WHY WE QUIT RVING | All Of Your Questions Answered!!
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- Опубліковано 8 лис 2024
- You've been asking and we FINALLY answered! This video has been a long time coming. We address all of your questions - why we quit RVing? Was it the Grand Design? What are we going to do next? If (by some chance) your question didn't get answered, drop us a comment below 👇
Mentioned in the Video:
Grand Design RV Problems Pt.1: bit.ly/2UJ6jx9
GD Problems Pt. 2: bit.ly/2UmrgJj
Boondocking at Walmart: bit.ly/2XswTrn
Monthly RV Expense Reports: bit.ly/2ZcOmWi
Monthly Expenses Living in FL: bit.ly/2UqOKNn
Zagreb $45/night Apartment Tour: bit.ly/2XrqgFK
Cost of Living in Zagreb, Croatia: bit.ly/2W8xrm2
Sign up for AirBNB using our link to get up to $40 credit when you book your first stay: bit.ly/2vDuCQh
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![Costs & Mistakes After 6 Months of RV Life [Full Time RV Living]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fcy8kcQ2abc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Costs & Mistakes After 6 Months of RV Life [Full Time RV Living]](/img/tr.png)
I have been full time RVer for 8 yrs, but I dont travel around with it. I found 4-5 good boondock spots that have reasonable cell/wifi reception and BLM rangers dont patrol. I move the RV to one of my favorite spots depending on the season. It takes some effort to scout out good spots on public land. I ripped out the bedroom in the back of my Class C and converted it into an office so I can work/trade stocks from the RV. I will stay in the same spot sometimes for 5-7 months. That is how hou can save money as a full timer.
Viking....this is exactly what I want to do...trade stocks each from a future RV. How did you find out the areas where BLM rangers don't patrol and how did you handle the logistics of water and power? Did you have a car in tow in which to get supplies?
I guess the trick really is finding non patrolled BLM land since you can only stay 14 days then must move at least 50 miles away from that particular location. I am armed, but prefer to not require it, so for me I would probably be a wee bit nervous staying where others too have determined the property is not patrolled.
Can any of you explain to me what you mean by BLM Rangers and why you wouldn't want that
@@gardensofthegods BLM (Bureau of Land Management) is responsible for managing millions of acres of public lands in each western state (west of the Rocky Mountains). They can’t possibly patrol and monitor all of it so they tend to focus their attention on those areas that are heavily used by the public. An area like Quartzsite, AZ is an example. Google “Quartzsite RV camping “ and you will see what I mean. If you choose to boondock in a place like Quartzsite you pay a fee, get packed in like sardines, and have to deal with noisy neighbors (dogs, diesels trucks, and gas generators).
But if you go just 10-20 miles away (further is better) you can find vast tracks of BLM land that is open for boondocking also but its rarely, if ever, patrolled by any agency. Its peaceful, remote, and scenic. Over the 11 years of my boondocking in southern Arizona I have seen 1 sheriff deputy and two state game wardens drive by, none of which stopped to question me.
The public lands in northern Arizona, in contrast, are heavily patrolled by the US Forest Service. Forest Rangers in northern AZ and in other States will stop at your campsite weekly, and sometimes daily, to ask who you are, how long have you been here, are you homeless, you need to move because you have been here too long, they take photos of you and your vehicle, they photo your license plate, nearby residents complain to the local sheriff that “some people are camping in the forest 2 miles from our house and we want you to check them out”, etc. So its more difficult to find places to boondock in peace in most forest areas.
@@valerief1231 sorry Peetie I had notifications turned off so I didn’t see your comment. You are correct, the trick is to find locations for boondocking that are not patrolled but that also have (1) wifi/cell signal, (2) are accessible by vehicle, (3) scenic, and (4) distance to civilization. Before I settle on a boondocking spot I drive around in my jeep cherokee with a BLM or Forest Service map looking for potential spots to camp. I put a dot on the map for each potential spot with rankings 1-5 for cell signal, accessibly, and scenic. Once I identify 5 spots I pick one. And once I find a good summer or winter spot I tend to return to that location each year. I will occassionally scout for better spots but that can take days of driving around. In heavily patrolled summer locations I always have 3-4 spots where I can relocate to if the harassment from Forest Rangers becomes too much. But if you locate a spot 30-40 miles from a town, 5+ miles from any house, not on a road that leads to someone’s house so they have to drive past your campsite every few days (“that guy has been parked there for a month, I am going to call the Sheriff and report them”).
As for being armed, I think its a good idea and I am armed at all times. But I also do not live in fear when I am boondocking. The only strangers I ever had stop at my RV was a lost female hiker and her two young kids, an elderly couple looking for their runaway dog, hunters (twice in 11 years) asking if I have seen any elk lately, and a local mine operator making sure I was not going to beg them for help when a big rain storm was forecast 😂.
I am a man in my 50s and the only thing I am worried about is aliens 👽 abducting me 😂. I have frequent free range cattle visit my campsite and they like to chew on wires, they poop everywhere, and can be a danger to my solar panels on the ground. Other than that they are afraid of people. Once in a while I have to use the paintball gun and shoot one in the butt to get them to run off. I also get wild donkeys and coyotes that will come in close but they are both afraid of humans. The coyotes will eat pets but I dont keep a dog or cat.
Thank you for acknowledging RV ing can be more more expensive vs. fixed house or apartment. In my area, the tiny campground is $800-$900 per month, for electric sites only. More for full size RV site, and larger places, with more amenities. People can travel, and see places via 3 day weekend, domestic. International is more difficult, but so would be RV site international. Great reality check. That said, some of the most expensive cities, it's obvious that van/rv living is less. It's all on a scale of comparison. Searching for potable water, good waste disposal is definitely a time consuming thing, that Americans tend to forget about, until you are on the road for more than a few days. It's a valid point. I always wondered why more videos did not show a specific storage areaa for water, we need way more than 1-5 gallons, in a week. Water is life.
wow....why would you spend so much?
A study was done on these full time RVers, and found it typically lasts about 2 years. Lots of issues end up being too much to put up with anymore. A lot of laws would have to change, to make it more reasonable. My suggestion, look at a lot of videos, especially the few of people that finally admit, that they left the scene. If you still want to go forward, learn about the laws that you are going to be up against... A converted school bus is a huge mistake and waste of money, you will be hounded from the beginning. Used RV are dirt cheap, start small.. Its not going to last, so dont go hog wild..
@cmscms123456 Do you remember the source of study on FT RVers longevity? Thank you! ;-)
cmscms123456.....IF people are reading this comment and want to do this RV Lifestyle, I would suggest that they rent an RV for 6 to 8 months. Sure, that could be expensive but if you don't like it, it's not that expensive of a lesson to learn instead of purchasing a motorhome or trailer and truck,etc.....that would be a big expense if you don't like it.
@cmscms123456 Thank you so much for telling the truth. Social media has done a awesome job of romanticizing van life. I have been researching, and binge watching these videos. As they are entertaining. One thing about me though. I was taught as a child, there are two sides to every story. To look before I leap. As this is truth in this case. So I will continue to watch these types of videos. I mean at least they make for a very entertaining ILLUSION. 😉
@@arethamorgan6613 You're smart, and probably saved yourself a lot of money and headaches by researching before you leap. Rent an RV for a week sometime, see what its like. Ive rented RVs time to time, its OK, but I know now I could never live like that for more than a week.
@@holiday-td6hx 6-8 months is not enough to really know. In that time, especially in a rented RV, the "We're on vacation" mindset would still be there. Go big or go home.
Appreciate the other side of the story. Since we dont work from the road, internet isnt a must have. As for the cost, i also track our expenses (last 30+ yrs) and found the full-time RV living would cost more than our sticks n bricks life. That being said, we still enjoy RVing part-time. We dont know if we will every go full-time. The way we travel is no reservations on where we stay in route. We just start looking for RV / camping from the road. So far this has worked out for us (even over holidays, like Christmas and July 4th). The exceptions is, if we know we want to be a certain location for a week or more. We also prefer RVing because we have pets that travel with us. Regarding types of RVs, towable vs drivable. We have had both and from our experience, we prefer towable (trailers & truck campers). The reason is, when a repair is needed for the vehicle, we still have use of the RV and visa versa. With the Class C we owned, we were without both which was a major inconvenience. Most repairs needed on a towable i can do myself which is not the case with our tow vehicle. We also added a generator mounted to our towables for air conditioning as you mentioned. Just our opinions. Hope it help you &/or other viewers. Thanks for the videos and safe travels.
Thanks for your input! You definitely make some good points on the towable vs Class C. I think the mounted generator is a must if we were ever to do that again.
I don't understand the negative comment some people are making. This is a choice that this couple makes what works for them might not work for somebody else and so on and so forth. Every person situations individually different. For example I'm thinking about hitting the road maybe in the fall I live in the Boston area I pay 1500 bucks a month just for my household expenses not counting food or anything other and you know it's a nice place I live in doesn't leave much room for anything exciting. I work at home I can take my job with me I'm thinking about going and staying in different places I won't be doing much boondocking maybe in between here and they're saving a night or two but I plan staying in RV parks week-to-week or month-to-month heading down south and enjoying the East coast I've run the numbers and it is substantially cheaper for me to go on the road however that isn't my reason. I just want to do something interesting for a while
Michael, I hope you get to go on your journey. We have been traveling almost ten months now.
If you want to save money here and there on sites check out monthly rates. If you find a place you would like to explore longer seasonal sites save you more. Of course it is also based on the area and the park itself.
Also be aware that some parks have an age limit on rigs to stay there, when purchasing yours.
Good luck ~Missy ☺🤗😊
There's a bunch of UA-cam videos out there which tell how to get the best value from a yearly membership to THOUSAND TRAILS (US $ 575) and with a RESORT (?) upgrade ( US $ 199). You need to understand the fine print in the rules and realise they are 2 separate systems, but you can book 60 days in advance and flip-flop between them, and stay continuously in different serviced RV parks, all for no extra nightly fees (as it's covered by the annual membership fees). Check out those videos, as in just a few nights, you can break even with the costs of membership.
I'm planning to move to Ruidoso, NM and get into managing a RV park. I want to learn the system from inside before I commit to a rig. Ultimately I want to get the right set-up for easy clean travel and it seems like watching people deal with issues up close will give me the edge on going nomad. I just wanna see stuff.
I like your honesty. There are a bunch of people who will try to "teach" you what you did wrong. What you did right was realize the lifestyle didn't work for you and you moved on. Which was smart.
So much yes. Thank you :-)
We RV for about 4-5months in the winter. We are retired and travel in a class B+ motorhome with three dogs. I have mobility issues but love camping. This winter we had problems with our fridge and could only use it if we were plugged in to electricity so we could not boondock (I have medication that needs refrigeration). We rarely book ahead and luckily have not had much trouble securing rv spots. I rely on wifi to stay connected to my children and for the most part have been lucky to have had decent internet. I totally understand about your internet problems, but rving does not have to be expensive. We stayed at a private campground in Lejitas Tx. For a month for $695, we don’t eat out much so groceries and gas and doing laundry are the only other expenses we incur. The internet was fairly good. We aslo stayed in Arizona for two months at a very small rv park at a Benedictine monastery in St. David. Most of the people there volunteered their time doing work around the monastery for a reduced rent of $200 a month for full hookups. We paid I believe $345 a month and had very reliable wifi. We were training a new puppy so could not do volunteer work. This is all to tell you that rving doesn’t have to be terribly expensive. Florida and California can be rather expensive but we did not go there this trip. Hope you guys enjoy your European travels.
Thanks for your input Judith! Yes, it can definitely be done a lot cheaper and we mentioned that in the video. We have friends that do it a lot cheaper than us as well. But it really depends on each persons style of traveling/RVing. For us it just makes more sense to go to the places we want to be and rent an apartment for a month or two.
That is one reason we always buy used units. The bugs have been worked out. Problems still happen, but we mostly handle them ourselves.
True...and you don't eat the $$$'s as the first owners drive off the dealership lot....yep....$$$$ leaking out the back window of the trailer as you tow away...lol. Used or as to be politically correct...'previously owned'....is the way to go...just make sure to pay a certified RV mechanic to go over the entire physical integrity of the trailer...as well as operating every appliance...fridge...stove, burner tops...furnace...hot water heater...and running on all forms of power.....propane, 120 volt, and 12 volt if it is a three way. If all is good...make your offer......and save $$$$$'s....
Excellent, realistic presentation. Everybody is different, but your candor will be appreciated by many.
Hey guys, My wife and I are just retired and starting to RV, more for going to horse shows and not full time... we have traveled some, but let me just say "Good on you!" do it while you are young, see the world, try everything from Boon docking to an air BNB in Croatia... You only live once and you are an inspiration. Cheers from CANADA!
Thanks so much, Don! You are 100% right. Why not see it all?! :-) Safe travels!!
Agree totally. Had a Class B for 6 years. The constant repair costs and breakdowns wore me out along with the high cost. I could spend that money in really nice hotels!
I would concur, after 5 yrs I grew tried of constant maintenance and costs of 9 thousand pounds of rolling stock, but I did like it when parked .
I now travel the world with one carryon bag, and bank the savings
Thanks. Nomadic life is much about where to find a place, where to dump, get water etc..as you said. UA-camrs often paint nomadic life it as cheap and carefree. It's not all the time.
My husband and I are new retired RVers beginning our travels through the US. I randomly came across the video and mid way through watching decided to become a subscriber to your channel! I appreciate your real talk and will be watching your other videos and following along. Happy, safe travels!
Thank you! Safe travels to you!
We had to quit RVing due to both my wife and I health. We sold both our one ton truck and fifth wheel trailer. Now we drive and fly staying in hotels/resorts.
I asked my wife about buying a used Mercedes Sprinter for $90,000, and she said "We could take several awesome trips around the world for less than that - and if we want to camp, we can rent an RV for a week or two." She's a finance manager and considerably smarter than me.
Zachary Zarko , you know what she said is right ! Tell her Thank You for me.
Fred Hill Fred I totally understand. I deal with serious health issues. And we never could start the Rv life. I do hope to do like a two or three month excursion with my husband when he retires. If possible. He’s trying to get into a new line of work after being an electrician for thirty yrs. possibly could fit it in during the transition. Just need to be able to get out away from my doctor s office that long. I’m currently seeing two doctors every month. But you know there are lots of things you can do . Like you said traveling in a different way. And there are lots of things to do in your own backyard. Comfort is a must when dealing with health problems. Just enjoy where you are. The important thing is you are together. God bless you both, Leslye
@@zzanatos2001 Doesn't seem to take much.
My brother has been RVing full time for a year. He uses Starlink which gives him cable-speed internet anywhere.
He bought a filter system that lets him suck up water from any river or lake, so he has no problem showering.
Very real and honest assessment. My wife and I traveled 4 - 6 months of the year in a converted ambulance. Had solar, good ventilation with bug protection, refrigeration, microwave, small table for office. I have a small on-line business, but the vast bulk of my Internet needs were text only -very low bandwidth demand. My wife qualifies for a Federal discount card so often camped for $10 or less a day. Also boondocked for free but sometimes those areas were sketchy. We've also lived on small sailboats and hope to get back into that. We found some private campgrounds that were bargains in nice places. Very difficult to get more than three or four days in a state park. The converted ambulance had high ground clearance and could even squeeze into most car parking spaces. Simple living, but we did it for 7 years.
That sounds really cool. I definitely think less is more when it comes to RVing. We would go for Class B or C next time just so we can get into more places and be more nimble.
@@Tradingtraveler We got into a lot of places larger rigs would never fit. Costs were pretty low overall too. Much cheaper than staying home and heating a house in a New England winter.
Please, Please DO NOT BUY AN RV FROM DIXIE RV. They are the worst case scenario for and when it comes to repairs. They are worse than Camping World. They will put the screws to you and you will have to get your attorney involved. The BBB sides with Dixie Rv and so does the Louisiana State Attorney General. So please stay away from them. I don't want anyone to have to go through the headaches that I have.
Thank you for being candid guys. I appreciate it. Other's do sugar coat it, which doesn't do anyone any good. Your realism and learned experiences help. Watching this can save like-minded people thousands of dollars. (And you're anything negative, from what I've watched anyways.)
Thanks, Jim!
They aren't kidding about the amount of time it takes to get repairs done. Every March we have a "shake down" camp at a campground 5 miles from our home to figure out if we will have any issues. That way we can get them fixed before we are ready to really start hitting the road.
Thank you for not being afraid to tell the truth.
Yes...but this was ***THEIR*** experience...for the reason of what they chose as an acceptable RV, where they pulled to...what State they live in, that the RV must weather within...the all of it. I have a 2018 Winnebago 1706FB (Front Bedroom) pulled by a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan...getting 13.5-14.5 MPG at 60 miles per hour....the trailer's dry weight is only 3,180 pounds...sitting on dual axles...with a load rating of 7,000 pounds....translation...no stress on the RV's structure....no repairs...and Winnebago gives you top branded premiums sized appliances across their product lines....and that also equates to reliability and customer user satisfaction. It's all in what you choose, and in how you peg your RV experience expectations. That truly all factors in for a great, or not-so-great total RV experience. My 30 cents, anyways...:)
My wife hates leaving all of her shoes behind when we travel. And when we get back the shoes have begun to show signs of stress. My shoes count on me to make good decisions...
FUNNY......
lol
put them under the bed or in a hanging sack in the shower.
Finally someone who tells you the raw truth! I was doing the math, deciding if it is cost effective to get a van or a skoolie or just stay in my studio. Honestly, the gas alone is making me have second thoughts and the internet. I still work a full time job but honestly, I do not want to have to look for parking every night. Thank you for sharing.
What the fuck do you need a schoolie for...at 5 miles to the gallon, the diesel alone would break anyone's budget. Simple cargo van conversion is all anyone really needs.
Why didn't you guys get satellite internet? I have it and it allows me to work from the road. The only restriction is that you have to have a clear southern view.
How about power usage?
Pretty good non scripted honest video. It shows a strong critical thinking ability and a cognizant mind.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your candor. I will pick up an Escape 19" on late August, and, apart from towing a trailer (new experience - and I am in my '70s) I am excited! I have no plans to boondock, I'm RVing to attend livestock shows, dog trials and fairs. It's much more fun to be part of the action in an RV than staying at a motel! For me, I'm looking forward to no Internet, no TV and a cell phone for emergencies only. And I may never travel beyond the Pacific Northwest. I am sad to learn about impromptu camping at parks. In my tent camping and hiking youth, it was not a problem. Then again, RVing did not exist as it is now.
Happy trails!
so what happened? how was your rv experience
My best friend and her husband rented an RV and travel from Los Angeles to New Mexico, stopping g here and there along the way. Afterwards she told me the same, it is cumbersome and not easy to find good spot to park, expensive fuel, and too close for comfort for two. She didn’t need to consider repair and working on the go (it was a one month vacation). She said the money they spent, it’d be much cheaper to rent a car and stay in motel rooms.
Probably your best decision, the lifestyle is not for everyone. Go find fresh dreams there is plenty of things to do.
Thanks, Timothy! Its a great lifestyle for many, but like you said, definitely not everyone.
This is an excellent example and honestly If you don't know how to fix it yourself, you need to learn and if that isn't an option. This is is the bottom line. You laid it out true and correct. Be prepared to roll with the ups and downs find that sweet spot do you business and plan ahead. These rv manufacturers rake in the money. My best suggestion is to locate and utilize public libraries and truck stops for administrative services and schedule yourself for 2 weeks ahead so you are not in a bind . Its a working lifestyle. Thanks for the video
I like your honesty on this subject ....i like not sugar coating it...keep up the honesty ....thanks
We traveled close to one year and managed our business. Internet was the hardest, we visited libraries for good internet and booked conference rooms. Starlink might be the game changer. Now we boondock in amazing places for weekends. Water, power, solvable, starlink… maybe the final missing piece.
Thanks for your honesty. We found the same thing. It was way more expensive for us to be on the road. We had a lot of fun but didn't save a dime.
Focusing on water and tank dumping makes perfect sense. I did some bike trips in my 20s and we went with very few amenities. Sourcing necessities became a huge obsession.
Dump the tank and go dry!
Thanks for being honest. My husband and I have the mind set that soon people, especially retired people will HAVE to learn to be off grid. We are teaching ourselves to live this lifestyle because with hyperinflation coming soon, most people will not have a choice.
Thank you so much. The challenges you are sharing is exactly what I ran into. Loved state campgrounds but ended up in RV parks too much, blew my budget.
TOTALLY AWESOME AND HONEST VIDEO.
We've been doing the Vann life for two years now it's much more expensive to stay still in one area for extended periods of time. VLM is an option, but it's always the issue of Will service will have access to water. Will I have bad weather good weather, cold weather, hot weather , yada yada yada. So what we ended up doing is W constantly moving from location to location in between Walmart Cracker Barrel’s Home Depot Lowe’s parking lots. And now we’re always tired but we’re spending a lot less money. So, it’s definitely a trade-off. Really really appreciated your honesty!
StarLink internet will be available soon, will you resume RVing again?
Awesome truth.. We have a pusher that gets 10 mpg and it's truly great to see the country yet to live in and work out of and do it economically is about impossible.
Dude. This was such a REAL and HONEST video about this whole topic! Thank you. Gave me things to consider, for sure.
NEVER UNDERSTOOD THIS RVing THING. LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF WORK AND I'M NOT SEEING BRINGING MORE WORK INTO MY LIFE THANK YOU!!
To be fair, houses are a lot of work too. Especially if you go from never owning property to being responsible for full property care. Things break in houses too and as a "home owner" you are responsible for it. Renting is the least amount of work (if something breaks, call the landlord) but then you never own anything. Everything has it's good and bad, the only real question is which good works for a life that makes you happy. Then you just deal with the bad as it comes along, because it's working toward the life you want.
@@TheDawnofVanlife Even if you think you own the house, you really don't. You must pay property taxes that continuously rise. If you cannot pay those taxes, it won't be your home for long. The BIGGEST negative for me on regard to owning a home is the neighborhood. You could get a home in the country and in matter of 10 years it is not a country area anymore. Big trillion dollar corporation may build a steel mill, oil company, prison....anyone of those things will lower property value. Your town could be infiltrated by gangs. It has happened to the best towns and small towns. I'd rather take my chances on renting.
@@donnaleeclubb119 the thing about a house is you can always sell it for something. Or rent it and turn a profit from it. You can use a house as an investment or a way to make money. You can pass a house down to family members. It may not be what you paid, but you can always sell. Now the cost of ownership can have good and bad points. And in rare cases there are people who go under in houses. But you get NOTHING from rent, always. Except giving your money to someone else. Bad stuff happens in home ownership too. But more often then not, you can use a house as an asset/investment. With renting you are just giving money away.
Thank you got your honesty,because at the end of the day I just want the truth about RVing.
You are not negative, you are stating your experience and the perception you had going in to RV’ing. At this point in your life with your needs and work it just didn’t work well for you.....and that’s ok !
If we don’t have a dream and take a chance we never know what works and what doesn’t, good for you for taking the chance ! Good luck in your next adventure, just stay focused on each other and what works for you as a couple !!!
exactly!! thanks so much!
Planning is a must. I am planning for 2023. We have been doing it two years and never boondocked. Internet can be an issue and expensive. I have the big 3 because THEY don’t cover all of the USA despite their commercials. Our trade off is working for our spots (usually 20-24 hours) a week. It is doable but planning is a must. This illusion of just wandering. Membership in Passport America, Escapees, and Boondockers Welcome (we don’t have it). In between working in state parks, we stay in Passport America parks.
Never RVed but I've spent the past 13 years traveling by bicycle and motorcycle around southern Europe from the Balkans to the Atlantic Ocean. Croatia is a little pricey for the Balkans but the capital city will always be more expensive.
Excellent. "Go where you want, when you want" used to be true even ten years ago, but no more;
Go where your treated best
Vote with your feet
Get a passport..go where your treated best
Back to your packed bags. I have a question for you. How did you get rid of your payments for your Grand Design?
We didn't have payments on the GD and we were fortunate to be able to sell it really quickly. I think because our model was relatively new so there were very little used ones on the market.
You just stated what we have figured just out. We were going to by a trailer to travel. Then we would have to get a vehicle to tow it. The expenses were mounting. I looked at my husband & said how many nights in a motel or airbnb could we do on that same amount of money. Even with plane costs, it would be cheaper & less hassle.
Yes! Exactly!!
It's best to just get a real job and stay with the company, then use your 2-4 weeks of vacation to travel. So, after 40 years of working, traveling and SAVING, we have been to 43 of 50 states, Canada & the Caribbean. Retired now and doing World Wide traveling. My plan worked out PERFECT and included 2 children as well.
Your comment DEFINITELY sounds like you are well into retirement because it does not at all sound based in the reality of today's corporate world. It's a nice idea to "get a real job and stay with the company"...but that just doesn't happen today like it did 40-50 years ago. In fact, that stopped being the reality back in the mid 90s when corporations started letting people go around age 40ish because they could hire younger workers who cost less to pay and insure. Now contract workers are as big a part of the workforce as actual employees. Gotta keep those balance sheet goals on target so the CEO can get their massive yearly bonus.
...and no, I'm not a contract worker and have never been one. I just see the reality of what now goes on.
It's nice that your plan worked out for you (and your children).
Also, they have "real" jobs for which they are paid well, or hadn't you noticed that the IT industry pays people rather handsomely?
@@le_th_ .. Actually I changed jobs every 5 to 6 years on average in the field of accounting. Longest place lasted 19 years. You make more money changing jobs than staying with one firm these days. Both of my children change every 6 years or less. Most people are afraid to switch jobs, they think it is better to stay put ... totally wrong if you are looking to advance your career. You will have your new job mastered within 6 months of the switch.
Thank you so much for making this video. I also watched a ton of full-time RV videos. I am very seriously thinking about doing it. And what you described are concerns I have in mind. Somehow, a lot of people are really romanticizing the whole thing. There are serious challenges we have to think about before jumping into this adventure lifestyle. Thank you again for giving us another realistic view of this topic.
Spot on Keawe! Definitely a lot to consider, especially when still working from the road!
The people I see living a nomadic lifestyle on UA-cam are being pretty realistic and I don't think romanticizing it. Obviously these two young adults like a lifestyle that is not as minimal (shoes lol) than those living a minimal RV lifestyle. They need solid reliable internet for work. They work on securing water. I mean I have seen minimalists who take sponge baths continuously and they are fine with it. Something tells me you know what your limits are for happiness.
So, then don't RV to "save" money 😉 RV to see the USA, then sell, you RV and travel the world! Makes sense to me.
Definitely. It is sometimes cheaper but as time passes it is not so much. Still need to work ur arse off.
I agree...and one more thing...we have friends who only use hotel accommodations when travelling. We choose to RV...and have an asset, that can be sold 5 years down the road, for what you paid for it. I have had 4 other tow trailers, in my adult life...and in each case...when selling privately, off my driveway...always got equal (including taxes paid) sell compensation, or in one case...$500.00 dollars more, in selling our Taylor Coach 19 footer. So, for me...owning a RV, is NOT like owning a car, boat, or motorcycle....they depreciate. If you take care of the cosmetic outside as well as inside of your RV...you will get what you paid for it...IF.....IF...it is the size (most young couples and Baby Boomers) of RV tow trailers, that 85 percent of the RV'ing interested parties are looking for...you WILL get every dime back that you paid for it...so...translated...you saved $$$$$$$$'s of money, on your recreation/vacation lodging costs...as well as food costs...in storing and preparing you own food within, or near your RV...as you would at home.
A tip...for those thinking about buying an RV to weekend in, or retire sojourn with...any trailer, over 5,000 pounds dry weight...or in having slide outs...and that adding $$$'s to the cost of the unit...is taking the greatest risk...when wanting to downsize, themselves...or to get out of RV'ing...and looking for a private sale...people looking for a used trailer...are going to go for the jugular...and 5,000 dry weight, or greater weight, 22-28 footers, one, or two slide out's are a dime a dozen in the RV trader....but not so much, the 17-20 foot ultra lites...THOSE are the ones that are going to get the highest ROI.....for most people do not have large capacity tow vehicles on their driveways...but have SUV's...mini vans....mid size sedans...and they will be wanting a trailer that can be towed by their present vehicle....and it will be ***those trailers***...that the owners will see every dime back, with 3-5 percent inflation to yearly prices...in effect. That has always been my case....and I don't expect my 2018 Winnebago 1706FB to be any different, come the time I decide to sell.... My two cents...ok...ten cents...
I was a fulltime rv'er for 5 years and loved it. I now travel with one carryon bag and love it more
You nailed it...works for me,.but everybody different. The good news is there are lots of options
Rv’g is not cheap (full time) period..
All good input on how you want to travel. You brought up points I didn't think about for my future travels. Thanks for making me think deeper into what I want when I retire in 2 yrs. Good info indeed, thx for sharing your video.
Just discovered you by watching this video through RV Travel. You seem like cool, down-to-earth people so I've subscribed. Don't know if you watch Little House on the Road but he has been preaching about how hard this lifestyle is for quite some time and he also gets called negative. He is very sincere in trying to educate people who've been brainwashed by the "oh so pretty" videos that most UA-camrs produce. And it's really terrifying when some of these people hit the road and don't even have an emergency fund for when something goes wrong. Most people who watch these RVer videos don't want to hear about the downsides for some reason. I am appalled at how many people are giving up their sticks and bricks and they've never even camped before. It's scary as hell. My advice would be to keep your home base and travel for a year. If you still like it, then sell the sticks and bricks but not before.
Thanks so much, Cecilia. And yes, totally agree that you should rent an RV or at least do smaller trips while keeping your home to see if it works for you before completely diving in head first! Fortunately for us, we had been traveling internationally for quite some time and had "sold everything" years ago. It was actually why we decided to give the RVing lifestyle a go - figured we better do it before buying a house, cars, etc.
I respect your honesty so much. So few UA-camrs are as honest and forthcoming as they (ideally) should be.
There are a lot of narcissistic people on UA-cam who are trying to appear as though their life is perfect, and that RVing is easy and they're saving a lot of money, etc. That's just not realistic.
Being honest and truthful has somehow become "negative" to some people who only want to hear the positive, sugar-coated information (and why the hell is that?). I appreciate that you two are not "those" people.
EDIT: You also just got a new subscribe BECAUSE you are being so forthright about your experiences. : )
Thank you so much for your comment. Its refreshing to read this - someone who gets it! It really is crazy some people get so offended if you say something is anything but "wonderful". We always enjoy watching other UA-camrs that keep it real and we will always do the same. Thank you for subscribing and your support!
Also you can admit a lifestyle is imperfect, but still your preferred option. As a vehicle dweller I am 100% ok with people being up front about things that aren't so pretty about the various forms of vehicle dwelling/on the road life (RVs, Vans, Skoolies, etc.) The life I have now, I would still take over the alternative. It's so ok if someone makes a different choice as long as they are living well and happy.
@@TheDawnofVanlife A very valid point. No matter where we choose to live, there is always a drawback. Sometimes that drawback is a mortgage, HOA or condo fees, high rent, or even that you can only shower once/twice a week and have to dump your own black water tank.
You have done things people can dream of. You have given them encouragement.
Dont look back.
If you "do the calculations", most folks could not even afford to have kids - especially while maintaining their current lifestyle. Life is about balancing priorities and making compromises. Different strokes... Is RVing expensive? Hell yes, if you're just looking at a cost analysis on a balance sheet. But try putting a price on "I WOULD have traveled when I was younger, but now my health is failing", or "I always planned to go out west with my spouse and boondock at the Badlands or Grand Canyon, but the spouse died last year from cancer". Grim? Sure! NOBODY knows what the future holds, but let me tell you, that future starts coming into crystal clear focus the older you get! Now, not everyone's budget allows an RV lifestyle. But almost any realistic dream can be done on a shoestring budget. I lost count of how many people I know in their mid 60s who are STILL saving for the future. Either make a plan and "Get out there and enjoy it", or sit around with regrets when you're too old and tired to enjoy it!
Well said.
Very true! We definitely wouldn't want to discourage anyone from getting out there and living their life to the fullest now. We just want to show there are many ways to do it, whether it be RVing, traveling abroad, etc.
Appreciate your honesty. We, too, are not boondockers and yes, the planning can become a full-time job trying to maximize your budget and ensure connectivity.
Thanks, Tina! The struggle is definitely real!
.....yeah, i've heard that from other 'tubers.......👵
With all due respect-and you all deserve it!! You guys are not prototypical nomads but tourists. I understand why you quit.
There is satellite internet service provides that provide actual full speed broadband connectivity. The satellite systems cost between $2K and $8k installed, but they do actually work everywhere in the mainland USA. Any full timer that still works and needs broadband should just get satellite internet, it is reliable and tax deductible.
good to know!!
Thanks for the heads up!
The key to life,do what you do and be happy.
Sounds like you didn't hear about Thousand Trails!
We've been members for 18 years, don't pay anything to stay for up to 3 weeks for FREE, and then go to the next TT!
The TT RV parks are usually rustic and give you the feel of being at a state or national park but with all the hookups....for FREE! Membership comes with other perks for when you're in an area without a TT park; like RPI Preferred, we pay $10 a night.
We also have Passport America, we get 50% off thousands of campgrounds, we're at one now, love it!
You have to know how to do it!
Is Thousand Trails a lifelong membership? What happens if you stop paying or do not use it anymore? TIA
@@ragbrairider5120 Thousand Trails has lifetime memberships as well as annual memberships.
Like anything else, if you don't pay your annual dues on a lifetime membership, it goes away....but why would anyone not pay when they can be sold?
Check out their website, call and learn more. We've been members since 2001 and we love it! We can leave ours in our Will to our Children....we can add them to the membership annually while we're still using it.
Membership is FREE? Since when?
@@msmith53
Oh look, someone who doesn't read and comprehend! LOL
We purchased our membership almost 20 years ago, it's been long since PAID for, we stay at each campground, 365 nights a year at NO COST....that equals FREE. 😇
Good video guys. If you both had plenty of money to retire and didn’t have to work, do you prefer travelling by RV or using AirBnbs?
Working from the road is the one issue I would have with full time RVing. Still not easy to get decent speed in a lot of places. If I could get reliable speedy internet everywhere I could do it now but its just not possible.
I would also not try to do full time RVing in a trailer of any kind or brand. Would have to be a quality motorhome that can stand up to that kind of use. Most trailers are just too poorly made to live in full time, some motorhomes are poor too.
I always had a list of things to get fixed on my RVs (Tiffin and Winnebago). I eventually accepted that this would always be the case and felt better after that. I learned to work around whatever is broken or attempted to fix it myself. I also accepted that I couldn’t get repairs during the summer due to high demand and planned on an annual or biannual service trip in the late fall and early spring. I also agree that it was usually very difficult to find a place to camp, if I was looking for an RV park or state park. Plan way ahead. There are way more RVers. I have an RV now still, but I’m thinking about selling it and getting a van to throw a cooler and a sleeping bag in. Not nearly as fancy or comfortable, but there are way more options for parking. (Best memories of my life though. Loved it anyway.)
Love your sense of adventure! Great informative video especially with all of your personal caveats and exceptions. Enjoy your travels! My husband and I are researching options but plan initially to "trial rent" for short stints prior to making the decision to do fulltime. I'm very pragmatic so I found your video refreshingly realistic - thank you!
Renting an apartment or house short term is always better, plus you have no repairs or maintenance to do on your RV or other machinery. Rent, then Bail!
Yes completely agree!
That all depends on where you're renting that apartment or house
And, add into the mix, variable FUEL prices...
Lol
“Stop being so negative”
“I’m not being negative! I was in a good mood until you said that!”
You aren’t alone man. Lol
Traveling and resources are a big load, we're used to have the luxuries of home. An RV doesn't make financial sense no matter how I slice it, not with the depreciation, maintenance and time overhead. It's cheaper to own a house and stay at resorts when you do travel. Time is the casualty for RVing.
Boodocking/RVing is a choice. Educate yourself. Any lifestyle change or hobby requires work.
Thank you for sharing and being candid with your life journey. Life is a journey and we're all pilgrims. Good fortune to y'all.
...happy trails
I think starlink is going to be a game changer for rv internet. Probably will be available every wear in us in 2 years.
I lived overseas for years and realized it was nicer and cheaper in countries other than the US. I seriously thought about RV life but am not mechanical for all those breakdowns. Thanks for affirming what I knew.
I love UA-camrs that keep it real. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Dallas!
......it's the planet 'n all that........☕
You're very right. we just sold a class"c"; between fuel costs; bringing a second vehicle for daily use once hooked upto services; winter storage costs.campground costs. R.Ving costs pay for a lot of hotel nights. Driving that 30ft 8,6 wide pig in todays traffic was incredibly stressful.
what do you do for a living???I am confused??
Thank you for sharing your story. We are week-end campers at state parks and avoid the RV parks, and agree that it's a challenge getting into the state parks. I enjoy watching some of the boondockers from the comfort of my home. I know full timing is not for us for all the reasons you talk about. I also find more and more of the younger full timers getting back into stick-and-bricks. Thanks for keeping it real and Best wishes on the next chapter of your adventures.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for confirming our fears. You have mentioned a few points that have stopped us from starting to RV'ing. No High Speed Internet and most of all NOT BATHING everyday. Can't RV without these 2 things. I fail to understand how can ppl be without bathing for days.
Starlink has solved the internet problem. My brother has been RVing for a year and he gets cable-speed internet from anywhere. He bought a filter system that lets him suck up water from any river or lake, so he has no problem showering.
Like your honesty and fairness. I really feel that RVing is more practical for retirees who are not in a hurry, can take advantage of 30 day stays and have no other commitments. Good luck.
These are all the things that Rob on *"Little House on the road"* tries to explain to people *before* they start their nomadic life...But People constantly call him *negative* & *a whiner* ... I guess because he's not as polished or as glitzy as you guys and other RV channels...
But based on what you're saying... He has been / is *absolutely right* about everything he has said.
Too bad you and others didn't watch his channel.
Thank you for your honesty and good luck to you 😊
P.s... I have noticed some people in the comments also have called *you* negative on this video.
Least we forget. *People come to UA-cam to be entertained not to hear the truth* and unfortunately there are many others besides yourself who believed the entertainment side.
We'll definitely check out his channel! It sounds like the kind of channels we like to watch, and as you said, wish we would have found it sooner. Regardless, however, we still have no regrets as I think its something we needed to experience ourselves. It was definitely a learning experience. Thanks for your comment!
I don't know how your video popped up, but if rving doesn't fit into your lifestyle, then it doesn't. I'm sure you'll receive 100's of comments from your fans trying to run your lifestyle, which they meant no harm.
There is no, "Sorry, it didn't work out for you", because it did. You both now have experience and knowledge which no one can take away and you've spent your time to share.
I loved camping and rving as a kid. Then as an adult, I get this brick building job. No need to explain here.
Now, that I'm retired, time to sell the SB and get back into rving.
Best wishes.
Thanks for the comment! And yes, we never would have known had we not done it. It was still a great experience, we saw incredible places and made memories. No regrets 😀
I see a running theme of people envisioning a boondocking lifestyle and then buying RV's that are made for camp grounds. I know you said you don't think the RV was the issue, but from your description I think that's exactly what it is. You bought something that looks nice but ultimately doesn't meet the requirements to comfortably take you off grid for long periods. Cell service is a red herring, there are plenty of nice sites with reasonable coverage.
Thank you for this. You just saved me 10’s of thousands! I so needed this.
Classic RV lifestyle: giant bus pulls into RV Park “Gravel with Hookups”. Door opens. Guy gets out and hooks up, wife emerges and walks dog. Go back inside turn on DishTV. Emerge in the morning, wife walks dog, guy dumps and unhooks. Bus fires up and moves to “Gravel Acres” RV Park.
Did you consider satellite ISP's? They cost around $100 per month but do provide broadband service with a slight latency which is not too bad unless you're using it for VOIP. It's adequate for downloading and uploading FTP for maint of web sites. The equipment can be set up on an RV with a small upfront capital cost.
Great YT. Didn't feel any negativity; u just called a spade a spade. I was an IT Proj Mgr n pre retired life &, like then, still plan everything to n-th degree & that includes tracking expenses. Enjoy ur travels overseas. Airbnb is great way to see the world.
I’m sorry that you have to explain the difficulties that you had and try to make an “positive sometimes life just sucks. And you’re explaining what you went through is not a negative it’s an observation you live this you went through it this is what you found to be inconvenient what you found to be absolutely a roadblock for you getting your work done which is important because you guys have to make a living. I’m sorry for anybody who thinks that you were negative I don’t find you to be negative because I too want the bottom line truth about the difference between doing an RV, staying in a B&B, or just renting a place for short term 3 to 6 months etc.Thanks for your comments and I don’t think you should have to apologize so often for people who take this as a negative those people are just negative themselves
Thanks so much - everything you said is spot on!
Thank you for posting your budget, it was very helpful in understanding why you were spending so much while RVing. I would have thought your fuel and insurance would have been higher than what you indicated. Since my lifestyle is completely different than yours I don't think that RVing will cost me more than my current situation. The "coffee/beer outings" item was cute but I don't drink either beverage. I don't think I spent over $400 in restaurants in the last 5 years and I won't be able to fit $800 in groceries into a small RV refrigerator. The part I am concerned about is all the planning and research involved in constantly relocating since I will be traveling alone with no navigator and no one to be making reservations while I am driving.
Glad you found it helpful! That's exactly why we broke it down into categories because we realize many of the things we spend money on may not apply to all and vice versa. The research is a big time factor for sure. I just recommend planning ahead!
Appreciate your honesty sooo very much !!! I was investigating this life style, and as time passed . I felt that these issues and expenses were not being addressed. Think you just got to love boondocking to save money. As a older senior , think that would not be practical for me !lFull time , also thought of the heat . Ummmmm don't think I can handle that ! But God bless those who are happy with it alll ☝️
My husband and I bought a small popup trailer just to take weekend trips to state parks. We have a small house that we can afford. I don't know that my husband and I would want to do this full time. I guess if we HAD to, we could.
Research research research that is the key. Fulltime is NOT for most people. Many folks wrongfully assume they can jump on the road and it's all good.
Stay at the Ritz... problems solved. (or a Hilton) Why would I want to live in a very tight space, burn lots of gas, park next to some questionable people and deal with the mechanical problems? A friend bought a $300K bus and after his first long trip (Alaska) it had so many mechanical issues he had to drive it to Indiana where the MFG would fix them. The gas burn to Indiana at 10MPG was huge.
I forgot to mention the depreciation which is huge, the monthly storage fees, the extra insurance. I am back to staying at a hotel. These two did a great job of explaining some of the harsh realities. Good job!
Have you tried Starlink while boondocking?
Nope. I love your honesty. With the growing trend towards the full-time lifestyle, it's good to hear that, "I didn't promise you a rose garden." HAHA! These are questions that folks will have to consider. I appreciate ya'll bringing those challenges to light. BOL to you!
Thanks so much!
Funny I'm American and use to travel and resided Europe(dual citizenship in sweden) and also south east asia(mostly Philippines). Now im back home and want to start rving with the Misses. Eastern Europe is affordable but the scandivian countries is where it can get you. It can get costly.
SE Asia is very affordable and imo is paradise. Also have dual citizenship in Philippines and that's my ideal place to reside or retire (23yrs from now)
QUESTION - Toward the end, you said it was hotter than hell outside & you couldn’t open the windows. I’m confused - I thought the Grand Design has an air conditioner ???
Fascinating video. Several points that you brought up are valid and necessary to tell loud and clear. First, people on the internet have a habit of sugar-coating everything. Like on the FB we Indians make life look so romantic, full of excitement and broad smiles. But we fail to show the downside of every day living. Second, if you gave up your RV lifestyle because of internet issues in the US I am actually surprised. I thought internet issues are a third world problem. Here I mock at people who talk about 4G, 5G, 6G and even 10G. Many times call drops are regular on the mobile phone and to make a decent call we have to depend on the oldest technology -- the landline phone! Third, the cost of living in a class B motorhome (what we call caravan) is not cheap, and earning money when you are constantly travelling is not everyone's cup of tea. Thanks for bringing out the reality and telling it like it is.
Its funny bc we've had better internet in remote areas of Thailand than many places in the US!
Good stuff guys. I so relate to so much of what you cover. I've tent camped most of my and did a three-month motorcycle trip across the US about ten years ago... mostly tent camping... and was sickened by the mobs of humans in the national and state parks.
I've never owned an RV and just know that it's NOTHING like so many portray it to be on the net.
I rather drink bath water than spend a night in an RV park and lord take me to have to park in a WalMart lot.
RV boondocking never covers the heat, the humidity, the pests, the smell of dirty laundry, and the lack of everything.
I envy those who live in a beautiful area and have 3 to 20 acres and create an oasis within.
I wonder where you are in February 2020.
I have the best of both worlds. I live full time in a Lance truck camper that I keep on my brother's property for when I am in the States. I work in the Middle East for a few months then vacation in the States for a couple of months. I get to travel the world and RV around the States. Works well for me. True about internet when RV living. Can't always get reliable connections.
Trading Traveler, full time RVing is not anywhere near as simple as people think. I have been full-time RVing since 1993, off and on, and I feel confident that out of that 26 years only 6 maybe 7 years is when I was actually renting a house or apartment. So 19-20 years seems about fair. I have lived in places that you couldn't normally live- No houses & no apartments. Or a few others where staying in an RV Park is just as expensive as renting an apartment. TT, it takes a certain type of person to be able to handle this kind of living.
A close friend of mine's son served for a number of years on a submarine in the USN. And his kid was saying the next generation of RVs will be small submarines, pointing out that my mode of living really isn't much different. So ask yourself, could you live on a submarine? Or a space ship? Where ever you go, your home goes with you. Anything happens to it, and you're fixing it right there by yourself.
It takes a certain breed of people to RV, but an even more special breed to live it full time.
What are you doing in the middle of Missouri in the middle of summer? Was that planned?
No it was actually in October on our way back east from Colorado but felt like summer! It was in the 50's, then we had a couple days in the 90s and 100% humidity, and then back down to the 60s. Can't always plan for the weather!
Hahaha. So true!
Trading Traveler that’s Missouri weather, unpredictable.
Truth. You need at least two, but preferably three, ways to connect. And it’s just not going to work in some places. I have never been able to get decent up speed from any carrier n Steamboat Springs, Co, even in town.
Even retired folks like us can't really achieve the spontaneous happy-go-lucky RV lifestyle that people dream about. Having to make reservations weeks/months in advance isn't spontaneous, and having to sleep sardined into RV parks next to railroad tracks, freeways, etc. isn't fun or carefree. With LOTS of planning we were able to make it work, but it wasn't the "spin the compass and go" lifestyle that we would have preferred. And we were traveling mostly in off-season times...try it in summer?...good luck. Certainly not in California, Oregon, etc...just too many RV'ers and not enough RV spaces.
Solution: Be rich, own 2 identical RV's, and pay someone in the 2nd RV to do nothing 24/7 but make your RV trip a "bowl of cherries". Out of water/food/sewer capacity?...here comes your guy with fully stocked and ready RV #2!
Haha yes i like the way you think. Trying to work on that gettin rich part now... 🤑💰