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Topic: For Lazy Daze full-timers: Why do you full-time? (Read 347 times) previous topic - next topic
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For Lazy Daze full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Yahoo Message Number: 157531
Hi all!
I mostly lurk reading all the wonderful posts here, but I have a question.
I've been reading about full-timing here, there and everywhere, for about a year now.  One thing I've noticed is that, for some, over time, their reason for full-timing has changed from their initial motivation.  For many, a sense of freedom seems to be the ubiquitous catalyst to full-timing while, for others, it was a growing dissatisfaction with being inextricably linked to a 9-5 (8-12) job they didn't like.  How have your reasons for full-timing changed over time, if they've changed at all?  I'm hoping it will be all I hope for when I hit the road.  My initial plan is to join a rock club, go rock hunting across the US and take online gemology courses.  Not very exciting, but it is what it is. :-)
The full-timers in this forum seem to have a real sense of balance and success surrounding their full-time lives, so I couldn't think of a better place to ask about this!  I appreciate your insight.

Mimi
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157535
There is nice article in Jan. 2016 issue of MotorHome called "At Home on the Road" by Emily Fagan.  The article describes the various challenges and benefits of "going full time."  If you don't subscribe to that magazine, perhaps you can find it.  Hope this helps.

Ed & Margee Fort Worth
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157537
Mimi, I have been full timing in my LD for a little over 4 years. My Wife died of cancer, my kids kept coming to me for money, and other things just told me to get away. I bought an LD from the wife of the original owner. He had passed on and it was sitting for over a year.

I worked full time for the phone company many years and hitting the road sounded good. Was tired of the routine over the years.  I had owned other RV's in the past that had problems with plumbing and electrical so I researched and decided on the LD. Thru this group I met Larry Wade and he did many upgrades to my rig. IMO a properly equipped RV is a very appealing lifestyle to full time in but it's not for everyone. If you have a sense of just wanting to be free and go as you will you can't beat it. If you need an anchor then you will regret it.

People asked me when I retired what was the plan. I said not to have one was the best way for me. I like being free to go as I will and think for myself. I was inspired by people like Andy Baird. Free thinkers rock.

bobmoore14
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157538
Thank you!  I'll check it out.  I'm trying to figure out of it's a good path for me to take.  I thought if I could find out from others how things have changed from starting out to today, it might help.
 It was all you wonderful adventurers in here that convinced me that Lazy Daze was for me!  I'm a little on the fence about full-timing yet, but I hope not for long.  Andy and others have had a huge impact on me.  I like the idea of living a more interesting life, as Andy says.

Thanks again. I'll look up "At Home on the Road".

Mimi

Mimi
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157539
Bob, I'm sorry to hear about your wife.  I know how hard that can be. I recently lost my Mom. Love my son, but a little distance wouldn't hurt.  For the first time in my life, I have nothing keeping me here.  I'm just reminded of something Dan Aykroyd said to me after signing my bottles of his Vodka.  After calling me an ignorant slut :-) he smiled and said, "Have fun."  That what I want to do and I know I can't do that if I stay here.
 You're a lucky man Bob.  Living on your terms, no one to interfere.  Peace, space, good company.  That's what I'm after.  Do I need to full-time to find that?  Maybe.  I would certainly find much better neighbors!
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157541
As I get older I do feel like a lucky man. Don't know who said it but better to love and lost than never have loved at all. The LD makes an excellent home for a road junkie like me.
I have a rack on it now to bring my little Honda along. When I get my Jeep back it will get transferred to its hitch.

IMO you have to be somewhat of a Vagabond to enjoy the full time RV lifestyle. It is a good/bad scenario.  You will be worried about emptying tanks, getting fresh water, and sometimes pampering yourself with a real shower or bath. It's all possible. It comes down to a state of mind, and sometimes some good wine. But the means to explore out way the negatives in some people. Easiest way is all in your attitude. I have made more friends in my 4+ years full timing then my 40+ years in corporate America. That tells me something.

bobmoore14

Time to make some taco's
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157542
Bob, Did you work for PT&T or another phone co. I retired in 2005 from what was then QWEST.

Jan/Scottsdale AZ.
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157543
I agree with that saying!  How wonderful to have experienced that.  Road junkie?  I like that.  Somehow it goes perfectly with Free thinkers rock!
 I guess I'd tow my Element, but I think I'd rather have a Jeep.  What do you mean by a rack for your Honda?
 I think I have a little vagabond in me!  I agree with you. Worrying about water and such is nothing when there are so many wonderful places to see and so many great people to meet.  Every time I see a picture of a meet-up everyone is always smiling. There is happiness in RVing!
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157545
Jan, I worked for Pacific Telephone which became AT&T. Also MCI and went in business for myself awhile after they made me a manager. Didn't like the stress or working hours.
But they did me a favor in the end because I realized they didn't care about people, only profits. So I left.

Took a nice long trip to Baja in my SOB at the time. Used to catch fish in the Sea Of Cortez and give it to the locals. This is the rack I was referring to:http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-carrier/p/AMC-400/?CID=PSC-PLA-Google-AMC-400-motorcycle-carriers&st-t=google-motorcycle-carriers&vt-pti=94635050662&vt-k=&vt-m=&CAWELAID=820562990000010230&CAGPSPN=pla&trkid=V3ADW216784_17195639302_pla-94635050662__85793726662_g_c_pla_&gclid=CjwKEAiAy7SzBRD_lv7quOnr6XUSJAAOLkW6hvIG--YF7MWS8d-OVea_4N9IuU1LsZ1ab9D0HZegVhoCT7Lw_wcB

It fits in any 2" receiver and works well for light bikes. There are better racks out there now so I may replace it.

bobmoore14
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157546
Mimi,

I've been a solo fulltimer since the purchase of my RB Lazy Daze twelve years ago.  I love the confined and efficient coach and dependable chassis; I love the Lazy Daze community; I love the 148,000 miles of adventures I've experienced.  BUT!  I also love having a home base to return to periodically.  I bought my membership in the Escapee Co-Op,  Park of the Sierras, five years ago as those miles kept creeping upward on the odometer, and I realized the need to slow down.

You might consider a membership in one of the Escapee co-ops where you can pause, recharge your batteries and then hit the road when the season is just right for whatever adventure you'd like to pursue. Escapee parks can be found across the country and, even if you don't buy a membership in one, they are great stopping places on your way to and fro.

The Lazy Daze community is also country wide, with regional and event-specific organizations that hold get togethers throughout the year.  For a single traveler, this is one of my most cherished benefits of owning a Lazy Daze.

I would not give up this lifestyle for anything. However, considering the housing market, I think it's important to bear in mind whether it would be financially possible to return to living in a "stick house."  If that could be an issue for you, why not live on the road for a few whiles to see if the lifestyle fits before you make the commitment?

Good luck with your decision - the process is half the fun!

Lorna Coarsegold, CA until Spring
2003 RB
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157547
The Escapees is a good resource for the full-timer. At most locations I have visited they provide low cost boon docking and it is all seniors meaning no screaming kids or vandalism. You can sometimes rent lots when the owners leave for a decent price.
The only problem is if the owners decide to return with little notice. This happened to me when I had one of my motorcycles torn apart fixing things. I was given less than 24 hours notice and had to scramble to get everything together and packed up.

I am not a gambler, but I find some of the best deals for a full-timer are staying at Casino RV parks. Usually there is a security staff there, utilities are included, and cheap meals are available 24/7. Some have full hookups and are available at a monthly rate. Here is an example:

http://www.saddlewest.com/

I usually go to a park, fill up water, dump tanks, fill propane, then head to a good boon docking area the next day for a week or so. Lately I have traveled a lot since gas is cheaper. A good road service like Coach Net is essential for piece of mind, especially when traveling alone.

bobmoore14
On the road
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157548
Mimi, you ask a good question: how does a full-timer's attitude toward the lifestyle change over the years? I can only speak for myself.

One thing that has definitely changed for me is my choice of campgrounds. When I started out, I tended to stay in state parks, usually with water and electric hookups. Yes, I had solar panels and holding tanks... but I was unsure of how long I could survive without hookups, and being "all alone in the wilderness" was still just a little bit offputting.

Gradually I gained confidence and started staying in the "dry camping" (no-hookup) campsites at state parks, where there were generally fewer neighbors and better scenery. I refined my dry-camping skills, learning to conserve water and supplies, and added more solar panels. I could go for a couple of weeks without hookups... but I still gravitated to state parks, mainly because they were easy to find.

Eventually I learned enough about public lands--in particular, US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management areas--where I could dry-camp, usually for free, in beautiful surroundings. Friends tipped me off to favorite places, and sources such as Ted Houghton's Ultimate US Campground Project (http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com/uc3/index.php) and the Forest Service's Motor Vehicle Use Maps (http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml) helped me gradually compile a list of my own favorites. Nowadays, I very rarely stay in a campground with hookups--a few days a year at most. 99% of the time I'm in a wilderness area, living comfortably with my solar power and my roughly three-week tank capacities.

As for my overall feelings about full-time RVing... well, after five years of vacationing in my motorhome and ten years of full-time travel, I still love full-timing in my Lazy Daze, and wouldn't willingly trade it for a fixed-location home. It isn't as exciting as it was when I started out, of course. Back then, everything was new. Reading through my "Travels With Gertie" and "Skylarking" websites, you can probably tell how thrilled I was in the beginning, and how over the past fifteen years my RVing has settled down into a lifestyle that's still enjoyable, but not bursting with novelty. That's one reason my posts there have gotten fewer and fewer in the past couple of years. (Another is sheer laziness on my part.)

Actually, my website could be said to paint a somewhat misleading picture of my full-timing life, because unlike some bloggers, I don't post daily, whether or not anything interesting has happened. I've only written about events that I think others might enjoy reading about. So I realize that reading my pages, you might think this full-timer's life is chockfull of fun and adventures, and of course it isn't that way all the time, or even most of the time. Often I'll sit for weeks in some scenic spot, just relaxing and reading, maybe taking pictures of local wildlife (such as the big-horned sheep on the hillside just above me a couple of days ago), watching an occasional movie, or practicing a new song on my ukulele. I figure that kind of life, comfortable as it is, isn't all that interesting to read about, so you don't see it in my web pages.

I guess you could say I've settled down into a comfortable groove. I do try new things fro time to time--kayaking and playing the uke are good examples from recent years--but I'm not like some full-timers I know, who are always on the go, trying new hikes or traveling to new places. Good for them, I say! In truth, I'm probably more of a stick-in-the mud at heart than most full-timers. I'm happy with the life I have now.

But the great thing about the RVing lifestyle is that it can pretty much be what you make it. If your goal is to visit all 49 states of the continental US, you can do that. If you want to settle into a seasonal routine--summers in Washington, winters in Arizona--you can do that. Or anything in between. It's your choice. And experimenting and finding what suits you is part of the fun! Try out whatever appeals to you, find your groove... and don't let it turn into a rut. :-)

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157549
Hi Lorna,
 Wow, 12 years.  That's wonderful!  I haven't read much about the Escapees co-ops, but that brought up a good point.  If I sell everything, I did think I might need an anchor somewhere (not my son's house:-); a familiar place to call home, even if just for a month or so.  I would think it's nice to have place to spend a little time doing some house cleaning, minor repairs, maybe catching up with a few folks and just regenerating.  Thanks for bringing this up.  I have some reading to do.  I also wondered what I would do if I sprained my ankle or something and needed to rest up for 6 weeks.  The co-op sounds like a perfect solution.
 You also touched on another concern I had about traveling alone.  I want to do my own thing, but it sure would be comforting to know that I'd be able to meet up with some of the nice folks in here once in a while.  I've looked at so many different RV's that I made myself crazy.  In that process I realized that, aside from safety, people were a very important part of my decision to buy a LD.  This wonderful LD community fosters, promotes and supports a level of connection to everyone in the group.  This group made my decision to buy a LD easy.  In addition, an acquaintance told me she thought it was ugly.  That's when I knew I had to have one! lol
 I will need to keep property here, somewhere in CA, in order to retain prop 13, but I think that's doable. I probably -should- try out full-timing before setting it in stone, but somehow I've already committed to doing it, without actually doing it. I think I realized that my decision doesn't have to be a lifelong, set-in-concrete decision right now and I think that makes the decision easier for me.

Thank you for chiming in!  I really appreciate your input.

Mimi
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157550
Hi Bob,
 I'm going to read the Escapees forums more thoroughly than I have.  I appreciate the services they provide and just need to learn a bit more.  How inconvenient that was for you having to pack up so fast.  I guess I might limit renting lots! :-)  You know, I love kids, but I'm most looking forward to experiencing a quiet existence, so the fewer the kids the better. :-)  I'm also hoping to outfit my rig with enough solar, water and tank capacity to boondock in beautiful places most of the time.  I really would like to boondock most of the time, if I can.
 I'm not a gambler either but I keep a live streaming video going of Jackson Rancheria.  It's ranked high on the list of RV stops for services and prices by a website I can't recall at the moment.  I enjoy seeing the RV's come and go.
 Saddlewest looks like a great place to make a pit stop.  Thank you for posting the link.  I think I've read about an RV park there that is popular with some full-timers.  I'll have to investigate that further.
 Coach Net, never heard of them.  Thank you.  Even thought I've read myself silly over the last year, I can't believe how much I do not know.  Thank you.  This is very important stuff.

Mimi
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157551
"I will need to keep property here, somewhere in CA, in order to retain prop 1..."

Just out of curiosity, can you elaborate? I'm not a Californian, but my understanding was that Proposition 13 reduced property taxes. If you don't own property in California, your property taxes would be zero, yes?

For what it's worth, most full-timers are legally domiciled in Texas, South Dakota or Florida. These states are popular for various reasons including no state income tax, easy vehicle registration, good mail forwarding services, etc.

Choice of domicile is a topic that's been amply discussed elsewhere, so we needn't go into depth here--I'd recommend joining Escapees and reading up on the subject on their website. Pay close attention to the health-insurance situation, because that varies from state to state and is changing.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157552
Andy Baird said ... "     ".  I certainly enjoyed the summary of your full-time evolution.  It made me laugh because right now we use State Parks in our short adventures, but we hope to eventually move into areas as you describe.  For what it's worth, that post probably deserves a spot on one of your LD websites because it contains information that can only be gleamed from experience.

Ed & Margee Fort Worth
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157553
Mimi, If you intend to boondock most of the time get as much solar panels as you can fit on your roof. I have 470 watts but that is only under ideal conditions. This is one area where too much sometimes turns out to be just enough. If you are a do it yourselfer AM Solar sells complete kits with everything you need. I paid a friend to install mine because I am partially disabled (mainly in the brain.) The install went well and if you run into a problem there tech support is great. They can also install a complete system for you if your willing to travel to Springfield, OR.

If you have enough room consider an extend-a-stay propane kit so you can hook up an extra tank. I store mine in my Toad when traveling. Also a nice barbeque unit that uses little fuel is a great way to cook and conserve propane. I use a Pyromid unit that folds up flat and takes very little room. I have cooked everything from fish to a prime rib on it. I use hickory wood or Mexican charcoal for fuel.

A small electric heater is handy when you do have hookups. Bought mine for $15 at Walmart. Good luck with whatever route you take and happy traveling.

bobmoore14

Looking for Zombie Town USA
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157554
Hi Andy,
 Yes, I've thought about boondocking a lot.  I'd like to do that most of the time.  That said, the thought of being in the wilderness alone is also a bit unsettling for me.  While I do hope to experience a level of peace and wide open spaces, I don't want to be totally isolated in places I don't know.  I do hope that, over time, learning about where and where not to go will improve my comfort level.
 I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Gertie and Skylark and yes, your excitement was contagious!  Even later on, after you got your office set up the way you wanted it and the other improvements were done, the satisfaction you felt for having created a comfortable mobile space was enviable.  At the same time, I was also reading stories elsewhere of engines blowing in giant RV's, things falling apart in new monster class A's and the stresses and money involved...  and then, there was Andy; modifying something to improve his life, driving to a beautiful place, arriving in a beautiful place, or doing something beautiful.  Well, I thought, that is what I'm after.
 Like Bob, Jana and more, you're very fortunate.  You've achieved a copacetic level of balance in your life. While people like me fill our days with taradidles and other nonsense, you and other full-timers are living at a much different level and I envy that.  The nice thing about reading so many different blogs about full-timing (whether it's playing the ukelele or palm reading) is learning that everyone experiences full-timing differently.  It offers a window into how my life on the road can be.  Ahh... an uneventful, steady life.  Paradise.
 Thank you for the links.  I haven't run into that information yet.  I appreciate it and thank you for your perspective and insight.

Mimi
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157555
HI Andy,
 Prop 13 was passed many years ago initially, in Ventura County California.  It placed a ceiling on how much the County Tax Assessor could charge for property tax.  I pay about 1/10 of what many others pay in my state. I must own property in one of 7 counties in California in order to retain my prop 13 benefit and also so my son can inherit it from me when I pass on.  The problem I found with states that don't levy a state income tax is that they make up for it in property taxes.  New Mexico, Nevada, Texas and others charge exorbitant property taxes to make up for the lack of state income taxes.  There is no free lunch, as they say.

Mimi
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157557
Hi Bob,
 I am a do-it-yourselfer, to a point ;-) but I tink I'd rather have someone else do it.  You know, I just don't have the oomph I used to have.  My head thinks I do, but my body doesn't agree.  It's a real battle for domination! :-)  I know nothing about watts and how many I need, but that's the beauty of all you watts gurus in here.  I can just read.:-)  Disabled in the brain ROFL you are too funny!
 Extend a stay - I've added that and the solar kit info to my LD To Do's.  I was thinking I wouldn't cook to many exotic things in my LD kitchen (when I have one:-) because I don't want to have to clean the fan.  What a pain that must be.  So, I was thinking about a barbecue and I came across your mention of the Pyromid in another post and looked it up.  That's a nice thing to have You mentioned an electric heater.  Isn't the LD a 4 season RV?  I was thinking I could use an electric blanket or throw.  Wouldn't that use less energy than an electric heater?  I'm out of my element here.

Thanks Bob
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157558
If you don't own property in California, your property taxes would be zero, yes?

Yes, that's correct and it's an acutely low percentage for me.
Re: For full-timers: Why do you full-time?
Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157559
But if you are a fulltimer, property tax has no impact on you, unless you purchase property.
Linda Hylton
Linda Hylton