Greetings Ed nd Beth,

Have you given the lifestyle much thought yet to decide on the style of FTing that suits you best? This will help you select which type of rig, and the features you should be looking for that is optimal for your lifestyle.

For instance, do you plan on moving frequently or staying in one location for longer periods, exploring the area thoroughly before moving on? Some FTers move seasonally while at the other extreme, others move every few days. Do you plan on boondocking (camping free or at low cost in the wilderness or on government lands)? If so what percentage of time? Will you be taking pets with you? What are your budget considerations?

I'm planning on "escaping" to FT mobile life in about 3 years, so I'm getting my ducks in a row now. I plan on boondocking perhaps 1/2 the time or maybe a little more, mainly to enjoy the more solitary wilderness experience, but also saving money on a tight budget. This requires moving at least every 2 weeks (as most BLM land rules require.) When staying in RV parks the other half of the year (mainly during times of peak weather heat and cold to utilize the campground/rv park's full amenities) I will be moving monthly to enjoy the park's much lower monthly rates.

Most FTers choose either a class A or C motorhome (if they move frequently) or a fifth wheel trailer (for those with a more sedentary lifestyle.) We're in the minority, choosing a travel trailer for our unique needs. I'd suggest you envision your life on the road in detail (what will you be doing and how would you like to live) and then learn from others who have the same or similar vision, and are living their dream. Then research and research some more to make sure your new home on wheels suits your intended lifestyle. Try to buy your last rig first, as they say.

Chip

Chip,

Good advice.  We hope to explore areas fully before moving.  In most areas I think we're planning a couple of weeks at a time.  We will be carefully budgeting so some boondocking will be planned.  I just have to get comfortable with it on a safety level.  We were planning on traveling with a dog but are rethinking that.   We spent a few days with our grandchildren and grand dog at Lassen Volcanic Park last week.  Dogs are only allowed where cars can go, within 50 feet of the road and not near or in any body of water.  This was so hard on the lab with us.   We thought it just wouldn't be fair to an animal to be left in the RV while we go play.  The ranger told us this is the general policy now at National Parks.  Our animals have always been family and we love them to play with us.  This is so disappointing because after years of working and not having a dog we were really looking forward to having one again.

We have been looking and have decided a smaller 5th wheel is for us.  We'll see what we end up with! Lol.

Thank you,

Beth

Welcome Beth and glad you came out of the bushes and said hi :)

Please remember that what ever you envision as your lifestyle may change over time. We truly thought that we would spend time in state and federal parks, only to have online reservations come in to play. For a lot of states that means that the first week in January the parks are reserved (Thurs - Sun) for the whole year, especially Memorial Day through Labor Day, and then come summer, if it is raining, the kids have a baseball game, etc., they just don't show up, it isn't costing them much (one night's stay to hold reservation) and their sites an empty spot that you could have enjoyed, but it was reserved, so no one enjoys it. So we quickly gave up on that idea and found that for traveling membership parks work well for us (in a Thousand Trails park as we speak) and saved us huge amounts of money.

I would also say that the rationale length of stays to determine what you have doesn't necessarily fly. We seriously considered getting a 5er with large PU, but then that would be our daily driver. We got into geocaching and having a small car to go exploring in turned out to be a great asset for us. We use a 75 mile radius from where we are parked as our exploration territory. And off we go in the morning, returning in the evening. We're in Sonoma Valley right now, so we have extended our radius a little, but it means we explore with a very fuel efficient car rather than a big PU. When we started fulltiming, we also had our 2 cats with us, and having a motorhome meant that we didn't have to transfer them to another vehicle when we moved. They were always in their home, I turned the engine one, they heard the diesel motor purr and they hopped up onto the coach, got in "their" spots, and curled up for a 4 hour nap. Once we arrived, they would wait anxiously at their food dishes, eat, and then go rest from their hard ordeal of the day! It was so easy for them, which made travel easier for us. And we have spent months at a time with the motorhome stationary - doesn't hurt it a bit.

As to the guilt - remember no one can make you feel quilty unless you let them. When they say something about you "deserting us", say, with a smile on your face, "yes we are - we're running away to enjoy some time together. We're horrible wicked people and I know that you will be so glad to get rid of us."

Barb

Barb - love your response, I'm definitely using it.

Paul and Kim, I agree, we will find what works for us when we get out there. We too want to stay at and explore the National Parks but are familiar when the difficulties getting a reservation. Thank you for the encouragement.

To everyone welcoming us, thank you.

I do agree this is the best forum on the internet. I have become an obsessive reader of it! I was in Lindas' campfire reading the emotional issues. I don't know why it surprises me that others are going through the exact same issues but it's so helpful that they are.

Beth