Why Don't More People Full-time?

[Jackm]

Gaylord Maxwell, a long-time columnist for Motorhome Magazine passed away last year. He was a good man. Interestingly, his last column was essentially an appeal for people to try full-time RVing.

Considering the numerous advantages of an adventurous life on the road, why do you suppose so few people actually become full-time RVers?

I’m not looking for the downside to full-time RVing. I’m simply wondering why more people don’t give it a try. Thanks for your opinions.

Jack

[Chickadee]

Hi Jack:

Ya know....we've been fulltiming since 05 and we're beginning to discover that we think there are MORE folks fulltiming than we too first thought and I'm not talking about folks who have hung on to a home/residence and "stuff" somewhere who just travel alot, but those who have ONLY their rig and wander this great N. American continent.

I've wondered how, but simply don't know HOW we'd ever be able to do a reliable survey/poll that would give us a good picture of how many fulltimers there really are out here. It would be fun (and perhaps useful) to know.

Steve & Lynette

[Rich_in_Tampa]

Can't speak for others, but the question strikes me as a little one-sided. Most nonfull-timers ask, "how can anyone live in a 400 square foot bus without a 'real' home?"

For us a permanent brick home is important because of cherished family possessions, dear friends we see often, familiar places, trustworthy medical care, prime city location just right for our lifestyle, etc. etc.

We enjoy RVing and hope to do a lot of it (including the rolling condo thing so we can visit distant grandkids and kids at our leisure without imposing on them). Our mix of RV and fixed homes is right for us.

I make no judgment about those who may have other ideas and dreams. If you are happy with your decision re: full-timing, most-of-the-timing, or once-in-a-whileing it's all good.

[MaverickBBD]

There is always that ugly "W" word (work) for some. As one who is starting the countdown to full timing, I feel a need to hang on to sticks and bricks for the following reasons: 1) A fall back in case full timing isn't for us after testing the waters". 2) There are just some things that can be better down on the motor home inside my shop. 3) Elderly father . Hopefully all will work as planned/anticipated and can be gone for indefinite periods.

[Jim Stewart]

My DW and I retired in 1997 and sold it all or stored it. After 4 years, I became bored and wanted something challenging to do. We ended up in Florida and started a new business. Maybe we were too young when we started 47 and 51. She would have stayed with it forever. I was going nuts.

Well it's almost nine years after we started our business and we are ready to retire again. This time, we will keep the sticks and bricks and travel to New Mexico to go through the 8000 lbs of stuff we have had in storage for almost 13 years. We will keep what we want and dispose of the rest. I think for many, it is a comparison to what you did and what you want to do.

Very few people full-time forever and it is a progression for most. After you have seen that, done that, you tend to sit for longer periods and travel less. At a point in time you seem to drift to your favorites. When you end up spending most of your time in one or two places, you start to accumulate more stuff.

For most, there comes a time where the RV becomes a home most of the time and an RV for brief periods. When that happens, a home tends to look more attractive.

Just my opinions and observations.

[Jackm]

Rich,

The question isn't one-sided. It's simply a question. I'm not passing judgement on those that full-time or those that don't. It's clear from participating in these forums for a number of years that many RVers aspire to become full-timers. Yet in actuality, few pull it off. My question relates to the reason for this pattern. Nothing more. Thanks again.

Jack

[ldsord]

My wife

[Rich_in_Tampa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackm The question isn't one-sided. It's simply a question. I'm not passing judgement on those that full-time or those that don't.

I totally understand, Jack. Your question was a good one. I didn't mean "one sided" in a judgmental sense either, only in the sense that it's a tough decision and certainly not a slam dunk in favor of one "side" or the other - that is, it's not an obvious decision.

Like many here, we discussed the full-time possibility early in our RV decision days. It is definitely appealing and we tossed it around for quite a while. I imagine it could even happen some day, though we're not planning on it. But maybe if the house sells, and we are in no hurry to downsize or need a break, or meet some friends who are full-timers, etc.

Best,
Rich

[kenyonman]

I've lived in sticks and bricks most of my life. Last year we moved to MD and instead of buying a house we up graded the RV from a 77 minni winni to an 06 Damon Challenger 37'. I still work full time plus 1 retirement income, and plan to work a few more years. The wife and I love the RV and really are in no hurry to purchase. We may end up just up grading every few years. Yes the winters are a bummer (note my avatar last winter) but we still arn't ready to go back to the bricks.

[Jackm]

Thanks Rich. Since we started living in a motorhome in 2004, we've run into an unusually wide range of reactions from others. On one hand, many people seem to understand our need for adventure and new experiences. On the other hand, others have occasionally described our nomadic lifestyle as slightly reckless and personally perplexing.

In truth, people have been living "on the road" since time began. Some stay in houseboats, a few live in motels, and others live in RVs. For us, its a way to get out of the cold and see the world. We never planned to full time for this long and have constantly been surprised at how rewarding it often is. But that's another issue. Thanks again. Keep the comments coming.

Jack

[Ray,IN]

We had plans to full-time, but; 14 Grandchildren, one elderly frail mother,= stay put.

[Stickdog]

We plan on giving it a go in about two years when I retire. We don't look on it as permanent but will do it as long as we enjoy it. Won't know how long that is till were out there.
Why more don't do it? Number one I would think is missing family.

[Barbaraok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN We had plans to full-time, but; 14 Grandchildren, one elderly frail mother,= stay put.

Why are your plans less important than others? All to often we neglect ourselves because we think we must be available 24/7 for others. While an elderly parent may need more frequent visits, one should not derail plans because of grandchildren - in fact, traveling and being able to join the grandparents in different places would be a plus for any grandchild.

Barb

[Bruce and Jenna]

We meet a surprising number of people who envy or admire our FT choice. Some aspire, most don't. Easiest answer - most people choose the conventional life, packed with stuff.

And don't forget that full time life is not easy. It requires far more house maintenance on a daily basis than stix. How much time did you devote to your septic or electrical systems in a house or apartment? Towing? And planning, or not knowing, where you would sleep tonight. Most of us consider this a challenge and an adventure, but it's also a risk and a burden.