind if you are crazy so are the rest of us :)
Trace
Thanks... interesting to hear someone is full-timing with a horse. I did consider that briefly.
But, I am actually contemplating giving up my horses, a lifetime passion, to simplify my life and reduce the heavy work and responsibilities as I age. Whether I can give up the horse world altogether or not is yet unknown, as it is all I have ever known.
While I have hauled horses literally cross country many times alone as I had to relocate for my govt job/primary career, I just can't see dragging even one around with all the moving, etc. that would be necessary... the logistics would be difficult, as would the travel/changes on the animal.
But, thanks for the info. Still lots to think about. If anyone is interested in what I am considering giving up, here is my website: www.serenitystables.net. Happy Trails
Great website! Tough to give up but age catches up with us all.
Understand and agree with the "work" load & simplification premise! Even a new rig will generate a "punch list" of repair items but usu less than buying used but used has lots less deprecation and costs less initially. Having said that I have purchased new 16 of my 18 units in the last 43 years. Never gave up the S&B or my ranch as the income generated more than pays for my 9 months or so a year that I travel. Hopefully one's "passion's" in life can be made to pay for one's "Dreams" thru out life.
Best wishes and I do believe one should follow their Dreams and try to find a way to make their Dreams pay for their Dream!
John