I drove a semi for 29 years and still drive carefully pulling my 38ft rv because normally it’s the other drivers that cause you to have to react in a way you are never ready for.
We had to make a choice. Sell everything and go full-time without a backup plan if we needed to come off the road. Or keep our paid off home and go for month long trips or a seasonal site. We decided with the issue of today's world. To keep the home and travel four to six weeks at a time. We did that last year. This year, we chose a seasonal site a few hours from home that we can do day trips experiences. There's peace of mind knowing we have a foot in each lifestyle we love.
I have been volunteering at an RV Assisted Living Park in Livingston, TX. What a genius idea & very affordable! Many former full-timers live here when their driving days are over, they've lost a spouse, their health precludes travel or just a great place to retire. There's a full time nurse on staff, 3 meals a day included in your rent, help with minor RV repairs, wheelchair/ walker accessible, activities & entertainment. They provide weekly trips to Dr appointments, grocery & other shopping and even sometimes local concerts, craft fairs, etc. I've always worried about what to do when I can't drive anymore. This is the ticket! Love you guys!
Wow! What a wonderful idea..I have been trying to figure how to make a place for us seniors to live alone yet together with a small group of people at a less than” rob the seniors of all their life savings & income” places to live!!! This is a great idea!
I think the points Mercedes put on the list was very valuable, especially for newbies. Was much of it clearly obvious points? Yes, but as I've heard (and witnessed) my whole life, "common sense isn't so common." Even pros need to be reminded of the basics from time to time. You guys are awesome. Keep it up!
Were doing it now BECAUSE we know my heath is failing. I have been on the heart transplant list for over 2 years and could take two more. Time to start living and wait on the road rather stuck to house
I'm praying for you Doug. I was 5 1/2 years on dialysis, and 6 years on the kidney transplant list...then I got the phone call. Pace yourself on the RV workload, accept help when people offer, and have faith in God. We did 3 months of post-transplant recoup close to my hospital...in our 5th wheel, and it was very convenient when I had to be DAILY at the hospital for various follow ups. Use your RV to your advantage by planning where you'll hunker down when surgery arrives...until you're ready to get back on the road. We found it really a great part of recovery to be close to care...in our own place. We've since downsized to a 28 ft bumper pull to make things simpler and less stressfull Best wishes, in addition to the prayers. Keep the great attitude.
I no longer have our cabin we renovated as a cabin, i no longer have Mandy(at my mom's), and my campers/RV, wouldn't be up to y'all standard of living, I'm afraid. Love y'all! I'm see you soon
I know nothing but l wouldn't buy a RV for big bucks. Start out cheap with a used bumper pull camper or a pop up. That way you don't get in over your head.
Some of us have no option to quit. We cant afford land and house and its hard to find affordable safe places. Rv living is becoming hated by those that hate what minute freedom we have. But more and more are seeing it as the last and only option. And those that have no common decency are making it harder on those of us that live like were supposed to.
I didnt have time to plan & I just get by financially. I'm not sure how to do a plan B. My husband died of sudden heart attack. I couldn't keep the house we had just bought 3 years before. All I had was a new travel trailer that I could live in. So with basically no other choice I decided to go it alone. 1st year right away the truck had a major breakdown. No choice but to replace it, ouch. 2nd year repairs on the new travel trailer when the water tank literally fell onto the rear axel. When they pulled it out it had WARP written on it in black marker.😡 Also had 2 blowouts so I got 5 new tires for camper. Last year wasn't too bad just general maintenance & new tires for truck. Now year 4 black tank will not close off and just drains all the time. 63 year old solo I guess I broke all the rules. I do love it though. I just pray a lot & always work to pay to get by.
I think it's interesting that it's called "RV'ng" now, when I bought my first travel trailer 50 years ago it was called camping. We went to campgrounds, public or private and paid a tiny fraction of what these mongo corporations are charging for an RV site per night as they buy up everything in sight. Camping is dying out, the commercialism is destroying what used to be fun and very inexpensive, now it's just another form of stress, between the RV cost, maintenance, traffic, and the cost of getting there and back. Technology has helped destroy camping, it's not about enjoying the outdoors anymore, it's an alternative form of living for the younger generations. They can still pull down six figures a year, drive around country and never step foot in an office building. That's not camping, that's just avoiding the responsibility of being a stable part of a community, town or city. The RV community is not a community, it's just a club. Like most things that were great in our past, the change in times and attitudes is destroying it little by little and I see nothing great on the horizon.
You touched on an interesting observation, and maybe John & Mercedes can devote a segment to discuss. We’re going on our 3rd year full-time. It’s hard to develop relationships (community) when you have to move every 3 weeks (TT). On our week out we’re members of the local Elks Lodge and stay there, but again, it takes a long time to build friendships when you only see them once a month.
Hey guys, I love how you make your faith in God apart of your vids! As to this video, I can relate to a lot of your points. As a retired mechanic, I’m acutely aware of what can go wrong with a rig….and it gave me some anxiety as we first hit the road. My advise to newbies is regardless of the age of your “new to you” rig, is to take short trips and let the rig earn your trust. This may ( and probably will) involve fixing some stuff…but eventually your rig should be come somewhat dependable. “Fail to plan is to plan on failing”. Lol…first heard that when I got involved in my churches Boys Brigade program!🙂
Got that beat. RV's cost money. For $1500 I bought a ticket to Panama in 2013 and rented a 3 bed/2 bath house for $180. On 2014 moved to Ecuador and rented a 3 bed/2 bath house for $160, In 2015 moved to Nicaragua and rented a 3 bed/2 bath house for $130, Since 2017 I have lived in Costa Rica where I rent a 7 bed/6 bath house with 4 car garage on 23 acres for $153 a month. I am 76 and on excellent health and take no medications. And unlike the US my wife and self have National Health Care that pays 100% and costs $60 a month. Far better than the 80% Medicare pays. Men in Costa Rica have a life expectancy 7.4 years longer than men in the US. There has never been a tornado or hurricane, no wildfires, no snow. Temperature never colder than 54F or hotter than 87F. Average income in Costa Rica is just $550 a month. In Panama and Ecuador it is $450 a month and in Nicaragua $150 a month. A person can maintain a good life on twice the income average. And in the past 12 years I have traveled to 79 other countries seeing the best sites in the world. Lastly living outside the US 330 or more days a year makes me US Income Tax Exempt on $108,600 yearly. Average Income in the US is said to be $6200 a month. So unless you make at least $3100 a month you will find it tough to live. I have not used credit since 1984 and that too would make living in the US difficult. Also I have no family or friends living in the US. So there was no reason to remain. When I left for Panama in 2013, it was with 2 check in suit cases and a carryon containing my laptop. In spite of a 4 car garage I do not own any vehicles. I walk 12 to 15 kilometers a day, mountain bike and have an electric scooter that looks like a classic Vespa. When needed a 3 hour taxi to San Jose, 2 hours shopping and return costs $100. Same to or from the airport. Crime and drug use is practically non existent compared to the US. Greater Freedom and privacy. The food is much healthier too.
We camped for 14 years, it was part of our family recreation and bonding. Last September, a person sped through a top sign and totaled by paid for F350. They had the minimum staye insurance of 15k, my insurance tapped in the other 15 k to pay me out. Unfortunately, i can't afford another car payment, the interest rates are sky high, as are the prices of any trucks near what I need for the fifth wheel. Now, my family canr camp and I am paying for an RV I cant use. Its horrible thay someone can recklessly steal your family's fun and bonding and traditions and not have to pay to replace the truck. I now have a grandkids and a young daughter myself (2nd marriage). They got to camp one season and they always ask when we can go again. Im at a loss.
Have you thought of selling your 5th wheel and buying a used C class? I'm seeing a lot of nice slightly older models that are pretty darn cheap. One is an '07, 32ft, clean c class w/ 52k miles for $11,000 on FB marketplace.
You can hire people to tow your rig to a campsite and when you’re ready to come home they’ll tow it back home for you. That way you can enjoy your rig with the family without towing it yourself.
@mwebb3014 I appreciate the reply, but that's pretty expensive when on a budget. My truck also supplied income for firewood, heated my home, was DD, etc. After having a truck for 2 decades, of one sort of another, you don't realize how much you used it.
Our RV is a nightmare. Would not sell it to anyone, knowing all that wrong with it. Will have to live in it till it’s paid off. Catastrophic disappointment. Been full time for 6 yrs. Love the life style but it’s been hard. John you come across as very arrogant. Listen to your wife. Every one of her points were spot on.
Buying a big truck and a 5TH wheel then not having money for gas!!! The health issue is always something that’s on my mind for someone that’s solo. I don’t have any health issues but it’s always that “what if” moment. Truly heartbreaking for those who journey has come to an end. Thanks for the videos. Take care!
Great points. Since you have experience, I would love to hear your thoughts on the positives and negatives of towable vs drivable RVs. We had a travel trailer for 3 years and I was always nervous until I got to my destination. I sold the trailer at the beginning of the pandemic and am considering a Class C. Thoughts?
We quit in 2020. We were just too old to do it anymore. We still have a travel trailer, but it used for short trips about 3 times a year. Peace to you.
I don't own an RV--and probably never will--but I had been getting some satisfaction, living part time in a van. Due to serious mechanical problems with this van, however, I just recently traded for an SUV. Now, I've wondered about buying a pull-behind tear drop trailer (If you haven't already guessed, I like simplicity. I don't even care if it comes with no bathroom.). If anyone out there has had any experience/adventures with these, I'd LOVE to hear them!
Your early videos were great, but I'm disappointed that at some point they became proselyting. It's too bad because you have a fun vibe and interesting topics pre-whatever is happening now. Very happy for you, but unable to enjoy the videos anymore. Best wishes.
My parents did it full time for 25 years. Had to quit because age caught up, my mother had a stroke and my dad had memory loss. Loved the life. We have done it for 3 years while we searched for our retirement home. We found the perfect place on a lake near family. We plan on continuing to travel during 6 months out of the year. Want to visit the 48 lower states, and have 8 more to go.
RV full-time nomad 5 yrs & yes, it’s more work & planning than you can imagine. Fortunately, I purchased a pre-covid Roadtrek & have maintained it, so have had minimal issues. I might add, don’t be tough on yourself for not knowing / planning everything cause RVing is a masterclass, you’ll learn over time as situations arise. Have fun!
Some good friends who were well known on You Tube started out with a restored Holiday Rambler. Then they upgraded to a big newer fifth wheel and then again to a bigger one. They completed a Canada trip last summer but just recently the wife had a stroke. That ended everything.
My dad & his wife bought an RV right after he retired @ 82 and were set to tour the nation with their cat & 5 dogs. Three weeks later he was diagnosed with ALS and went home to the Lord 6 months later. The RV has been a lawn ornament ever since.
John, you can be so thoughtless and judgmental. Budgeting: 55 yr olds are Gen X- there are a ton of people in that generation who were never taught budgeting, and have stumbled through life without a budget. It’s the neglected generation. You may actually be a Boomer, so life experience is different for you. But being a Christian, you shouldn’t be so judgmental. About planning- people just starting out with that lifestyle don’t know all of the details. I thought it was cheaper to RV than to live in a traditional home, but I am hearing just how expensive it is- it actually costs more to RV full time than to live in a traditional home. About the flimsy material used to make an RV- if it’s brand new - an inspection can’t change the crappy wall materials the manufacturer used to build the RV. Inspections are for damage, not the materials used to build it. Being tired by driving is actually a health thing. That’s unavoidable. And major health crises like cardiac, strike, cancer- that’s unavoidable, too. So Mercedes was correct. The only one that is avoidable is learning how to drive with a 5th wheel, a huge truck to tow it, etc. All the rest are unavoidable.
There are some people, just not suited for an R.V. If you have needed other people to make decisions for you. Don't do it. If your definition of mechanical ability. Stops at changing a light bulb. Don't do it. If seeing a bear, terrifies you for life. Don't do it. And if your organization skills are so poor. You run out of propane, in the middle of a winter storm. Don't do it. I am sure you can think of others. Have fun.
Coming off pretty Judgmental about people not knowing things. There IS tons of info on the internet, However a LOT of it is Misinformation. Both by youtubers who are Ignorant but do not know it and those who are saying anything to Push Their Sponsors junk. It would be more helpful, instead of judging people, to provide tips on how to discern bad role models from the good ones.
I really think people underestimate the true cost of RVing. It's not cheap. I've done trips in my diesel pusher and done trips staying in nice motels. The cost is similar, however I enjoy my RV. I sleep better because I'm used to it, all the stuff I want is there and I can cook whatever I want. The driving fatuige can be mitigated by finding a camp spot before dark. I learned that it's better to stop earlier in the day than to drive into the night and try to find a place when I'm tired. I completely agree on the health and the rig for sure. When the health is gone so is the fun. When buying a rig don't cheap out, quality is key. I'm on my 3rd RV, 2 Fleetwood's and now a Safari Sahara that will out last me. Those Fleetwood RV's were crap compared to a Safari...
On the last item, didn’t a major RV frame manufacturer extend their warranty on frames an additional 5-years? Coverage for original and subsequent owners.
I think the rv industry needs some type of regulation like the car companies do. Your right all these new RV's are junk. Crap falls off and its just a matter of time, someone will get killed by one.
Simply great video. You two are the best. Very much appreciate all of the information and insights that you offer. This is now my go-to UA-cam channel for all things RV!
Some people get fed up with the things you can’t plan for - - but are bound to happen: Small stuff goes wrong - regularly. And drives folks crazy. Most of this is not about the industry - it’s a heating element going out, it’s a water pump wearing out, it’s the tire picking up a screw, it’s a seal allowing a rain leak. I know folks who have left the full time life because they got tired of fixing small crap - which is no different than having to fix things at a sticks-n-bricks.
Mercedes, hon, you’re so right…your health can put a monkey wrench in travel plans, especially FULL-time RV travel. Plan, plan, plan. Make lists and more lists and even more. HOWEVER, do NOT put-off your desired full or part time rving…..you wait “too” long and more than likely you time can or will be cut short due to health issues. You put all that time (maybe too much time) in figuring out exactly what you want in an rv, where you want to go, and finally putting all that money into buying your dream rv, and you find your anticipated time traveling is cut short. Budget: yes; make lists: yes; waste time: NEVER. We aren’t on Mother Earth forever, so do all this stuff waaayyy ahead of time! Love you two!, Virginia
And go live on the street out in the elements or pay $2500 a month for a one bedroom apartment. If your health fails, you are still in the same boat. What kind of income is required for a nice house?
Start small, 50$ a month. Try to increase it 10$ a month more. When you get at least 5000$ put back and are added at least 100$ a month. Then you can start saving in a different account for your rv. If your emergency account drops below 5k, you need to do whatever it takes to get it back up to 5k asap. If you can’t do this you can’t full time rv. When and why is just a matter of time until you find out the details. I know I may get lynched for saying this but I am called to love my neighbor and this is one way I can do it. It’s just advice and I pray it will help others to avoid tragedy.
Great topic, you two. Glad to catch this one this afternoon. BTW< I hope you're watching the Stanley Cup playoffs. Game 1 last night was a fun one. Happy travels!
Heck, we just discover about 2 years that we LOVE camping. We just bought a new 37 foot camper with 3 slides. We are self employed with an auto refinishing business so probably not doing the full time thing but will certainly enjoy many trips. Honestly, I am concerned with the rising "woke" people and crime rates. Sort of scary to travel to unknown places and people.
Honestly I feel like I won the lottery with my RV. Don't get me wrong it's had some major issues but I did manage to get them all fixed except some options in the smart controller. Now only that but the value of my RV went up and I managed to make some dramatic improvements to the RV that makes it feel like a higher class RV itself. Me personally, I'm not worried about frame flex because it's stationary. I have bot moved in over a year. I full time when not driving OTR for work so it works out quite nicely for me.
about the budget. We've been on this year's tour for a month now. We love to go out to eat... not expensive places, but just revisiting past restaurants and finding new ones. It has been ALARMING to see what we've spent this year- to where we will modify our "behavior" for the next couple months when it comes to restaurants. I would say up about 50 % from last yrs
If you would tell the real truth you would tell people that RVing is getting worse and worse every month for a number of reasons. It is fast becoming a lousy lifestyle......PERIOD.
John & Mercedes, as always, I LOVE your honesty about all these matters. I have been listening to you for a long time, have enjoyed your channel (perhaps even more since your focus on God/family/country), and look forward to every video in the future. I might, someday get more into nomadic life (though can't see it happening in an RV--Main reason being, my husband is against the idea). I try to be open-minded about enjoying nature in other ways; for instance, I live in a scenic area of North Carolina, along the mountain range, And not too far from the coast! As a child, I Did get to travel much of the US with my parents who Were into camping--with a pull-behind and later, motorhome! It was a Very Nice lifestyle, memories I'll Never forget!!! Enjoyed this video. You guys keep 'em coming.
I did the weekly laundromat for several years in my youth. Couldn't afford an RV back then. We went camping in a tent, van, truck till in our late 50s. Our health isn't fantastic so we wouldn't go full time. Long trips , short ones , we go when we can. The price and demand for space is very expensive now.
Why has approximately 120 people viewed this video so far but only 32 thumbs up? Come on folks! Show John and Mercedes some love and smash that thumbs up button. It should turn black and you see the number counter go up one. Hitting it over and over does not work and if it's not black (ie: you've hit it twice), it removes your vote. John and Mercedes spend a lot of time sharing this info with us. Show them some appreciation and support!
Another great video! Grocery shopping is always an adventure! Every grocery store is new to us and takes forever to find everything. Different products/brands/packaging makes it difficult!
Try camping in your backyard for a month! Kinda sucks but you may not be able to be in close quarters as you think you are. This is why I’m not doing it 😂😂😂
Lots of folks simply cant afford the lifestyle. They go deep into debt and after 4-5 years realize it was a bad mistake. I'm amazed folks will sell a home and do that.
Full time RVing is not all that its cracked up to be. Thanks to social media, they make everything look so fun and glamourus and inviting and all of the sudden, everyone wants to do it. And these RV park owners and managers and RV manufacturers know it so they can make a ton of money from it. But the expenses can add up. It can be a lot of work. And people are not as friendly or as considerate as they used to be. Im not knocking all RV owners and RV park owners and managers, but the few that i had to deal with seemed pretty snooty and stuck up. I had an older travel trailer and it seemed that people looked down on me because of that. Also they made the camping and RV industry so commercialized now that it taken the fun out of everything. I had to give up full time RVing because my disability benefits were reduced and i had to take on a part time job because i could no longer afford the rent at the RV park and they don't do rental assistance for RV parks so they evicted me from the RV park but luckily the agency i was getting help from was able to get me into an apartment so i had to put my travel trailer in the shop to get repaired but then i ended up with this huge repair bill but luckily they are able to hold it for me till i get the repair bill paid in full which will take a while to pay off. But I will pay it off because I miss my travel trailer so much because it was all mine and it was completely paid for and it created a more simple life style and less expensive. It costs more living in my apartment than when i was living in my travel trailer and i could always leave if things didn't work out at the RV park. Now the downside to RV living is everything is so expensive now. Its seems that the powers that be wants to make travel and RV living more difficult for the people who dont make as much money as the rich people do and wants to make the RV and camping industry a rich folks only recreation. Another downside is that during bad storms you are not safe. Another downside is that you have no privacy where your neighbors are right on top of you and then you have those bad neighbors where they play loud music and party all night and have noisy kids who run all over the place including through your campsite and their dog is not on a leash either therefore making your dog go berserk as their dog lunges towards your dog barking and snarling and then your dog will end up pulling you across the RV park while you are holding it's leash. Then when you complain to the managers they never say anything to your neighbors but they yell at you because your lounge chair is a little to far on the grassy part and your not allowed to have anything on the grassy areas inside the park. It's getting too crazy now. That was what I had to experience during my short RV adventure and it nearly killed it for me. However I still miss it and still hope to get back on the road soon.
Health ended our RV living but we're thankful for the ten years we got to do it. Now we get to enjoy the journeys of the couple we sold it to who we keep in touch with. Agree with John, a lot of the problems that kill the joy can be avoided with proper planning.
Was so incredibly happy that we purchased a used/ like new Montana. We did not get our heart set on a particular floor plan. After 4 yrs we were done and ready to buy a home again. We were able to sell our 5er and put money in the bank from proceeds. Anyone who thinks they will live forever in a camper by choice is fooling themselves!
Long time no see I love you guys it's been awhile I'm not really looking to do full-time rving what I actually want to do is get a tiny house on Wheels the issue that with that is I'm having a hard time finding places to park it I currently live in Washington State who's supposedly okayed it but the issue is there's not enough zoning to allow you to do a tiny house I'm actually thinking about moving out of state in order to achieve my tiny house goals
That’s why we are keeping our house and doing it half time and we have an older Winnebago Era no def fluid and hopefully will allow us to do some awesome traveling as we camp as much as we can now in our sixties and pray that the good Lord allows us the opportunity to
Real good help line to the world Thanks For your efforts I like to believe it helps others huge hunk of my thigh was just cut out of my legg caner I remember the surgeon saying hopefully they just pull up this you put your thumb and your fingers together a little oval hole my God I have internal stitches. This went down to the bone not fun so take heat and what the RV odd couple are sharing. It could happen to you in a heartbeat. They are giving you gold heed.
Additionally I would add those who full time or travel in their retirement years have concerns regarding the their safety. We all know with the open borders we’re not getting the cream of the crop.
We started with a Tiffin Open Road and last year when we sold our house to go full time got a Brinkley G3500. It really matters what rig you have. And priority was a washer/dryer! 😂
I drove a semi for 29 years and still drive carefully pulling my 38ft rv because normally it’s the other drivers that cause you to have to react in a way you are never ready for.
RVing is a lot like life - hope for the best but plan for the worst.
We had to make a choice. Sell everything and go full-time without a backup plan if we needed to come off the road. Or keep our paid off home and go for month long trips or a seasonal site. We decided with the issue of today's world. To keep the home and travel four to six weeks at a time. We did that last year. This year, we chose a seasonal site a few hours from home that we can do day trips experiences. There's peace of mind knowing we have a foot in each lifestyle we love.
That’s awesome Deb! Glad you thought it through… We love being 1/2 in and out
Now there's a good plan! That's what I want to do.
Smart
I have been volunteering at an RV Assisted Living Park in Livingston, TX. What a genius idea & very affordable! Many former full-timers live here when their driving days are over, they've lost a spouse, their health precludes travel or just a great place to retire. There's a full time nurse on staff, 3 meals a day included in your rent, help with minor RV repairs, wheelchair/ walker accessible, activities & entertainment. They provide weekly trips to Dr appointments, grocery & other shopping and even sometimes local concerts, craft fairs, etc. I've always worried about what to do when I can't drive anymore. This is the ticket!
Love you guys!
That's a cool idea!
You made it work 😀👍
What a great idea. I've never heard of this before.
That's so awesome. What a wonderful concept thank you for sharing with us.
Wow! What a wonderful idea..I have been trying to figure how to make a place for us seniors to live alone yet together with a small group of people at a less than” rob the seniors of all their life savings & income” places to live!!! This is a great idea!
I think the points Mercedes put on the list was very valuable, especially for newbies. Was much of it clearly obvious points? Yes, but as I've heard (and witnessed) my whole life, "common sense isn't so common." Even pros need to be reminded of the basics from time to time. You guys are awesome. Keep it up!
I'll likely never have an RV but I haven't missed a video in many years. I just love your family!
We love you Sharon and appreciate your support over the years❤️❤️❤️
🎉🎉
Were doing it now BECAUSE we know my heath is failing. I have been on the heart transplant list for over 2 years and could take two more. Time to start living and wait on the road rather stuck to house
Adding you to our Prayers🙏❤️
Wow well Doug god speed and hang in there
I'm praying for you Doug. I was 5 1/2 years on dialysis, and 6 years on the kidney transplant list...then I got the phone call. Pace yourself on the RV workload, accept help when people offer, and have faith in God. We did 3 months of post-transplant recoup close to my hospital...in our 5th wheel, and it was very convenient when I had to be DAILY at the hospital for various follow ups. Use your RV to your advantage by planning where you'll hunker down when surgery arrives...until you're ready to get back on the road. We found it really a great part of recovery to be close to care...in our own place. We've since downsized to a 28 ft bumper pull to make things simpler and less stressfull
Best wishes, in addition to the prayers. Keep the great attitude.
@@Wheelman151 You understand then, how much your words mean to me. I will follow your advice to the Tee!
I no longer have our cabin we renovated as a cabin, i no longer have Mandy(at my mom's), and my campers/RV, wouldn't be up to y'all standard of living, I'm afraid.
Love y'all! I'm see you soon
I know nothing but l wouldn't buy a RV for big bucks. Start out cheap with a used bumper pull camper or a pop up. That way you don't get in over your head.
Some of us have no option to quit. We cant afford land and house and its hard to find affordable safe places. Rv living is becoming hated by those that hate what minute freedom we have. But more and more are seeing it as the last and only option. And those that have no common decency are making it harder on those of us that live like were supposed to.
I didnt have time to plan & I just get by financially. I'm not sure how to do a plan B. My husband died of sudden heart attack. I couldn't keep the house we had just bought 3 years before. All I had was a new travel trailer that I could live in. So with basically no other choice I decided to go it alone. 1st year right away the truck had a major breakdown. No choice but to replace it, ouch. 2nd year repairs on the new travel trailer when the water tank literally fell onto the rear axel. When they pulled it out it had WARP written on it in black marker.😡 Also had 2 blowouts so I got 5 new tires for camper.
Last year wasn't too bad just general maintenance & new tires for truck. Now year 4 black tank will not close off and just drains all the time. 63 year old solo I guess I broke all the rules. I do love it though. I just pray a lot & always work to pay to get by.
I think it's interesting that it's called "RV'ng" now, when I bought my first travel trailer 50 years ago it was called camping. We went to campgrounds, public or private and paid a tiny fraction of what these mongo corporations are charging for an RV site per night as they buy up everything in sight. Camping is dying out, the commercialism is destroying what used to be fun and very inexpensive, now it's just another form of stress, between the RV cost, maintenance, traffic, and the cost of getting there and back. Technology has helped destroy camping, it's not about enjoying the outdoors anymore, it's an alternative form of living for the younger generations. They can still pull down six figures a year, drive around country and never step foot in an office building. That's not camping, that's just avoiding the responsibility of being a stable part of a community, town or city. The RV community is not a community, it's just a club. Like most things that were great in our past, the change in times and attitudes is destroying it little by little and I see nothing great on the horizon.
Bingo!
You touched on an interesting observation, and maybe John & Mercedes can devote a segment to discuss.
We’re going on our 3rd year full-time. It’s hard to develop relationships (community) when you have to move every 3 weeks (TT). On our week out we’re members of the local Elks Lodge and stay there, but again, it takes a long time to build friendships when you only see them once a month.
@gdt5430' Well said!
Hey guys, I love how you make your faith in God apart of your vids! As to this video, I can relate to a lot of your points. As a retired mechanic, I’m acutely aware of what can go wrong with a rig….and it gave me some anxiety as we first hit the road. My advise to newbies is regardless of the age of your “new to you” rig, is to take short trips and let the rig earn your trust. This may ( and probably will) involve fixing some stuff…but eventually your rig should be come somewhat dependable.
“Fail to plan is to plan on failing”. Lol…first heard that when I got involved in my churches Boys Brigade program!🙂
Amen🙏 Great advice!!! Your “Right needs to earn your trust” I like that. Thank you and God Bless
Got that beat. RV's cost money. For $1500 I bought a ticket to Panama in 2013 and rented a 3 bed/2 bath house for $180. On 2014 moved to Ecuador and rented a 3 bed/2 bath house for $160, In 2015 moved to Nicaragua and rented a 3 bed/2 bath house for $130,
Since 2017 I have lived in Costa Rica where I rent a 7 bed/6 bath house with 4 car garage on 23 acres for $153 a month.
I am 76 and on excellent health and take no medications. And unlike the US my wife and self have National Health Care that pays 100% and costs $60 a month. Far better than the 80% Medicare pays. Men in Costa Rica have a life expectancy 7.4 years longer than men in the US. There has never been a tornado or hurricane, no wildfires, no snow. Temperature never colder than 54F or hotter than 87F.
Average income in Costa Rica is just $550 a month. In Panama and Ecuador it is $450 a month and in Nicaragua $150 a month. A person can maintain a good life on twice the income average. And in the past 12 years I have traveled to 79 other countries seeing the best sites in the world.
Lastly living outside the US 330 or more days a year makes me US Income Tax Exempt on $108,600 yearly.
Average Income in the US is said to be $6200 a month. So unless you make at least $3100 a month you will find it tough to live. I have not used credit since 1984 and that too would make living in the US difficult. Also I have no family or friends living in the US. So there was no reason to remain. When I left for Panama in 2013, it was with 2 check in suit cases and a carryon containing my laptop. In spite of a 4 car garage I do not own any vehicles. I walk 12 to 15 kilometers a day, mountain bike and have an electric scooter that looks like a classic Vespa. When needed a 3 hour taxi to San Jose, 2 hours shopping and return costs $100. Same to or from the airport.
Crime and drug use is practically non existent compared to the US. Greater Freedom and privacy. The food is much healthier too.
We camped for 14 years, it was part of our family recreation and bonding. Last September, a person sped through a top sign and totaled by paid for F350. They had the minimum staye insurance of 15k, my insurance tapped in the other 15 k to pay me out. Unfortunately, i can't afford another car payment, the interest rates are sky high, as are the prices of any trucks near what I need for the fifth wheel. Now, my family canr camp and I am paying for an RV I cant use. Its horrible thay someone can recklessly steal your family's fun and bonding and traditions and not have to pay to replace the truck. I now have a grandkids and a young daughter myself (2nd marriage). They got to camp one season and they always ask when we can go again. Im at a loss.
So sorry to hear this but glad your all ok🙏Adding y’all to our Prayers
Have you thought of selling your 5th wheel and buying a used C class? I'm seeing a lot of nice slightly older models that are pretty darn cheap. One is an '07, 32ft, clean c class w/ 52k miles for $11,000 on FB marketplace.
@laurae.4285 I can't afford another payment. I tried to sell the 5th wheel, couldn't get anywhere near the payoff.
You can hire people to tow your rig to a campsite and when you’re ready to come home they’ll tow it back home for you. That way you can enjoy your rig with the family without towing it yourself.
@mwebb3014 I appreciate the reply, but that's pretty expensive when on a budget. My truck also supplied income for firewood, heated my home, was DD, etc. After having a truck for 2 decades, of one sort of another, you don't realize how much you used it.
Our RV is a nightmare. Would not sell it to anyone, knowing all that wrong with it. Will have to live in it till it’s paid off. Catastrophic disappointment. Been full time for 6 yrs. Love the life style but it’s been hard. John you come across as very arrogant. Listen to your wife. Every one of her points were spot on.
Buying a big truck and a 5TH wheel then not having money for gas!!! The health issue is always something that’s on my mind for someone that’s solo. I don’t have any health issues but it’s always that “what if” moment. Truly heartbreaking for those who journey has come to an end. Thanks for the videos. Take care!
The health issues are heartbreaking! Thank you for watching
Great points. Since you have experience, I would love to hear your thoughts on the positives and negatives of towable vs drivable RVs. We had a travel trailer for 3 years and I was always nervous until I got to my destination. I sold the trailer at the beginning of the pandemic and am considering a Class C. Thoughts?
We quit in 2020. We were just too old to do it anymore. We still have a travel trailer, but it used for short trips about 3 times a year. Peace to you.
I don't own an RV--and probably never will--but I had been getting some satisfaction, living part time in a van. Due to serious mechanical problems with this van, however, I just recently traded for an SUV. Now, I've wondered about buying a pull-behind tear drop trailer (If you haven't already guessed, I like simplicity. I don't even care if it comes with no bathroom.). If anyone out there has had any experience/adventures with these, I'd LOVE to hear them!
Agree. Shopping and laundry can be a day. Lol
Your early videos were great, but I'm disappointed that at some point they became proselyting. It's too bad because you have a fun vibe and interesting topics pre-whatever is happening now. Very happy for you, but unable to enjoy the videos anymore. Best wishes.
This isn't a video I need to see right now, but I always pop in to at least give a thumbs up!
You guys are amazing! Thank you.
I'm so glad to hear You found Your home at Thunder Canyon ! I'm glad to be a weekend warrior ! Hopefully we can meet up some time !
We love it here❤️
My parents did it full time for 25 years. Had to quit because age caught up, my mother had a stroke and my dad had memory loss. Loved the life.
We have done it for 3 years while we searched for our retirement home. We found the perfect place on a lake near family. We plan on continuing to travel during 6 months out of the year. Want to visit the 48 lower states, and have 8 more to go.
Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉🍾 Love hearing happy endings ❤️
RV full-time nomad 5 yrs & yes, it’s more work & planning than you can imagine. Fortunately, I purchased a pre-covid Roadtrek & have maintained it, so have had minimal issues. I might add, don’t be tough on yourself for not knowing / planning everything cause RVing is a masterclass, you’ll learn over time as situations arise. Have fun!
I’d come stay with you guys for a few months if you had a cabin I could stay in with my pups!!!!
And I love helping with gardening & livestock!! ;-)
They have RVs to rent and cabins/tiny homes coming soon.
You two are always the best for real deal talk .. no bs ... Keep up the great work
Appreciate that
Some good friends who were well known on You Tube started out with a restored Holiday Rambler. Then they upgraded to a big newer fifth wheel and then again to a bigger one. They completed a Canada trip last summer but just recently the wife had a stroke. That ended everything.
So sad 😞 Every day is a gift! Life is so short
My dad & his wife bought an RV right after he retired @ 82 and were set to tour the nation with their cat & 5 dogs. Three weeks later he was diagnosed with ALS and went home to the Lord 6 months later. The RV has been a lawn ornament ever since.
Maybe you can live through their dream. It’s a lot of fun.
I'm very sorry for your loss. 😢
@@kathleenbueter1272 I'd prefer a LTV Wonder RL
I think dad bought a Thor lol
@@cathythornton6332 Thank you
Five years later and I m still a wreck
John, you can be so thoughtless and judgmental. Budgeting: 55 yr olds are Gen X- there are a ton of people in that generation who were never taught budgeting, and have stumbled through life without a budget. It’s the neglected generation. You may actually be a Boomer, so life experience is different for you. But being a Christian, you shouldn’t be so judgmental. About planning- people just starting out with that lifestyle don’t know all of the details. I thought it was cheaper to RV than to live in a traditional home, but I am hearing just how expensive it is- it actually costs more to RV full time than to live in a traditional home. About the flimsy material used to make an RV- if it’s brand new - an inspection can’t change the crappy wall materials the manufacturer used to build the RV. Inspections are for damage, not the materials used to build it. Being tired by driving is actually a health thing. That’s unavoidable. And major health crises like cardiac, strike, cancer- that’s unavoidable, too. So Mercedes was correct. The only one that is avoidable is learning how to drive with a 5th wheel, a huge truck to tow it, etc. All the rest are unavoidable.
There are some people, just not suited for an R.V. If you have needed other people to make decisions for you. Don't do it. If your definition of mechanical ability. Stops at changing a light bulb. Don't do it. If seeing a bear, terrifies you for life. Don't do it. And if your organization skills are so poor. You run out of propane, in the middle of a winter storm. Don't do it. I am sure you can think of others. Have fun.
Very true Ken! Not as easy as it seems
Your right on! But finding things out the hard way is the best way. You will never forget what you learned.
Coming off pretty Judgmental about people not knowing things. There IS tons of info on the internet, However a LOT of it is Misinformation. Both by youtubers who are Ignorant but do not know it and those who are saying anything to Push Their Sponsors junk.
It would be more helpful, instead of judging people, to provide tips on how to discern bad role models from the good ones.
I really think people underestimate the true cost of RVing. It's not cheap. I've done trips in my diesel pusher and done trips staying in nice motels. The cost is similar, however I enjoy my RV. I sleep better because I'm used to it, all the stuff I want is there and I can cook whatever I want. The driving fatuige can be mitigated by finding a camp spot before dark. I learned that it's better to stop earlier in the day than to drive into the night and try to find a place when I'm tired. I completely agree on the health and the rig for sure. When the health is gone so is the fun. When buying a rig don't cheap out, quality is key. I'm on my 3rd RV, 2 Fleetwood's and now a Safari Sahara that will out last me. Those Fleetwood RV's were crap compared to a Safari...
On the last item, didn’t a major RV frame manufacturer extend their warranty on frames an additional 5-years? Coverage for original and subsequent owners.
I think the rv industry needs some type of regulation like the car companies do. Your right all these new RV's are junk. Crap falls off and its just a matter of time, someone will get killed by one.
Love your channel and especially your HONESTY with rv'ing. I don't even have a tent 😄 God Bless!
DO NOT buy an RV built between 2017 and 2021, or a Grand Design brand 5th Wheel.
Can you guys recommend good RV insurance? I have a destination RV and don't travel it.
If there two classes of RV owners ? Wealthy and Poorer. ( High Rents force more people on the road.)
Good advice!! Keep up the great work. Love you two!!!!
Thank you so much James❤️
Simply great video. You two are the best. Very much appreciate all of the information and insights that you offer. This is now my go-to UA-cam channel for all things RV!
Well done... nice video.
Thanks Buddy!
Some people get fed up with the things you can’t plan for - - but are bound to happen: Small stuff goes wrong - regularly. And drives folks crazy. Most of this is not about the industry - it’s a heating element going out, it’s a water pump wearing out, it’s the tire picking up a screw, it’s a seal allowing a rain leak. I know folks who have left the full time life because they got tired of fixing small crap - which is no different than having to fix things at a sticks-n-bricks.
I think you guys need to go back and watch your old videos. You made a lot of these mistakes.
Mercedes, hon, you’re so right…your health can put a monkey wrench in travel plans, especially FULL-time RV travel. Plan, plan, plan. Make lists and more lists and even more. HOWEVER, do NOT put-off your desired full or part time rving…..you wait “too” long and more than likely you time can or will be cut short due to health issues. You put all that time (maybe too much time) in figuring out exactly what you want in an rv, where you want to go, and finally putting all that money into buying your dream rv, and you find your anticipated time traveling is cut short. Budget: yes; make lists: yes; waste time: NEVER. We aren’t on Mother Earth forever, so do all this stuff waaayyy ahead of time! Love you two!, Virginia
A lot of good points. Thank you for sharing. We have been extremely blessed. Still out here on the road and thankful. Mary 💕Fred
Hi Mary & Fred❤️
Great advice. Planning and budgeting is key. Another awesome video.
Thank you Joe!
RV failure is probably number one.
And go live on the street out in the elements or pay $2500 a month for a one bedroom apartment. If your health fails, you are still in the same boat.
What kind of income is required for a nice house?
I think maybe health, and expense! Especially fuel prices and exspensive Rv park fees
Everything is expensive
@@RVOddCouple oh for sure
Great advice, we are on our 3rd year full time, looking forward to yet another visit soon to your campground can’t wait to see the chapel in person .
I can’t wait to show y’all the Chapel Bill😀
And emergency money should be saved prior to RV'ING! We used all of ours up and we are budgeting again for emergency funds.
👍👍👍We call it our continency fund
Start small, 50$ a month. Try to increase it 10$ a month more. When you get at least 5000$ put back and are added at least 100$ a month. Then you can start saving in a different account for your rv. If your emergency account drops below 5k, you need to do whatever it takes to get it back up to 5k asap. If you can’t do this you can’t full time rv. When and why is just a matter of time until you find out the details. I know I may get lynched for saying this but I am called to love my neighbor and this is one way I can do it. It’s just advice and I pray it will help others to avoid tragedy.
I think Mercedes is starting to speak with a hint of an Alabama accent.
Yes She is❤️
Thank you. 👋🙂. 🌈
Do it when you are young enough to sustain the life style or plan it with a time limit. Get the memories
Great topic, you two. Glad to catch this one this afternoon. BTW< I hope you're watching the Stanley Cup playoffs. Game 1 last night was a fun one. Happy travels!
Thank you for the reminder Tim!
Heck, we just discover about 2 years that we LOVE camping. We just bought a new 37 foot camper with 3 slides. We are self employed with an auto refinishing business so probably not doing the full time thing but will certainly enjoy many trips. Honestly, I am concerned with the rising "woke" people and crime rates. Sort of scary to travel to unknown places and people.
Wait, what do you mean "Plan"??? That takes all the FUN out of the equation! 😂 🤣
😂🤣😂
Try Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. I agree with you. I've been doing it for over 20 years. Got sick, and still continuing to RV
Honestly I feel like I won the lottery with my RV. Don't get me wrong it's had some major issues but I did manage to get them all fixed except some options in the smart controller.
Now only that but the value of my RV went up and I managed to make some dramatic improvements to the RV that makes it feel like a higher class RV itself.
Me personally, I'm not worried about frame flex because it's stationary. I have bot moved in over a year.
I full time when not driving OTR for work so it works out quite nicely for me.
about the budget. We've been on this year's tour for a month now. We love to go out to eat... not expensive places, but just revisiting past restaurants and finding new ones. It has been ALARMING to see what we've spent this year- to where we will modify our "behavior" for the next couple months when it comes to restaurants. I would say up about 50 % from last yrs
Some of that's harsh information!! But It I'd True!! Thanks!!
Keep Smiling On!!
😅👍👊❤️
If you would tell the real truth you would tell people that RVing is getting worse and worse every month for a number of reasons. It is fast becoming a lousy lifestyle......PERIOD.
John & Mercedes, as always, I LOVE your honesty about all these matters. I have been listening to you for a long time, have enjoyed your channel (perhaps even more since your focus on God/family/country), and look forward to every video in the future. I might, someday get more into nomadic life (though can't see it happening in an RV--Main reason being, my husband is against the idea). I try to be open-minded about enjoying nature in other ways; for instance, I live in a scenic area of North Carolina, along the mountain range, And not too far from the coast! As a child, I Did get to travel much of the US with my parents who Were into camping--with a pull-behind and later, motorhome! It was a Very Nice lifestyle, memories I'll Never forget!!! Enjoyed this video. You guys keep 'em coming.
good presentation on 'rv tough love'!
I made that mistake of not planning properly… i thought i did but by the 6 months in i realized I didn’t
Yes, but now you know❤️
Let her talk! Instead of just calling people stupid!
You spot it you got it!🤣😂🤣
I did the weekly laundromat for several years in my youth. Couldn't afford an RV back then. We went camping in a tent, van, truck till in our late 50s. Our health isn't fantastic so we wouldn't go full time. Long trips , short ones , we go when we can. The price and demand for space is very expensive now.
Why has approximately 120 people viewed this video so far but only 32 thumbs up? Come on folks! Show John and Mercedes some love and smash that thumbs up button. It should turn black and you see the number counter go up one. Hitting it over and over does not work and if it's not black (ie: you've hit it twice), it removes your vote. John and Mercedes spend a lot of time sharing this info with us. Show them some appreciation and support!
Thank you Angie❤️ We need all the help we can get
As a loyal subscriber I approve this message.🙏🇺🇲
373
Amen!
Some people view the video more than once and can like only once.
Another great video! Grocery shopping is always an adventure! Every grocery store is new to us and takes forever to find everything. Different products/brands/packaging makes it difficult!
Try camping in your backyard for a month!
Kinda sucks but you may not be able to be in close quarters as you think you are.
This is why I’m not doing it 😂😂😂
Lots of folks simply cant afford the lifestyle. They go deep into debt and after 4-5 years realize it was a bad mistake. I'm amazed folks will sell a home and do that.
We are spending month of October at Thunder Canyon. Can’t wait!!
Full time RVing is not all that its cracked up to be. Thanks to social media, they make everything look so fun and glamourus and inviting and all of the sudden, everyone wants to do it. And these RV park owners and managers and RV manufacturers know it so they can make a ton of money from it. But the expenses can add up. It can be a lot of work. And people are not as friendly or as considerate as they used to be. Im not knocking all RV owners and RV park owners and managers, but the few that i had to deal with seemed pretty snooty and stuck up. I had an older travel trailer and it seemed that people looked down on me because of that. Also they made the camping and RV industry so commercialized now that it taken the fun out of everything. I had to give up full time RVing because my disability benefits were reduced and i had to take on a part time job because i could no longer afford the rent at the RV park and they don't do rental assistance for RV parks so they evicted me from the RV park but luckily the agency i was getting help from was able to get me into an apartment so i had to put my travel trailer in the shop to get repaired but then i ended up with this huge repair bill but luckily they are able to hold it for me till i get the repair bill paid in full which will take a while to pay off. But I will pay it off because I miss my travel trailer so much because it was all mine and it was completely paid for and it created a more simple life style and less expensive. It costs more living in my apartment than when i was living in my travel trailer and i could always leave if things didn't work out at the RV park. Now the downside to RV living is everything is so expensive now. Its seems that the powers that be wants to make travel and RV living more difficult for the people who dont make as much money as the rich people do and wants to make the RV and camping industry a rich folks only recreation. Another downside is that during bad storms you are not safe. Another downside is that you have no privacy where your neighbors are right on top of you and then you have those bad neighbors where they play loud music and party all night and have noisy kids who run all over the place including through your campsite and their dog is not on a leash either therefore making your dog go berserk as their dog lunges towards your dog barking and snarling and then your dog will end up pulling you across the RV park while you are holding it's leash. Then when you complain to the managers they never say anything to your neighbors but they yell at you because your lounge chair is a little to far on the grassy part and your not allowed to have anything on the grassy areas inside the park. It's getting too crazy now. That was what I had to experience during my short RV adventure and it nearly killed it for me. However I still miss it and still hope to get back on the road soon.
Health ended our RV living but we're thankful for the ten years we got to do it. Now we get to enjoy the journeys of the couple we sold it to who we keep in touch with. Agree with John, a lot of the problems that kill the joy can be avoided with proper planning.
Great video thanks so much.
Was so incredibly happy that we purchased a used/ like new Montana. We did not get our heart set on a particular floor plan. After 4 yrs we were done and ready to buy a home again.
We were able to sell our 5er and put money in the bank from proceeds.
Anyone who thinks they will live forever in a camper by choice is fooling themselves!
Long time no see I love you guys it's been awhile I'm not really looking to do full-time rving what I actually want to do is get a tiny house on Wheels the issue that with that is I'm having a hard time finding places to park it I currently live in Washington State who's supposedly okayed it but the issue is there's not enough zoning to allow you to do a tiny house I'm actually thinking about moving out of state in order to achieve my tiny house goals
Have followed yall for over 2 years. I don't RV, but I love your views, and I really relate to yall, and I hope everything goes good for yall
That’s why we are keeping our house and doing it half time and we have an older Winnebago Era no def fluid and hopefully will allow us to do some awesome traveling as we camp as much as we can now in our sixties and pray that the good Lord allows us the opportunity to
Real good help line to the world Thanks For your efforts I like to believe it helps others huge hunk of my thigh was just cut out of my legg caner I remember the surgeon saying hopefully they just pull up this you put your thumb and your fingers together a little oval hole my God I have internal stitches. This went down to the bone not fun so take heat and what the RV odd couple are sharing. It could happen to you in a heartbeat. They are giving you gold heed.
You’ll stop Rv’ing if you buy an RV Park…😂🤣
lol Al 😂🤣😂 Certainly slowed us down…A lot🤣😂🤣
Having recently downsized to a wheelchair, i notice parking space is easier to find
you should start by "welcome to our fear mongering channel"
Additionally I would add those who full time or travel in their retirement years have concerns regarding the their safety. We all know with the open borders we’re not getting the cream of the crop.
That’s another video👍
Good point. We all have to be aware of our surroundings at all times
Thank you for the great contents. A lot to consider. Why is Mercedes' face so orange?
15 yrs now....sorry ...lol
Awesome Barry! We’d love to interview you
As far as driving put it on cruise at 60 miles per hour. Saves gas and stress.
People do not plan accordingly! Son invencibles!
Where is the free down load about the budget you mention?
One day we hope to visit Thunder Canyon..
I hope so too!
Start early and retire into a home. Don’t retire into an RV.
Yet another good and interesting UA-cam! Hey John do you recommend Bliss Cruises? I see you are wearing their shirt.
Bliss is our shirt. Because life is so short…
The joy squad is back
❤️❤️❤️
Where is your campground ?
How can one join your community? I’d love to be part of your community.
We’d love to have Y’all
Yes, we welcome you to Alabama.
You two are great!
Thank you 😀
We started with a Tiffin Open Road and last year when we sold our house to go full time got a Brinkley G3500. It really matters what rig you have.
And priority was a washer/dryer! 😂
ME HE MAN.......ME NO NEED PLAN 😂