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In my past life of showing and field trialing Labrador Retrievers, there was a good deal of camping involved. Mostly at different state fairgrounds. However, with the influx and mass popularity of camping, all I read are complaints about the camping fees, and the lack of sites, the lack of amenities, the quality or lack thereof, of the roads, etc and of course, the higher than believable, cost of gas. I just don't understand the draw in selling your home to hit the road in a more-than-expensive RV and driving all over the country. It seems that it is something "to do" for those who might be retiring and yet, hasn't been thought out completely. As we age, don't we need stability a bit more....physicians, surgeons, family proximity....I know I have to be missing something and I haven't even touched on the safety of a lot of naive folks out on the road with little to zero protection for themselves.
... I just don't understand the draw in selling your home to hit the road in a more-than-expensive RV and driving all over the country.
... It seems that it is something "to do" for those who might be retiring and yet, hasn't been thought out completely.
Most people will agree with you. The folks who frequent RV sites? Not so much.
Full-timing doesn't make much sense to us. The huge majority of campers are not built to last with that kind of usage, especially if they're being moved frequently. I mean, I love our camper but after a total of about 400 nights on the road it's showing a good bit of wear and tear and there have been a couple pricey repairs.
We just want to be gone 5 to 7 months a year and home the rest. It sucks to spend money maintaining a house while you're not there to enjoy it, but having a home base to return to makes it worthwhile.
I had my rig for 14 years. It was a 34 foot class A with 2 slide outs. I drove it 40,000 miles. Drove it to 34 states and quite a few provinces. The last years, it was my only home. There was no home to go back to.
It is not a lifestyle for everyone. But I can tell you that I saw more amazing places in a year than some people will see in their lifetime. I did most of the famous national parks. I hit quite a few lesser known national monuments.
I found living on the road was less expensive when compared to apartment living in Maryland. I usually stayed in each location for a month. That got me the lowest per night rate. Paid $440 for the month to spend it in Tombstone, AZ. I was 2 miles from all the action in downtown Tombstone. Many other places ran $600 - $800 a month including electricity.
I volunteered a few times with various state parks. I gave them a few hours of labor. I got a full hook up site for free. I enjoyed interacting with the staff and various campers.
I did preventive maintenance every other year on the rig. I'd get a hotel room or house sit for someone.
My rig was purchased used. I can say that I got enough enjoyment and satisfaction out of it to cover the cost of the purchase. I had that rig in Fairbanks, Alaska all the way down to the Florida Keys.
Here's a link to my post on here about full time RVing: link
Like anything else in life, check it out thoroughly before you dive in the deep end. And if you do take the plunge, good luck.
Also to consider is that it's a possible inexpensive alternative to the many aging boomers priced out of housing in some areas. There are a lot of used Class A and large travel trailers sitting around unused and for sale at 10K or less. One can park at a campground with long term spaces or negotiate with a homeowner on a larger tract of land to lease electric-water-septic access and stay parked with a vehicle for errands etc.
Also to consider is that it's a possible inexpensive alternative to the many aging boomers priced out of housing in some areas. There are a lot of used Class A and large travel trailers sitting around unused and for sale at 10K or less. One can park at a campground with long term spaces or negotiate with a homeowner on a larger tract of land to lease electric-water-septic access and stay parked with a vehicle for errands etc.
If a person did that as a permanent site, it would have to be somewhere with very mild winters. Campers are not built for the cold.
I agree. With rising prices on rent, taxes, food, etc. It's an alternative many may consider. As for climate, the Southern states may be the best solution. Plus, these types of homes can be insulated to be more comfortable.
Many of us are on fixed incomes and unable to afford rising prices. I have seen a greater interest in tiny home communities and this may be a solution for a lot of us. It's a matter of regulations and what can be achieved with these type of communities but may be a viable solution.
I stealth-camp everywhere, there's a bit of a learning curve there, bu it beats $80 a night at motels. Economics is my main objective.
As for long-term, most states have towns where a safe apartment can be rented for under $1,000 a month, which is less per night than camping fees at state parks.
I stealth-camp everywhere, there's a bit of a learning curve there, bu it beats $80 a night at motels. Economics is my main objective.
As for long-term, most states have towns where a safe apartment can be rented for under $1,000 a month, which is less per night than camping fees at state parks.
Errrr, not so much in 2023. Towns as stated versus cities perhaps, but that's far from ideal for retirees needing varying services and decent healthcare nearby.
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