Hesitant of full-timing...

[Wild2RV]

Who had a spouse that was initially hesitant about the idea of a full-time RV lifestyle but found they now really love it? What was their hesitation and what changed it?

[Barbaraok]

If both people are positive about this lifestyle, it probably will not work. Prodding, etc., someone into fulltime will usually result in the couple being off the road within three years.

Why not talk about doing a little RVing to get an idea of what it is about, not fulltiming, just another way to travel and see the country. Then discuss whether it is something BOTH want to do fulltime.

Barb

[vsheetz]

Agree with Barb. Try part timimg and extended length trips for awhile then decide if full time is for you both

[AudiDudi]

DW would sell the stix and brix in a heart beat and go mostly full time.

We currently do 6+ months in our 5'er in AZ in the winter and then at least another month in various trips in the motor home during the summer.

She'd be happy with an acre or two with a shop for me to play in and store things for somewhere to spend summers when not traveling.

[twogypsies]

Agree.... both parties need to want to full-time otherwise it probably will not work. The first few things that go wrong and it will be too easy to say "See, I told you so". You might want to try a long extended trip - months or a winter season to see how it goes. Keep in mind that full-timing is a lifestyle, not being on a constant vacation. Things will definitely go wrong and you'll have many days of being 'stuck' with your spouse in a small area. You both have to be onboard for accepting various issues. Also, the ones that don't succeed are those you can't give up their possessions or need to be constantly in close proximity to the kids. It's an awesome lifestyle if it works for both of you!

[Wild2RV]

Thanks for the replies. I've seen many comments from those that were looking forward to RVing and confirmed it once they were able. My real question is for those that were somewhat leery of the idea but then found themselves loving it and what was it that convinced them.


It's more of a curiosity thing.

[Barbaraok]

Originally Posted by Wild2RV

Thanks for the replies. I've seen many comments from those that were looking forward to RVing and confirmed it once they were able. My real question is for those that were somewhat leery of the idea but then found themselves loving it and what was it that convinced them.


It's more of a curiosity thing.

They didn't make it, that's why you don't see them responding. This is not an easy life, there can be problems (try breaking down in Rawlins, WY) and if you are not sold on this, then the trials/tribulations will push you off the road.

[FLJOE]

Even if both think they want to go full time I think you almost have to take an entire summer and hit the road. It is one thing to dream about it but another thing to actually do it.

We had went back to part time and purchased a home. We loved our pool home in SW Florida. After a couple years we planned a summer long trip out west and was gone about 4 months. When leaving the Black Hills we began talking about how much we missed being full time. By the time we got home we had finalized plans to sell everything and return to full timing.

No one knows how they will like this lifestyle until they actually do it.

[Mr_D]

I was set to go full time years ago, then the step daughter died and we ended up with two grandkids to raise. Youngest leaves for college Aug 16,. Leaving me free to travel. However, in the meantime the DW died so I don't need her blessing on full timing. The thing was she loved her gardens and flowers so it would have been a fight to leave the stick house.

[1bigmess]

If you don't know what your spouse wants, or doesn't want, and you think that saying "Well, this worked for a total stranger on the internet" is gonna change their mind, you might need some help in learning to listen and/or communicate.

If you can go on trips in the RV, and they get longer and more satisfying, but the spouse still doesn't want to full time, than they don't want to full time.

[Flanz]

We’ve owned a few coaches over the last 26yrs or so and have always enjoyed being on the road for vacations and weekends during our working years. Twenty or so years ago we dreamed of full timing and traveling the country. We also had a plan to retire at 55, and we did. Well, two years ago we sold everything. Bought the coach in our signature below and have been traveling the country with no end insight.

Now has all this been one big giant picnic......NO, but the bride and I have been together for 40yrs and know how to work with each other when there’s a problem or we hit a rough patch. We also planned for this by saving and investing our money so that this wouldn’t be an issue on the road OR when we decided to get off the road. I think this is a must and both parties need to understand and agree on it.

We didn’t have to try to convince one another to do this. We just looked at each other four years ago and said, we’re outta here and put our plan in motion to be on the road in two years. Life’s too short, but this is definitely not for everyone.

If you want it, go for it!

[BillL]

In the beginning....DW was convinced we could never RV. We rented a Class C for two weeks and had a great time. A few years later we bought a 31’ Class A. Most of our trips were long weekends. We did do a month long trip in this coach. We moved up to a 35’ coach. We went from one month to four. We’re up to five months at a time in our third coach. We just sold our sticks and bricks and are living full time until we decided if we want to relocate or keep going full time.
We both love the life style. We volunteer at a NWR all winter. The first winter long trip we kept checking with each other if all was going well. The second winter we didn’t even ask.
I’m really glad we rented an RV to try it out. That trip showed we could do it A seed was planted and it grew. The more we were in the RV, the more we loved the lifestyle. Was there one defining moment? I’m not sure. It seems like it was a series of enjoyable experiences that made RVing for us.

[Fiesta48]

My wife 8 years ago had to have another house closer to children. 3 years later we sold it. 8 years later we are still full timing even after inheriting a house 2 years ago. The house is only for doctor visits and servicing vehicles for as short of time as possible.
Bucket list is visiting every state, Nat park, rv park, and road in the US.

[Wild2RV]

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

My wife 8 years ago had to have another house closer to children. 3 years later we sold it. 8 years later we are still full timing even after inheriting a house 2 years ago. The house is only for doctor visits and servicing vehicles for as short of time as possible.
Bucket list is visiting every state, Nat park, rv park, and road in the US.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. While recognizing everyone has their own preferences, your comments are encouraging.