RV Dreams is one of the best sites online. For the other members, please give yourself a pat on the back for making it so. The site contains encouragement for those who are not yet into RVing, words of wisdom for those who are about to start, advice for problem solving, and some good natured life enhancing humor. Most importantly, comments and posts are typically done with respect for the feelings of others.
My wife and I full timed for almost three years and loved every minute of it(well, almost every minute). But I would respectfully suggest that the trauma associated with selling prized and sentimental possessions, bidding kids and grandkids farewell, and pointing an unfamiliar vehicle in an unknown direction hoping for the best might be mitigated by a lesser goal. That for some would be as “extended travelers” and could be a transitional step between a mistake and a dream fulfilled. I suspect it would at least lessen the apprehension of what some would consider as jumping off a cliff. But I do not see it addressed on the forum.
I don’t mean to throw water on the party, but full timing is only for the relative few who are swans among a flock of ducks. Perhaps we might keep encouraging but consider there to could be a work up to it. Or perhaps, I'm just all wet in that thought. It's not like I have'nt been before.
-- Edited by TXRVr on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 06:46:36 AM
heyduke said
06:45 AM Mar 3, 2010
well said but each person needs to march to the beat of their own drummer...
Luvglass said
06:45 AM Mar 3, 2010
All of the probably millions of forums on the internet have a specific focus and people join them because of a suspected interest. It either increases with knowledge and familiarity or it diminishes and they eventually drop out.
As you said, there is "trauma associated with selling prized and sentimental possessions, bidding kids and grandkids farewell, and pointing an unfamiliar vehicle in an unknown direction hoping for the best."
People that feel that way will naturally hesitate and act accordingly. Others will take the plunge. It's been stated numerous times in various discussions that this lifestyle isn't for everyone and we have had some members abandon it after a time.
All of these forums are positive in nature though and rarely dwell on the negative aspects.
Quite frankly, for those of us who love it, there is no negative, and we would encourage everyone do jump in. The water is fine!
TxYellowRose said
08:41 AM Mar 3, 2010
Guess we don't look at it as a "leap," although I suppose it could be a "leap of faith" and I do describe it as "making the jump." We are taking it one step at a time, working into it, discussing things both pro and con.
True, it sure is not a lifestyle for everyone and I think I'm glad about that! Our posessions, even the most cherished, are just "things." Giving up those "things" is no big deal when what awaits us is the open road, the beauty and wonder of living our lives basically in the outdoors, and being more in control of our lives. All that plus, hopefully, the people we will meet and new friends we will make.
That sounds wonderful, eh? Well, we both fully understand life is life and it will not all be a perfect existence. Life happens.
Dave and I started our life together with essentially nothing, as he immigrated from Scotland and I moved from TX to MN, where we began our journey as a couple. We found it to be very liberating to get rid of "stuff" at midlife!
When it boils down to it...one cannot have many "things" in the full-time RV life (there just isn't room!) and the people in our lives are the real treasures...not the fancy furniture and doo-dads on the shelf.
2riker2go said
12:50 PM Mar 3, 2010
I hear what you're saying, but at the same time, one of the things I love the most about this site is that people are in love with the full timing lifestyle, and so encouraging to those of us who are still in the planning stages. I think part of the reason that the alternatives may not be addressed as much here is that the reason someone may be delving into this website in the first place is because they already have the dream inside of living on the open road. At least that's why I'm here!! :)
Ranger375 said
02:25 PM Mar 3, 2010
I think 2riker2Go brings up a good point.
I would think that someone would need to be looking for information regarding full timing to land on this site.
If they are like us -- we already knew what we were looking for and coming here was just a part of the research.
There was much more research that we did of course.
I have found that the majority of the people we know that are either already in this lifestyle or are in the process are a pretty sharp bunch.
Most have thought long and hard about it and understand that there are unknowns associated with it.
Of course these days -- there are unknowns with everything.
Happytrails said
05:03 PM Mar 3, 2010
I think many do alot of research before beginning this lifestyle and many have years of experience camping. I have read many times where a "seasoned" full-timer suggested to a newbie/wannabe to rent an RV and go out to see how they like it, how it feels to live in it etc. I also think that the rallies Howard and Linda host are great for those in the "thinking" stage. Many of the folks attending their rallies don't even have an RV yet but they are there listening and learning as much as they can about this lifestyle. The seminar topics are perfect for those beginning or in the thinking stage.
I agree with you TXRVr, extended travel is a great way to get your feet wet and possibly prevent a bad decision. Full-timing is NOT for everyone and there is no shame if it doesn't fit a person's life. One of our good friends is an extended traveler. They love the lifestyle but they do not want to full-time. They don't want to sell their prized possessions and kiss the kids/grandkids farewell. That is what fits them. There were some items (prized or sentimental) I didn't want to sell or give away. That is why we have a climate controlled storage locker. I know folks that got rid of everything....that is what fit their life. I couldn't do it. Not yet.
This is an amazing lifestyle. A freedom like none other. The people you meet are the most awesome folks. The friendships are incredible. I don't feel like I have kissed my son good-bye. We still see him often and remain a huge part of his life. He has already visited us on the road via his vacation. I have kept the things I treasured most the rest was just stuff. It fits us to a tee BUT it is not for everyone.
TXRVr thanks for the post....it is great food for thought.
PIEERE said
09:16 PM Mar 3, 2010
Hi! It is difficult to get your feet wet, especially if the water is freezing! LOL! I remember back when I left elementary, too go to a different Junior high school, Joining the US Army, getting married, the first child, loss of a career due to injuries. Ah Yes, getting an Rv an saying goodbye, then saying Farewell to a beloved brother suffering from Alzheimers. But you know we all Have to look forward and not back. I would rather be out here on the Open Road, than setting in a rocking chair, saying to myself, WHAT If??? What would it had been Like? I am doing what I like best, not what traditional folks think is best for me (I just Don't fit the status quo) ! When that rocking chair life comes around, I can say I did IT! Not, WHAT IF! WHAT WOULD IT HAD BENN LIKE! To really enjoy this lifestyle IMO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DREAM! PIEERE
janieD said
08:25 AM Mar 4, 2010
TxRvr, I have been thinking about your post for a couple days and you make some good points. However, I think many of us, when we found this sight, already were thinking in the direction of a lifestyle change and some of us already knew this was the change we wanted to make. I know for us the 'trauma' of giving away prized possessions actually turned into the joy of uncluttering our lives because through life's turmoils we came to realize that it is just stuff and our prized possessions are the people in our lives. Personally I don't think it is ever a mistake to unclutter, get out of debt and simplify life, which is the journey many here are taking. Even if some make the decision to return to stick and bricks I think their lives will be enriched by the journey for as the old saying goes "it's not the destination, it's the journey". Thank you though for making me and I'm sure others stop and think about these things.
-- Edited by janieD on Thursday 4th of March 2010 08:27:42 AM
Dreamers said
12:13 PM Mar 4, 2010
Please don't rain on my parade! We, too, are future fulltimers and are hoping to begin sometime later on this year. We have done and are doing much research. And we have already made one big mistake by not doing enough researh into trucks. We bought a used 2004 CC Diesel 350 Ford Turbo Charge (very low mileage) and discovered it had a too low tow weight rating for the RV's we were considering. And, we have too much in the truck to trade it right now. So!!!
I think Texyellowose and Pieere said it best. These things, these attachments, are just possessions. The Bible tells us not to be attached to possessions but be free to love and give to all the people around us. And, also, he made this beautiful USA for us and if we don't go, we will never see it. What better way than to fulltime rv.
And yes, we have a few attachements so we will be renting a storage facility in order to store a few of these things until we are comfortable with getting rid of them. We do have an advantage because we have NO children living within the same state as we so we will not be leaving family. Actually we have an advantage as we will probably see them more as we travel around than we do sitting here in our stick house and wondering when they are going to decide to come see us - because we too have limited vacation time, etc. But as I retire and move into an rv this will not be the case. And we can stay in our own house.
Now a little background info. We have camped all our lives and all 3 children were raised camping. We started in a tent when our oldest child was a baby and moved to a pull trailer when the third child was born. Later, we bought our first motor home, then our second motor home, then our third motorhome and then our fourth motor home. About 5 years ago we sold the last motorhome thinking we were thru. Well let me tell you, when it is in your blood, its there. We dreamed for years of traveling but gave it all up because of DH's health. Well when the urge hit again with the idea of fulltiming it, so we started doing our research and found there are ways to get around the obstacles we were envisioning. You can get blood test dome on the road, you can transmit ICD info back on the road and many other things. Of course we will retain our doctors, etc., back here in our home base (our present home town) so we will be traveling back here and spending some time on occassions but will live in an RV just like we were across the country. Judy & Bob
flyone said
12:31 PM Mar 4, 2010
TXRVR-- Your points are valid, I plan to start out extended travel for many of the reasons that you state. I would think there are others that visit this site that are ET's. Keep in mind the questions, problems, thoughts, and solutions are the same if you spend 12 months a year in your rig or 6 or 3 months. Your point is well made, I hope everybody puts full thought into FT prior to taking the plunge, however it is not the only way to enjoy traveling, seeing this big country of ours, the out of doors and the fine companoinship of other travelers weather they be FT's or ET's.
Flyone
bjoyce said
12:40 PM Mar 4, 2010
Extended travel was more expensive for us than fulltiming so we headed out on the road. We were doing extended travel and the expense and worry about having a house were killers for us. We had to pay someone to check in on the house, mow the lawn, etc. The house was not free and after a while it did not feel like home, the RV did. Over six years so far and we are not regretting it.
RV Dreams is one of the best sites online. For the other members, please give yourself a pat on the back for making it so. The site contains encouragement for those who are not yet into RVing, words of wisdom for those who are about to start, advice for problem solving, and some good natured life enhancing humor. Most importantly, comments and posts are typically done with respect for the feelings of others.
My wife and I full timed for almost three years and loved every minute of it(well, almost every minute). But I would respectfully suggest that the trauma associated with selling prized and sentimental possessions, bidding kids and grandkids farewell, and pointing an unfamiliar vehicle in an unknown direction hoping for the best might be mitigated by a lesser goal. That for some would be as “extended travelers” and could be a transitional step between a mistake and a dream fulfilled. I suspect it would at least lessen the apprehension of what some would consider as jumping off a cliff. But I do not see it addressed on the forum.
I don’t mean to throw water on the party, but full timing is only for the relative few who are swans among a flock of ducks. Perhaps we might keep encouraging but consider there to could be a work up to it. Or perhaps, I'm just all wet in that thought. It's not like I have'nt been before.
-- Edited by TXRVr on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 06:46:36 AM
Guess we don't look at it as a "leap," although I suppose it could be a "leap of faith" and I do describe it as "making the jump." We are taking it one step at a time, working into it, discussing things both pro and con.
Our posessions, even the most cherished, are just "things." Giving up those "things" is no big deal when what awaits us is the open road, the beauty and wonder of living our lives basically in the outdoors, and being more in control of our lives. All that plus, hopefully, the people we will meet and new friends we will make.
True, it sure is not a lifestyle for everyone and I think I'm glad about that!
That sounds wonderful, eh? Well, we both fully understand life is life and it will not all be a perfect existence. Life happens.
Dave and I started our life together with essentially nothing, as he immigrated from Scotland and I moved from TX to MN, where we began our journey as a couple. We found it to be very liberating to get rid of "stuff" at midlife!
When it boils down to it...one cannot have many "things" in the full-time RV life (there just isn't room!) and the people in our lives are the real treasures...not the fancy furniture and doo-dads on the shelf.
I would think that someone would need to be looking for information regarding full timing to land on this site.
If they are like us -- we already knew what we were looking for and coming here was just a part of the research.
There was much more research that we did of course.
I have found that the majority of the people we know that are either already in this lifestyle or are in the process are a pretty sharp bunch.
Most have thought long and hard about it and understand that there are unknowns associated with it.
Of course these days -- there are unknowns with everything.
-- Edited by janieD on Thursday 4th of March 2010 08:27:42 AM
I think Texyellowose and Pieere said it best. These things, these attachments, are just possessions. The Bible tells us not to be attached to possessions but be free to love and give to all the people around us. And, also, he made this beautiful USA for us and if we don't go, we will never see it. What better way than to fulltime rv.
And yes, we have a few attachements so we will be renting a storage facility in order to store a few of these things until we are comfortable with getting rid of them. We do have an advantage because we have NO children living within the same state as we so we will not be leaving family. Actually we have an advantage as we will probably see them more as we travel around than we do sitting here in our stick house and wondering when they are going to decide to come see us - because we too have limited vacation time, etc. But as I retire and move into an rv this will not be the case. And we can stay in our own house.
Now a little background info. We have camped all our lives and all 3 children were raised camping. We started in a tent when our oldest child was a baby and moved to a pull trailer when the third child was born. Later, we bought our first motor home, then our second motor home, then our third motorhome and then our fourth motor home. About 5 years ago we sold the last motorhome thinking we were thru. Well let me tell you, when it is in your blood, its there. We dreamed for years of traveling but gave it all up because of DH's health. Well when the urge hit again with the idea of fulltiming it, so we started doing our research and found there are ways to get around the obstacles we were envisioning. You can get blood test dome on the road, you can transmit ICD info back on the road and many other things. Of course we will retain our doctors, etc., back here in our home base (our present home town) so we will be traveling back here and spending some time on occassions but will live in an RV just like we were across the country. Judy & Bob
Flyone