New Single Dad with tons of RV questions!

[Jharris1979]

Single dad in South Florida really excited about the idea of a moveable home base for my son and I. I have done well in real estate and for once I took some time and spent the whole summer w my son in Georgia. We houseboated, hiked over 100miles and I truly had the best time of my life. He is almost 10 and I've gone back to long hours and hes back to school but these young years are short and it's just us two. I'm wondering why Im paying 1500 in rent every month and building no equity. I have a 2010 Yukon Xl bought and paid for, more than enough savings to purchase any travel trailer that I could tow..... I am young, and so is my son. Why can't we live in an upscale RV park every weekday and be weekend warriors every weekend? See something new while we can? I have no realistic idea of the cost and while I plan to own the trailer and i do own the tow vehicle.....what costs can I expect from full time trailer living? And am i dreaming or does it make sense that these years are precious and memories are priceless? I had such a wonderful time this summer just camping and hiking and being w my boy that I'd like to recreate that experience all year when possible. What am I missing folks?

[SarahW]

Howdy and welcome! Sounds like a great plan to me; your son is a lucky kid.

[Jharris1979]

I'm the lucky one, he's a great kid and I'm blessed to be in a position to even consider this. Most people just try and get by like my family did growing up. We have an opportunity to really get out and explore this life. I'm just wondering what unforeseen costs and problems I can expect switching from apt to RV life.

[historyljc]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Sounds like a plan. Why don't you do it?

[clyon51]

Go for it! RV parks in So. Fl are more expensive then say central Fl. However, much cheaper than $1500 @ month. We pay a monthly rate of $500 + elec around Orlando in the peak winter season. Rates are always cheaper in the off season everywhere.

You'll of course have some extra fuel expenses depending on how far and how often you leave the home base but, certainly not a concern!

The only negative I would even bring up is less living and storage space. That's just a normal part of RVing though and would be no concern of mine doing what you are about to do. You and your son will cherish these years for the rest of your lives!

[Steve N Sal]

Howdy and welcome to the forum. Glad you are having a great time together.

[DBOL]

[QUOTe) I have done well in real estate I'm wondering why Im paying 1500 in rent every month and building no equity.... I am young, and so is my son. Why can't we live in an upscale RV parkwhat costs can I expect from full time trailer living?

Key words here Equity,Rent,Young,Son 10,RV park,Cost and Full Time!

First you deal in realistate and have none of your own tohave equity,Second you will have no equity build up with a RV of any kind just cost with new not much for a while and living in RV park up or down scale will be problem for 10 year old dealing with "Us OLD Folk's" we would love kid at first,but older folk,s become less patient with the antics of the young and like peace and quiet,bad ideal for every day living great ideal for Summers,week ends and when ever,yes being with Son very good,but Kids need Kids and hard to find in a Park.RENT buyand build equity for you and your Son

[Gadget63]

Hello there! Welcome to the forums!

[Bigd9]

Try it for as long as it last. WE traveled extensively with our daughters and it was what memories are made of. Now grandkids are wanting to enjoy camping like Mommy did with us. Just keep in mind some of the great comments already made in this thread. Also remember it won't be but a eye blink in time before your son doesn't want to be away from his friends. You will need to be prepared for that.

What ever you do, enjoy him, love him, take plenty of pictures, and have a great time.

[Scarab0088]

~This is my experience only...I'm no Family expert, but it somewhat worked for me~

I was a single Dad for all of my 2 boys pre-teen childhood. I will strongly echo the thought about kids wanting friends their own age and wanting to be as settled as possible.

Before getting custody, I seriously looked at getting a home on wheels (my preference), but when the kids came to live permanently with me (with professional advise) I took a step back from my RV plan and got a house for the kids. We still did the tent and rental "Scamp" thing on weekends (great times!).

These are significant years in his life, so my experience is (take the advice of childhood development experts) put him first and try to be as settled as you can. In out society, settled means a purchased or rental house in a community with LOTS of families. Best of luck with your son. If you make good decisions now you may be able to avoid regrets later.

BTW, dating while being a single Dad is a strange thing. It's VERY hard, but if you put your son first and be patient, you might just find the right partner.

[MSHappyCampers]

Welcome to IRV2! We're really glad you joined the group! It sounds like you've got it figured out! What a wonderful way to raise a young son! I would make one suggestion though. You will get better results on your future questions if you post them over in the appropriate areas of the forum. Not too many folks hang out here. Good luck, have fun, and God bless!

[Jharris1979]

Ok thanks for the honesty

[Jharris1979]

It was overwhelmingly supportive and please understand I have no ridiculous ideas of being a nomad with a young child. We both have roots in the community, mine being a business and my son school and sports but I appreciate the kindred spirits who value experience and memories over equity and home ownership. We'll give it a shot.

[John H...]

J, welcome to the forum and I think you have to do what feels right for you and your son. If traveling and camping on weekends does it then by all means do it. He may change when he gets older, but will always remember "the trips Dad and I made when I was young"....