Mike is pondering whether or not to add a forum to the group about Full Timing in RVs. Such forums already exist at Escapees.com and RV.NET.

For those who don't know, Full Timing officially means your RV is your home and you don't have any other home. You literally live on the road, in campgrounds, forests, some land you own, a relative's back yard, parking lots, etc.

For the purpose of this group, likely Full Timer would be modified to include the Part Timers and Snowbirds, who may have an anchored home somewhere but leave it for months at a time to work or winter or travel elsewhere.

Full timing was always a dream i had,then i got married again .I think if you like to travel and are not tied down to job or family it would be a very interesting and educational thing to do.Oh well back to dreaming

I have none of the ties that Ches has, but am still not ready to do this. I have often thought of it, how to do it etc. BUT.. I am strapped to medical insurance and a full time decent job keeps me healthy...or at least, my checkbook healthy.

I lived in my 1970 Airstream 23' Safari Special for just about a year, nearly twenty years ago now!

Roger

My son and I were poking around at some RV dealers today, he really likes the big bus type RV's, I was joking with him that I would have to sell the house and we'd live in the RV to afford to buy one (not that I'd want to own a bus).

If I didn't have to earn a living, i would be tempted to spend a year or two full timing. What an advendure that would be! Maybe once I'm independantly wealthy

Unless I sell my second novel for a lot of money, I'm still a good many years from being able to retire. That said, my wife and I wil definitely spend at least a full year full-time RVing as soon as we are able to kiss the jobs goodbye forever.

We hae discussed it.... (and entertained the idea of a Scamp 5th whl) but, economics came into play... We would not be able to dispose of the house and shop (or the 20 some cars.. ) So decided to stay w/13 footer and finish exploring the PNW in short bursts--1-3 weeks at a time when my retirement kicks in (read that as compensation for time served). Then spend winters @ home - her working and me rebuilding the latest project. (don't ask me how I convinced her of that.......) Larry

One very nice thing about a full time forum on this site is that we would be sharing information with people whose interest and needs are defined by our beloved small fiberglass trailers, and not so much the larger fifth wheels and motorhomes. Thanks for introducing this topic.

Vivian

We are considering Part time/Full time next summer.
Leave after kids get out of school and not return till they are due back.
Only way we can do this is that Daddy can work virtual and the WiFi options are pretty solid now.
Would love a place to see how others do this on a full-time basis.

This would be my dream, to hang on to this house in San Diego and be able to travel in my rig to alight at or near a significant other's home. The appropriate social network is not in place for me to do that. It goes way beyond the considerations of the vehicles...

I spend more time in my Scamp doing Ham Radio and working on the internet than I spend in my home. I'm in it right now writing this message. If I could truely "telecommute", I'd have my mail address changed to read "The Trailer in the backyard".

While I'm not "living" in it, I'm having "the time of my life" in it. I've made it my Radio Shack & Office that I can take with me whenever I want.

Put me down as a Part Timer please.

I do harbor a fantasy of spending some time as a Full-timer - I'm thinking that the demise of my current generation of pets, retirement and the transition from house to ??? (probably a condo ) will converge quite nicely. I've thought of putting everything I want to keep into storage, selling the house and then traveling for a year or two - by then, even the smallest of condo's will seem spacious and I'll probably have no use for most of what I've got in storage - great way to get into "downsize mode".

Anyway, since I'm big on planning, I'd love to lurk on forum topic where I could see how others manage the logistics!

I retire in 2 years and am very interested in the idea of full-timing. Especially when I read stories from full-timers. I'd certainly be lurking on the board and possibly asking questions. I have no idea right now if I will decide to sell my home after retirement or keep it as a home base. If I fall in love with full-timing, I may even store all that I can't part with and rent it out.

I think a full-timer section would be a good addition to this forum. There is much to learn from these folks and whether you are, or intend to be, a full-timer it would be a great clearing house for core issues related to living and traveling in our little gems.

I ponder the issue myself. But right now, even though Uncle Sam says I am officialy 'retired,' I don't think I could make it work. Between getting settled into my new place, my beloved dawgs, the garden, not to mention the Stuph issue, I don't think it will happen soon. Meanwhile, Otra lives in a concrete-floored, insulated 40x50 shop building and is ready to go at the drop of a hat! That's a pretty good substitute for the time being.

I vote in favor of a fulltime section.

This has always been my dream- but with the exception of the near year my son and I lived in our Scamp while in transition, I have always been too tied down to stuff like his school and my mortgage. HOWEVER... my son just recently got married, (he and wife still live with me) and I am seriously considering signing the house over to them and taking off for parts unknown. I know there are many "work camper" programs available (parents did this for a few summers in their motorhome) but I could sure use an abundance of information from all the others who full time RV!

Wow, a full-timer's forum would be terrific - would it make a lot of extra work for WebGuy and the Moderators (sounds like a rock band ...)? And the Geezers might chime in from time to time.

Seriously, for those of you who dream of full-timing, short term or forever, we say GO FOR IT! We realize there are financial and other considerations ... we are on the "peanut butter and hot dog" circuit, but we have enuff for our modest needs. We are both in good health, and if not now, WHEN? Down the road, we'll probably try Workamping and volunteering, too. For now, we like the freedom to wander when & as we choose. If a partner is involved, you must both be absolutely certain, down to the soles of your feet, that this is what you want to try.

A proviso - we sold our home, but we do have a 'soft spot' for when we can't or choose not to travel anymore - a small rental property we can fall back on. With real estate values as they are (up, up & away ... ) we might suggest renting/leasing your residence while you wander. All you need is a magical property manager (we lucked out!) - the PM handles all the headaches and sends you a check - beautiful!

That said, we'll sign off - happy camping to all! L 'n D

I hope there is enough interest that we can justify a full timing forum. We have several that full time it or have.

Lori and I are going to full time it and are interested in learning from you that have.

It's a nice idea (to have a new forum), but it seems there are not many actually full-timing. I agree that full-timing
in fiberglass is probably quite different than in bulgemobiles (certainly it's a lot easier!).

Sept. 20th will mark 3 years aboard the micronaut. When I decided to do it, I was living in my
small house in my hometown and had quite a bit of furniture, books, papers, tools, etc.
In May of '04, I packed a small back pack, and went back to a previous employer in Raleigh/Durham (3-4 hrs away).
I stayed in a bedroom at my sister's while I waited for the Casita to be built and be ready to pick up.

On weekends, I traveled home and took on the Herculean task of disposing of, selling, and giving away
all that stuff! If you live away from your stuff for a while, you can come back to it and just look
at it as if it was someone else's stuff, which makes it easier to deal with.

After living out of a back pack, the Casita seemed unbelievably spacious! Room for everything plus some stuff!

Finally, a couple of months after getting the Casita, I finished emptying the house. I distilled the material
effects of 35 years into the things I have on board, plus about six boxes stored at my folks' big house, and
a couple of power tools on loan to brothers-in-law.

With the house empty, I prepped it for rent. A good cleaning, a few improvements, and a new stove were
about all that were needed. I gave the keys to my real estate agent, a trusted person I've known all my life
who also manages about 150 properties. After her fee is deducted, the rent she deposits for me comes to
within $5 of covering the mortgage.

So, while I'm having all this fun visiting family across the state, seeing our state parks, working in Raleigh, and more
recently working a few days a week in Winston-Salem, my house has been sitting there paying for itself!
I might also add that the home equity actually paid for the Casita, and I'm still way better than right-side-up in the
mortgage!

Last summer I added a driveway to the lower part of the acre under the house, and with a new tenant, modified
the lease to allow me to drive down there and camp in the lower corner (much farther from the house than the
house is from its neighbors!). That has been handy to have a base camp when needed.

I would support a separate section for full-timing concerns. I've certainly learned a lot, and would enjoy anybody
else's tales, adventures, advice, etc.

P

don't even have an egg yet but will buy a 13' and would like to live and work in it. i am single and like a simple life. i am an artist. there were 5 people that signed in as being full time or use to be. if they have a 13' i would love to hear from them. franklin.hammond(at)sympatico.ca

I saw a 34' class A (I think that's the size--it was like a greyhound bus) in Blaine for $38,000 but it looked so nice and new, it was all done in leather, with a washer and dryer and central vacuuming, easily nicer than many apartments--the dealer said they're practically giving away the fuel hog machines. It's fuel efficiency must've been in the "gallons per mile" category but then again, if you had arrangements for pretty much rent-free living and moved it 2,3 times per year, had another vehicle for local transport...sold the house...you could spend-off your savings and do quite nicely even with gas and maintenance. So, now I don't laugh so hard when I see those people towing a little Kia behind their elegant monstrosity.

I have had a few questions on my mind answered here already, so this is indeed worthwhile.
We may not go full time but for sure part time, maybe 3 months or so at a time.

My wife and I enjoy full timing for about three weeks at a time in our Scamp.

During that time we sleep in it every night, prepare and eat every meal in it and seldom use any other facilities for toilet or bath.

We have studied about, discussed and correspond with a neighbor who completely pulled the plug several years ago.

We are financially independent, employable and have only a small cat. Kids have left, are financially able and are not living close by.

Even though everything is in place that would allow a full timing lifestyle, it just isn't in either of us. During our 2 - 4 week sorties we rarely even think of our home base. But there comes a time during each trip when it is just time to return.

But we still like to read about it.

I think it would be great to have a separate section on full-timing. Full-timing in an egg is really different than full-timing in a mega-trailer, 5th wheel, or monster RV. I've gone to some of thefull-timing sites and their discussions do not seem to match the "Egg-o-Centric" life style.

My wife & I have discussed full-timing, often -- or at least partial fulltiming.

We've decided as soon as we make our first million that's what we'll do. Checked the wallet today -- only $999,998 to go!!!

I have a Casita 17 SD on order and plan on making the pilgrimage to Rice in early October. I've sold my home and I'm working on liquidating the rest of the "Stuff." Plan on storing vital records, and a few special memento's, the rest is gone, or going. Didn't get a chance to drop out in the 60's, so I'm dropping out in my 60's. Kid's are grown, and the wives are gone. Just me and my Labrador Retriever, Kacey. Saw a quote attributed to St. Augustine I think FullTimers should appreciate "The World is a great book, of which those who never stir from home only read a page." Obviously I would appreciate a forum dedicated to FullTiming.

WAY TO GO, MIKE, and cograts on ordering your Casita! We wish you safe journeys and many happy years on the road - you will LOVE it! Perhaps our travel paths will cross in the future. Good luck to you & Kacey - L 'n D

Well, with my wifes recent death, I've been considering full timing and as an Escapees member, it's a help. We had been considering a semi-full time with one work camp a year and a U.S. loop to include all the grandkids/kids so I think I will consider continuing on with the plan.

Chuck H.

Good for you Chuck.

Have you bought into a site or are you on a waiting list?

Barb and i have been full timers since we married on Sept 24th 2004. We Started with a new 17 foot Casita and have just sold it and now use a new Scamp 19' fifth wheel. The lifestyle is great and it is the only way we can travel all over North America living on our social security incomes. We took 5 months to travel to Alaska last summer. We usually spend the winter in either Florida or Texas. I sold my home one year before i retired Sept 2001. I lived in my 32' Bounder Motorhome I still owned the Bounder when Barb and i married but decided we couldn't afford the three dollar and more fuel prices to travel in it. We traded it for a 37' fifth wheel which sits on my brothers property in Ohio. We use it as our home base when we are in the area and it never moves. We ordered the Casita thinking we would just use it for short vacations and as a base camp when we go ATV riding. After the fuel prices got so high we decided to see if we could live in it for for longer periods of time.
While living in it in Texas last winter Barb said she would like just a little more room. I suggested we look at the Scamp 5th wheel she agreed and we orderd one. We have had it now for about 2 months and like it very well. There were some things we liked better in the Casita but all in all i think the Scamp is going to work out just fine for as long as we are able to keep our health and travel. Soo many places to see in this great country we live in. We belong to Thousand Trails Campground and so our camping is nearly free after we pay the annual maintaince fee. Hope this will help anyone who might want live full time on the road.

Hi Neil,

Thanks for the post. We hope to do what you are doing. Do you have a website?

Sorry don't have web site but if you want information on full timing you can e me at neilready2roll@yahoo.com

Hi Mike, I'm on the list at Bushnell (Sumter Oaks) FL as close to daughter, grandkids and another on the way) and niece and may have a summer wrangler job in NorCal with spot hookups and dinero. Going to Lake Casita?
Regards, Chuck

Yep, see you there.

Excellent idea Pete. I've been kicking the fulltime in the Egg idea, around for a long time. I did give my house to my daughter and moved to a small apartment in Utah where I currently teach school.

I don't miss the house or all my possessions. I do miss my old 24 foot vintage Streamline trailer that I sold a year ago: Spent most of my time there. I love the West and want to spend more time getting to know it, instead of working at a stressful job for nothing. Since I've already made the change, my next step will be buying a Casita or Scamp, and moving in. No wife, so the room should be plenty.

Can I change my vote?
About a year ago, I voted "seriously considering it"
I have been living full time in my 17' Casita for over
4 months now.
By the way am enjoying it very much.
DanM.

Hi Dan - Wishing you safe travels and many happy times as you full-time in you Casita. We've been 'houseless' for 18 months, and have no regrets Bet you won't even look back! Take care and perhaps our travel paths will pass down the road. L 'n D

i'm still in the restoration stage of my compact fgrv'n dream, & i'm reading up on all the f/t-er's experiences... the more i read, the more my restoration design ideas revolve around the f/t lifestyle requirements... i've got a few years of tech school to finish up, but i plan to go f/t before i'm 40... (36, now) that gives me a few years to restore & equip my burro & tercel, & to tie up all the other loose ends...
--- steven

HI L 'n D,
Am currently hold up in Truth or Consequences, nm, if ya'll
are in this area, send me a post, would love to meet for
coffee and talk.
DanM

Hello, we're back.

I definitely think we could use a full-timers forum.

Melanie and i full-timed for 14 months in our Casita in 2005/2006. We have been in Philadelphia taking care of my parents and our own medical needs (I had prostat surgery, Mleanie had foot surgery). We will be returning to fulltiming as of May 1st.

Joe and Melanie


formerly of NYC, NY, official (voting) residents of Emery SD since July 2005,
currently holed up in Philadelphia

The day my TJ is paid for is the day I start fulltiming. (About 3 years from now.) I can even winter in my 13' Boler ANYWHERE in Canada or the US. (With the aid of my 3500 - 7500 BTU woodburning stove) Click to view attachment Can't wait! So... YEAH! Fulltimers Forum... Great Idea!

Just signed for posting but as a first time forum user I am unable to find how it is done. This is sent out blind. I would like to see a full time only forum as I find the life style and problems are quite different than when my wife and I travelled for four years with our Beaver and 27ft Cargo trailer. Now as one person I find the Casita ideal to tow with my Limited Cherokee

Welcome to FiberglassRV James, we're glad you're here. You have posted in a forum topic Fulltiming in a Molded Fiberglass Trailer. All topics and postings under this forum have the fulltiming focus. Feel free to start a new topic or post to others in this forum (and elsewhere on FiberglassRV). Additionally, we have a powerful search engine we hope you'll find useful. Too, you'll find a lot of helpful people here with some great ideas.

Enjoy yourself and once again, welcome

I sent a message, but I see the poster hasn't loged in in a while... Can anyone give me a brand name or information on the stove in post 39?

Thanks

You'll find it in this topic, top post: The Pine Cone's almost done!

Thank you. I just found the how to section.. You have an excellent site that is easy to use. Jim

This is my reason for getting my Burro 13'. I currently have a house in Indy, a house in SE AZ, and a manufactured home in San Diego. I would like to sell all of them (except my son is living in the one in SD) to get rid of the ties to home ownership/maintenance costs and concerns. If I can just sell one, preferably the one in Indy, then I will continue with the plan to quit my job at end of July and spend time with close friends/relatives here in the east before heading back west. Currently the biggest obstacle to my plan is not having the time to finish the "pretty work" on my house in Indy so I can put it on the market. Not having time is the biggest reason to leave my job and live off the small pension/investments that I have accumulated in the past 10yrs. Here's to Freedom!!

I'm fulltiming in a year round RV park in Ohio. I have a four season trailer, so it should work.
My job moved me here from Texas, but for now my family is still there.
There's room for me here, but my wife wonders whether she could survive in such a small space, sharing it with me.
I've committed to stay for a year, so I should experience all of the weather they have here. I have my heated hose plugged in, but still need to insulate the sewer line before we get a hard freeze.
Phil Ruffin