I often receive notes from newbies who are just starting out in the lifestyle, or from wannabees who are anxious to get started in the lifestyle. These notes always take me back to that nostalgic place that I lived in for about three years, that place where I researched the lifestyle, absorbing everything I could find about it, so I know exactly how these folks feel. . .the excitement. . .the fear. . .the feeling of not knowing exactly what we may be getting ourselves in to. . .oh yes, it all comes back.
Now we had camped for years, starting out in tents, progressing to pop ups, then to an 18 foot bumper pull, and finally, our ultimate vacation rig. . .a 30 foot Jayco Fifth Wheel with a slideout.
We were uptown then, living the good life. . .so when we decided to sell everything we owned, and it all happened a little quicker than we anticipated, we determined that we could live in the Jayco while we continued researching and shopping for a full time rig.
Oh my goodness. . .that WAS a transition. . .going from a four bedroom, three bath home to a less than 400 square foot rig that was designed to go on vacation in. . .and while it was the ultimate for what it was designed for, we quickly decided that having NO closets, NO storage. . .and especially, NO washer, dryer. . .just was NOT going to work.
We were both still working full time jobs, hubby on rotating shifts, and I worked a rotating week which almost always included working Saturdays. Going to the laundromat was not on our list of fun things to do on our day off, so I started dropping the laundry off at one of those full service laundromats. Oh I can feel the eyes rolling. . .LOL, but that was what we needed to do to survive, and we quickly decided living in survival mode was just NOT going to work.
Had we already been retired, we may have coped a little better, but in addition to our jobs, we also volunteered at our church and were in charge of a large Children’s Ministry Department and staff, so adding a lifestyle change in the midst of our other responsibilities was probably not the smartest decision. . .however, we had been researching FULL TIME rigs for quite a while, and had narrowed our choices down to about four brands which met our criteria.
Our criteria list consisted of basement air, two refrigerators, or at least one oversized one, washer/dryer, and a built in desk. Not much to ask for right? Dave would make the rounds of the RV lots on his day off, looking, looking, looking. . .as you can imagine, in Houston TX there were a lot of choices. . .and then, by the grace of God, there it was. . .the perfect rig. . .a brand that was on our list. We knew they built quality full time rigs that would stand up to the rigors of the lifestyle. . .with absolutely everything on our wish list. . .and MORE. God is so good! . . .and although we were looking for used, this one was their RV show model. . .had never been lived in. . .but was being sold as a used unit. . .only took a few minutes to make that decision. . .and take that miracle home.
Now, almost ten years later, in the next phase of our RV journey as we begin searching for a motorhome, we still know we made a great decision. . .even with the trials and tribulations of the constant maintenance that comes with living in an RV full time. . .it has been the perfect “home”. . .and we would do it all over again. . .in a heartbeat!
What about you?
How did you get started in the lifestyle?
Did you make the right decision, or do you have regrets?
Have you reached a transition mode, where you are thinking of bigger or smaller, or perhaps even a more permanent address?
I would love to hear your stories! Please share your comments below and feel free to email me any time at JaniceLEvans1015@gmail.com
Safe and Happy Travels,
Janice
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As a matter of fact, Jim and I are looking at moving into the next phase of our lives. We have been full time RV'ers for more than 11 years. But we feel led to buy a small house in Georgia this winter. We have some definite plans about what we want to accomplish when we do, and it does not necessarily mean we'll be coming off the road. It does feel like the right thing to do for us at this time. I have been dreaming of making curtains....
ReplyDeleteKaren, I think it's a decision we will all come to at some point. We went into the lifestyle knowing what the progression would be. . .and even though we think we will continue to RV for several years, God willing, we always discuss options. . .the park we are in right now has awesome park models set up. I could definitely see us transitioning to one of those in a great location someday.
ReplyDeleteI think you guys are wise to make decisions now. . .go for it!
We've just started (since August 31) the fulltimer lifestyle. My DH is 65, I'm 54. He's been retired 10 years while I've flitted from one "career" to another. We'd often talked about this lifestyle and this year I said... it's now or never. We do it now or we may find that there are health or other reasons that keep us from doing it. So we traded our Prius for a Ford F250 and put our Arizona home on the market (where it is stagnating). And we bought a brand new Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheel.
ReplyDeleteInitial impressions? I very quickly felt at home in the RV. It feels like "my place" and I can cook, watch tv, sleep, knit etc. comfortably. Packing up and "moving" is still stressful, but we are just learning. We mourn after each chip to the wood of a cabinet or scratch to a piece of furniture, as a result of either the moving or the tight spaces. We're trying to keep it all perfect and new but it's just not possible. We've been in some really nice campgrounds and are learning what's important to us (and not). Right now we're on Long Island (an hour from Manhattan) in a county park and loving it (except for having to use a portable tank to "dump").
We also recognize that change is a constant and that we will have to make adjustments as we age and "as the world turns". We'll go with the flow as we travel through life together... because the together part is what is most important to us.
Happy and safe travels to all.
We have a blog about the adventures of two women from the Midwest who ended up, unintentionally gate guarding in Texas. We first managed (intentionally) a resort on the beach in southern Oregon, then followed one of our front desk employees into this new adventure. It's been full of fun and trials. I enjoy reading your blog and the comments here. Thank you
ReplyDeleteMyra, thanks for reading our blog. . .we know the feeling of dreading the bumps and bruises. . .unfortunately, they will come.
ReplyDeleteKeep us updated as to your comings and goings. . .we love to keep up!
Heidi, we have friends who are working a gate keeping job this winter for the very first time. It will be interesting to see what their overall assessment is. . .we're letting them be the guinea pigs for the rest of us : )
ReplyDeleteTried to add your blog to my Google Reader. . .said it was a private blog and I need a password. . .did I link to the wrong thing?
Send me the correct link at janicelevans@gmail.com Would love to follow your adventures. . .
We are looking to buy a 350 or 3500 4x4 truck and 5th wheel for fulltiming. I have been reading blogs and sites like IRV2 and can never find anyone to give direct advice. My question to you is, if you went today to buy a truck and 5er, what would you buy? I read where you said that the 5er you got was on your list and you knew it was of good quality. I have no way of knowing which ones are good quality. I would love to have your thoughts on this as you have been there and dont that. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I sent you an email. . .but I loved your question so much, that I ended up sharing the question and my answer as a blog post. . .I sure hope others enjoy the dialogue. . .thanks for asking!
ReplyDelete