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12-11-2017, 11:45 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 16
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Can't decide and have questions.........
Hello to all! I don't know if this is the correct place to ask this question(s) or not, so forgive me if not in the correct category.
I will be retiring in 3 years. I have been researching full timing in an RV for about a year now. I really like the idea of having the capability of being able to move around. I am thinking that I won't "travel" that much but rather find a location and stay a month or two then go to the next location. Will definitely follow the warmth and be in Florida for winters. I just can't decide in what. I am leaning toward a used class a gas motor home, in the 35' range. My current vehicle is towable on a dolly. I really don't want to buy a big truck to pull something. I am by myself. Here is some other info on me:
1) Plan on being debt free at retirement. This includes having either a toad or tow vehicle paid off by then.
2) Looking at spending $35,000 to $50,000 on what ever I decide to get. Will pay cash.
3) Will have approximately $2,000.00 a month for social security coming in.
4) Will have approximately an additional $25,000.00 in savings after purchasing the RV.
5) I am NOT handy repairing anything mechanical ie; engines.
Here are my questions:
1) Is it bad for a motor home to sit for a month or two? I have considered buying a park model home but I want the option to move around.
2) Is living full time in a motor home doable on $2,000.00 a month? Please remember I am alone, no other person or pets to consider. I don't have a lavish lifestyle, don't eat out very often, stay pretty much at home now.
Thank you for all your expertise advise in advance.
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12-11-2017, 11:57 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 5 miles south of Lakeville, Mn
Posts: 3,046
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I have friends doing just that. Not sure what amount they have to live on, but most campgrounds offer monthly rates and if you don't need to reside in the ritzy place, rent shouldn't be a problem. How you live is up to you.
Now the MH. If you plan to tow a toad, just get one with enough power to tow it well. Then it's all up to how much you want to pay for one.
We like our DP and would hate to down size, but we could.
__________________
Jim and Carol Cooper with Oreo the Kitty
FAA ATC ret, VFW, AL, VVA, NRA
US Army Aviation, MACV Vietnam 65-66
2012 Journey 36M, Cummings 360hp
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12-11-2017, 02:40 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Mariposa, CA
Posts: 3,926
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rollindown
I will be retiring in 3 years.
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How old will you be when you retire?
__________________
2003 - 2010: 2004 35' National RV Sea Breeze LX 8341
2010 - 2021: 2001 41' Newmar Mountain Aire 4095
2021 - ???? : 2001 31' National RV Sea View 8311
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12-11-2017, 03:42 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: FT on the Road
Posts: 3,829
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2k a month is low. Have you looked at the cost of health insurance?
Not being able to fix things your self will get expensive pretty quick. Things go wrong quite a bit.
Places to stay in FL during the winter are expensive.
It really depends on how you intend of living. Do a little more due diligence. Like - check on CGs in FL now where you might want to stay. Check medical insurance costs for wherever you will have your domicile. Read a bunch more on rvers budgets. They are all over this site and plenty of others on personal blogs.
Not trying to talk you out of it just giving a reality check.
I am single, brand new rv, do all my own maintenance and work and my budget is 40k/year.
__________________
I don't subscribe to threads I reply to so will not see your reply to my comment. Drop me a direct message if you want a reply from me.
Cheers!
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12-11-2017, 03:47 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rollindown
2) Is living full time in a motor home doable on $2,000.00 a month? Please remember I am alone, no other person or pets to consider. I don't have a lavish lifestyle, don't eat out very often, stay pretty much at home now.
Thank you for all your expertise advise in advance.
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What is your current age? Did you check that SS amount on the web site?
Generally, no $2,000 is not enough.
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12-11-2017, 05:00 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 16
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I will be 65 when I retire. A reality check is what I am looking for. I don't want to get into something only to discover I can't afford it.
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12-11-2017, 08:59 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Mariposa, CA
Posts: 3,926
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rollindown
I will be 65 when I retire. A reality check is what I am looking for. I don't want to get into something only to discover I can't afford it.
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I asked your age because of health insurance. However, you'll be on Medicare, right? If so, one full timer "hurdle" has been removed.
On the other hand, $2000/month isn't much. Gas, food, lodging, etc add up.
You might consider work camping. Here's one resource: Workamper.
Also, since there's only one of you, consider a Class C. With you're limited budget, you should be able to start with a better (later model) unit as opposed to a Class A. Check out PPL Motorhomes.
Finally, plan on not spending a dime of that $25K you have because sh*t happens on the road and you want that "nut" as long as possible.
Good luck!
__________________
2003 - 2010: 2004 35' National RV Sea Breeze LX 8341
2010 - 2021: 2001 41' Newmar Mountain Aire 4095
2021 - ???? : 2001 31' National RV Sea View 8311
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12-12-2017, 03:25 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 16
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Thank you for all your replies. I guess I am going to have to ditch the idea of full timing and come up with a different plan. I don't want to get into something where I have to worry every month about not having enough money. I am currently a property manager and get a free apartment plus they pay my electric. I do plan on being debt free at retirement. I could work until I am 66 but it would only mean another $125 or so per month in social security.
Would having a truck and either a TT or 5th wheel be any less?
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12-12-2017, 10:20 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Alpine Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Traveling in North America
Posts: 2,248
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The rig isn't your problem, it is the monthly income. If you said it would be $3000 a month, then as a single person, it would be doable. I know there are people that will tell you you can live on $2K a month, but that would be more existing than living. Work camping in exchange for a site might be a good fit, but that would usually mean 3 months in a spot before moving.
__________________
Barbara & David O'Keeffe
Figment II (Alpine 2002 36 MDDS)
On The Road since 2006
Blog
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12-12-2017, 11:53 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Mariposa, CA
Posts: 3,926
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Looking for permission?
__________________
2003 - 2010: 2004 35' National RV Sea Breeze LX 8341
2010 - 2021: 2001 41' Newmar Mountain Aire 4095
2021 - ???? : 2001 31' National RV Sea View 8311
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12-12-2017, 12:08 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 16
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Not looking for permission, just want a handle on everything. I don't NEED anyone's permission to do anything, that's one of the reasons I'm single and have been for a long time.
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12-12-2017, 12:14 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 3,133
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The high cost of living is a real concern, how many are just one paycheck away from......I think workcamping is in your future-flexible and once you travel around you will be exposed to situations that will fit your expectations. Try it, you'll like it....or you will learn why you don't, either way, you win!
__________________
Bill, Kathi and Zorro; '05 Beaver Patriot Thunder
2012 Sunnybrook Harmony 21FBS (SQEZINN)
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
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12-12-2017, 12:24 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,569
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I know of one campground in Michigan that only costs $1000 for May-Jun. If you found a few places like that I think you could do it.
__________________
1996 Tioga Class C
2007 Monaco Diplomat 40 PDQ
TOAD 2012 Cadillac SRX 4
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12-12-2017, 11:09 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Fairbanks, Ak
Posts: 718
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You can do it by using good money management skills, plan on boondocking or work camping for your site, travel less and live frugal. If you are able to live on that now then there should not be a concern. I would make sure to put in to savings, anything left each month, to cover a major expense. What you buy won't make much difference other than your comfort and camp spot selection. Maybe a little more gas since instead of a toad you will have a truck.
If you want to do it I think you could.
__________________
Kip and Kirby the Wonder Dog
2014 F250 XL 6.2L
2018 ORV 280RKS
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