Dreamers Class of 2015 - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

RE: Dreamers Class of 2015

Adam and Karen · RV-Dreams Community Member

Another big step for Karen and I today. Today, I sold my legal limit plus ham radio HF amplifier. I am now a mere mortal in the amateur radio world. I've still got a few things tosell, and I've still got to get the towers down, but that amp is the single biggest and most expensive piece of gear I have. It hurts, dismantling the station it took me 22 years to build, but I'll be ok.

I will not be getting out of ham radio, though. I am taking some equipment with me. Ham radio will provide communications in areas where nothing else works. For instance, if I'm boondocking in an area with no cell service, I can get a message out via ham radio. I can also send and receive email via ham radio without an internet connection on my end. So, if I'm out in the boonies, with no cell or data service, I'm still in contact with the world. All using 12 volt power. Pretty cool.

Since our travel trailer is a 2004 model, before the digital TV days, Karen and I have already designated the giant TV spot that was designed for a large, analog TV to be the radio/computer area in the camper. A little modification and it should work pretty good. We don't watch a lot of TV, so we'll figure something out for the little 24" flat screen we bought.

Going FT, one of my goals is to be able to use my camper/home as a disaster communication center. When a disaster hits, Karen and I can pull into the area and be on the air in about an hour; sending messages by voice, morse code, and digital (email). I want solar, so we will be fully self sufficient, figuring the grid will be down in a disaster anyway. I'm not what we call a "whacker", one of these people who thinks I can save the world with ham radio, but I also know Karen and I can serve and make a difference in a disaster; we have done so before. Especially if we are completely self sufficient for a week or so at a time.

Plan your escape and work your plan.

gilljr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well, Norma & I did more purging today, sol 4 more boxes of stuff at flea market. Going back tomorrow

French Bikers · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good for you Adam, In my case I'm still having a hard time to convince DW to start the purge and try to sell stuff that we know that we won't keep or give. For instance I just re-built a motorcycle trailer this summer not knowing she would change her mind and decide to FT in fall 2015 instead of 2016. Couple days ago I told her I think I should sell the trailer instead of awaiting next spring or summer, she replied I'm not sure if it is a good idea right now. Knowing that I already meet a manufacturer to have a close trailer custom built for our needs, I still don't understand why she want's to wait. I really don't want to have all the pressure next spring to start the purge that would take all my time, like placing adds or sale garage because where I live there is a city rule regarding garage sell, in fact we are aloud to have two garage sell a year which are in may and september if I consider the fact that I want to hit the road no later than october I need to have at least 75% of the purge in may. I also need to consider the fact that usually people want to get possession of your house after the sale for the 1st of july so I already know that I will have to find a temporary place to live between july and october. Unless the exchange rate goes sky high I intend to buy the rig in USA sometime late august or september which I beleive are a good timing period when you buy new. Because if I would have to buy today I already know that I would go and check La Mesa RV, They have in stock what I want and because the 2015 are already on the market I could get a 2014 for a really good price.

Anyhow, good luck with the rest of your purging and btw I'm glad to see that if there is a disaster you will be there for us loll.... just joking, I know the feeling when you have a passion for something.

Jean

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

So exciting to "see" so many getting things done! Whether selling four boxes or figuring out timing of bigger items - every item unloaded is a step in the right direction. The sooner the better in my opinion - we already have lots of empty cupboards and closets and drawers. Feels wonderful knowing so much is already GONE!!

Adam, I love your emergency communication center plan! When Howard and Linda started out they were at the edge of Katrina in a campground where the newly-homeless were being evacuated. They were one of the few "campers" who had internet in their rig and let many people use it to email their families and to communicate with FEMA, etc. In a time of crisis, communication is a HUGE need!

Meeting some folks at the big RV show in Pomona, CA on October 11 - if any of you are nearby please let me know if you'd like to meet up

Jodee

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just registered for the 2015 Spring Rally in TN!!

I'm so excited, you'd think we'd sold the house or bought the rig :D

I hope many of our class will be there as well - please post when you've registered!

Jodee

French Bikers · RV-Dreams Family Member

In our case we will probably attend the 2015 fall Rally in Michigan. This will be our starting point for our first trip, we have to take into consideration that we can't stay more than 182 days in US. I would like to take my wife to several places I've visited on a 3 weeks solo motorcycle trip from New Orleans to my hometown.

Jean

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

I always think I'm so far away in California and forget there are some of you in another country! We were going to make the Spring rally our first run, but reconsidered when I saw it is 2200 miles from home. A bit far for a shakedown run that we would have to rush in both directions..... So we'll fly and stay in a local hotel for this one.

Maybe we'll go to the second one as well

!!

Jodee

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jodee, I believe there are a few cabins available.....

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Cheryl

That was my first choice, but even with the bathhouse close by I didn't want to spend five nights without a bathroom "in the room". Looks like several options for hotel within 1-4 miles of the RV Park.

Will you guys be there?

Jodee

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

I didn't realize the cabins didn't have bathrooms! When we went to an RV Dreams rally back in 2011, we stayed in a cabin which was fully furnished and included a very nice bathroom. I guess I assumed all cabins were built that way.

We did register for this rally; hopefully no obstacles will be thrown in the way preventing us from being there (as happened for the fall rally)!

-- Edited by cherylbrv on Thursday 2nd of October 2014 01:47:44 PM

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh goody!!!! I'm sure you'll have smooth sailing from now on

Look forward to meeting you and the hubby in April.

When I was looking at the pictures of the cabins I thought it was strange there were none of the bathrooms - so I looked at more detail and saw they are just sleeping rooms with the bath house in another building. So glad I checked

Jodee

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jodee,

As mentioned in one of the upcoming rally threads, I think there was a mention that the larger cabins had their own bathrooms. You might look into that as an option.

Terry

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Terry! Will do that today

Jodee

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is in this thread: http://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t58687281/hotel-recommendations-for-sevierville/

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well Terry is my new most favoritist person of ever!!! Booked a large cabin for the week (we'll come in on Sunday evening as we have to drive from the Nashville airport).

Now I'm even more excited

, which I didn't think was possible just yesterday!

Jodee

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Jodee wrote:
Well Terry is my new most favoritist person of ever!!! Booked a large cabin for the week (we'll come in on Sunday evening as we have to drive from the Nashville airport).

Now I'm even more excited , which I didn't think was possible just yesterday!

Jodee

Better hope Tessa can't read biggrin She'll be onto you. I swear dogs are smarter than we think sometimes. Just spelling out W-A-L-K or P-A-R-K gets Josie into a frenzy. If Tessa finds out you'll be gone for a week she'll find a way to make you regret not taking her too. biggrin biggrin Pets not allowed in cabins in Sevierville... When we finally get our chance to attend we'll bring Josie with us but, we may rent a Class C locally and drive from Chicago. Enjoy the rally, wish we could go. Definitely before we go FT.

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

So true

!!! When I get my walking shoes out of the closet Tessa is already at the door, then back again to get me to hurry (I snuck them out the other day when I went to the museum). We hate to leave her behind and fortunately have a couple sons who come stay at the house with her. We still pay for it when we get back - I swear she gives the dirtiest looks

Hope to see you at another one in the future!

Jodee

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Jodee wrote:
Well Terry is my new most favoritist person of ever!!! Booked a large cabin for the week (we'll come in on Sunday evening as we have to drive from the Nashville airport).

Now I'm even more excited , which I didn't think was possible just yesterday!

Jodee

Jodee,

Kindly don't give me any special credit. It was actually Jo and Craig at the thread for the 2015 rally that was about hotel accommodations that informed me that the larger cabins had bathrooms. Give them the credit. I'm just a lowly messenger.

Terry

gilljr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another two days at the Flea Market, eight more empty totes. Also sold some clothes, yard & garden equipment etc. We may graduate as early as 12/1 this year. Getting excited !!!

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's awesome Marlin! We had another yard sale today, and are feeling much light ourselves. All garage cupboards are empty except the one that holds the "goes in the RV" stuff. Trunks and totes gone and as well as all the Ninja Turtles and X-Men!

Even if you graduate early you'll still be in our class!! Wishing you the best of luck on an early launch.

Jodee

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ahhhh! 298 days. So close and yet so far. Biting of nails and g-nashing of teeth. FTer envy! lol

Good luck all!

cejones4210 · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are registered and excited to meet everyone, especially Howard and Linda! We were disappointed when we had to cancel the fall rally. We will be arriving a couple days early to scout out the area.

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul and Kim - any countdown under 365 is a stroll......I tell myself every day that I'm pacing and pulling hair!!! It helps to know previous classes are out there living the dream, and that they all went through it too - BUT, I am so ready today

Candy and Dave - looking forward to meeting you and the Aussies (we can't say it out loud as Tessa can't come with us that trip

) The area looks wonderful for exploring so it's great that you can get there early!

Jodee

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We're heading to the RV Show in Pomona, CA, tomorrow - may stop on the way and buy a lottery ticket

I can't believe it's been a year since we went the last time.

Although we haven't changed our mind on wanting an Allegro 33aa (Tiffin DP), we will still take a look at some similar models just to see if we're missing something. They're difficult to find so the price doesn't come down as much as those with lots to choose from

Our potential buyer (house) is coming over to talk turkey on Sunday so fingers and toes crossed for that !!!

Hope everyone is doing well and moving forward - please keep in touch - if for nothing else than to commiserate

Jodee

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

French Bikers wrote:
Bill and Jodee wrote:
We are feeling the SAME way Jean! We've got so much already done that now we are in a sort of "limbo" waiting for Bill's retirement in March. I think the holidays will help just to distract us, and then after the first of the year we have to figure out the timing of house sale and rig purchase. BUT right now is dragging by slooooooowly!

I could tell you all the things everybody tells us (and that you already know), but instead I'll just say that you aren't alone in the box

We really will be out there soon - and then we can celebrate our dream come true!

Jodee

Jodee "Limbo" is the right word to describe the situation. On top of that I see another winter coming, meaning the end for the motorcycle season. Well I'll suvive to it loll.... I think I have to let and not to stick on the project for a while and thinking that everything will come into place when time arrive.
Jean

As someone who just went through this the downtime is brutal. Hang in there guys and if possible find things to do with the downtime to get you even a tiny bit closer to the goal. For me it was little things like finding a DVD storage solution, scanning all our pictures onto a drive, or getting a logo made for my new on the road company. All small things but it feels great to make steps and it's one less thing to worry about during the end crazy period which many of the 2014 era have discovered is waaaay. Stressful on your relationship. Good thoughts for you all. It WILL happen!

Trace

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Trace! Have followed yours and others in the class of '14 I your last months and it really helps - you've all lived through it

You make a great point about using the time - just getting photos scanned should keep me "distracted" through the winter!

Thanks again for the support

Jodee

gilljr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another week of flea marketing, seven more empty totes and boxes. Sold our Longaberger collection at auction last week. our last load of furniture is going to auction this week. Looks like our graduation is going to happen EIGHT MONTHS early. Do I stay on this blog or do I have to change to Class of 2014 ?

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh, I think you're welcome either place. Besides, 2014 or 2015, they're just guidelines, right?

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

AND, we appreciate the chronicling of your efforts. Awesome.

Happy trails!

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Marlin - You're absolutely welcome to stay with us You'll just be our first graduate!

We have been crazy busy getting the last few things done to show the house - yes, we put the For Sale sign in the yard! OMG - here we go

Painted trim and facia, got new house numbers up, planted new flowers, painted kitchen and one bedroom, staged the cupboards and closets, cleaned up the patio, installed new hardware in the bathroom - whew! Always ask myself why I don't go to all this effort when we're living here Great to have help from son and his fiance' with the painting, and other son and girl-friend came over and took a couple boxes of stuff.

Fingers and toes crossed biggrin biggrin biggrin

Jodee

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Jodee wrote:
... ! Always ask myself why I don't go to all this effort when we're living here ...
Jodee

Totally relate to that one! The house was amazing when it was finally ready to show; nothing like it was when we were living in it!

Good luck with the sale! See you in a few months!

birder526 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Jodee,

Back in mid-month I introduced my husband and I to the Forum, from Cape Cod and we will be full-timers in a tiny teardrop trailer beginning April 1. We are beyond excited!

We began attending flea markets this summer and sold off a good deal of "stuff". And some furniture has sold through Craig's list. We are going to be at some fall and winter flea markets and will continue selling things online too, as we are through with our lease March 31 and actually plan to be on the road earlier than that to head to Camp-Inn in Necedah, WI to pick up our trailer by April 1.

We are now ordering the necessary supplies and as we do that, the excitement grows! And it is fun to read about others' excitement as their plans unfold!

Look forward to following this thread!

Happy trails!

Diane and Michael

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

So glad you found the class! Love that you're heading out in a teardrop, sounds very fun

Sounds like you're really on track to realize your dream. Bill retires March 27 (he has 101 work days left

), so he too is looking forward to April 1st!

We've gotten a few things for the RV as well, it's nearly impossible not to when we're so close. It does add to the excitement for sure.

Keep us in the loop as you navigate your last few months

Jodee

gilljr · RV-Dreams Family Member

GRADUATION DAY !! We officially moved into Sammy Suites today. WOW eight months ahead of first date. Hard to believe a 71 & 65 year old could be so excited about starting a new lifestyle, but not without some nervousness and intrepidation. We still have a few things to get from the house before turning keys in. Our first trip as full timers will be to Nevada Treasure in Pahrump, Nevada for the winter. We are going to the S.O.I.T.C. Rally in Vegas in mid April, then on to S.D. to get our drivers license changed. Then who knows where. We are looking forward to meeting many of you out there as we have learned so much from you.

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Woohoo Marlin! Our first graduate

))))) !! Of course you're excited, and we're excited for you as well. Hope that quick-sale, early-launch mojo continues for the whole class. We've had a strong start in our first couple of days on MLS, and it only takes one to buy it!!

Pahump should be great in the winter - cold, but not very wet. Lots to see and enjoy in the area. Safe travels and do keep us all inspired with your tales from the road!

Jodee

birder526 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think age doesn't matter when such a great thing is happening in your life!! Don't you feel years younger? Spirited? Energized? I'm 61 and feel all of this and more as we get ready to embark on our fulltime teardrop trailer life!!Have loads of fun and adventures!!

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are under contract! We accepted an offer on our house after it was on the market for a week - so excited!!! 30 day escrow then apartment living for six months. We plan to buy a rig after the first of the year, then Bill retires the end of March. It's coming together at last

Really glad we spent the last six months purging all our stuff. So much less work for the next four weeks!

Jodee

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Wow, Jodee - that is such great news! Congratulations! Can't wait to see you on the road.

MikenRobin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Jodee

So happy for you guys. We just recently joined RV Dreams and plan to FT in 2019. We are attending the rally in the spring and look forward to meeting you both.

CONGRATS!!!

Mike

-- Edited by MikenRobin on Thursday 13th of November 2014 04:45:46 PM

gilljr · RV-Dreams Family Member

Congrats Bill and Jodee, Just finished our first week of full timing, still trying to figure out where to keep everything. Hope to run into you on the road.

pkhalin · RV-Dreams Family Member

Congratulations Bill and Jodee! That's awesome. Butterflies?

Hope to be out just a couple months after you. It's coming fast.

Happy trails!!

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks everyone!! We are looking forward to getting out there and meeting all of you - on the road, at the rally(s) - we'll all have such great stories this time next year

))))

Jodee

birder526 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Congratulations! It is exciting when all of the pieces start falling into place! Each step closer makes it seem all the more real! Hope the home sale is smooth and easy!

We spent two solid days going through more of our stuff at home to organize for a big flea market that is this Saturday. We have priced things low just to move them. We're discarding a lot of things (about 15 bags of garbage this go-round!) and donating a lot. This purging experience feels good!! Plus a teardrop trailer doesn't have any spare room!!

I do have a blog if you'd like to follow called "Teardropping in Paradise" at birderdiane526.blogspot.com. I am documenting this whole preparation/decision making process!

Best regards!

birder526 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi!

Catching up on posts I have missed...at 5am in the morning! I love your comment about the purging/selling process and the fact you didn't do it before! Michael and I just asked ourselves this same question this week as we went through bins and boxes of so much stuff we haven't touched in years! And I can't believe some of the things we held on to! We feel so much lighter!

Diane

birder526 · RV-Dreams Family Member

How exciting for you! Wishing you "happy trails" and look forward to hearing about your experiences!

Diane

Second Chance · RV-Dreams Family Member

I guess I'll jump on the bandwagon and "declare" for 2015 since there seems to be excitement and momentum at the moment. Laura and I have been doing the fun part for about a year now (looking at 5th wheels and deciding which one would be best for us for full-timing). Now the not-so-fun stuff... downsizing, figuring out timing, and setting things in motion.

Due to how busy 2015 is turning out to be for us, we're not sure we can fit everything in, but we're adopting an "All in good time, my dear" attitude (without the "I'll get you - and your little dog, too!" part). In order, here's what's either hard-wired or on the drawing board: 1] retire Feb 28; 2] foot surgery for Laura in March (so I'll be available to wait on her hand and "foot" during recovery - about six weeks); 3] we would like to fit in a long (at least 3-4 week) RV trip out west where I grew up using our current travel trailer before 4] we spend the month of August in Cuenca, Ecuador (Laura is bilingual and I will do an immersion Spanish language school to bring mine up to speed while we're down there).

We've already started the purging. Laura has been working for about a week and a half now on a basement full of Spanish teaching materials and other stuff. I've already hauled about 1,000 lbs. to the recycling center with more to go this afternoon. We've emailed our kids/families with the "If you want it, come and get it" message (uh-oh, now I've got a 60s tune going through my head!). In between 1 through 4 (above), we'll continue the clearing out of possessions and figuring out storage. Sometime - probably around mid-year - we'll decide if we're ready to start showing the house while we're in Cuenca. The tricky part will be timing the sale of our TT and ordering/purchasing the fiver so we don't end up homeless AND house-less if both the house and TT sell. That one's going to be a tight-rope. I don't know if I can - or am willing to - swing financing all of the fifth wheel without having the proceeds from the TT and house to work with. (I still have about 18 months to pay on the truck, so I'd like to be out from under the mortgage and not touch savings.)

I have solicited and received MUCH help from members on this forum - thanks to one and all.

So... there you have it! If anyone has anything to contribute or would like to chime in, please feel free to do so.

Rob

Bill and Jodee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Rob and Laura!

Sounds like you're a planner like me, with wiggle room as needed

When we did our first timeline Bill had double knee replacement surgery in his future - now he's seen the one year anniversary of new knees! Looking back it all seems to have gone so quickly. We also waited until I was retired but he really let me off easy with only needing assistance for a couple days.

Timing was also something we were anxious about and precipitated putting the house on the market three months early to be absolutely sure it was sold before he retires the end of March (and we could purchase the rig before he retires). It was the right thing to do for us and we are so grateful to have that big hurdle behind us (in a couple weeks). Being untethered from the house is the best feeling in the world!

Keep purging, and then purge again. It's amazing the things we've "saved" and then tossed a few weeks later when we went through it again! When the house went on the market we already had some empty cupboards and closets. Packing looks a lot less daunting now.

A month in Equador knowing the language sounds wonderful! What a great opportunity

I've always regretted not learning Spanish (knowing how to order a beer and find the bathroom have been most helpful though), but I don't know that we'll ever get the rig south of the border.

Best wishes that it all comes together smoothly - please keep us posted on your progress

Jodee

manycats · RV-Dreams Family Member

Getting closer!!! I had been in a blue funk for several months and had even considered leaving the forum because I was getting so frustrated. One of our trucks gave us some trouble and we had to trade for a newer one with the corresponding big monthly payment. I was going to have to keep working fulltime until it's paid off. My dream was fading...

My DH though, kept looking for a place where we could live in our RV and have a "home base" for the future if we couldn't travel any more. Now for the good news... HE FOUND IT. We will have a mini home where we can keep the things we don't want to give away, space for our 5er and the opportunity to travel when we want. It's affordable so I can cut down my workdays and have the "free" time I crave, and, after the truck is paid, all the travel we both want. We will be stationary dreamers for a while but we can deal with that.

Let the purging begin. Like Bill and Jodee we're "gonna be" fulltimers (for the second time) in 2015.

Nanascots · RV-Dreams Community Member

We've signed up for the Spring Rally...can't wait! We are gonna stay in one of the large cabins....won't purchase our 'home' until Fall of 2015 (we hope!)