Fulltiming with kids

Topic: Fulltiming with kids (Read 19 times) previous topic - next topic

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February 09, 2016, 10:07:22 am

Catherine, you don't say if you have previous RV experience, but these websites may provide some good information through the experiences of others who have, and are, fulltiming with children. (The RV choices of the larger families might be of particular interest.)

http://fulltimefamilies.com/

http://www.familiesontheroad.com/

http://worldschooladventures.com/other-traveling-families/

http://www.kelloggshow.com/

https://ditchingsuburbia.com/resources/fulltime-rving-families

I understand the appeal of "smaller", and I definitely understand the desire for adventure, but, IMO, with two adults and four kids, I suggest that small spaces will get *very* small, *very* quickly, particularly when weather and other circumstances limit or exclude time spent outside. The "stuff" requirements (even held to a minimum) of six people and the equipment and supplies needed to sustain same will definitely strain the weight limits, tank capacities, riding/sleeping area space, and general "moving around" room of a 27', and in a 31', the load would very likely be WELL over the gvwr.

As ever, YMMV. Good luck to you.

Joan

Re: Fulltiming with kids

Reply #1 – February 09, 2016, 11:41:12 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158641

Thanks, Joan. We have NO RV experience. Camping, off-road with our land cruiser and defender, yes. Full time RVing, no.

We are preparing for what seems to me like two different trips, traveling the US over three months, where size, electricity, camp sites aren't really a problem. And Central & South America, where many of the blogs I read recommend deisel, min electronics, good clearance and smaller vehicles.

Not having previous RV exp, I'm really open to consider anything.

Thank you for the links! Btw, what does YMMV mean?

Cathy

Re: Fulltiming with kids

Reply #2 – February 09, 2016, 11:51:11 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158642

YMMV = "Your Mileage May Vary". In other words, what works for one person may not work for others. ;-)

Joan

Re: Fulltiming with kids

Reply #3 – February 09, 2016, 02:33:36 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158647

Cathy, a group member named Tessa Hill has a blog to which she posted her travels with her children in her Lazy Daze: Fast blog help- Index - Texas Travel Blog

Chris

Re: Fulltiming with kids

Reply #4 – February 09, 2016, 11:00:31 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158662

Hi Cathy -
I'd also add my voice to the chorus suggesting that any Lazy Daze is going to be very small for a family of 6 for an extended period of time. Our family of 5 owns a MB unit and has traveled for up to 3 months at a time.
IMO, it's a wonderful way to travel but a rough way to live with a crew that size.
For an extended trip with that many people, you pretty much need to count on outside space for living areas. That means chasing good weather and comfortable surroundings. You will have trouble fitting multiple seasons of clothing for everyone. Water and Waste Tanks get small fast when you are dealing with that many showers.
School adds another level of needs when it comes to storage space and work space.
My suggestion might be to try and find a 15 passenger van and a towable with a bunkhouse.
Another site to mention when it comes to LD's and family travel is http://www.cross-country-trips.com

Good Luck Rich '03 MB in NC

Re: Fulltiming with kids

Reply #5 – February 10, 2016, 12:49:04 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158665

Cathy

Consider renting several different size RVs for a few long weekends and see for yourself if RVing, in general, and what size rig might be best for you. Make sure to take lots and lots of gear and food, to get an better idea of what it is like living in a loaded rig. It's a lot different than looking at empty rigs at RV shows.

Taking a long trip, with your family, can be a wonderful experience or it could be the trip from hell.
Many are attracted by the romance of hitting the road but find the actual experience is a little different than what they expected. Buying an old, undersized rig will not add to the fun.

Since you are looking at older RVs, if and when you do find the RV of your dreams, it would be smart have it inspected top to bottom by a qualified mechanic and a RV tech to find some of the hidden defects that the majority of older RVs have.
It will cost a few hundred upfront but could save you many thousands of dollar in repairs.
It's not unusual to find hidden damage that can cost more to repair than what an older RV is worth.
Leaking windows or the roof can destroy the wood framing if the leak is not fixed and the framing properly dried out. Rot repair can be extremely expensive.
Many of these problems are not noticed by the untrained eye, especially when the rig has a lot of 'curb' appeal and you really want to buy an RV.
This is a very similar experience to buying real house.

Also budget several thousand dollars to take care of items that may need replacement or repair, such as tires, batteries, refrigerators (yes, they start fail after 8-10 years-$1500), roof resealing, and all the 'unseen' problems, plus whatever upgrades you may want to make.
A good inspection should point out many of these items.
RVing is not a cheap lifestyle, budget accordingly.

Larry

Toy Hauler Conversion Recommendation...Re: [LD] Re: Fulltiming with

Reply #6 – February 11, 2016, 05:52:33 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158710

...not to nag, but to tag to previous comment...we met a young couple with 4 boys & baby girl full timing...Dad was a remote software nerd for a German company...Mom home school, etc.
...they planned for a year or so, selling their Kentucky home & everything...had a semi-custom "big & heavy duty" toy hauler build...hooked it to a Mega Cab Dodge with the Cummings Diesel, a major power horse...I know I owned one and pulled heavy Desert Fox Toy Hauler by Northwoods Manuf'r...they are we'll build rigs that are even good on dirt, gravel backcountry roads as they can come with big wheels, etc. for ground clearance...probably needed in countries to the south...need to beef up leaf springs et al...
...why the toy hauler?...they had the toy hauler rear, "garage" converted into 4 bunk beds with nooks for the boys homework & sundries plus clothes storage, etc.
...Dad often worked sitting in the truck cab or outside if weather permitted.
...they had been out about a year & we're very happy with their setup...they often stay at RV parks for showers & laundry plus safe play space...however they were doing some backcountry out USA west.
...be careful if you do shop toy haulers, most are junk & unsafe to drive especially the light weight ones in strong winds plus the cheap frames bend...Desert Fox haulers are well built with reasonable price points...they are making some bigger rigs these days...can always have a cabinet shop detail bunks, etc.
...it is nice to be able to disconnect for local touring, grocery & other shopping, medical, normal living trips, etc...
...oh!...the other major reason this family chose this arrangement, when traveling their precious children were seat belted in the heavy duty, Mega Cab Truck...think they had a bench seat up front, not sure? ...we liked our toy hauler traveling with only one child as the interior had high ceilings for open feeling & upper bunk with sit up & play space including our daughter's doggie.
...hope these thoughts help, best, Vaughn