For the full timers? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Clay L · RV-Dreams Family Member

For the full timers?

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

When you started out, how long did it take you to slow down and stay somewhere a week or so? When we start, hopefully next spring we want to head to AK. I thinking this would be more of a vacation like trip than wondering through the woods approach.

Just curious.

RN on the road · RV-Dreams Family Member

Linda and I have been traveling for all 48 years of our marriage. When we were young...and broke, the trips we shorter but as we aged, so did our travel preferences. We slowed down and took time to smell the roses. I think it will be a personal decision based on your needs...much like choosing a 5th over a class A or TT. To me the most important thing is to enjoy the day. We move when we are ready to, not constricted by time. Patrick

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I,m Kinda with Patrick....

Once I took to fulltiming I pretty much put my watch aside , when I move on I pick the closest next stop and only allow myself to travel 150 to 250 miles per hop....Im out here to see it all yet be conservative on the finances while doing it......Ive learned that most of the places Im going to are not moving anytime soon , if it takes me 3 days or 3 years it will be there!!!

dianneandsteve · RV-Dreams Family Member

We were in vacation mode in our first year before that wore off. We are now 38 months into full timing and we still haven't slowed down. A 1-2 week stay for us is a long stay, however with that being said we just returned from a 3 month trip through BC, the Yukon and Alaska and we are ready to slow down this winter for a bit. From the Vancouver BC area return we put on 12,463km/7,789 miles. That's about the same amount of mileage we usually cover in 6 months traveling south in the winter. We still would of liked another 2-4 weeks on our trip as the areas of BC, Yukon and Alaska are vast and there was so much more that we wanted to see and do.

Safe travels!

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

While we were studying the fulltime life style on thing that kept coming up on forums when the question was asked,,, what mistakes did you make when you first went fulltime... And the answer that came up was treating the life style like a vacation and not slowing down....
Now granted,, vacation mode could mean many things to different people but to us vacation mode meant moving every day or two so we promised ourselves we would not make that mistake from the start.
We almost always stay in one spot for a week. We feel we can really see pretty much everything we want to in a area and still have a couple down days in a weeks time.

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

I guess in my mind we would go 250 ish miles per day to get to AK from North TX but than slow down and explore when we get there. I wanted to spend 3 months in AK and then start back at a slower pace. Just not sure the slowing down part will be easy.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Glad to know staying a week means we are no longer in vacation mode. We moved out of the house in July, 2003 but did not leave until later in August. It was not until December, 2003 and the shorter days of winter, that we stopped for more than a week by choice. It has been 10 years now and many think our normal pace of 10,000 to 12,000 travel miles a year is "vacation mode".

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

We vary it up quite a bit. Sometimes, we just want to make miles and get to our next longer stop, and sometimes we like to meander at a slower but steady pace. Sometimes we enforce a '2 night rule' - if we're paying for a campsite, we stay a minimum of 2-nights. Sometimes, we just want to 'get there' and will pull longer driving days, blacktop boondock enroute and then settle in for several days to a couple months.

It's all about doing what is right for you, when it's right for you.

We have found that we really enjoy the variety of pace, as much as the variety of location.

- Cherie

sdman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Cherie: We are just 14 months in to full time and we are tending to see it the same as you. Everything is now varible.

Mark

Dog Folks · RV-Dreams Family Member

This question has been asked many times. The most common answer I remember, and what happened to us is, about one year in.

At that point you tend to slowdown a little, and start enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

I would give it a year.

folivier · RV-Dreams Family Member

And the destination doesn't have to be anything special. We were passing through Idaho and stopped at Arco for a couple days on recommendation of friends. Well 3 weeks later we got to Salt Lake City. Nothing really special there, but the camp site was huge, quiet, and free breakfast every morning.
Sometimes I feel guilty when we stay a few weeks or a month or so and don't sightsee much. But we just do what we would do if we were back home in the S&B. Just enjoy life.

laurly · RV-Dreams Family Member

We hit the road almost one year ago. We've criss-crossed the country in that year, which for us was a necessity to get to see family and workamp. We would never suggest that fast of a pace. All I know is that you will find your pace. The nice part about this lifestyle..if you don't like the view, or your neighbors, then hitch up and go!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our situation is a little different than some, we both work full time from the rig, part of our travel destinations are decided by the art shows Dale does.

We've only been FT for 2 months and we are so looking forward to slowing down. By the time we get to our next destination tomorrow in northern CA we will have covered 3200 miles in just over 2 months. Now, that being said, I'm not sure we'll travel more than 500 miles for the next month, looking forward to that!

Our high mileage right off the start was due to being in Washington State for 3 art shows and then traveling to SD for our new domicile, getting the truck suspension upgraded in Colorado and having to get to California for my work and Dale's next art show.

When we can we like to stay 10-14 days in one location but our schedule varies a lot due to art shows and mostly traveling on weekends when we don't have art shows.

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for the responses. At first we won't be working but I think the excitement will drive us on down the road. I think what will slow us down is when we meet others we want to spend time with, be it other FTers or park owners.

Fergizmo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I thought we were moving a little too fast. Moving every 2 days or so. We had reservations in Albuquerque.

Exactly 2 weeks on the road, we hit our first 'bump in the road'. Serious truck trouble. Read about it in our 'Daily Journal' at www.thefergs.com. Stuck here in Bakersfield, CA. Shaking the jello. Hoping to still do Albuquerque. Don't know yet.

But it IS good to ...... slow down, and smell the roses.

Making lemonade.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Allen - just read your blog post, so sorry to hear about the truck issues. Hope it can be repaired quickly and that you can make it to the Albuquerque Balloon festival.

We've had to learn a lot of patience lately with the issues with the fridge and then the truck upgrade. We had thought we would make it CA today but due to really high winds in Nevada we stopped outside of Reno for the night. Then a neighbor at this RV park told us snow hit Donner Pass today, forecast looks a lot better for tomorrow and we hope to make it through there without any issues.

Hdrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dang Allen,,, sorry for your luck but hope things are fixed soon. You make a person think a little harder about the extended warranties.

And Dale & Ruth we are hoping for some sunshine for you guys!!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Dave, just looked at the weather between Fernley NV and California, looks like we'll have a cool, but sunny drive!

Laura and Bunk · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are heading for 2 years on the road. When we left Maryland/home in January 2012, we spent 1 month in a SC state park. They have a special in the winter for us oldies. It gave us the chance to acclimate to the bus and living on the road. From that time on we have tried to spend at least 2 weeks (more if possible) in an area. It is nice to get to know the area we are in and the people. The only time we ran the miles was heading to Alaska. We wanted to spend as much time in the good weather as possible. We are now back in slow mode, heading down the west coast. And as Mike said, short hops, to save gas and enjoy an area. Because we had a used Diesel Pusher we also tried to stay in areas that had access to mechanics and repair facilities for the first few months.

Now we are all over the place! We love the beauty of our country and plan on seeing as much as possible before we have to park it.

Enjoy your new life!

LibertyLinda · RV-Dreams Family Member

This is interesting to read. When we leave the S&B, depending on the time of year, we will first head out to SD to establish residency and then head south-ish, to figure out a work situation. My thing is we do not have a "deadline" to get this done, but we also can not 'vacation' forever, because we are working still. Anyway, I am thinking at least to give it a year, so we are not crazy and we can just take our time in figuring out our new lifestyle. If the house doesn't sell until the winter, then I guess we head south first for the winter, then go get the domicile in SD.
One thing is for sure, it is FREEDOM and we will get to what we need to do, when we do.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

Although our full timing hasn't begun, our plans are moving forward. Tow vehicle and Smart car are purchased, deal struck on fifth wheel and expect delivery after the first of the year. In just eight days I will be two years from retirement and yes, I am counting the days using a spreadsheet.

Vacation mode or lifestyle mode is a question I think of often. Today I work 64 to 82 hours a week. I eat, sleep, and work. I get 30 mins to 1 hour a day to spend with the DW. That time is precious. Based on that, a 40 hour work week would be a vacation. The boss ask me to do something extra. The answer was no. You are getting a minimum of 13.5 productive hours a day and you aren't getting 13:45. Some days are 16 hours. I have no more time for work. I'm compensated handsomely for what I do, I am just not willing to give up any more.

All that led up to this...I will transition directly into retirement/vacation mode. I will use a clock to ensure I don't miss a meal, and a calendar so I know if friends and family have to work tomorrow or if it is a weekend. My time will be mine. Don't be confused when I sit in one place for a month or two, I am on permanent vacation. I will be easy to identify. I'll be the one with a permanent grin that can't be wiped off. I'll dedicate myself to my DWs happiness and getting my PhD in relaxation. Everything I do will be at my own pace. It won't be procrastination, it will be on Mark's time. Whether helping a friend repair an RV or scratching the dogs ears, every action will be done with care and love. Call it what you want. I intend to slow down and savor every minute. My goal is to bring a smile into every situation and leave one or two behind every time I depart. In my case it will be nearly impossible to differentiate, vacation or lifestyle.

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have been static since June. But Nov 1 we are hightailing it to South Dakota then drop straight south to Texas. From eastern NC to Souix Falls will be 3 days, 5-600 a day. Thats as much as I'm willing to do. Now next spring it will be the 2-2-4 plan.

DebbieM · RV-Dreams Family Member

MarkS, just reading your post made me smile. I know we will all enjoy our adventures! Looking forward to ours next summer.

--Debbie

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

MarkS: Don't worry about missing a meal. It is not likely to happen in the RV world. Now making DW happy. Good luck.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I like it Mark!!!!!................I to went that way now I take the weekdays off and work the weekends only , unfortunately I probably only get 2 good work hours out of myself.......just applied for a certified hammock tester job tho......it should go well for me!!!!!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike - thanks for the Laugh!! BTW, we have some art/craft friends out of Idaho that make wonderful hammocks, let me know if you ever get out to that part of the country and I'll put you in touch with them, you can test sit/swing their wonderful creations!!

Tonight we are breathing a sigh of relief, our last long drive until next March is behind us, between now and March we have no more than 1 day drives for any of our planned travel. Next March we'll be headed to TX/OK and since our first stop will be to spoil the grandtwins something tells me this Grandma will be driving Grandpa nuts to get there as quick as possible for as much "hands on spoiling" as possible!!

VanMar · RV-Dreams Family Member

MarkS wrote:
........and a calendar so I know if friends and family have to work tomorrow or if it is a weekend.

Mark,

Loved your entire post...sums me up entirely!! But the part about knowing if it's a weekend....does it really matter? Won't it be seven day weekends?

Vance

heyduke · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't know what you call what we do but if it is in vacation mode then that is what it is... we may only move 20 miles sometimes to our next destination and then sometime 200 miles... rarely more than that. I think the RV lifestyle of retirement (for us) was meant to be our longest ever vacation and we have now been on the road a bit over 2.5 years... we only "slow down" for the winter months but are usually on vacation at the beach then... call it what you want but it will simply only be what you make it out to be!

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mark,
Loved your entire post...sums me up entirely!! But the part about knowing if it's a weekend....does it really matter? Won't it be seven day weekends?
Vance

The calendar is so I know what to expect from friends and family that are still working stiffs. Oh, and so I don't miss any birthdays or anniversaries. And the rallies, I don't want to miss the rallies. Sounds like the calendar remains relevant.