Those of us that are transitioning or thinking about it, come from bricks and stix and I often wonder how I will live without certain creature comforts that I currently take for granted.
What are some items that you can't live without or found after being on the road are a real necessity? And, what items do you miss not being able to have that made life a little bit easier?
As I continue to ponder life on the road, it sure would be nice to bring the right things.
Thanks, -Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 08:45:47 AM
Judy said
08:55 AM Aug 21, 2009
After 3 yrs of full-timing it we are purchasing a stick n' brick home again. They say most quit rv'ing in the first 2 to 3 yrs. We have missed the comforts of a home, namely a tub to soak in, more room, dishwasher, good water pressure, bigger bathroom, not having to go up and down steps, more space for our dogs. A small community to belong to with friends. I loved my gardens. Both Dh and I have medical issues also that have mostly required a home base. We are both retired livin on a fixed income. We have owned 5 rv's and have went the route over the years. southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy on Friday 21st of August 2009 09:44:08 AM
Luvglass said
09:28 AM Aug 21, 2009
It all depends on what YOU describe as neccessary creature comforts.
The major impediments we see to lack of creature comforts for some people would be things relating to space and weight. You are in a small space and can add limited weight, so it would be difficult to bring your 10,000 book library, or the lathe and band saw from the basement workshop.
Aside from those kinds of restrictions, we feel we have all the creature comforts we had in a sticks and bricks and enjoy the additional privilege of a constantly changing environment and scenery.
RodnReal said
10:39 AM Aug 21, 2009
Fred, you're talking to a woman here. We're Nesters! LOL I can't live without my rollers, hair dryer, ten tons of lotions and prissy stuff.
In addition, I am a great cook and am already having separation anxiety just thinking about parting with my Kitchenaid, my CuisineArt food processor, my pot filler, all my heavy cutting boards, and favorite cooking vessels. I will bring my great set of knives no doubt about that and as many "I can't live without" items as I can fit from my drawers of utensils but there are many things I know already I will miss. The number one thing is my new Italian gas range.
I realize I can't have everything I have now in an RV but there are some things I will truly miss.
The longest I've stayed in the RV at one time is 2 weeks.What I missed most was my VERY comfortable mattress. Since its a 22" high, very heavy one, I don't think Rod will let me take it.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind getting by with what I'm forced to, but anything that makes your life easier or more joyful and easy while you FT is something I want to learn about.
BTW, Rod, there will not be room for your saws, and tools. LOL
Judy, thank you for your insight too. One of the reasons we are heading down this path is because we both can't afford to retire together at this age and remain living where we do now. We want to do this before our health gets to the point where we have to live closer or with our kids. Best of luck to you while you settle back into a home and start nesting again.
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 10:41:15 AM
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 10:44:41 AM
thebearII said
11:32 AM Aug 21, 2009
Although we don't fulltime, if you looked inside of RV you'd think we did.
My wife refuses to do without the conveniences...including bread machine, fullsize kitchenAid mixer, and just about every small appliance on the market.
For me, all I need is a comfortable chair/recliner, a big TV, satellite DVR, BBQ grill, a refrigerator and a microwave. And a laptop with internet so I can keep up with the RV-Dreams Website.
Everything else is non-essential.
RodnReal said
11:53 AM Aug 21, 2009
"Rod, there will not be room for your saws, and tools"
I look forward to the day when I will no longer need them for your list of honeydos.
I need only a beautiful view of nature, you & Sam to be very happy. Oh and my beer cooler!
--Rod
macattack said
12:01 PM Aug 21, 2009
Rod----Looks like you and I think exactly alike....Gimme my beer cooler, a comfortable lawn chair, some shade and a great view...What more could a fella want..
phyllen said
01:06 PM Aug 21, 2009
We have lived in the fiver since February while still working. We retire 9/30 and will take off Oct 5 to travel.
I really thought I would miss a bathtub. Strangely I don't. Len misses his work shop but not enough to even consider not fulltiming. Have not missed a single other thing.
Phyllis
Tylersamma said
02:40 PM Aug 21, 2009
We wish we had kept our Lazy Boy recliners. The recliners that came in the MH are not nearly as comfortable.
RodnReal said
02:56 PM Aug 21, 2009
The furniture in RV's is never as comfortable as we have at home and worse yet, its usually twice as ugly.
Sorry, but I don't know who does the designing but they are about 20 years behind on style. I did see a few 2010's with nicer fabrics and its about dang time.
-Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 02:58:11 PM
Mallo said
03:38 PM Aug 21, 2009
This very topic is what sold us on full timing.
We missed nothing from the house when we were out in the fifth wheel.
Not the space not the yard not any of it....
Give me a full tank of diesel and I'll be on my way thank you very much.
Mallo
Luvglass said
05:21 PM Aug 21, 2009
To answer some of the points brought up - we also are big cooks and brought almost all of our mixers an processors and utensils: we just cut it back a bit, but we have everything we need to cook any kind of meal.
We agree on the furniture and have gotten rid of all of it and now have 2 big Lazy Boys. and storage units / book cases. It almost looks like home.
If you buy a unit with enough storage capacity you don't have to give up anything that's necessary for a comfortable lifestyle. And Jo has all of the doodads and lotions she wants.
-- Edited by Luvglass on Friday 21st of August 2009 05:23:36 PM
Jim01 said
05:28 PM Aug 21, 2009
I've been following this thread, and I think it's time to remind everyone that Full-timing is not for everyone!
If you can't be happy without all the things that you have in your stix and brix house, if you can't be comfortable in an RV for long periods of time, or if the person you will be living with is not only your lover, but also your best friend, then full-timing is not for you!
Everything won't magically change once you move into the RV. The RV will not get more comfortable, the space will not get larger, and those problems you have now with your significant other will not go away, in fact they will get worse.
I've said this before on this forum. Sit down with the person you are going to be full-timing with and make absolutely sure you are both on the same page. Do not hold anything back, put all your concerns or fears right out there on the table. Talk about everything you want or expect, and then after you've worked every detail out between you, --- GO Full-Timing!!!
It's great out here, but, (I'll say it again), It's not for everyone. Please make sure before you do it.
Jim
AnnDon said
06:50 PM Aug 21, 2009
Another great saying by my father "What is more important in life, Quality or Quantity?" I had quantity, now it is time for Quality.
Our old luxury coach has a bath tub to soak my aching muscles, 2 freezers, ice maker, kitchen aid appliance center, garbage disposal, large refrigerator, oven big enough to cook a ten to twelve pound bird, microwave, four burner stove, sleeping for 7, 2 roof AC's, 2 furnaces and 2 bars (plenty more than we need). And you can buy coaches with or add later, dishwashers, washer, dryers, etc.
Luvglass said
06:57 PM Aug 21, 2009
You're so right Jim. In the end it's nothing more than a new smaller house, and the lack of space can exacerbate problems that are hidden in a 7 room house with a basement, garage and network of friends and neighbors you've known for 20 years.
Definitely make sure you're on the same page, or else you are in for a world of hurt and unhappiness.
If however, you are on the same page, you may be in for a world of adventure and contentment that you never imagined was possible.
NorCal Dan said
07:06 PM Aug 21, 2009
The only thing we miss from out S&B days is our friends :)
bjoyce said
08:01 PM Aug 21, 2009
NorCal Dan wrote:
The only thing we miss from out S&B days is our friends :)
We have more real friends now. Our good friends from the past we keep contact with and visit when in the area, but they have busy lives and we have to work at it to match up with them. Our RV friends seem to have more free time.
dream reachers said
08:20 PM Aug 21, 2009
Jim and Fred said it well. The fulltime lifestyle is not for everyone but Jeanne and I have never been happier. We did enjoy our life in our s & b house, but we have found so much freedom when we got rid of our "stuff" and lived the simple life. We thoroughly loved being in the great outdoors and we love to travel and see different parts of the country. There really isn't anything we miss other than our children and friends. We do return to the area where our daughters and old friends live usually for about two months a year around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The rest of the time we keep in touch with them by phone and internet. We have made so many friends out on the road that we have never been lonely.
Allan and Jeanne
PINELLAS said
10:00 PM Aug 21, 2009
I agree with the philosophical view points mentioned above. However, in direct response to your question regarding creature comforts; we found that a portable ice maker was an important "creature comfort" for us. Our RV fridge didn't have one.
rheadabovewater said
10:16 PM Aug 21, 2009
Great topic!
I've been in my fiver living full-time (although stationary) for two months. It's been interesting, getting used to being here instead of living in my 3-bedroom house.
What do I miss? I've thought about that many times. I brought my wonderful mattress with me, so I'm really glad I did that. I really miss my squishy, comfortable couch which is in storage. The couch that came with my fiver is leather and I heartily dislike it. I'd love to move it in here, but I think it's too big to fit through the door so it will have to go in thru a window - and it's heavy.
I have animals and I miss being able to get away from them and into a separate room (two parrots and three Chihuahuas). I miss having a dishwasher and more storage space for my pots and pans...and I'd love a bigger refrigerator and freezer. Of course these things can be solved by getting a bigger fiver, or one with a different floor plan - but that's in the future.
Other than those things, I'm as happy as a clam. I don't know how I'll feel in two or three years, but I love this lifestyle, my RV park next to the beach, and the people I'm meeting.
I hope this helps.
-- Edited by rheadabovewater on Friday 21st of August 2009 10:20:00 PM
RodnReal said
10:54 PM Aug 21, 2009
This subject is the only thing that is going to be hard on Connie (real). She gets emotionaly attached to "things" more than anyone I've known. She will part with her things because she is convinced that this lifestyle is what she ( and I) wants for us. It just won't be easy and with over 600 days before we can hit the road she is still trying to wrap her mind around how and when to get rid of stuff. She's scared of getting rid of it too soon and then having something happen to change our plans. Me, I'm more of a "come and get this crap" kind of guy.
As far as being both on the same page, we've been together for over 30 years and don't do anything this major without many hours of research and discussion.
--Rod
RodnReal said
07:17 AM Aug 22, 2009
Roberta, I agree on the dishwasher and bigger fridge/freezer with ice maker. I see that a few 2010 models are putting in the Fischer Paykel Dish drawer and 12 cu. ft. fridge with ice maker. I realize that diswashers, washer/dryer and bigger fridges are a luxury and I will sacrifice valuable storage space to have them. I'm still trying to decide how important they are to me as we make the decision on which model/layout we buy. I can live without the dishwasher. My mattress is something I definetly want to bring with us.
I thought about our friends and missing getting together with them. I'm pretty sure they will try and meet up with us on the road whenever we are staying at an area of interest.
We won't be doing a lot of travel in the winter time and plan on returning to the south each year until spring. This will give us time to catch up with friends also. We plan on staying pretty close to our daughter and grandkids for a few months in the winter. Our daughter has agreed to let us have the kids for a month during the summer too. :)
I could not be more excited about this phase of our life together and look forward to discovering the rest of America, meeting new friends, visiting with our family up in the northeast and waking up everyday with a new sense of freedom.
All of you are an inspiration and great mentors to those of us who haven't hit the road yet. Many thanks to you for your comments. I already feel like we're making friends and can't wait to meet some of you in person at the rally.
BTW, Rod, that would be 34 years this year. LOL One of these days, you'll get it right. ;)
Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Saturday 22nd of August 2009 07:22:23 AM
rheadabovewater said
09:27 AM Aug 22, 2009
Are you planning to get a storage unit to hold your things when you make the big move? Although it's more money out the door each month, at least it makes the transition easier.
RodnReal said
09:47 AM Aug 22, 2009
rheadabovewater wrote:
Are you planning to get a storage unit to hold your things when you make the big move? Although it's more money out the door each month, at least it makes the transition easier.
No Roberta, we will downsize for good. What we finally leave with is what we'll have. Whenever we had storage in the past, we realized after a year or so, if we didn't need it in that length of time, we didn't need it.
Our daughter has offered us a space in her attic for the 4,000+ old pictures. I know I should scan them all but I really don't have the time.
TerryC said
09:39 AM Aug 24, 2009
Our daughter has offered us a space in her attic for the 4,000+ old pictures. I know I should scan them all but I really don't have the time.
We paid our kids to do the scanning over the summer. I have one more album to do and they will all be finished. I disposed of all the pictures we scanned (after multiple backups) and it was very difficult and just seemed wrong. I don't regret it - basically, they have been sitting in the attic for years anyway. I have gotten rid a shelves and shelves of books, piles of cds and sold a slew of movies. I sold my homebrewing hobby equipment. I'll miss my pool table, but not that much. If I really get needy, it shouldn't be too hard to find a pool hall.
My wife and I went out on the motorcycle yesterday and just spent time walking through a public park. I can't wait until we have the time for that to become the norm. We went to DC this summer and my wife commented on how she would love to just hang out in the park and read the day away.
RodnReal said
12:15 PM Aug 24, 2009
I suppose I could barter with our grandson to do this for us. It's a lot of work. I can picture walking through a nice park and enjoying the sights and smells, enjoying a good book.
We intend to do a lot more reading ourselves.
two travelers said
03:30 PM Aug 24, 2009
We are not fulltiming but I miss my big kitchen sink even with a short trip.. I get so frustrated not having room to do dishes.. I cook all the time when we camp.. not just hotdogs and hamburgers.. I cook meals just like at home... So I have pots and pans to wash.. I know that when we get a new camper the first thing I will look at is if it has a large kitchen sink.. I think I will bring my big soup pot along to find one that it can fit in...
The other thing I miss is a tub.. I am not a real shower lover .. I am always glad to get home and soak in a tub after 2 or 3 days of camping...We have a small tub in our camper but you can not really call it soaking when you get into it...I have seen some newer campers that have bigger tubs.....
My husband laughs when a camper sales persons starts talking about the 27 inch tv... he says doesn't matter if the sink and tub or too small it won't make the grade...She does not watch TV...and this is her camper.. I just will be living in it...patti
FedExMan said
09:31 PM Aug 29, 2009
When the Fedexman and I sold the sticks and bricks, he snuck stuff outta the house without me seeing him do it and into the garage sale. He sold off stuff I wanted to keep, mostly kitchen items. He even sold my measuring cups and spoons!
When we settled into our rig, I kept asking him where this or that was and the stinker just said "i dunno!"
We did ship what we couldn't part with to Texas to reside in his dads garage. How can you part with the hand print turkey the only kid made in kindergarten? Or a framed reproduction done in cross stitch of your wedding invite done by a deceased great aunt ? We had pared it down to about 20 tubs and now many of my treasures are in grandpa's house and my beloved Christmas stuff stored in a couple of tubs in that same garage.
The point of my post? I just went out and bought NEW kitchen stuff. We have plenty of storage for fishing poles, blow up boats and a bevy of tools. Just how many sets of wrenchs and tools do you need? So I demanded equal storage for MY stuff. A tub of knitting supplies, my beloved Kitchen aide and my cuisinart, my knives and cutting boards and even my beloved cast iron cookware (OK no smart remarks about weight, ok?)
Moral of the story....don't trick Mama...she won't be happy and it's gonna cost ya!
dennise
-- Edited by FedExMan on Saturday 29th of August 2009 09:34:40 PM
two travelers said
12:33 AM Aug 30, 2009
I am right there with you .. dennise.. If we were to live in our camper full time I would need my kitchen aid ...we already take the cast iron and an outdoor kitchen set up and I hear everytime about how much it weighs... never a word about the 2 kaykas, a bike, and 6 fishing poles.. not to mention the tool box that takes up the hole back seat of the cab.. patti
RodnReal said
06:36 AM Aug 30, 2009
Oh, the Kitchenaid and Cuisinart are going with me, and I can't part with 3 cast iron pieces I use all the time. Le Creuset dutch oven goes with me too, and my sewing machine, heavy or not. I will sacrifice the weight of something else.
Of course I will weigh those things before I pack to see how bad the total weight is. It scares the dookie outta me, because I really don't want to have to give those things up.
-Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Sunday 30th of August 2009 06:39:11 AM
HighwayRanger said
10:45 AM Aug 30, 2009
I'm finding more and more that my connectivity to these forums, updating our blog, sending and receiving emails and doing Internet research are what I spend time on. Good thing is that when we go fulltime, that will not change one bit. We'll each have an Apple laptop to use, and it will be just fine. My wife is also a gourmet cook, so we'll have to concentrate on providing her with the space she needs for her gadgets. In our current rig, which we'll not be able to fulltime in, she is having fun finding compact and useful things like lightweight and collapsible silicone measureing cups, bowls, and even a dish drying rack. If she can save weight/size on things like that, she can splurge in other areas of the kitchen.
I'm also carefully planning my hobbies so they fit into the RV storage capability. We're both going to need some hobbies, so we're selecting hobbies which are light weight and/or compact.
I have several fifth wheels models that I like, but I'm having a hard time overcoming the massive carrying capacity of large diesel pushers. Carrying capacity is crucial, IMHO, when contemplating going fulltime. We'll see when we get close!
Roy
-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Sunday 30th of August 2009 10:47:06 AM
Judy said
01:44 PM Aug 30, 2009
Just a reminder consider the diesel or gas with these large carrying capacity MH. Like MPG unless it dosen't matter. southwestjudy
island girl said
06:39 PM Aug 30, 2009
We have a 39ft. Diesel Pusher and it gets the same mileage as a 450 ford which is what we would have needed to tow the 5er we were looking at...the advantage is that we have the extra carrying capacity and a small tow car that gets great gas mileage to do our exploring in rather than the diesel pickup with the crummy mileage. Like everything there are pros and cons.
Judy said
08:27 AM Aug 31, 2009
Not all diesel's have crummy mileage with some of the new features coming out. We have a Jeep also like Linda and Howard to do our running around in and exploring. southwestjudy
janieD said
04:54 PM Sep 13, 2009
Rod,
Those are difficult decisions. We are in that same process. Sold our 2600sq ft house with 3 car garage and moved to a 950 sq ft condo with 1 stall. With things that I had attachment to I tried to find a good home for them - my sons and their friends all who were very appreciative. It was really quite liberating to do that. Here are some of the ways we are handling the photos and memorabilia. Photos we have been sending to www.scanmyphotos.com, I've had about 6ooo photos scanned and have more to go. The kids things from school I took photos of -handprints, drawings, macaroni art etc. We have some very old photos we are scanning ourselves and then giving the originals to other family members. We have a ways to go yet but still have one in college who will graduate about the time we leave to go full time so he gets the rest of the big stuff. It really is a process - good luck with yours.
Parrothead said
12:17 AM Sep 14, 2009
Nancy and I have not missed anything we had in our S & B. We have what we need with us and all of our "stuff" that we can't let go of is stored (We are going to conslidate most of it into a storage building behind my daughters house soon).
We have found we still have to ask where some of our things are from time to time (mostly me). We have been in the 5er for over a year and have no regrets as yet. We are looking forward to when I don't have to work but at least I have a job where we can travel while I work. We also are making the most of my assignments and do a lot of exploring of whatever area we are in. Last winter we were in northeast AZ and had a great time. We are in north Tx now and are seeing some of OK we haven't seen before. We don't know where we will be next but that is part of the adventure.
We have small SUV(like H & L's Jeep) we use to explore with when we are in an area and it is also our rolling storage building. I use the back seat of the Tow vehicle as my tool storage, the basement has boat and chairs, etc.
The only changes we have made to when we first started is to add DirectTV with a dish(our last two campgrounds didn't have TV hookup).
I keep trying to improve on things and by the time we retire I hope that we are all set up, I keep getting rid of things I thought we needed or improving them.
We like the furniture that came with our 5er and don't see changing it. We thought we wouldn't use the hide-a-bed but we have friends that have come to see us that say it sleeps well(has air mattress). We changed our bed to a Sleep Number mattress and that has been well worth the expense, as well as reducing the weight. We bought a small icemaker from Camping World and use it(more than I thought we would). We also added a 8 cu. ft. electric refrigerator with a seperate freezer (frost free) from Lowe's in the washer/dryer closet which is great.
Hope this of help for those of you who are working toward becoming fulltimers.
KarenInTheWoods said
11:26 AM Sep 14, 2009
In the sticks and bricks (err *log* home) I have a deep large whirlpool tub I might miss. Our rig has a tub too, but not quite the same. That is about all I think I will miss.
We already have the rig outfitted completely with the things we want to take, such as kitchenware, linens, tools and supplies.
I think the only thing I will miss is the home canning of vegetables, salsa and jams that I do. (think of Lucy in the Long Long Trailer?) but we can support the roadside truck farmers and buy small quantities year round as a compromise. I do keep a small pressure cooker in our motorhome for cooking meals that could accomodate four pint jars at a time too. Canning on a small scale would be a novelty for me. A few jars of jam or salas would be a treat.
Our grown kids have already claimed dibs on most of our furniture and possessions... and I have one large refinished antique steamer trunk that one daughter will let us store in a spare bedroom, filled with our treasures. The rest of the stuff can go. It's just stuff.
I have made plenty of room already in the motorhome for my fiber tools (spinning wheel, weaving table loom and antique sockknitting machine) .. as well as the needed supplies.
My biggest decision is this: If we are down south or out west for the winter, we are planning to store the rig somewhere for 1 or 2 weeks, and hop on a plane back to Wisconsin for xmas/new years with family. But we have two dogs that would either need to be boarded out or shipped along in crates on the plane. That would be the most stressful decision.
We have friends that fly home each xmas to Massachusetts after storing their motorhome at a dealer's secured lot. They had 2 cats that fly along in small carriers under their seats. Won't work for a big collie and pudgy sheltie.
Counting down days till retirement: 1,317 !!!!
tumwatergal said
09:59 PM Sep 16, 2009
When we first started F/T living we didn't have satellite hook ups. Who needs it we thought? Well, after a year of lousy cable service in parks...to no cable service in parks, we bought an HD dish and have a full range of channels to see if and when we want to. So, that is my main creature comfort I'd not want to do without. Plus, with the dish we can see news channels galore, plus the Food Network which is one of my favorites!
Hey Parrothead (I like your name, as I have two parrots in my 5er),
I noticed that you put an electric fridge in your RV. Do you not have a washer/dryer?
Also what did you do with the fridge that was already there?
Roberta
RodnReal said
04:16 PM Sep 27, 2009
I've been talked out of the washer/dryer for now, unless we purchase a used unit that already has one. Our fifth will have all the right hookups for washer/dryer and generator but considering the weight not sure if its a necessity or not.
faerie said
08:36 AM Oct 13, 2009
i have always been a nester. i loved my "stuff". once hubby and i decided that eventually we would fulltime, my stuff just doesnt seem that important anymore. the charitys around here love me as i am constantly giving things away. when i see something i might want to buy, i ask myself if i will fight to keep it when we fulltime. most of the time the answere No. which also saves us money which is a bonus.
Terry and Jo said
09:04 AM Oct 13, 2009
Jo and I are still waiting for the house to sell. But, we've already come to grips with getting rid of "stuff".
However, being a fan of older movies (in lieu of the new crap), we came up with some computer software that lets me play our old VHS tapes and record them in digital form. Then, I burn the movie onto a DVD. Once we get into the RV in the future, I'll have small DVD's instead of VHS tapes.
I'm also doing the same with all the old vinyl records that I have in boxes. I'm digitizing them and burning them onto CD's.
It will take time to do it all, but I keep plugging away.
One thing I think I have to keep is my collection of paperback books by Louis L'Amour. Oh, and maybe a few other books.
Terry
Beemerchef said
08:18 AM Oct 17, 2009
I have gazillion books on my I Phone and space for Spirit my Dog? Boondocking in Big Bend Valley there is about a million acres for him (an I!) to run through... We always manage to find desolate places in the summer where also being a Pit Bull he can ran with much freedom. NO PARKS... I don't miss a thing... I however had also lived on a sailboat for 28 years. The Spirituality of Mother Nature is what I would miss if I ever was in a brick Home... The vibes of these empty and serene Spaces. Be well... Ara & Spirit
-- Edited by Beemerchef on Saturday 17th of October 2009 08:19:12 AM
phyllen said
01:11 PM Oct 17, 2009
Oh my gosh! Another Louis L'Amour collector. Leonard has quite a collection too. There are some he can't leave behind. Others are stored in our cargo trailer for another day.
Parrothead said
09:53 PM Oct 17, 2009
Camping World has some very good pots that nest and have detachable handle.
Consider Sleep number bed, Nancy and I love ours.
-- Edited by Parrothead on Saturday 17th of October 2009 09:54:06 PM
Parrothead said
09:56 PM Oct 17, 2009
Have a friend keeping my L'Amour books, can't part with them, old friends.
Read most at least three times.
Parrothead said
09:58 PM Oct 17, 2009
No we use the closet that was designated as the Washer/ dryer closet for the fridge.
Beemerchef said
07:27 AM Oct 18, 2009
Parrothead wrote:
Camping World has some very good pots that nest and have detachable handle.
Consider Sleep number bed, Nancy and I love ours.
-- Edited by Parrothead on Saturday 17th of October 2009 09:54:06 PM
Since Spirit and I love camping (I think he does...). The RV is for us a Base Camp. We use the motorcycle and sidecar to go on within our adventures in the desolate places we explore. My source of pots and pans has been REI mainly, true camping gear which then we also use in the RV. They are generally well made, lightweight and durable. From pots and pans, nice re-usable plastic silverware, spice container, water jugs, you name it. Even using Zero degree sleeping pad and bag (Big Agnes system), fibre towels...
A bit off subject, to save energy in the RV, as I had a Friend over and noticed how many times we open and close the fridg as we drank water much, I end up using a good soft cooler with 2 of those blue ice frozen "thingies". Freeze them every night, put them in the cooler in the morning with the water (the cooler also fits in the sidecar) and it cut down 90% from opening the fridg. I also started using to wash the pots and pans, (we use paper plates) that foamy dish soap (Dawn) which initially does not require water, only for rinsing. With good temps out there I still use a "sun shower"... Why not try to conserve as much as we can.
Be well... Ara & Spirit
RodnReal said
08:16 AM Oct 19, 2009
Parrothead wrote:
No we use the closet that was designated as the Washer/ dryer closet for the fridge.
What are some items that you can't live without or found after being on the road are a real necessity? And, what items do you miss not being able to have that made life a little bit easier?
As I continue to ponder life on the road, it sure would be nice to bring the right things.
Thanks,
-Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 08:45:47 AM
southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy on Friday 21st of August 2009 09:44:08 AM
Fred, you're talking to a woman here. We're Nesters! LOL
I can't live without my rollers, hair dryer, ten tons of lotions and prissy stuff. 
In addition, I am a great cook and am already having separation anxiety just thinking about parting with my Kitchenaid, my CuisineArt food processor, my pot filler, all my heavy cutting boards, and favorite cooking vessels. I will bring my great set of knives no doubt about that and as many "I can't live without" items as I can fit from my drawers of utensils but there are many things I know already I will miss. The number one thing is my new Italian gas range.
I realize I can't have everything I have now in an RV but there are some things I will truly miss.
The longest I've stayed in the RV at one time is 2 weeks.What I missed most was my VERY comfortable mattress. Since its a 22" high, very heavy one, I don't think Rod will let me take it.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind getting by with what I'm forced to, but anything that makes your life easier or more joyful and easy while you FT is something I want to learn about.
BTW, Rod, there will not be room for your saws, and tools. LOL
Judy, thank you for your insight too. One of the reasons we are heading down this path is because we both can't afford to retire together at this age and remain living where we do now. We want to do this before our health gets to the point where we have to live closer or with our kids. Best of luck to you while you settle back into a home and start nesting again.
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 10:41:15 AM
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 10:44:41 AM
Sorry, but I don't know who does the designing but they are about 20 years behind on style. I did see a few 2010's with nicer fabrics and its about dang time.
-Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Friday 21st of August 2009 02:58:11 PM
We missed nothing from the house when we were out in the fifth wheel.
Not the space not the yard not any of it....
Give me a full tank of diesel and I'll be on my way thank you very much.
Mallo
We agree on the furniture and have gotten rid of all of it and now have 2 big Lazy Boys. and storage units / book cases. It almost looks like home.
If you buy a unit with enough storage capacity you don't have to give up anything that's necessary for a comfortable lifestyle. And Jo has all of the doodads and lotions she wants.
-- Edited by Luvglass on Friday 21st of August 2009 05:23:36 PM
If you can't be happy without all the things that you have in your stix and brix house, if you can't be comfortable in an RV for long periods of time, or if the person you will be living with is not only your lover, but also your best friend, then full-timing is not for you!
Everything won't magically change once you move into the RV. The RV will not get more comfortable, the space will not get larger, and those problems you have now with your significant other will not go away, in fact they will get worse.
I've said this before on this forum. Sit down with the person you are going to be full-timing with and make absolutely sure you are both on the same page. Do not hold anything back, put all your concerns or fears right out there on the table. Talk about everything you want or expect, and then after you've worked every detail out between you, --- GO Full-Timing!!!
It's great out here, but, (I'll say it again), It's not for everyone. Please make sure before you do it.
Jim
I've been in my fiver living full-time (although stationary) for two months. It's been interesting, getting used to being here instead of living in my 3-bedroom house.
What do I miss? I've thought about that many times. I brought my wonderful mattress with me, so I'm really glad I did that. I really miss my squishy, comfortable couch which is in storage. The couch that came with my fiver is leather and I heartily dislike it. I'd love to move it in here, but I think it's too big to fit through the door so it will have to go in thru a window - and it's heavy.
I have animals and I miss being able to get away from them and into a separate room (two parrots and three Chihuahuas). I miss having a dishwasher and more storage space for my pots and pans...and I'd love a bigger refrigerator and freezer. Of course these things can be solved by getting a bigger fiver, or one with a different floor plan - but that's in the future.
Other than those things, I'm as happy as a clam. I don't know how I'll feel in two or three years, but I love this lifestyle, my RV park next to the beach, and the people I'm meeting.
I hope this helps.
-- Edited by rheadabovewater on Friday 21st of August 2009 10:20:00 PM
I thought about our friends and missing getting together with them. I'm pretty sure they will try and meet up with us on the road whenever we are staying at an area of interest.
We won't be doing a lot of travel in the winter time and plan on returning to the south each year until spring. This will give us time to catch up with friends also. We plan on staying pretty close to our daughter and grandkids for a few months in the winter. Our daughter has agreed to let us have the kids for a month during the summer too. :)
I could not be more excited about this phase of our life together and look forward to discovering the rest of America, meeting new friends, visiting with our family up in the northeast and waking up everyday with a new sense of freedom.
All of you are an inspiration and great mentors to those of us who haven't hit the road yet. Many thanks to you for your comments. I already feel like we're making friends and can't wait to meet some of you in person at the rally.
BTW, Rod, that would be 34 years this year. LOL One of these days, you'll get it right. ;)
Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Saturday 22nd of August 2009 07:22:23 AM
Our daughter has offered us a space in her attic for the 4,000+ old pictures.
We paid our kids to do the scanning over the summer. I have one more album to do and they will all be finished. I disposed of all the pictures we scanned (after multiple backups) and it was very difficult and just seemed wrong. I don't regret it - basically, they have been sitting in the attic for years anyway. I have gotten rid a shelves and shelves of books, piles of cds and sold a slew of movies. I sold my homebrewing hobby equipment. I'll miss my pool table, but not that much. If I really get needy, it shouldn't be too hard to find a pool hall.
My wife and I went out on the motorcycle yesterday and just spent time walking through a public park. I can't wait until we have the time for that to become the norm. We went to DC this summer and my wife commented on how she would love to just hang out in the park and read the day away.
When the Fedexman and I sold the sticks and bricks, he snuck stuff outta the house without me seeing him do it and into the garage sale. He sold off stuff I wanted to keep, mostly kitchen items. He even sold my measuring cups and spoons!
When we settled into our rig, I kept asking him where this or that was and the stinker just said "i dunno!"
We did ship what we couldn't part with to Texas to reside in his dads garage. How can you part with the hand print turkey the only kid made in kindergarten? Or a framed reproduction done in cross stitch of your wedding invite done by a deceased great aunt ? We had pared it down to about 20 tubs and now many of my treasures are in grandpa's house and my beloved Christmas stuff stored in a couple of tubs in that same garage.
The point of my post? I just went out and bought NEW kitchen stuff. We have plenty of storage for fishing poles, blow up boats and a bevy of tools. Just how many sets of wrenchs and tools do you need? So I demanded equal storage for MY stuff. A tub of knitting supplies, my beloved Kitchen aide and my cuisinart, my knives and cutting boards and even my beloved cast iron cookware (OK no smart remarks about weight, ok?)
Moral of the story....don't trick Mama...she won't be happy and it's gonna cost ya!
dennise
-- Edited by FedExMan on Saturday 29th of August 2009 09:34:40 PM
Of course I will weigh those things before I pack to see how bad the total weight is. It scares the dookie outta me, because I really don't want to have to give those things up.
-Connie
-- Edited by RodnReal on Sunday 30th of August 2009 06:39:11 AM
I'm also carefully planning my hobbies so they fit into the RV storage capability. We're both going to need some hobbies, so we're selecting hobbies which are light weight and/or compact.
I have several fifth wheels models that I like, but I'm having a hard time overcoming the massive carrying capacity of large diesel pushers. Carrying capacity is crucial, IMHO, when contemplating going fulltime. We'll see when we get close!
Roy
-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Sunday 30th of August 2009 10:47:06 AM
Like MPG unless it dosen't matter.
southwestjudy
southwestjudy
We have found we still have to ask where some of our things are from time to time (mostly me). We have been in the 5er for over a year and have no regrets as yet. We are looking forward to when I don't have to work but at least I have a job where we can travel while I work. We also are making the most of my assignments and do a lot of exploring of whatever area we are in. Last winter we were in northeast AZ and had a great time. We are in north Tx now and are seeing some of OK we haven't seen before. We don't know where we will be next but that is part of the adventure.
We have small SUV(like H & L's Jeep) we use to explore with when we are in an area and it is also our rolling storage building. I use the back seat of the Tow vehicle as my tool storage, the basement has boat and chairs, etc.
The only changes we have made to when we first started is to add DirectTV with a dish(our last two campgrounds didn't have TV hookup).
I keep trying to improve on things and by the time we retire I hope that we are all set up, I keep getting rid of things I thought we needed or improving them.
We like the furniture that came with our 5er and don't see changing it. We thought we wouldn't use the hide-a-bed but we have friends that have come to see us that say it sleeps well(has air mattress). We changed our bed to a Sleep Number mattress and that has been well worth the expense, as well as reducing the weight. We bought a small icemaker from Camping World and use it(more than I thought we would). We also added a 8 cu. ft. electric refrigerator with a seperate freezer (frost free) from Lowe's in the washer/dryer closet which is great.
Hope this of help for those of you who are working toward becoming fulltimers.
Have fun getting ready for your new lifestyle.
Margie M.
www.bruceandmargiesfulltimejourney.blogspot.com
www.myhealthylivingthruweightcontrol.blogspot.com
I noticed that you put an electric fridge in your RV. Do you not have a washer/dryer?
Also what did you do with the fridge that was already there?
Roberta
However, being a fan of older movies (in lieu of the new crap), we came up with some computer software that lets me play our old VHS tapes and record them in digital form. Then, I burn the movie onto a DVD. Once we get into the RV in the future, I'll have small DVD's instead of VHS tapes.
I'm also doing the same with all the old vinyl records that I have in boxes. I'm digitizing them and burning them onto CD's.
It will take time to do it all, but I keep plugging away.
One thing I think I have to keep is my collection of paperback books by Louis L'Amour. Oh, and maybe a few other books.
Terry
I don't miss a thing... I however had also lived on a sailboat for 28 years.
The Spirituality of Mother Nature is what I would miss if I ever was in a brick Home... The vibes of these empty and serene Spaces.
Be well...
Ara & Spirit
-- Edited by Beemerchef on Saturday 17th of October 2009 08:19:12 AM
Consider Sleep number bed, Nancy and I love ours.
-- Edited by Parrothead on Saturday 17th of October 2009 09:54:06 PM
Read most at least three times.
We love that idea Roland !