Boomer moving off the grid - RV-Dreams Community Forum

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Boomer moving off the grid

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Aboard, Sharon and don't despair! The fact that you have come to a realization and acceptance of circumstances beyond your control should be liberating. It was for me. What budget do you have in mind for your future "home on wheels?" You might want to look at RV Trader for some great deals. There are many class Cs available there for bargain basement prices (since you don't have a TV). Or you could find a good used pickup and an inexpensive TT or fiver to start out with. This is what my DW and I are planning on doing. Luckily I found a good used 08 F-250 diesel for around $11k and I'll soon be shopping for a suitable lightly used TT in the $15-20k range for my new home. If this sum is out of your budget, there are many used Class C's and older A's available for even less. Here's a link to some used Class Cs: www.rvtrader.com/Class-C-RVs-Motorhomes-For-Sale--New-or-Used-on-RV-Trader/search-results%3Adesc&type=Class+C|198069&&&price=*:20000

Here's a good website that may pick up your spirits as it's for and about folks living the dream on practically nothing. www.cheaprvliving.com/

Chip

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Chip.

We are thinking about $50K for whatever we buy. Either a Class A diesel pusher or a 36-38 foot fiver with a truck.
Everything is predicated on my mom agreeing to a partial pre-inheritance. Without her help, we are headed to a shelter and our cats will be taken to our vet for new homes. It's really difficult to think that, much less write it.

I'll take a look at the links you mentioned.

Thanks again

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Class A diesels are available at 20k!!!....its going to depend on your idea of coming out here.....I have always lived by the 5k rule......at 5k you can buy cheap come out here and keep your savings a little longer....

I live out here on a boondockers budget (1k or less per month) and built a micro business that brings 3to 4 times that without working hard.(2 days a week)

your suburban would pull a travel trailer......if times are real tough or getting that way and a simple low budget relocation will help that would be the way to start

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Saturday 6th of September 2014 02:15:31 PM

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome aboard Sharon and hubby. You needn't feel alone. Isn't it funny how once you are old enough to be wise, nobody wants your wisdom. Mine happened at 58 and so I went into trucking. Now I'm counting the freaking days. Fifth wheel bought, tow vehicle paid for, only thing left is to reduce the responsibilities one can't walk away from. As far as the house goes, I would do a deed in lieu of foreclosure in a second just to get rid of it. Maybe it will sell when the time comes.

Good luck finding your solution. There are many ways to go full time. Some expensive, some not so much but all of them satisfactory.

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Sharon,

Since your husband has high tech experience, has he considered creating a portable business, perhaps consulting? Or could he use his high tech experience as a freelancer, doing specific projects for maybe smaller tech companies who might not be able to afford him as a full time employee but could use his expertise on specific projects? Perhaps www.elance.com could be helpful.

Also, have you checked out http://www.technomadia.com/ This is a fulltime, techie couple who make a living on the road. They also have articles about other people who are living & working on the road.

It sounds like you have some excellent skills too. Have you ever taught nutritional classes or cooking classes? Perhaps at a holistic health store or even at a gym or Rec Center?

Anyway, those are just some of my random thoughts (and I have plenty of them!!). It seems like you & your husband have marketable, useful skills. Perhaps there are creative ways to use your skills that you haven't considered in the past.

Best of luck to you!!

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Chip,

It's looking like a 5er is in our future. mainly because of the interior room ( I need a kitchen with counter space and cabinets), and if we are lucky, maybe a bath and a half.

I asked lots of questions today, and discovered the subtle differences between a travel trailer and a 5er. Yes, we have a suburban, but it's only a half ton and it can't tow much of a permanent home.

Tomorrow, we are going to RV show in Sacramento. Should be very educational. If anyone is in the are and is going, I'd love to hook up with you.

Sharon

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sharon,

I'm sorry to hear about your predicament as well. While my DH and I were planning to become full timers in 3 years or so, my being laid off my job also forced us to move fast forward real quickly so we could sell the house rather than be foreclosed upon. My DH is also a techie and has been freelance for about 8 years. This lifestyle lends itself very well to that.

And keep the faith. God doesn't give us anything we can't handle. You'll get through this and when you look back, you'll be happy for the new opportunities.

-- Edited by cherylbrv on Saturday 6th of September 2014 08:07:41 PM

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Mike,

I have a husband who has his own idea of when and how we will make this transition.

His reality is not my reality. I could do this within 30 days. Sell everything and find something that I can live in. may not be what I really want, but it would get me out there. I'm praying for guidance. This is a huge transition.

Thanks for your input

Sharon

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Mark,

The thing is this - once we buy and get out on the road - that's it. so we have to do our research and be prudent shoppers.

Gotta say that this is scaring the bajeezus out of me.

Sharon

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Cheryl,

I've been suggesting that my husband should go into consulting and/or technical writing, as he is a strategic marketing manager within the semiconductor industry.

I get the same answer, which is that what he does isn't conducive to consulting. what do I know?

As for me - I have worked virtually in my health coaching consulting business. I would also like to travel the U.S. and teach how to eat and cook healthy. It will come once we are out on the road. The hardest part is letting go of the stuff - selling, giving, throwing it away. We don't have a house to sell and I gave notice to our landlord, so our time is running out.

I'm praying a lot these days.

Thanks for reaching out.

Sharon

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know it's really, really scary having to make such a huge lifestyle change, especially at our age. You would think with all our years of experience, it would be easier as we approached retirement age, not that we'd be facing what kids out of college are. But we'll all get thru it somehow. Just keep the faith; answers will come.

You are also not alone in the dreaded purging process. There are many threads here on the forum from people who have gone or are going through facing getting rid of everything.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

That is a popular and often a wise choice as there are many more suitable 5ers to choose from than TTs. With a 50k budget you won't have too much of a problem. Just keep in mind that the heavier the 5er you choose the larger, more expensive and more fuel thirsty TV you will need. Everyone has different needs and a different budget. Identify your planned FT lifestyle choices. Will you be moving seasonally, monthly, or weekly? Will you snow bird or will you need a 4 season trailer to withstand harsher climates? What percentage of your time to you expect to: Boondock, stay in State or National parks (possibly as volunteers or work campers) or stay in commercial CGs only?

I plan on moving monthly and boondocking as much as possible, maybe 1/3 to 1/2 the time. Moving infrequently will reduce my fuel budget and staying monthly in inexpensive RV parks will save CG fees too. My selection of a smaller, lighter though less durable trailer allows me to choose a lighter, more fuel efficient tow vehicle too. Plus I intend on using the bed of the truck to carry a pair of fuel efficient motorbikes for around town touring and chores. This precludes a 5er taking up the bed of my truck (plus DW has difficulty negotiating stairs). If you will only have a large TV available for around town use this will increase your fuel and maintenance costs as well as make it harder to get into tight parking spots in many downtown areas. If you plan on boondocking, be sure to save room in your budget for at a small solar system or at least a small generator and extra batteries. Just for reference, this one of the inexpensive TT's I'm looking at that suit my needs - yours will probably be different than mine. http://rvwholesalesuperstore.com/keystone/sprinter/331rls/

Best of luck moving forward with your next grand adventure,

Chip

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Sharon. As you may have already noticed, there a many friendly folks on this forum and ready to help answer you questions. I feel your angst on the pressures you are facing currently, but the axiom of "when one door closes another opens" is very true. Sure you'll have to make some adjustments, but I can assure you that while you may think it's overwhelming and you are scared, this is normal and you ARE up to the challenge. Lucky Mike is well respected on here and his comments should be heeded... especially his philosophy of "live, breathe, relax". Before you know it, you'll be moving in a new direction and more confidently each day. smile

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thank you all so much for your words of advise and encouragement. I have always said that the first step is the hardest, and I know this is true for me as well.

We went to an RV show yesterday and did extensive research on class A diesels as well as 5th wheels. Picked a few brains, took lots of pictures and videos, and grabbed a few brochures. We can probably get into a nice class A for around $80K, and a 5th wheel (sans the TV) for about $50K. I know these numbers are high, but we live in the land of "over the top expensive" housing (California). Mobile home parks charge $775 and up per month not including electric.

At the end of the day, Rich put a spreadsheet together with most of the numbers regarding a purchase and estimated cost of repairs/maintenance. Since Rich is a mister "know-it-all", and I say that in the truest sense, he is intimately familiar with repairing and maintaining just about anything. (replaced the engine AND transmission in my BMW 540) among many other things.

We have no savings at this point, so once we buy and get out there, the possibility of upgrading is slim. The adjustment of going from a 4000sq to 2500sq house was more than challenging. This transition (2500-400sq) is either going to make or break our relationship. Which means if we buy the least expensive RV we can find just to get out on the road, we may very well be digging our own hole emotionally as well as financially.

We are still in the fact finding stage. The letting go stage is also in process, so there is a whole lot of processing going on, complicated by a couple of pieces of furniture (Thomasville dining room set and an antique baby grand piano) and 3 cars to sell. I also have an adult son who isn't independent and is struggling with depression. My plate is overflowing at the moment.

We have a good friend who owns an RV park in the California Gold Country. He and his wife have had some health issues and I haven't talked to him in quite awhile. We are thinking that we may stop there first to get our feet wet, learn how to be work campers and see how it goes the first 30 days on the road. it's familiar territory for us (we almost bought the RV park several years ago).

I just joined this forum several days ago, and I'm already feeling like I have family. I've been working virtually for 4 years and I've made thousands of friends on social media. I love that the internet can bring people together from all over the world/USA.

Thank you to everyone for welcoming me (and Rich) to your RV family. I have many questions and will be spending many hours on this forum.

Gannet · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm a newbie here too, so maybe my comments aren't worth much. OTOH, we have been through the "lose everything, start over" thing twice in our lives. Last time we got to $200 between us and the street, with nothing. Close call. We are. thank God, in pretty decent shape these days, and in two years I hope to retire with twenty years on the job. But I still remember those other times.

Hard, hard as it is, I would encourage you to let go of stuff. Everything. Stuff puts you in chains. When you are swimming for your life, stuff can pull you under.

This site was mentioned earlier, but I urge you to stop everything and go immerse yourself here. Read it until your eyes bleed. It's not just the tips, it's the attitude. http://www.cheaprvliving.com/

$50k? $80k? You could live for 5 years or more on that.

You've got a Suburban? Drive that. A half-ton can still pull a 21-25' trailer, which is plenty for 2 people who are living on the cheap. Indeed, a Suburban can itself be home. Again, go read Bob Wells, he can show you how to live this way and love it - "all" it requires is changes in yourself.

If you have access to a Kindle, read stuff by Sunny Skye. She has been living in a tiny trailer by choice, for years, and traveling all over. She is an inspiration.

I would be looking to do everything as cheaply as possible until an income stream is set up. If you're 60+, I assume SS will kick in soon.

If you get a used DP, what would you do if the engine or transmission let go? That can be a $25k bill, or more. As to 5ers, the tow vehicle often costs as much or more than the trailer. Can you afford to rebuild the engine or trans in the truck?

If you can scare up $50k, I'd be very much inclined to buy a $5k vehicle and put the $45k into the kitty.

All of this said with best wishes and encouragement. Not trying to be a downer. Just trying to help you choose a path to success. Best to you both.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Great advise, Gannet. I like your can do, pragmatic attitude - a true survivor!

Chip

Gannet · RV-Dreams Family Member

Also see this awesome thread by our own Lucky Mike: rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t55819003/fulltiming-with-nothingdont-be-afraid-to-plan-for-it/

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

I hear you all loud and clear and I am inclined to keep the suburban and get a TT for the time being. It isn't what we really want, but I've been close to this financial place before and I can tell you that I learned really quick. Do I want this or do I need this? I lived that way for over 12 years. I attempted to have this conversation today and the answer was that we aren't destitute...yet. I have a 90 year old mother who said we can live with her for a while, so it appears we won't be on the streets, but we won't be on our own either. I just keep praying. This is a marriage and it takes 2 people to be on the same page. Right now, we are living in different chapters.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sharon,

Your last comment came thru loud and clear here & in a couple of your posts. No doubt this stress puts a huge challenge on any relationship. Before you commit the final resources to buying something in the RV world, please listen to your heart and be sure your marriage will survive. Maybe Mom's is the best choice - for now.

Sherry

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'll be reading Mikes post - thank you for the link. Sherry - point well-taken. Financial stress can do a number on a relationship and this one has had it's share. Thanks for your honesty.

Much appreciation to all of you.

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't know what the towing capacity of your Suburban is, but if it can handle a TT with 9,800 lbs GVWR (6766 lbs empty) here's a Coachman with a huge kitchen.
www.coachmenrv.com/product-details.aspx

It's hard to find an ultralight trailer with a decent kitchen and good CCC, but here's a smaller +Bbullet (251RBSWE) that might be of interest. It is 29ft long, weighs in at only 4980lbs and has a 2520lb CCC, making the GVWR of only 7,500 lbs., which might be better suited to your Suburban.

This is just a couple examples to give you an idea of what's out there if you want to use your Suburban as a TV, to spare your resources. On the plus side, a smaller rig is cheaper to register and insure as well as operate - and you can get in some remote places and tight SP and NP CGs that is more difficult to squeeze in a bigger rig. Even a rig this size is bigger and more opulent than 99% of the folks who post on the Cheaperliving.com website. In fact, you'll have better housing than 99% of the world's population too. Everything is relative, you know.

There are many inexpensive RV parks under $350/mo (some under $200/mo) that have very nice amenities, such as a pool, rec room, lending library, etc. that will enrich your life even more.

Chip

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've been giving much thought you all of your words of wisdom and experience. I'm thinking that at this moment, we are still struggling with the reality of not living in a "traditional" home, albeit a rental and that it's sucking us dry financially. Other than rent, we are debt free. We have an entire house and garage to sort through. The 1st yard sale will be this weekend, followed by another the weekend after. We will have to put some things into storage and then whittle down further. I need to give my mom notice if we are going to be moving in with her, as she has become quite comfortable living on her own after my dad passed away 4 years ago. Truth be told, the closets and dresser drawers are full and there is no room for us at this point other than beds to sleep on.

I suppose I'm still struggling with the reality as well. Asking myself how this happened and why at 61 when I'm tired and just want to live a simple life settled in a small house, living in a small town. Couldn't be further from that situation, as we live in Silicon Valley with over-crowded highways and exorbitant housing costs.

Many of you have probably been where we are, so I'm sure you understand the emotional processing that is part of the equation. We all have a history and a story - right? I've been on social media for over 4 years and all too often, people post some very personal stuff on there. Often it's TMI, and I'm a firm believer that some things need to be kept private.

Some good news is that my husband had an interview yesterday that he felt went pretty well. He's up against 4 other candidates. If he gets this position, it would mean staying here and trying to find another rental (good luck to us).

I may have an opportunity to work for a private Catholic high school (hour and half commute one way). Not my ideal situation, but hey, it's a job doing what I love to do.....cook healthy food.

Hopefully, we will both know more by the end of this week. I'll keep you all posted. Gotta keep the positive energy flowing biggrin

Gannet · RV-Dreams Family Member

So glad to hear the potential good news! Best of luck with that.

It almost sounds like you guys don't really want the RV lifestyle as a choice, but felt you might be forced into it by financial circumstances. Is that right?

If yes, then I wouldn't go there. There are too many compromises and changes compared to a S&B life. There are WAY cheaper ways to live than renting in Silicon Valley and an RV is only one of them. :)

For example, when we were reevaluating our life choices recently and trying to figure out how to get out from under the maintenance load of this house (it's not bad, just not something we enjoy) we started looking at mobile home parks around here. Turns out that here in the Tampa Bay area you can get a pretty nice (by our perhaps lax standards) little mobile home, an old one but in good shape, for $5-10k, with lot rent in the $3-400 range.

Now that's cheap living, and in a major city, where there are jobs, not out in Yeehaw Junction.

So you have options besides RVing.

OTOH, if you really want the RV lifestyle, and the freedom (and compromises) it offers, then you should go for that, and not let stuff or jobs hold you back.

Just IMO.

As to de-stuffing, I think the hardest part is emotional, and that it's mostly related to two issues.

One is the things you have sentimental attachments to. If they're small, keep them for now. If not, like say furniture, well, start getting used to the idea of letting them go. It's a grieving process, so allow some time for the stages.

The second issue, for the non-sentimental stuff, is the money. You see something you paid $100 for, and to you it's $100. You can't think about selling it without thinking about that $100. But that money is gone. One way to think of it is that you didn't spend the $100 to have ownership rights to the thing, but rather it was just an expensive rental - kinda like those places you've been staying. :) If you can do that, then I think it's easier to just see it as water under the bridge when the $100 item brings $10 at a sale. If you can't do that not only is hard to sell the stuff, you just get all angry and resentful at the people who are buying your stuff (and who will always try to "talk you down" from your already ridiculous (to you) low price). This is a big part of what makes yard sales unpleasant imo.

If you're serious about RVing, consider doing this: get your new apartment or whatever, but don't move your stuff into it. Instead, treat it like it was an RV. Don't take any more than you think would fit in a medium-sized RV. That means 90% of your stuff doesn't go. Then hire an estate sale company to come in and sell everything that isn't in the "RV". Just get it all gone and done in one fell swoop and move on. You want to be looking forward with hope, not backwards with regret. Selling things yourself promotes the latter.

Then, as you live in your apart-RV, you will undoubtedly find some little thing or three you need, maybe things you sold. Don't worry about it! Take the money from the sale and go buy those three things. But don't buy any more stuff than will fit in your hypothetical RV. If you can live this way for a while, and not be bugged, it will give you a decent feel for whether you will adapt to RV life.

Stuff is just stuff. You can always get more. The world's chock-a-block full of it. Don't let stuff run your life or ruin your happiness when things are tough.

Best of luck!

SharonWegner · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dearest Gannet,

Such wisdom and perspective you have to offer. I'm doing the hokey pokey biggrin One foot in and one foot out.

I learned long ago, that stuff is just stuff and I really don't have much of an emotional attachment to it. I could walk from everything, including the $15,000 dining room set and the $25,000 antique baby grand. Really I could. It's complicated and laundry that doesn't need to be hung out (if you know what I mean)

My thinking is in line with what you suggested. Downsize and live a simple life in a smaller house or maybe even a mobile. There are a few nice ones for around $100,000 that offer financing. Only issue is that the space rent is $1250/mo. Still a far cry from $2775.

Rich and I had been talking about getting into RVing before this current financial crush hit us, but it's an adjustment that takes time. Releasing of things, current lifestyle, perceived status, etc. It's all smoke and mirrors.

I appreciate your time and suggestions - they give me much to consider.

Blessings