Apprehensive

[oldernewby]

Well, we did it. Bought a motor home. We want to go full time.That means unloading lots of stuff after 38 years of collecting. I'm 71 had a motor home years ago and liked it, and drove it just fine. I'm sure I can this one too.
Since companies I worked for needed my 401k s worse than I did, we will be on S.S. income. Can it be done. Guess we will see.
We invested in all the towing and breakdown insurances hopefully they are as good as advertised.
The coach has 44k on it and very very well taken care of. I have all of the receipts from 2001 on.
I will be reading this forum faithfully to get ideas and cost of traveling.
Got to make up my mind on flat tow or trailer.
Will be watching

[Rex]

I am a bit older than you, and ONLY tow 4-down. I am very glad I don't have a tow dolly. That is just another thing I would have to figure out where to park and what to do with when going to an RV Park. Others will surely disagree.

I find 4-down towing to be very easy to connect and disconnect and I tow a Honda CRV. I also find it easier to enter and get out of this size car rather than one built lower to the ground. Just something to think about when you make your decision.

Best of luck to you on your adventure.

[johnsonjm209]

I'm in the same age group. I can tell you about the time I unhooked my tow dolly and was pushing it into a space. One wheel dropped into a small hole and did a neat spin. When it banged into my shin I said all of those bad words. Then I sold the tow dolly and have been much happier since with 4 wheels down.

We were full timing in the mid 90's and it just didn't work out. We made a lot of friends, but we have 4 kids and found that even though we tried to keep busy we were lonely. So we went back to part timing and are much happier. Still have a lot of friends and see the kids and grandkids a lot. Of course that was just our story, not yours.

[Good man]

Welcome to the RV lifestyle, Oldernewby... You certainly seem to be a person who thinks things out, indemnifies the risk, and, most importantly, understands the value of simply asking for information or help. ...and I can assure you there are many people on the iRV2 forums who will assist you.
Those attributes will carry you through just about anything you are going to encounter.
I look forward to reading how it is going for you as I am nearing the point of retiring and living on a fixed income also... so keep us posted from time to time as you discover things which work well for you.
Best of luck to you, sir!
JimG

[frankdamp]

We started up again last summer with out signature rig. We're not ready for full-timing yet, but are in a similar financial situation. Out IRAs are down to chump change after the last couple of years and I'm going to have to start the mandatory withdrawals in March.

We financed the RV with a home equity loan and are thinking of combining the HEL and our present mortgage into a new 30 year mortgage. Saves about $375 month, since interest rates are so low right now. As an ex-pat Brit it seems incredible to be signing on for a 30 year mortgage at 70 years old. In the UK, if the statistical probable age of death is "X", you cant get a mortgage whose expiry is > "X". They expect you to pay off before you die!

I figure, in the US system it's my children's problem. I saw a post a while back that said "If your heirs can go to dinner on their inheritance, you got it about right. If they can go on vacation for a month you were close, but anything mnore than that, you screwed up."

With an RV to feed and nurture, I don't think there's any chance that, under the above philosophy, we'll be considered to have screwed up!

[Stevegd007]

Wish you all the best, sorry to hear that your investments tanked.
You also ask some about cost on your travels. Here is some things I have learned. We move with a gas MH, 75 gal tank, cost to fill up can be an easily go to $250. I can move comfortably in one day 350-450 miles (moving at 60 mph). This can cost $150-200/day just in fuel, about 6-8 hours driving, depending on traffic. Then pulling off to an RV park for an overnight stay, ask for a pull thru parking space, so you do not have to unhook the tow car (I prefer flat towing my tow car). Have an up to date RV park guide is most helpful, if your into the full feature cell phones there are now applications available to also provide this information. Most overnights cost like $25-35/night. To stop for a week can cost $150-250 depending on the park, seasonal cost and such. There are "Disneyland" RV park prices that I have paid these cost are $50/75 per night. Most decent RV parks will offer monthly parking fees. Again depending on seasonal travelers this can be like $700-1500+/ month. Traveling during the Summer season will sometimes run into full RV parks in popular areas. May wish to to plan Summer travels with a RV park reservations and not the day your traveling, but way ahead of your travels. I prefer non-summer travels, Spring and Fall, usually there is no need for reservations during these periods. Ask questions here for suggestions on the best RV parks for areas your looking to travel or stay. Plenty of folks have traveled the same road before you an have great suggestions for parks and roads to travel...or avoid.

Best of luck and happy trails....see ya on the road somewhere....

[Sticks4748]

YOU CAN DO IT! In my openion you do not want a dolly. I watch people try to store those things in small park spaces along with space for the car, no need... Hopefully the car you have now is towable? A dolly makes a lot of sense IF you have more than one type of car and you want to pull them at different times but that is probably not your situation.
With just S.S. you will have to watch your P's and Q's but you can do it and travel. You may want to look into work camping or other short term employment situations.

We love this life and only have a little more than that.
What motorhome do you have and do you want to boondock some of the time?

Rich
02' Windsor

[John H...]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your fulltiming.

[njs42]

I'm a tad younger--we are seasonal--4/5 months then back to the "other" home. 4 down and a CR-V is a good combination--I second the reccomendations.

You will also find some locals are just less expensive for the same thing. Out here in the desert southwest places like Tucson, Palm Springs and Phoenix are popular for snow birds but a little on the pricey side----Yuma Arizona however has basically the same accomodations, weather and plenty to see and do at greatly reduced prices. So find out where the bargain hunters on this site stay before you move around----I'm sure they can point you to the value places.

[oldernewby]

Thanks Folks for all the info. It feels good to know I have another family that I can rely on for helpful info. I , well , the banks and me bought a 2001 Monaco w/ V10 engine.34' long and 11'8" tall I think. There is a sat kingdome on it so i am not sure about Height. 44k miles. I never test drove it. Dumb? Its winterized and stored so can't pet it. Always been a trusting feller. Lets hope I did not get bit. No, I do not want to buy a bridge.
Thanks folks for your help.
Con

[oldernewby]

Frank,
Thanks for the input.
After a short shake down or two we will be heading West to Spokane , and Moses Lake Wa. Have family in both places.
Con

[oldernewby]

Norm,
Thanks for the input. I see you are from Gods country also.
I guess I am pretty well convinced that 4 down is the way to go. The tow bar and a brake buddy system came with the rig so we are almost set up for it.
Thanks again
Con

[nodine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldernewby Norm, Thanks for the input. I see you are from Gods country also. I guess I am pretty well convinced that 4 down is the way to go. The tow bar and a brake buddy system came with the rig so we are almost set up for it. Thanks again Con

Con,

Go to this link and download the PDF file of the 2011 Towing Guide:
http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/Din...-Towing-Guide/
You can look for the vehicles you own here and in previous year versions to see if they are towable 4 down. Once you decide on a vehicle to tow you will need to purchase and install a base plate to match the towbar that came with your motorhome. Go to the BlueOx website and you will find a list of base plates and vehicles.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Bob