I gave up my 40x52 shop when we sold our property.The previous year I had sold all my shop equipment I had attained over the years. At first it was hard but as time went on I realized I didn't spend as much time time in the shop as I used to. Once the equipment was gone it was easier to let the shop go. The thing is I was READY to move on. Sometime when I go to the race track or a car show I think about my old shop and how I enjoyed building and working on race cars but those thought's are quickly replaced by the enjoyment I get traveling with My Wife Linda and our dog Buddy. I can't tell how to be ready to move on but can tell you that you will know it in your heart when you are.

Toy Hauler? That's an option for a "small" workshop. Not sure what all you'd like to do but it's an option.  A rolling workshop.


-- Edited by Gary on Monday 9th of August 2010 07:40:33 AM

Most campgrounds have rules against major repairs and things like oil changes happening on their property,except by licensed mobie repair guys,  but walk around in any campground and you will likely see guys (often several together) working and tinkering on varioius projects either on the RVs or some sort of hobby.  (Open the engine or storage bay with tools and they will come!!!)  Most of us carry a good assortment of tools and a table or use the picnic table.  I've even seen some guys who have fashioned a pull-out small workshop that all opens up.  Some larger campgrounds, especially in snow-bird country, have workshops available for use.

Mary

Yes, I struggled with giving up two things, my tools and supplies, and my dream home-entertainment system that I had (high-end stereo & big plasma). BUT, I still smile ear-to-ear every single time I get set up at a new place and look around our RV & know all of our stuff is right here and we can just pick up right where we left off (we live here!).

Its such a worthwhile trade-off for some minor inconveniences!

Hey if anyone that likes to tinker and misses it is ever in South Florida, give me a call. I will have plenty of things for you to fix around the house and car so I can spend more time boating and camping

I've been looking into that as well - not only for storing hubby's tools, but a place for his motorcycle and my (much smaller) scooter/moped. We may land up with a special attachment for the back of the 5th wheel, but are also looking into the toy hauler fifth wheels.

We came up with the giving up the garage answer that works for us. We bought a piece of property that is all set up with 3 full RV hook-ups, and has a storage shed and bath house on it. Bob wanted to have a piece of property for an out if he got tired of being on the road full-time. The property is located in our happy place (Central Oregon), and with the current housing market, we got a very good deal on it. 

Our full-time date has been moved to November 2014, and seems so far off but I know it will be here before we know it.

We made the transition from two stick houses with workshop and parking for the RV under a cover. It was very hard for me, and also Delaine she has a green thumb. At our stick house we also owned a lot next to the house, flowers, greenery it was nice. However living in a 5th wheel is also great, you can change Zip codes at any time and we did. We went back to our home county and built a RV site with full hookups added a 40'x50' open building (Pole Barn). We also had a 32' inclosed car trailers to store my other toys, John Deere Gator and we also have a John Deere Tractor with equipment. But things change and we built another stick house and two more out buildings. I then was doing more work than Delaine wants me to, but we have 300 acres plus the stick house. There is alway something to do. And of course I'm not getting any younger !!!!

So now we are looking into selling the stick house, but will keep the 300 acres. If we sell we are thinking of buying a small house in Florida or Colorado, but we will keep the 5th wheel for our travels. Age is a thing that most don't think about, in the past I though I was bullet proof, was very seldom ever at a Dr's office but that changed. And many who have lived in a RV's knows full well its always something going on and the older you get the less you like having to do. I would trade nothing for our RV experience and adventures.

But, and there is always a but, things do change I highly recommend you keep a home base for the RV with full hook-ups for those times you need to stay for extended times. It takes a lot of time, energy and MONEY to live full time in a RV. In the last 8 years I have went thru 3 surgeries. A hernia, Cancer surgery, and by-pass surgery. And I'm a person that will not quit, however I'm for sure not superman, and sometimes you just can't get things done, and I really hate to ask for help. Delaine says I'm just to independent, however it takes time to get going again. Sure glad we had a home base. But we travel about 8 months a year and I'm never bored, its aways something to do. Hope this makes sense ?????

I have lost several friends during our adventures and it hurts to see a couple that has lost a companion. I lost a friend last year who had just bought a new Mobile Suites and the wife had never driven a Truck. However she is now on her way to Florida and yes she is driving the Truck pulling that big Mobile Suites. My Delaine could never do this, so thats another decision factor as we continue our adventure. Decisions, decisions, there is alway a choice. Good Luck with yours. Happy Trails.....