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A fulltimer's journal entry gives insight into one couples lifestyle

 

I may be one of the world's experts on the RV full timer lifestyle.  Why, because my husband and I have lived this life for over 20 years with our RV as our home.  We enjoy the diversity of the beautiful land and the people who live here. 

Before we retired 6 years ago, we worked for companies who explained us to their shareholders as our "Winnebago" reps.  We owned an Airstream not a Winnebago, but the corporate world didn't understand our lifestyle.  They understood that we produced the end result and within a budget that was acceptable to them.  The buyers accepted us as an efficient team whose lifestyle they sometimes envied.

• Who is a Fulltimer?

Fulltiming is the description of an RV lifestyle.  A lifestyle that involves living in an RV rather than in a conventional fixed home.  Traveling is a major ingredient for the fulltimer life.   Descriptions such as "part time fulltimer",  and "wannabee fulltimer", do not necessarily fit the definition of a fulltimer.

The Fulltimer has chosen to travel with his  home, disconnected from most other possessions.  He has deliberately placed himself in a position of freedom.  He can go, stay, linger, or whatever "moves him".  He can plan his travels a year in advance or at the last minute. 

• Why do we do it?  "Because it's fun"

• Liberating or Confining?   

• Satisfying or Frustrating?

• Dangerous or Secure?

You may experience all of the above.  If you take time to prepare for the journey, and choose the best equipment you can afford, the problems will be minimal.  As your confidence increases with your rig, you will handle any surprises without great stress. Learning to accept the unexpected with your eyes open and with a positive attitude may bring you some of the best experiences of your life. 

On one of our extended trips, we spent a year in Australia with an RV.  We were returning from the outback and spotted the first house we had seen in a few days when our motorhome engine blew up.  I approached the farmhouse and was invited in to  telephone for assistance.  I considered it good luck to be so near a town.  We made some wonderful new friends while waiting for our engine to be rebuilt.  I remember it to this day as a great experience.

• How will you choose to travel?

• Alone or with a spouse or friend?

• Work while you travel?

• Travel to Play?

• Volunteer on your travels?

• Recommendations to stay safe and comfortable while camping

• Are you in a cold climate?

If you do not have factory double-pane windows in your RV, consider plexiglass cut to the size of your inside window frame.  Use the existing screws to hold a plastic fastener to secure them in place.  I have used this solution in extreme cold and the heat loss is reduced greatly.  If necessary you can place insulation on the largest windows between the layers for those extremely cold nights.

• Are you in an earthquake prone area?

The following recommendations may be helpful - 

1. do chalk your wheels to reduce movement in an earthquake.

2. do not place jacks under your slide rooms as any ground movement may result in room damage.

3. do not tie your awning to the ground.

4. do not place your front jacks on a high board or other high platform as any shaking may drop your fifthwheel.

5. Secure interior cabinet  doors after accessing to prevent flying objects in your RV during an earthquake.

We chose Excel Ltd for our fulltiming. We are  pleased with it and Peterson Industries for their 100% plus support.  We do a fair amount of boondocking.

• General Advice for living in an RV

  If you can't eat it, or sell it for a profit, don't buy it.
   

• Getting Mail in the U.S.

  General Delivery is good, but be aware that not all Post Offices accept General Delivery. We always call any Post Office we are considering, to confirm. We also use Escapees "SKP's" mail forwarding service. You need to be a member and their service is great. All our mail goes to one address and then we call them on an 800# and have them forward it.
   

• How High Fuel Prices will Affect Us?

  At the present time, the increased cost of  fuel won't  stop  my traveling lifestyle.  However, the larger issue is that  the higher fuel costs affect just about everything , including what we consume, as well as camping fees. Trucks, trains, ships and planes as well as power plants  will be using more expensive  fuel, and they must pass on the increased cost. For many of us, some adjustments will be necessary. Will we stop full timing? NO WAY!
   

• Money matters
  
  Do you want to know  how much you will need for a year of fulltiming? A rough  figure would be from $25,000 to $40,000.  Few spend less, and many spend more, much more. It depends entirely on your lifestyle. How much do you spend now? Don't forget to include insurance  - medical as well as the rig and if you fulltime in it you will need fulltimers insurance. If you drive a minimum 10,000 miles at 10 Mpg that is 1000 gallons. Just for the heck of it you best figure on $3.00 gal, or $3,000 for fuel. If you manage cheap camping at an  average $300.00 month that is $3600.00 for the year. Do you have to pay for any medication? Add that cost. Cellphone if you use one, Satellite TV if you want it. Internet. Repairs and maintenance.
  
  We have been living this way (fulltiming) for most of the last 30 years and would not swap it for any other lifestyle at this time.  I think the most important thing is having enough reserve funds to comfortably handle any emergency and be able to continue with a smile.
   

• Does Fulltiming void warranties?

Excel by Peterson as well as some others are designed as fulltimer rigs. We have had no warranty issues with Excel. 

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