Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


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Post Info TOPIC: Dreamers Class of 2018


RV-Dreams Community Member

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Dreamers Class of 2018


Well, 2018 is right around the corner and I haven't seen a "class" thread yet so I though I would give it a try.  We are planning on pulling out at the end of January 2018 but being flexible on the exact date to allow for possible weather conditions.  It will be the two of us plus our two little dogs which we consider our fur babies.  Who else is heading out it 2018????   It would be great to hear where you are with your plans and share the excitement!

We sold our house Memorial Day weekend and have been living in an apartment since July.  We wanted to make sure that the house sold quickly and that is the best time of year around here.  It sold if five days, what a relief!!!  The apartment has been a good transition to living in a smaller space.  I will say that the downsizing of a lifetime of "stuff" was hard but thank goodness it is done...well, almost.  We still have a little bit to do but the hardest part is over.  I'm sure you all know what I mean.  The pain before the gain.

Dan and Rhonda



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RV-Dreams Family Member

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Hi Dan and Rhonda,

As our user ID suggests, we are planning for 2021 but we are getting impatient (and tired of doing yard work) and are starting the pain of downsizing now.  I doubt we will be ready by the end of 2018 but we are giving it a try.  Our original plan was to wait until I retire (2021) but we realized we could save money by having my wife becoming a park host at one of the local state parks while I continue to work.  That would work out great since we spend so much time at the state parks anyway.

Do you have your RV yet?  We have a 26' TT that we will likely start out in but will up size in a year or so.   Our original plan was to get a fifth wheel but the more we looked at it we realized a TT more fits our lifestyle and I really don't want my everyday driving and exploring to be in a DRW TV; Just my preference.

Welcome to the forum.  There's lot of good information here.

Steve



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2017 Starcraft 26BHS Autumn Ridge TT,  2019 Chevrolet 3500 SRW Duramax 6.6 4WD TV 

Plan to retire/full-time in 2021. Favorite place to camp; Texas State Parks.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness..  Mark Twain 

Steve, Julie and Ethan



RV-Dreams Community Member

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Hey there Maybe 2021,

It sounds like you are working on a good plan.  We started out thinking we would be 2020 but like you, we got excited and moved it up.  We don't get to spend much time together due to our work schedules so we decided that time together was more important.  With a few sacrifices we can make it work so we are taking the plunge.  We purchased our RV, a 2016 Heartland Bighorn, a couple of years ago.  We love it but really haven't been able to take it out much.  Dan doesn't have regular weekends for short trips so there are only a few weekly vacation trips during the year.  Once we get in it fulltime there will be some adjusting but so far it seems like a really livable design.

Good luck with your downsizing.  That was a couple year task for us.  It took a few "rounds" of going through everything to trim down all the stuff and family memorabilia.  We had a big garage sale this spring and sold most of our furniture and decor items.  The house went on the market over Memorial Day weekend and once that was sold we packed up what was left and moved into a 1 BR apartment.  It has been quite the experience but the goal is in sight.  

You are fortunate to have a campground close by that you might be able to work at.  That would be perfect.  There aren't many around here that are open during the winter which is why we ended up in an apartment.  Plus I had a knee replacement in October so the apartment made that a lot easier.  

Good luck with making it into 2018.  We will be cheering you on!!!!  biggrin



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RV-Dreams Family Member

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2018 will be our 7th year of dreaming as we hit the road in 2012. Or maybe it’s Livin the Dream instead. Whatever. Welcome. 



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RV-Dreams Community Member

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I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. Ours was great with one of our sons home for the holiday. I have to admit that I found myself wondering where we would be next year biggrinand feeling a bit nostalgic knowing that we (most likely) will not be here with family next year.hmm I say most likely because we do not have definite travel plans but we do not currently plan to be back for the holidays next year. Anyone else experience that feeling? Or the excitement of wondering where in the country you might be this time next year???



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RV-Dreams Family Member

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Maybe2021... we're like you, when we started... we were looking at 2021 but knowledge is power and we've cut 2 years off our target. there is an outside chance that we move into an RV and start off more or less stationary for a year or so starting in late 2018 but a lot has to fall into place for that to happen. We have a rig picked out and all things being what they are at this time, it will likely be our final selection as it is ideal for us. But never say never. Still wavering on the TV but with good advice from Bill and Linda from this forum, who has been peppered with questions from me along the way we feel confident that either of our two finalists for TV will be more than up to the task. 

In any event, here's to future success to all of the class of 2018. Maybe it will include us, but 2019 looks much more likely.



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Brian, Cindi & Josie (our fur baby)
2017 RAM 3500 Laramie 4x4 CCLB, CTD, Aisin, B&W hitch, dually
2020 Keystone Montana Legacy 3813MS w/FBP ,
MORryde 8k IS, Kodiak disc brakes, no solar  YET!



RV-Dreams Community Member

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Happy New Year 2018!!! It is our graduation year...finally. Who all is in this class with us and when will you be making the move??? Jump on in here and share your excitement and experiences. It OUR year, let's do it together.  biggrin



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RV-Dreams Community Member

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The time has finally come. My daughter finished culinary school in July ‘17 found a job and move to an apartment in November. The house closed escrow in December, I purchased a used motorhome a few days later. Last week I got the “toad”. So all the pieces are in place. I’m planning to move out of apartment and into RV in April, and on the road no later than the end of June.

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US Army Retired

2007 Winnebago Tour 40TD

2015 Ford Explorer Sport 4x4



RV-Dreams Community Member

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Congrats Blackvelvet55. Welcome to the class of 2018. It sounds like you are making great progress. We are in the process of finalizing the move out of our temporary apartment. Next Monday is D (departure) day for us. After all the downsizing we are still organizing and packing stuff...Uhgg. If I had one piece of advice for anyone it would be start the downsizing/purging early and be tough. Enjoy the anticipation.  biggrin



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RV-Dreams Community Member

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Well, we did it. We graduated! We left Indiana on January 30th and headed to Florida. Sure is better weather down this way. We went to Bushnell in central Florida to establish domicile. We are now Florida residents complete with driver licenses, license plates and wills. 😂🏝 The process went very smooth. We were at the DMV for about 1 1/2 hours but they were super nice and totally understood our situation. Anyone else doing the Florida thing?

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RV-Dreams Family Member

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Congratulations. We are planning on becoming full-timers this year. We did buy a 5th wheel (our dealer is keeping it no charge until we are ready for it) and the truck is on order. The main thing is getting rid of a lot of stuff and selling the house. Once the house goes we will be in the RV full time but I will still be working. In a couple of years I will retire and then we will start traveling staying a month at a time in most places. We live in Texas so will most likely remain domiciled in Texas

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John & Sama

LAMSOKTXsm.jpg 

2018 DRV Mobile Suites 44 Sante Fe

2018 RAM 5500 with Utility Bodywerks hauler bed



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My wife and I plan to hit the road late spring or early summer this year. Dreading the downsizing; but hope to finish most of it while the wife is out of town for 3 weeks next month training with her new guide dog. Plan to get the house on the market in mid-March with dreams of heading somewhere by June. We already have the truck and fifth-wheel, with the recent addition of the Truma tank less water heater and I am finishing up the construction of a Cherry table/desk combo that will replace the original table. I needed a place for the wife’s computer and closed-circuit magnifying equipment. But I’m scared to drill into the walls to attach it so am looking for some other ways to install it that won’t damage the rig.

Not sure of the domicile state; kicking around South Dakota, Florida and Texas but haven't quite figured it out. I'm retired military so I don't need to worry too much about health insurance, but if anybody has any advice to help us pick a domicile state I'm all ears.

Happy Travels

 

 



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Jeff, Jari and Guide Dog to be named in March

2017 Ram 3500, Laramie, DRW, Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.7L Cummins

2017 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS

Soon to be Full Timers



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Jeff ... congratulations! Based on your choices it seems you learned a lot at the rally😀. I’ll look forward to hearing about your adventures and maybe we’ll hook up again one of these days! Stay safe my friend!

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Ron and Janice

 

2016 Ford F350, King Ranch, DRW, 4x4, CC, 6.7 PS Diesel, remote control air lift system

2017 Durango Gold 381REF, Lambright furniture, MCD shades, morRYDE IS, 8K Disc brakes, GY G114  LR H Tires, 27,320 lbs CGVW

FT class of 2016



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Jeff,

With regards to domicile states, also look into taxing information.  It may not apply to you in any way, but we found that some states tax pensions, some tax pensions and Social Security, and some don't tax either.  In the overall, it might not make any difference if there is another "expense" that is higher in a state that doesn't tax as much, i.e., personal property taxes.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug



RV-Dreams Family Member

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cork8364 wrote:

... and I am finishing up the construction of a Cherry table/desk combo that will replace the original table. I needed a place for the wife’s computer and closed-circuit magnifying equipment. But I’m scared to drill into the walls to attach it so am looking for some other ways to install it that won’t damage the rig.


 As part of the desk/table you are building, could you build up one end - a solid wall where you could attach the equipment?

 

And good luck on the offload of stuff.  My wife and I are working on that now and I really hope we are able to bring our RV down and move into it by middle of summer if not before.



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John & Sama

LAMSOKTXsm.jpg 

2018 DRV Mobile Suites 44 Sante Fe

2018 RAM 5500 with Utility Bodywerks hauler bed



RV-Dreams Community Member

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vannchan wrote:

As part of the desk/table you are building, could you build up one end - a solid wall where you could attach the equipment?


Thanks for the suggestion; I'll look into it. I already have built a set of drawers on the one end so I think that end is good. Your suggestion may help a couple of things, stability is one, the other is that it could hide the power cords.  I'll post some pictures later.


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Jeff, Jari and Guide Dog to be named in March

2017 Ram 3500, Laramie, DRW, Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.7L Cummins

2017 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS

Soon to be Full Timers



RV-Dreams Community Member

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We plan to launch late this year as well.  Our major steps:

1. Purchase Home base (RV Lot) /Snowbird location in Florida. (done)

2. Downsize Junk (underway)

3. Get house on Market (2 weeks out)

4. Build Pad on Home base (spring or fall - decision)

5. Move last son to College (May)

6. Order new Class A DP Rig (when house closes +3-4 months of build time).  Use current rig (5th wheel) until then.

7. Order new TOAD (when house closes or we trade in current rig - decision still needed).



-- Edited by superman on Tuesday 27th of February 2018 09:30:28 AM

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RV-Dreams Family Member

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superman: I hope your home base doesn't come with a giant bungee cord attached that keeps you from seeing more of the country. Just my 2c since it took us multiple winters to find where in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California we would like to spend the winter.

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Bill Joyce,
40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com
Full-timing since July 2003



RV-Dreams Community Member

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bjoyce wrote:

superman: I hope your home base doesn't come with a giant bungee cord attached that keeps you from seeing more of the country. Just my 2c since it took us multiple winters to find where in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California we would like to spend the winter.


 Agreed.  Because my wife has a tech job and needs a physical address for her company, this was a good compromise for us.  Cheaper than renting a place, etc.  



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RV-Dreams Community Member

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The house went on the market late afternoon March 27, we received an over list price offer on March 28th. Wasn't expecting that but am not disappointed at all. I have been able to sell almost all of my woodworking tools and have made a huge dent in what we need to go through. How is currently scheduled to close on May 4th but since we have some appointments spread out throughout the month of May we won't be hitting the road until June 1.



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Jeff, Jari and Guide Dog to be named in March

2017 Ram 3500, Laramie, DRW, Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.7L Cummins

2017 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS

Soon to be Full Timers



RV-Dreams Community Member

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We put the house on the market on March 27th. It was sold on March 28th and we closed on May 3rd. So much has happened in between, still don't know where anything is and trying to figure out what we need in the rig. Looking forward to adventures.



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Jeff, Jari and Guide Dog to be named in March

2017 Ram 3500, Laramie, DRW, Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.7L Cummins

2017 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS

Soon to be Full Timers



RV-Dreams Community Member

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Hello folks,

After reading numerous blogs on when to start the process, we have done it.  This year we sold our 4200sqft home and down sized to a 1600qft home.  WOW where to put all my sh$%&**.  My wife got on Facebook Market Place and sold 50% of it.  We are retiring in 2023.  Yes 5 years away, but listening to the Pros out there this this the time to start.  We have been looking at numerous Class A homes and started narrowing it down.  We have been asked numerous times by our friends where are we going to go first.  Well,  I tell them we are going to put a map of the United States on our wall and throw a dart at it.  Where it lands is our destination.    I read how some people get excited and start earlier.  I wish we could do the same, but we can't do to my retirement.  I will say this.... Thanks to all out there who post there experiences on what to do how to do and what not to do is so much greatly appreciated by us that are getting ready to take the journey.  

Hope to see you all out there somewhere.

Tony and Traciann



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RV-Dreams Family Member

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2023 will come up faster than you think. And it will more than likely sneak up on you in the last 24 months. Ask me how I know this. We are less than 12 months away from starting and like you, we started this plan about 6 years ago. We started with a Motor Home idea but it changed to a fifth wheel. We have neither the truck or trailer yet but we have a fairly solid idea of what they will be. We had  hoped for a late 2018 start but Cindi landed a nice job that will really add to our starting cash pile, downside is we have less time to purge, plan, organize etc since we are both working full days and still have to take care of all the routine stuff. As we near the kickoff we are both starting to feel the heat. But the end is now in sight for this phase of our lives.... bring on the new memories, the new adventures... we're ready. You will be too.

Welcome aboard.

 



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Brian, Cindi & Josie (our fur baby)
2017 RAM 3500 Laramie 4x4 CCLB, CTD, Aisin, B&W hitch, dually
2020 Keystone Montana Legacy 3813MS w/FBP ,
MORryde 8k IS, Kodiak disc brakes, no solar  YET!

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