How would you RV full time for less than $1000 a month? Plus, does Tom really look like Lord Lord Farquaad?? 😂😆 from the Shreck movie? Click "READ MORE" for links to our favorite RV resources, gadgets, gear, FREE stuff, blog post & more! SHOP OUR AMAZON STORE enjoythejourney.life/Amazon ********** OUR INSIDER COMMUNITY ********** Join our insider community for secret, unpublished videos, real-time updates, behind the scenes, more bloopers (yes, there’s more!), live Q & A’s, meet ups, private Facebook group, free courses, book, consulting & more enjoythejourney.life/insiders ********** OUR FAVORITE RV RESOURCES ********** Find Every Camp Spot & Low Bridges - enjoythejourney.life/allstays FREE RV parking: geni.us/boondockers RV FREE at wineries, breweries & more: geni.us/winedock Save 50% on 1000’s of campsites! enjoythejourney.life/HalfOffCamping BEST Health Insurance replacement for RVer's: www.chministries.org/default.aspx If you sign up, please put my name and member number (Cheri Meeks CHM#390247) on your application. I’ll get a free month of membership if you become a member. Thank you! :) Find more of our favorites here: enjoythejourney.life/rv-living-resources ********** LINKS FOR THIS VIDEO ********** Blog post and links for this video: enjoythejourney.life/rvunder1k/ Liberty Healthshare - www.libertyhealthshare.org/ Christian Healthcare Ministries - www.chministries.org/default.aspx Please put my name and member number (Cheri Meeks CHM#390247) on your application. I’ll get a free month of membership if you become a member. Thank you! :) Workcamping opportunities - www.workamper.com/ Amazon.com workcamper program - www.amazondelivers.jobs/about/camperforce/ PassPort America - enjoythejourney.life/HalfOffCamping Search Government land - www.recreation.gov/ National Park Pass - www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm Unique overnight campsites - harvesthosts.com Thousand Trails - www.thousandtrails.com/ Income opportunities - www.upwork.com/ and www.fiverr.com/ Expense App - itunes.apple.com/us/app/expensify-receipts-expenses/id471713959?mt=8 Free camping spots - freecampsites.net Find Every Camp Spot - enjoythejourney.life/allstays Our FAVORITE shopping App! Save $100’s when you shop! enjoythejourney.life/ibotta Things to do - www.meetup.com/, www.volunteer.gov and www.geocaching.com/play Save on your cell phone - www.straighttalk.com ********** SOCIAL: Follow us & share with your friends ********** This video made possible by our Patreon Insider Community: www.patreon.com/EnjoyTheJourneyLife Subscribe to our newsletter for updates: enjoythejourney.life/newsletter Instagram: instagram.com/enjoythejourney.life Facebook: facebook.com/EnjoyTheJourney.Life Website: enjoythejourney.life/ Subscribe to our RUclips channel: enjoythejourney.life/RUclips ********** OUR FAVORITE RV GADGETS & GEAR ********** It takes a lot of gear to make RV living comfortable and more efficient. Check out our favorite gear (and fun stuff) that we use to enjoy the RV life: enjoythejourney.life/rv-gadgets-gear ********** CHERI'S FAVORITE RV KITCHEN GADGETS ********** Cheri loves to cook healthy food, which is sometimes a challenge in an RV. Check out her favorite RV kitchen gadgets that help get the job done: enjoythejourney.life/rv-kitchen-gadgets ********** OUR WORK/VIDEO GEAR ********** Want to know what equipment we are using to make videos like this one while traveling full time? We share it all: enjoythejourney.life/youtube-video-gear ********** LEARN FROM US ********** BOOKS: Get Tom's best-selling book FREE on Audible! geni.us/fansonfireaudio or Kindle and Paperback geni.us/order ONLINE COURSES: How To Pick The Right Business to Start for You! geni.us/startup Entrepreneurs Guide To Finance Your Business or Startup In 2018 geni.us/finance Google, Facebook, Yelp Review Marketing Entrepreneurs 2018 geni.us/marketing Thank you so much for using our links! Tom & Cheri’ :) ********** CONTACT US ********** Email: tomandcheri@enjoythejourney.life Mail Bag: Lake Effect Media 14870 Granada Avenue #1037 Apple Valley, MN 55124 ********** ABOUT OUR CHANNEL ********** Tom & Cheri, Full-time RV travelers in search of the best hiking, roller coasters 🎢, beaches 🌴, wineries 🍷, breweries 🍻 and other travel adventures! Plus healthy cooking & how to videos! 😍 Whether you are ready now, are just in the dream stage or have already started, sign up and subscribe to get inspiration, travel ideas and real how-to information. We will see you on the inside and cheers to your new life of adventure my friends! Tom & Cheri' Music by Epidemic Sound #rvliving #rvlivingfulltime #RV
Hi, I' m a new subsciber. My name is Sharon, my husband is Dick. Not only does he look like Lord Farquaa, he sounds like him too. Great advice. Thank you.
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This was the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it! I'm just starting my RV adventure and it is very different than yours. I'll be living in my RV full-time on a friend's property while paying off the RV to her; kind of a rent-to-own deal. I'm disabled, in my 50's, and divorced. I'm not sure where this RV journey will take me once I pay her off but I'm gonna learn all I can now while stationary. Me and my cat, Balls are starting this journey in about 10 days! Wish me luck! I'm excited to absorb on your channel and your website plus your social media. Thanks for what you do!
Safe travels, I too ♿ since 2011, lived static in camper for 7 yrs, just bought my Ford Transit connect and Easters maiden voyage he goal! You'll do fine. The resources are immense. Join FB groups, meet ups, there's even caravans of ladies that travel together. Good luck, safe journey
We cannot wait to full time. We’ve already sold our house and most belongings and have seriously saved/gotten out of debt worth $300,000! I don’t know why we didn’t do this earlier. Excited to start traveling too!
Dave Pellegrino we live with my in laws for now. Not as horrible as it sounds. We basically have 1 half of the house and they have the other and of course we share common areas (kitchen, living room). It’s a sacrifice we were willing to make and we know it’s temporary. We’d rather be almost debt free when we invest in our rv and truck.
I'm a van dweller. I retired last year and on ssi I was struggling to make it. You made a great point that I learned the hard way. You said "You are not on vacation." That is a solid piece of advice, that new van and rv dwellers really need to hear. Thanks for the videos, and keep up the great work.
I am a nurse when I hit the road I am going to ask if ppl need help with care for family or friends in return for staying a few days . I can bathe them, cook for them, just stay with a loved one so they could have a night out or shopping. I have my nursing license and many good references. I can barter. I make $30 plus an hour but I will just take the free stay on there property. Free nursing is a great idea.
Great idea Tammy! We've also heard that traveling nurses do very well just picking up short term and contract work in high demand areas. Let us know how this idea works for you, we'd love to share more details! - Tom
I’m making plans to do 3 month nursing contracts at some of the places I plan to travel to. Many agencies pay you a living stipend and a bonus when you complete your assignment. Gotta be debt free first- 2 years...
Wife and I are preparing to go full time rv living this year. We have been watching videos for past few weeks. We are learning so much from your trials and tribulations. We love you guys! Thanks for sharing.
If you're a service-connected veteran trying to RV on the cheap, make sure to take advantage of free use of military base campgrounds as well as a free pass from the National Park Service that allows free access to all parks and half off the camping rate in National Forest campgrounds!
Hi, I live in the UK atm and planning to come over to the USA BY JAN 2022, to be with a guy from California but lives in Idaho, we have been talking daily for 2 yrs we are middle aged, we clicked immediately ( online ) and discovered so many synchronicities! Your videos are very informative and useful especially for me as i have only been to Canada as a child and all over Europe a few times and part of the middle east so know very little about USA. We have settled on a dodge truck, and white hawk 26 rk initially and as i am a cautious person, i just wanted you to know that i find your videos priceless with info that is tailored for probably many people from all walks of life...! kudos
On the monthly rate savings, don’t forget you also save money on cost of gasoline/diesel and wear and tear to your vehicle from staying put for a month.
I had a full-time paid job and they included FHU. It was great. I did it for a year. My cost of living was barely nothing. I walked to the office so gas money was not an issue. I did it for one year and used that time to really readjust a lot of things in my life. That year was an important year in my life. Just call around and find what works best for you. Now I'm looking at getting a job as a brand ambassador for different companies in order to afford to travel and make money
I sold everything in 2014, and went on the road. Still going, but traveling less due to eye problems. Should be good to go next spring, again. My winter camp fixed costs are less than $500 / month for full hook up site with cable and electric (pay my own). So yeah, you can. When I travel I mostly stay at National Forest / Park Service sites (including COE and military) because with my ACCESS card I get 50% discount on site fees. So when I was traveling (went cross country coast to coast and north to south 4 times since 2014) I did ok too, fuel being my major cost. Winter camp in Florida is actually less expensive because of much lower fuel costs (not towing).
Here's what we are doing: Our expenses when Ray is traveling alone is about $1500/mo and when Vicki and Ray travel as a couple, the monthly cost is about $2,000/mo. This includes $420/mo for our RV payment and $200/mo for medical insurance for Vicki - Ray is covered by VA.. The past two years we have spent the winters in Arizona in BLM Long-Term Visitors Areas for $180 for six months! This includes access to fresh water and dumpsites. During the rest of the year we use a Thousand Trails Annual Pass with Trails Collection (Encore Properties) for about $800/yr. Our current daily average is under $7/day staying in Thousand Trails and Encore resorts. We typically stay in a campground for 14 days and then boondock for 7 days. We are currently headed to Florida for this next winter and plan to stay in Thousand Trails/Encore resorts and driveway surf at our daughter's house when we aren't camping in the Thousand Trails/Encore system. Vicki prefers Beach...Ray prefers Desert.
Wow guys, thanks for all of that info! I've heard of that long term BLM pass in AZ, we'll have to check it out. One of my biggest questions about Thousand Trails is how easy is it to get a spot booked? Is there a lot of availability or do you have to search around a lot? - Tom
EnjoyTheJourney.Life We don't have a problem booking but it requires planning. With a regular annual pass (we don't recommend other memberships) you can book 60 days out. We are always planning and booking 60 days in advance (if plans change you can always cancel with no penalty if it isn't last minute). - Ray
Disabled Vets and Folks on SSI do not pay a fee for the annual pass, just upload VA papers or SSI papers or go in to one of the many offices on their website to get it YOU GUYS HAVE PERSONALITY! Loved your video, ty!
we are thousand trails members. started as zone pass members and then we upgraded to platinum. (i wouldn't suggest buying a used upgrade, i would just get the zone pass and then call to ask about upgrades.) we get to stay unlimited in their campgrounds across the US and we spend around $155 per month for our membership and after about 5 years, it will be paid off and then our monthly dues will be just $42. everyone's price varies. it depends on what discount you get when you join but they are eager to work with you! you can also pass your membership down to children and so many more perks, even condo usage around the US for such low prices! it is a definite plus to our full time lifestyle.
We LOVE our Thousand Trails membership. We added the Trails Collection so it gives us over 40 resorts in Florida alone where we can stay for 14 days at no extra cost. Because we just have the Zone pass for the SE and SW we have to have a week out and so we boondock for that week before we go back into a resort. Lots of boondocking in Florida at Water Management areas and Wildlife areas.
If you're in St. Louis, MO. The beautiful zoo has free admission, you do pay for parking. Only to park in the zoo parking lot. It's $15.00 for the entire day....that's it!! The Anheuser-Busch plant tour is also free!!! Even if you don't drink...it's still fascinating and you get to see the real Clydesdales and where they live...It's Awesome!!!
Yep, Faarquad alright...just taller..lol! Something we did was we bought a piece of land cheap long time ago. We put in septic tank, water well and electric only. We have a home base we own. Our yearly taxes are 90.00 a year. All we pay is our electric bill when we're there. We own the property as we have no payments ( morgage). It's 4 acres. You could find a piece of land, cheap and stay there when you get low on traveling money or when there's an illness going on and you need to stay put. No camping fees, no boondocking, it's about as dirt cheap as can be and you could even rent it out to other Rvrs when your not there. ( please don't jack up the price and get greedy) just say $20 to 25 a night. It's a homebase that is just about as dirt cheap as you can get when you think in terms of yearly savings especially. We bought it long, long time ago. Or if you run into some expensive repair and need every penny, just go to homebase and you have very small expense to stay. Anyway, just an idea of a place to stay cheap if you can find and purchase a small piece of land and pay cash for it to stay at and have a homebase. No mooching because it's yours. Maby a central location in the US that you could get to from any direction within a few days. Just an idea we did that is a huge savings on parks and camping fees in the long run. Just don't go into debt but say get electric first. Then sewer tank later and water. It could be a place to winter or summer and cut down on monthly expenses and during the year. Thanks.
Great idea Debra! Thanks so much for all of that info and for the Lord Farquaad vote! How cheap could someone buy a piece of land and install water, electric and sewer for? And what would be the best states to do that in? - Tom
Debra Chittwood this is a great idea. I hadn't thought of this yet. I could get some property real cheap right now. Going to look into this and see where it takes me. Thanks a lot for that GREAT insight.
Sounds like my plan. Sale my house here in Austin and buy a small piece of land near Rockport, Texas. Rent out during the summer to other RVers and live there during the winter. And being able to have access to some of the best fishing along the Texas coast isn't bad either.
We have some land and we were wondering how to find out how much it would cost to do this. Live on the land fora year while my husband still works. Then hit the road full time.
It is a real pleasure, listening to both of you share all your experiences with the RV life. You also provide many other websites where one can go to learn more. Thank you both, for the time you take to do each video. I don't have an RV yet, but I am just learning everything I can in the meantime. All the best! Joe
Hi Wendy, yes...I am from Destin FL and season there starts in April, and lasts until Fall. I guess it depends on where in FL. South FL is definitely season in Winter! Thanks for your comment! ~Cheri
You both are amazingly helpful. We appreciate all the information you provide. We are starting our research for our first RV, you guys are wonderful to watch and your honesty about full timing has been really great. Thank you and we look forward to following your journey
Winter is NOT off season in Florida. RV parks actually charge more during the winter because that is when all the snow-birds come down. I have friends who work in the hospitality industry in Florida. They all make their money in the winter and take their vacations in the summer because that is the slow season.
Thanks for you comment James! We'll have to listen to it again, we certainly meant for off-season to be summer in Florida (because of the heat) not the winter. 👍
I am from Destin FL and 'season' is definitely summer, but it is further north and gets cold in the winter. It's void of tourists in the winter! You are correct about southern FL though! It is definitely season in the winter!!! I guess that could be somewhat confusing, wish I could go back and clarify and correct the video! Thanks for your comment :) ~Cheri
Well hello John from Destin! (I love love love Destin!) Yeah, I remember the snow birds, but it was probably close to only 10% of what 'season' brought in. I worked customer service and I recall the snow birds, boy were they difficult, but season starting in April...whoa, it was so insane!!
We come through Destin about once a year now! I gotta get my Destin time in!😍Plus my son still lives there🎉 Maybe we will meet up! Good luck getting through crazy season 👍🏻
So together we get 2,000 a month and we paid cash for our RV ( motor home) class A. Its older and the person who owned it before us took excellent care of it. It has 20,000 miles on it. In the few months we have lived in it full time we bought four new batteries, worked on furnace, new vents on the roof, and had a little work done on the generator. We have been blessed that nothing major has happened. On one note, make sure you get AAA for RVs we didn't and paid 800$ to tow it to a shop. The AAA is 99$ a year but you cant use it until you have it one month. We are working on getting solor next. If anyone knows an easy set up for solor please let me know. I don't understand who it works and what I need. Your videos are amazing. Thanks again
Good info, thanks for sharing. As for solar, you can get 200-300 watt kits from Renogy on Amazon for fairly cheap. Take your RV to a an RV repair center or another place that advertises solar installs on RVs and have them professionally install it. It will cost you roughly $600 to a $1000 parts and labor installed, but is worth every penny considering it is free power even when out in the middle of nowhere.
Hi guys 👋- I have literally watched tons of videos on RVing hoping to one day make it a reality. LoL. I am an older woman and that is of some concern. But that aside, I must say that your video is the most fun and fact-filled that I have viewed thus far. (And you even included every single link that you talked about) very good and I also love your positive energy. Thanks 😊 I have subscribed.
Alice, if you're concerned about your safety (which everyone should really), look into getting a non-resident Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) from Arizona as well as a resident CCW permit from your home state. Many states have CCW agreements that can allow you to legally carry concealed while RVing.
One thing I learned to do to save big money on Disney…Go in the off season…no lines! If you park nearby you can drive back to your RV to eat/drink. We rented a condo and bought groceries. It saved us a ton of money!
Love this. Lots of great advise. Thank you. Your RV AC cand be run on solar or a smaller generator if you add a soft start controller to you AC. It lowers the initial power requirements when it starts up. But having a small window unit with this devise might even allow greater run time on the solar system. Thanks again and I am following you now to listen to your travels and info. Have fun guys.
All that glitters is not gold and the grass can look greener on the other side of the fence. It's prudent to move forward with caution and try full timing before you bail out of your brick and mortar. A home base also has it's freedoms, comfort and security. Full timing could be the best thing you have done or the worst. It's an adventure for sure with great times and not so great times. Many of the full timers on youtube only show all of the beauty and joy. It would be beneficial to us to see times where it's not so fun and beautiful. It's good to see the good, the bad and the ugly as the information we receive is vital to making an informed decision on perhaps one of our big lifetime decisions. For some of us though we are here to see our country and follow along with you on your travels. Great video. Thanks!
Love this comment Jim! You are so right! We think starting part-time in an RV is a great way to "test drive" the full time RV living lifestyle while you still have your "home". If someone has never traveled in an RV, we would actually recommend renting one for a week or so to see if they even like it. Cheri' and I are dedicated to sharing what it's really like to full-time RV, the positives and the negatives. We've actually been recording some challenges that we've had this month, a higher number of challenges then expected haha! But we know people will learn from our mistakes and challenges. Thanks so much for watching Jim and your insightful comment! - Tom
If you pay a year's rent up front, you can get into a nice park for under $400 per month. Figure another $100 every month for electricity, water, sewer, and so forth. Then you add whatever you spend for food, gas, insurance, etc...etc...etc. The number one advantage of living in an RV is that you have what I call a "self-contained" life. All your possessions fit ever so neatly inside a box and the box can be moved from place to place. The second advantage is that you're not tempted to buy "stuff". I define "stuff" as things you want but don't need. Sometimes called "regret purchases". You might think that moving into an RV is the happiest day of your life. No...it's the second happiest day. The happiest day is when you see your "stuff" being loaded on the Goodwill truck to help the poor. You'll actually feel young again.
This is great info. Thanks for all of the tips. We are military and are drowning in debt along with medical issues. We are just so tired of living pay heck to pay check. Not to mention if my husband deploys we can park our trailer near family in case I needed something. We are really truly thinking about selling everything and buying an RV. I just found you and can’t wait to watch more videos of yours.
We are on our third time watching this video. I started watching it and paused it for my wife to watch it. We both started it and were folding laundry at the same time. We decided to finish laundry and start the video again. We just left the Glacier National Park area and sold our house to our son and daughter in law. Now we are mooch docking for the next few years until I retire.
If you want to take an air tour of the area call Blue Goose Aviation in Polson. Wild River Adventures just outside of Glacier is awesome. We did the white water rafting and had dinner afterwords on the bank of the river. That was the day of our 25th anniversary. We also zip lined on Whitefish Mountain at the ski resort. Spend some time walking downtown Kallispell and Whitefish. We drove going to the sun road in our dually, that was fun, I thought I hit the side of the mountain with one of the rear tires.
Awesome! Thank you so much Ron for those tips! Yeah, I've heard the going to the sun road is pretty tight, we are definitely taking the adventure car on that one. Take care and safe travels. Oh, and we now have a Facebook group that we are inviting subscribers to, hope to see you on there. - Tom enjoythejourney.life/group
So... I've been a traveler at heart since I can remember. I traveled the works on my early 20's and lived out of a backpack for almost 2 years.... Fast forward to today, I'm 36 own a beautiful home and I'm about to lose my job, a six figure one. I'm terrified. I can't afford my house when I lose this job. I've been dreaming since my 20's of getting back on the road. I feel like my destiny is sell it all, get a rv and get back to the basics. I'm so scared to do it now, to leave the comforts of my home and routine. But videos like yours keeps my hopes up and my spirit high. Thank you
Thank you so much for sharing your story Jason. What we’ve learned is that our biggest challenges lead to our biggest opportunities. If you can look at losing your job as an awesome opportunity to do something different. That will happen for you! Keep us up-to-date on what your plans are. Take care and get excited for your next stage of life! Tom & Cherí
Love the intro! Haha We are prepping for full-time right now. Our lease on the condo is up February 1st and we will actually be hitting the road in late January. We've been spending the last couple of months working on the 2001 31 ft. Four Winds that we bought this year and we're very excited to start our journey, but we still have a TON of stuff to learn. We're so thankful that we found your channel!
WOW !! Well to be perfectly honest, in my humble opinion, of course without offending anyone who thinks differently from my point of view, but also by looking into this matter in a different perspective and without being condemning of one's view's and by trying to make it objectified, and by considering each and every one's valid opinion, I honestly believe that I completely forgot what the hell I was going to say.
There is a difference between an rv's, travel trailers and 5th wheels. You are in a 5th wheel some travel trailers you can pull with a car and an rv has its own motor to move it. I lived in an rv for 5yrs and loved it.
Just found your videos! My hubs and I just reserved a Forest River TT and we are going to purchase officially today. Full time is still a few years out for us 😢 but part time is right around the corner! We can’t wait to get started!! Thank you for all the great information!!
Since we last watched this video, Vicki decided she was a beach person and we moved homebase to 4 houses from the Atlantic Ocean in Central Florida. Ray, the mountain person, heads for the hills with the RV 6-7 months although there really aren't too many mountains where he now travels in the Midwest and Texas. Thousand Trails with the Trails Collection is still our go to campgrounds when we are not boondocking. So, Ray's current (2020) monthly goal #'s are: mini-Class A payment $418, RV insurance $80, maintenance and repair $100, fuel $150, food (survival foods and roadside produce) $300, VA medical copays $50, cellphone $65, Thousand Trails $66 and everything else and whatever we forgot $400. The fact is, no matter how hard we try, Ray's RV months are always around at least $1,500 but that does include the RV payment of $418.
That's ridiculous that he can't live on on less than $300 per month for groceries. Just get 20lb bags of rice from Walmart for only $8. Get some Knorr powdered chicken and beef bullion, cooking oil, SPAM and Corned Beef and you can eat like a king by making stir fried rice meals over a camp fire or camp stove. Throw in some "regular food" like eggs and fresh fruits and your monthly food bill drops to less than $200. As for having a $418 per month RV payment, that could have been or should be alleviated by buying a used vehicle outright. Between those two things, it would be under a $1000 a month. If you have have to finance your RV and you're not making at least $2k a month, then it's best to skip it all together. The cheap RV lifestyle only works with a paid off RV or Van and the ability to know how to buy cheap groceries and cook them yourself.
Thanks for a great video! I owned an RV previously and just purchased a 1994 Winnebago Adventurer, 34 ft, Osh kosh Pusher with a Cummings Diesel and Alison transmission. Great shape and low mileage. I am spending the summer getting all the systems checked out and learning the various systems, plumbing, electrical, engine maintenance etc. For class A, class C and tall rigs I have heard about a app called Co-pilot (I think) that you put in the height of your unit and the kind of road preference and it lays out a route of travel that insures you don't get squeezed by low overhead. With my unit being over 12 ft tall I will invest before I play the "Snowbird" from North Western Wisconsin" for 5 to 6 months! Thanks again for an excellent video!
Passport America is great. However, some campgrounds limit the number of days you can stay and it's usually Sunday through Thursday. But half off is great deal. We've stayed as cheap as $11.25.
No choice; I make under $2K on Social Security! BTW--I need a double-sided tribe shirt; beach on one side, mountain on the other. LOL I love both--it depends on the season and the weather. I don't do snow. ;-)
From Red Lodge take the Bear Tooth Highway down to the Chief Joseph Highway into Cody , WY . BEAUTIFUL Drive . And Cody , WY is a great little town . Be sure to stop into the Irma Hotel in Cody for the buffet breakfast , and the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum , it's awesome !! JT
Thanks for the great tips JT! This is such a beautiful area! We have yet to take the Chief Joseph Hwy but plan too! And yes, Cody is such a cool little town! Safe travels my friend!
Here is a little advice from a trucker DO NOT GET STRAIGHT TALK unless you dont want signal in 45% of the US. Yes it runs off at or Verizon towers but they restrict the connection to it. Cheaper isn't always functional. Best option I can say go sprint yes its little more but atleast you have signal when you need it.
Haha! Thanks Kim! Yes, Woody from Toy Story has been mentioned a few times on here. What's funny is I've been told I look like his buddy, Buzz Lightyear for a long time haha! Thanks for watching! - Tom
Mosquitoes: Consume apple cider vinegar. You can dilute it with water or take it in capsules. Also, don't drink alcohol. After physical activity, stretch and massage your muscles. (Something about lactic acid.)
Most every truckstop in the US has showers (the exceptions would be the smaller ones). While they do charge from $12-15 for a shower every driver that buys more than 50 gallons of fuel (the average truck holds roughly 200 gallons of fuel) will get a free shower, so many drivers have a build up of free showers and have no problem giving showers away if you ask (p.s. they don't have to know you're not drivers)! I know that some of the large travel centers have loyalty cards for RV'ers although I'm not sure if you get free showers on those cards. One way to get around this is if you have a diesel vehicle, in that case you can fuel at the truck pumps, using the truck loyalty card and get your own showers!
EnjoyTheJourney.Life Oh and one thing I forgot to tell you if you don't already know, truckstops also sell truckstop handbooks that that will list every truckstop, address, phone number, exit number and all the ammenities each one offers i.e. restaurant, fast food, showers, laundry, Western Union, etc etc. I lived in my truck for several months and that guide was invaluable!!
I agree with having the National Park Pass...i actually have the Handicap NPP for lifetime..and it was free because of my back disability !!! Love it !!
I have a question I'm hoping you can help me answer my family it's about 2 live temporary full-time in our motorhome. We won't have a permanent address will be moving from place to place but in the meantime what do we put down as a permanent address for things like DMV and medical insurance motorhome car insurance and so on. Just wondering what do you guys do or some ideas that we can do thanks
We are elite Thousand trails members. We can stay back to back at campgrounds for 21 days at a time. We can book out for 120 days. Only restriction is we can only have one holiday booked at a time. Right now we have parks booked out to October. We have paid $00.00 so for at the camps. I think the fee people are talking about is for 50 amp electric. We only need 30 amps. We paid around $5500 up front and our dues are around $450.00 a year. We are full timers and if we add up the upfront cost and the annual dues we pay each year (for let’s say 10 years) the membership pays for itself in under 18 months. We have also been very lucky that everywhere we have stayed we got full hookups. We stay at a TT campground and then boondock our way to the next campground. We only like to drive about 300 miles a day. We also eat plant based and do most of our cooking at home. We help our youngest daughter with college expenses and last month all our bills came to a whooping $860.00. We are able to live life to the fullest. Last week we climbed the dunes of the Oregon Coast and watched the sunset. Next week we are visiting the largest seal colony in the USA. Next month we are exploring Yosemite. TT was right for us. Drawback: there are not many TT campgrounds in the middle of the country. But the are many boondocking options.
Wow! Great info on the TT elite membership! Thanks Dale! That sounds like something we would be interested in. And your budget coming in at $860! So cool!! Safe travels and see you on the road! - Tom
You guys rock! I'm shopping for my first RV and doing so much research. I'm happy to have come across your videos and will definately be supporting some of your links to must have items on amazon and great reference links as well. Thank you.
If you want to add solar the cheapest way is to buy all the parts on ebay. It's much cheaper than buying a kit like GO Power. I've installed 720 watts of solar for under $1000. (excluding batteries). We're thinking of doing some upgrades like adding 2 or 4 AGM batteries from Sam's Club $(179.00 and they are 200 amp hour batteries)and 2 or 3 more solar panels (the company we buy them from on ebay now has bigger panels available (200 watt) for $185.00 each. The last thing on our list is to upgrade our inverter ( our motorhome is a 2003). the inverter we have is a 1500 watt modified sine wave . For $600 we can replace it with a 3000 watt sine wave inverter that would use less power in standby mode plus it has a built in transfer switch and automatic generator start.
Going through a divorce, son is about to head to college and now I find myself watching these videos for the inspiration to buy an rv and live simple like I did in the military, plus save money. Unfortunately I own a small remodel business and all my contacts and jobs are here in north Texas
bigbaddawn I have watched many videos of people on the Amazon Camperforce and none ever stayed in their parking lot. They put you in a nearby Campground for free with full hookups. I don’t think too many would sign up for the parking lot deal. Lol!
Tom looks like Jon from Garfield. Great video.. you guys are my new favorite. My youngest child is 12 so I have a few more years til I can start my adventure.
I am a single Mom of two little boys, 9 and 7. We are getting ready to live in a camper full time!! I have always homeschooled my kids, so now they will really get to see and experience their studies!!
Have you two heard about taking Vitamin B12 to stop bugs from feasting on you? It works great! Second video Totally enjoyed, so informative! Thank you!
As for solar it all depends on what you want to run especially if you are off grid. I ran min 300 watts and use 2 6 volt golf cart batteries in series to make them 12v. 2 6 volts will give you about 320 amp hours vers a single 12 v at about 120 amp hours. A descent system will run maybe $800.
I’m a new explorer to this exciting new lifestyle . Thanks for all the great tips . I’m going to sell my house and all the STUFF... looking at a used Sports Coach 330 . I’ll be doing this solo! Does anyone out there have tips for anyone like me venturing out on your own . I’m buying a piece of land for a home base . Also is there any groups out there that haul their horses with them? I’d love to hear about that and what locations they like to go to ! Looking forward to my new love of freedom and seeing the country meeting new friends! Nancy
EnjoyTheJourney.Life Do you have any information on groups that travel with their horses? I wanted to say too , how much I really enjoy your videos !! THEY ARE VERY INFORMATIVE AND I LIKE YOUR STYLE !!! I’d love to see a video comparing all the different types of TVs to chose . Including the prices and pros and cons. It’s a huge topic , I know , but that’s why there needs to be an informative video or videos on the topic .... Happy & Safe Journey
My husband and I live in our RV stationary to go to school full time while living on his VA stipend. Rent is $4,080 a year which ends up being $340 a month in rent. It’s not the best but it’s a lot cheaper here in middle Tennessee than what the base was taking in Maryland!
Yes! We actually stayed at a campground near Ruby Falls outside of Chattanooga, with a beautiful view of the mountains, on a lake and it was only $400/month! The east coast is *expensive*!!
Brand new rv resort in Conway SC near Myrtle Beach they have a deal of 1,800.00 for full hookups, satellite tv, and power included for the months of January, February, and March.
The only problem with your RV unlike me who do vinelife I can park anywhere you cannot you have to pay for docking that's the only thing about the RV is this true or not
We are thinking about the next RV, yes something smaller and more space efficient. But we need an office, so that has us looking at toy haulers...haha! - Tom
Yea, but Vans are not allowed in RV parks which offer free hook-ups, like free water, electric, sewer. When you're Boondocking, you have to rely on solar which takes an entire day to recharge, you have to purchase your water or hunt for it, and you also have to pay to dump your tanks. It ends up costing more to boondock, with way more stress & much less space just to "appear" stealth. In a Class B+ or Class C, I can get the best of both worlds. I can boondock for free, and I can get an RV membership like Thousand Trails or Adventure Outdoor Resorts, where the cost of the membership can break down anywhere from $3 to $9 a night. That's for unlimited power, free showers, pools, activities, garbage, sewer, wifi, etc. Now the point of traveling isn't so that I'm stuck at RV parks all the time, but it's nice to have that convenience. Also, way more security. I've seen enough stories of vans getting robbed. Not only are vans easier to break into bc they're more likely to park in cities, but they cost more to buy & customize. Just the van shell can be from $25K used ---or up to $40K for a new Ford Transit or a Mercedes Sprinter! I just saw a few Class B+ & Class C online for a little over the same price and they already had all the interior done: insulation, flooring, furniture & tv, tanks, plumbing, electrical, fans, AC/Heat, outdoor storage, backup & side cameras, etc. You'd have to be nuts to think a van was better.
I really enjoy how much information you packed into this video, Thank-you!. I would love more videos showing you using some of these options like Harvest Host.
You guys are great your video just came up on my TV. It was so helpful so I put you in my phone list. I just sold my house in filthy Baltimore. I only got 13500. So I'm trying to find a dependable rv n right now we live on the east coast so walmarts are gonna be home cause there isn't much BLM land I've been studying all this for a year, my husband didn't think it was gonna happen so him not so .much. he's a roofer n at 52 it's getting hard to do. I. Handicap n get a check of only 1000. We have 5 more car payments, then our only bill will be insurance n cell phone my husband just wants a TV. We will be living really on the cheap so this was helpful I'll keep watching your channel. Thank u
That’s awesome Christi! Sounds like good timing. Yes we heard there isn’t much for free camp spots on the East Coast. Good luck with everything and thanks for watching! - Tom
Don't forget people live in their Vans also like myself van life is the new Rich RV is the new rich and if the economic collapse comes will be safe people who own houses or pay rent they going to be in problems and economic collapse is coming one way or another this is why I live in my van not for the environment to save money and live cool and simple
Coast to Coast is AWESOME. You have to join a campground membership who has Coast to Coast as an affiliate. But you can buy a used membership or a membership that is so cheap because it is out of the way.
I remember paying way too much money for a membership back in 2006. Are they less expensive now? I think it was $50-60 for an individual membership. I did love they Y, but I love the price and facilities of Planet Fitness more :) ~Cheri
First, now that you mentioned it; I can't NOT see a resemblance between Tom and Lord Farquad. Second, I know several fulltimers that save money by spending the majority of the year in New Mexico state parks --- they have a state parks pass for a little over $200 that is good for a year (13 months if you time it right). Still have to move every 14 days; but that is about the limit for most people to be able to stay in one spot before needing to refill/empty tanks and do grocery/laundry/??? runs. Personally, between the state park passes, national park pass, and boondocking on BLM/national forest lands (I do regular campgrounds only when necessary) I almost never go over $1000 per month.
Hi Rocki5pr I checked your channel and see you are an Aussie too? Are you back in Oz at the moment? Have you RV'd in the US before? Why I am asking is because I am just about to head over there in October (currently in France ... lived here for 10 years) to buy an RV and travel around for a year or so. I have some questions I just cant seem to get answers to being an Aussie re: the domicile, registration, insurance etc. It is so confusing, different answers from different folks none of whom are Aussies doing this. If you could send me a message that would be great if you are familiar with it. Thanks in advance Marilyn
Marilyn Gould, not sure what showed up that made you think I'm an Aussie; ... I was born and raised in a couple areas of Wisconsin and other than a brief visit to Canada have not left the U.S. Sorry I can't be helpful answering any of your questions.
We are just getting started - looking at RV and reviewing videos. We are both near retirement, so going to go for it! Your video was Awesome! Thanks so much for all the information. You guys are so cute!
You can save some money by eating at the senior Center's. check around the area and you can find food banks. Our church has a free buffet lunch every Sunday. Where do the homeless have their evening meal, join them. hear you can certainly find out a lot about the area there.
I’m letting go of my things fairly easily and left with a ton of photos to scan. Overwhelming how many I’ve taken over the years. Anyway, it will get done within the next 3 weeks. Sell the house and hit he road within 90 days. Woohoo.
Celeste, you mentioned 'scanning your photos'. Could you please explain. Scan to memory stick or what? We don't know what to do with our precious pic albums. Congratulations on your new life!
You guys are so great. I’m getting ready to move from Hawaii back to the mainland and am looking into RV living while I figure out where I want to settle down . This was so helpful.
We've been living full time, in our house, for 3/4 of a grand per month for the last 5 years. If we can maintain a house for $750/mo, I don't see why you can't do it in an RV for 33% more.
Most people don't understand how difficult it is to boondock. Emptying compost toilets, no or very few showers because of water shortage, basic (if any) electricity. It's not as glamorous as it seems for most people once they live it, although on paper it's "Hey! We can save a few bucks carrying out our own poop!" My water bill for three months with a full house, teenagers and washing clothes is about $90 US. There is NO WAY I'd try and save a few bucks on hygiene, hot showers and clean clothes whenever I want to go boondock and get such little savings. Quality of life counts for something and many times it costs money, one way or the other.
I don’t feel the fun part here and now. I’m getting rid of the last of my stuff and a house full of my parents belongings. A massive undertaking. I need to start Vlogging now. Thanks for the encouragement.
Of course there were challenging times. Making the decision on each item...how to let go. There was a book that came into my awareness 2 times when I was downsizing, so I decided it was meant for me to read it. So glad I did! Made a huge impact on how I decided what to keep. 'Spark Joy' by Marie Kondo. It was an easy read and it made it easier. amzn.to/2Kyu0Pq And yes, start vlogging!! There are so many people out there that need this kind of inspiration. Vlog while you are downsizing! You got this :)
In the process right now. House sold. Estate sale people are setting up for our living estate sale. We are camping in the driveway and using the kitchen, bath and laundry for two more days and then we drive away. It has been super stressful making all the decisions and packing within 3 weeks because the house sold much sooner than we anticipated.
Thank you! Planning is great, but you can't plan for everything. It's kind of a mix of planning and rolling with what shows up and know that its all meant to serve you and your goals.
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Hi, I' m a new subsciber. My name is Sharon, my husband is Dick. Not only does he look like Lord Farquaa, he sounds like him too. Great advice. Thank you.
Thanks for subscribing Sharon and Dick! That's the first I've heard that I sound like Lord Farquaad haha! Thanks for watching :) - Tom
Thank you so much for the feedback Shawn!!! - Tom
Thanks Gordy! Great tips! - Tom
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This was the first of your videos I've watched and I loved it! I'm just starting my RV adventure and it is very different than yours. I'll be living in my RV full-time on a friend's property while paying off the RV to her; kind of a rent-to-own deal. I'm disabled, in my 50's, and divorced. I'm not sure where this RV journey will take me once I pay her off but I'm gonna learn all I can now while stationary. Me and my cat, Balls are starting this journey in about 10 days! Wish me luck! I'm excited to absorb on your channel and your website plus your social media. Thanks for what you do!
Safe travels, I too ♿ since 2011, lived static in camper for 7 yrs, just bought my Ford Transit connect and Easters maiden voyage he goal! You'll do fine. The resources are immense. Join FB groups, meet ups, there's even caravans of ladies that travel together. Good luck, safe journey
We cannot wait to full time. We’ve already sold our house and most belongings and have seriously saved/gotten out of debt worth $300,000! I don’t know why we didn’t do this earlier. Excited to start traveling too!
Wow! I'm blown away by your drive! It's all about priorities and how bad you want it, right?! Congratulations!!! You are well on your way!!😍!🎉🚌🗺
EnjoyTheJourney.Life thanks we’re pretty determined! Should have our fifth wheel next month! 😄
Whoooohoooo!! 👍👍
@From the Desk...can I ask where you are living and for how long in between selling the house and buying the RV.
Dave Pellegrino we live with my in laws for now. Not as horrible as it sounds. We basically have 1 half of the house and they have the other and of course we share common areas (kitchen, living room). It’s a sacrifice we were willing to make and we know it’s temporary. We’d rather be almost debt free when we invest in our rv and truck.
As much as he looks like Buzz Lightyear.
Haha! People started calling me Buzz Lightyear 10 to 15 years ago! Thanks Done! - Tom
Done Dennison I thought the same thing
Same thought here. Give him spaceman suit.
EnjoyTheJourney.Life, yes.... I see that definitely
OMG I totally see it after I read your post
I'm a van dweller. I retired last year and on ssi I was struggling to make it. You made a great point that I learned the hard way. You said "You are not on vacation." That is a solid piece of advice, that new van and rv dwellers really need to hear. Thanks for the videos, and keep up the great work.
Thanks for the comment Bill! Glad you liked it! Safe travels friend!
I am a nurse when I hit the road I am going to ask if ppl need help with care for family or friends in return for staying a few days . I can bathe them, cook for them, just stay with a loved one so they could have a night out or shopping. I have my nursing license and many good references. I can barter. I make $30 plus an hour but I will just take the free stay on there property. Free nursing is a great idea.
Great idea Tammy! We've also heard that traveling nurses do very well just picking up short term and contract work in high demand areas. Let us know how this idea works for you, we'd love to share more details! - Tom
Don't you need licensing from state to state?
Jean on the Road No
I’m making plans to do 3 month nursing contracts at some of the places I plan to travel to. Many agencies pay you a living stipend and a bonus when you complete your assignment. Gotta be debt free first- 2 years...
You can make $100,000 a year travel nursing
Wife and I are preparing to go full time rv living this year. We have been watching videos for past few weeks. We are learning so much from your trials and tribulations. We love you guys! Thanks for sharing.
How’d it go?
If you're a service-connected veteran trying to RV on the cheap, make sure to take advantage of free use of military base campgrounds as well as a free pass from the National Park Service that allows free access to all parks and half off the camping rate in National Forest campgrounds!
Hi, I live in the UK atm and planning to come over to the USA BY JAN 2022, to be with a guy from California but lives in Idaho, we have been talking daily for 2 yrs we are middle aged, we clicked immediately ( online ) and discovered so many synchronicities!
Your videos are very informative and useful especially for me as i have only been to Canada as a child and all over Europe a few times and part of the middle east so know very little about USA.
We have settled on a dodge truck, and white hawk 26 rk initially and as i am a cautious person, i just wanted you to know that i find your videos priceless with info that is tailored for probably many people from all walks of life...! kudos
On the monthly rate savings, don’t forget you also save money on cost of gasoline/diesel and wear and tear to your vehicle from staying put for a month.
Yes, good point Thomas! Thank you. - Tom
I had a full-time paid job and they included FHU. It was great. I did it for a year. My cost of living was barely nothing. I walked to the office so gas money was not an issue. I did it for one year and used that time to really readjust a lot of things in my life. That year was an important year in my life. Just call around and find what works best for you. Now I'm looking at getting a job as a brand ambassador for different companies in order to afford to travel and make money
You are one smart lady, Nicole! ~Cheri
I sold everything in 2014, and went on the road. Still going, but traveling less due to eye problems. Should be good to go next spring, again. My winter camp fixed costs are less than $500 / month for full hook up site with cable and electric (pay my own). So yeah, you can. When I travel I mostly stay at National Forest / Park Service sites (including COE and military) because with my ACCESS card I get 50% discount on site fees. So when I was traveling (went cross country coast to coast and north to south 4 times since 2014) I did ok too, fuel being my major cost. Winter camp in Florida is actually less expensive because of much lower fuel costs (not towing).
What is your ACCESS card?
Mike N its a national parks pass. The access pass is for retiree's and recipients of ssdi.
Here's what we are doing: Our expenses when Ray is traveling alone is about $1500/mo and when Vicki and Ray travel as a couple, the monthly cost is about $2,000/mo. This includes $420/mo for our RV payment and $200/mo for medical insurance for Vicki - Ray is covered by VA.. The past two years we have spent the winters in Arizona in BLM Long-Term Visitors Areas for $180 for six months! This includes access to fresh water and dumpsites. During the rest of the year we use a Thousand Trails Annual Pass with Trails Collection (Encore Properties) for about $800/yr. Our current daily average is under $7/day staying in Thousand Trails and Encore resorts. We typically stay in a campground for 14 days and then boondock for 7 days. We are currently headed to Florida for this next winter and plan to stay in Thousand Trails/Encore resorts and driveway surf at our daughter's house when we aren't camping in the Thousand Trails/Encore system. Vicki prefers Beach...Ray prefers Desert.
Wow guys, thanks for all of that info! I've heard of that long term BLM pass in AZ, we'll have to check it out. One of my biggest questions about Thousand Trails is how easy is it to get a spot booked? Is there a lot of availability or do you have to search around a lot? - Tom
EnjoyTheJourney.Life We don't have a problem booking but it requires planning. With a regular annual pass (we don't recommend other memberships) you can book 60 days out. We are always planning and booking 60 days in advance (if plans change you can always cancel with no penalty if it isn't last minute). - Ray
Thanks Ray! We are going to take a closer look at the TT membership! Safe travels guys! - Tom
My husband and I are in the planning stages and this video was seriously so informative. Thank you so much for all of these amazing tips!
Disabled Vets and Folks on SSI do not pay a fee for the annual pass, just upload VA papers or SSI papers or go in to one of the many offices on their website to get it
YOU GUYS HAVE PERSONALITY! Loved your video, ty!
Thank you for sharing Kathy!
we are thousand trails members. started as zone pass members and then we upgraded to platinum. (i wouldn't suggest buying a used upgrade, i would just get the zone pass and then call to ask about upgrades.) we get to stay unlimited in their campgrounds across the US and we spend around $155 per month for our membership and after about 5 years, it will be paid off and then our monthly dues will be just $42. everyone's price varies. it depends on what discount you get when you join but they are eager to work with you! you can also pass your membership down to children and so many more perks, even condo usage around the US for such low prices! it is a definite plus to our full time lifestyle.
Thanks so much for the great info guys! We are definitely looking into it! - Tom
I'm a disabled Army veteran and I live in my rv for the past 9 months and I live off my va pension and ssi I get $740 a month
That's awesome Wade! Thank you for sharing and thank you so much for your service!! - Tom
Until breakdown.. or you you park and eat rice and beans. Maintenance catches up..
Thank u wade..that’s awesome.excited for u...we’ve moved in our fifth wheel paid everything off..now getting ready to go
Wish they would grant my husband his VA disability... ugh!
I'm a veteran and I was wondering about how you can still do your VA appointments? Do you have to go back to your VA location?
We LOVE our Thousand Trails membership. We added the Trails Collection so it gives us over 40 resorts in Florida alone where we can stay for 14 days at no extra cost. Because we just have the Zone pass for the SE and SW we have to have a week out and so we boondock for that week before we go back into a resort. Lots of boondocking in Florida at Water Management areas and Wildlife areas.
Thanks guys! Great tips! - Tom
If you're in St. Louis, MO.
The beautiful zoo has free admission, you do pay for parking. Only to park in the zoo parking lot. It's $15.00 for the entire day....that's it!! The Anheuser-Busch plant tour is also free!!! Even if you don't drink...it's still fascinating and you get to see the real Clydesdales and where they live...It's Awesome!!!
That sounds amazing, thank you for sharing!
WOW! You guys really packed in alot of great information! My husband and I are considering doing this, and this lifestyle sounds so exciting.
Yep, Faarquad alright...just taller..lol!
Something we did was we bought a piece of land cheap long time ago. We put in septic tank, water well and electric only. We have a home base we own. Our yearly taxes are 90.00 a year. All we pay is our electric bill when we're there. We own the property as we have no payments ( morgage). It's 4 acres. You could find a piece of land, cheap and stay there when you get low on traveling money or when there's an illness going on and you need to stay put. No camping fees, no boondocking, it's about as dirt cheap as can be and you could even rent it out to other Rvrs when your not there. ( please don't jack up the price and get greedy) just say $20 to 25 a night. It's a homebase that is just about as dirt cheap as you can get when you think in terms of yearly savings especially. We bought it long, long time ago. Or if you run into some expensive repair and need every penny, just go to homebase and you have very small expense to stay. Anyway, just an idea of a place to stay cheap if you can find and purchase a small piece of land and pay cash for it to stay at and have a homebase. No mooching because it's yours. Maby a central location in the US that you could get to from any direction within a few days. Just an idea we did that is a huge savings on parks and camping fees in the long run. Just don't go into debt but say get electric first. Then sewer tank later and water. It could be a place to winter or summer and cut down on monthly expenses and during the year. Thanks.
Great idea Debra! Thanks so much for all of that info and for the Lord Farquaad vote! How cheap could someone buy a piece of land and install water, electric and sewer for? And what would be the best states to do that in? - Tom
Debra Chittwood this is a great idea. I hadn't thought of this yet. I could get some property real cheap right now. Going to look into this and see where it takes me.
Thanks a lot for that GREAT insight.
Yes, we are loving all the great ideas and comments on this video! - Tom
Sounds like my plan. Sale my house here in Austin and buy a small piece of land near Rockport, Texas. Rent out during the summer to other RVers and live there during the winter. And being able to have access to some of the best fishing along the Texas coast isn't bad either.
We have some land and we were wondering how to find out how much it would cost to do this. Live on the land fora year while my husband still works. Then hit the road full time.
It is a real pleasure, listening to both of you share all your experiences with the RV life. You also provide many other websites where one can go to learn more. Thank you both, for the time you take to do each video. I don't have an RV yet, but I am just learning everything I can in the meantime. All the best! Joe
Thank you so much!
Florida in the winter is the PEAK season. Maybe Florida in the summer is a better idea. Thanks for sharing your tips! Wendy
Hi Wendy, yes...I am from Destin FL and season there starts in April, and lasts until Fall. I guess it depends on where in FL. South FL is definitely season in Winter! Thanks for your comment! ~Cheri
Yeah, I was thinking she misspoke when she said Florida in the summer. I live in South Florida, and I'm heading north for the Summers from now on.
EnjoyTheJourney.Life Destin and the Destin area is such a beautiful town. Not sure why you would ever want to leave? LOL
You both are amazingly helpful. We appreciate all the information you provide. We are starting our research for our first RV, you guys are wonderful to watch and your honesty about full timing has been really great. Thank you and we look forward to following your journey
Winter is NOT off season in Florida. RV parks actually charge more during the winter because that is when all the snow-birds come down. I have friends who work in the hospitality industry in Florida. They all make their money in the winter and take their vacations in the summer because that is the slow season.
Thanks for you comment James! We'll have to listen to it again, we certainly meant for off-season to be summer in Florida (because of the heat) not the winter. 👍
I am from Destin FL and 'season' is definitely summer, but it is further north and gets cold in the winter. It's void of tourists in the winter! You are correct about southern FL though! It is definitely season in the winter!!! I guess that could be somewhat confusing, wish I could go back and clarify and correct the video! Thanks for your comment :) ~Cheri
Well hello John from Destin! (I love love love Destin!) Yeah, I remember the snow birds, but it was probably close to only 10% of what 'season' brought in. I worked customer service and I recall the snow birds, boy were they difficult, but season starting in April...whoa, it was so insane!!
We come through Destin about once a year now! I gotta get my Destin time in!😍Plus my son still lives there🎉 Maybe we will meet up! Good luck getting through crazy season 👍🏻
So all the birds rent rv spots? They don’t live in trees when the migrate down south?
So together we get 2,000 a month and we paid cash for our RV ( motor home) class A. Its older and the person who owned it before us took excellent care of it. It has 20,000 miles on it. In the few months we have lived in it full time we bought four new batteries, worked on furnace, new vents on the roof, and had a little work done on the generator. We have been blessed that nothing major has happened. On one note, make sure you get AAA for RVs we didn't and paid 800$ to tow it to a shop. The AAA is 99$ a year but you cant use it until you have it one month. We are working on getting solor next. If anyone knows an easy set up for solor please let me know. I don't understand who it works and what I need. Your videos are amazing. Thanks again
Good info, thanks for sharing. As for solar, you can get 200-300 watt kits from Renogy on Amazon for fairly cheap. Take your RV to a an RV repair center or another place that advertises solar installs on RVs and have them professionally install it. It will cost you roughly $600 to a $1000 parts and labor installed, but is worth every penny considering it is free power even when out in the middle of nowhere.
Hi guys 👋- I have literally watched tons of videos on RVing hoping to one day make it a reality. LoL. I am an older woman and that is of some concern. But that aside, I must say that your video is the most fun and fact-filled that I have viewed thus far. (And you even included every single link that you talked about) very good and I also love your positive energy. Thanks 😊 I have subscribed.
Alice, if you're concerned about your safety (which everyone should really), look into getting a non-resident Concealed Carry Permit (CCW) from Arizona as well as a resident CCW permit from your home state. Many states have CCW agreements that can allow you to legally carry concealed while RVing.
One thing I learned to do to save big money on Disney…Go in the off season…no lines! If you park nearby you can drive back to your RV to eat/drink. We rented a condo and bought groceries. It saved us a ton of money!
Love this. Lots of great advise. Thank you.
Your RV AC cand be run on solar or a smaller generator if you add a soft start controller to you AC. It lowers the initial power requirements when it starts up.
But having a small window unit with this devise might even allow greater run time on the solar system.
Thanks again and I am following you now to listen to your travels and info.
Have fun guys.
Thanks for that info Mustang! We are thinking about a solar upgrade, but we might wait until the next rig. Thanks for subscribing! Have a great one!
Good info, guys, and love the back ground where your standing, you look like fun people, thanks for the very welcome info. Stay healthy,
All that glitters is not gold and the grass can look greener on the other side of the fence. It's prudent to move forward with caution and try full timing before you bail out of your brick and mortar. A home base also has it's freedoms, comfort and security. Full timing could be the best thing you have done or the worst. It's an adventure for sure with great times and not so great times.
Many of the full timers on youtube only show all of the beauty and joy. It would be beneficial to us to see times where it's not so fun and beautiful. It's good to see the good, the bad and the ugly as the information we receive is vital to making an informed decision on perhaps one of our big lifetime decisions. For some of us though we are here to see our country and follow along with you on your travels. Great video. Thanks!
Love this comment Jim! You are so right! We think starting part-time in an RV is a great way to "test drive" the full time RV living lifestyle while you still have your "home". If someone has never traveled in an RV, we would actually recommend renting one for a week or so to see if they even like it. Cheri' and I are dedicated to sharing what it's really like to full-time RV, the positives and the negatives. We've actually been recording some challenges that we've had this month, a higher number of challenges then expected haha! But we know people will learn from our mistakes and challenges. Thanks so much for watching Jim and your insightful comment! - Tom
Yes we want to see the good and the bad but when you show the bad some people (trolls) call it pushing drama.
Thanks again Doris, we've got some of our bigger challenges coming out in our next videos. Hopefully not too much drama haha!
We bailed and haven't looked back. Getting close to a year fulltiming! Love every minute of it...even the ugly, lol!
Jim Christensen ㄋ
If you pay a year's rent up front, you can get into a nice park for under $400 per month.
Figure another $100 every month for electricity, water, sewer, and so forth.
Then you add whatever you spend for food, gas, insurance, etc...etc...etc.
The number one advantage of living in an RV is that you have what I call a "self-contained" life. All your possessions fit ever so neatly inside a box and the box can be moved from place to place.
The second advantage is that you're not tempted to buy "stuff". I define "stuff" as things you want but don't need. Sometimes called "regret purchases".
You might think that moving into an RV is the happiest day of your life.
No...it's the second happiest day.
The happiest day is when you see your "stuff" being loaded on the Goodwill truck to help the poor.
You'll actually feel young again.
This is great info. Thanks for all of the tips. We are military and are drowning in debt along with medical issues. We are just so tired of living pay heck to pay check. Not to mention if my husband deploys we can park our trailer near family in case I needed something. We are really truly thinking about selling everything and buying an RV. I just found you and can’t wait to watch more videos of yours.
Thank you for your service! Glad we can help!
I'm also a military family with 2 kids and 2 dogs. I'm selling everything and we're not going back
We are on our third time watching this video. I started watching it and paused it for my wife to watch it. We both started it and were folding laundry at the same time. We decided to finish laundry and start the video again.
We just left the Glacier National Park area and sold our house to our son and daughter in law. Now we are mooch docking for the next few years until I retire.
That's so awesome Ron! We are on our way to Glacier National Park right now, any recommendations? - Tom
If you want to take an air tour of the area call Blue Goose Aviation in Polson. Wild River Adventures just outside of Glacier is awesome. We did the white water rafting and had dinner afterwords on the bank of the river. That was the day of our 25th anniversary. We also zip lined on Whitefish Mountain at the ski resort. Spend some time walking downtown Kallispell and Whitefish. We drove going to the sun road in our dually, that was fun, I thought I hit the side of the mountain with one of the rear tires.
Awesome! Thank you so much Ron for those tips! Yeah, I've heard the going to the sun road is pretty tight, we are definitely taking the adventure car on that one. Take care and safe travels. Oh, and we now have a Facebook group that we are inviting subscribers to, hope to see you on there. - Tom enjoythejourney.life/group
So... I've been a traveler at heart since I can remember. I traveled the works on my early 20's and lived out of a backpack for almost 2 years....
Fast forward to today, I'm 36 own a beautiful home and I'm about to lose my job, a six figure one.
I'm terrified. I can't afford my house when I lose this job.
I've been dreaming since my 20's of getting back on the road.
I feel like my destiny is sell it all, get a rv and get back to the basics. I'm so scared to do it now, to leave the comforts of my home and routine.
But videos like yours keeps my hopes up and my spirit high.
Thank you
Thank you so much for sharing your story Jason. What we’ve learned is that our biggest challenges lead to our biggest opportunities. If you can look at losing your job as an awesome opportunity to do something different. That will happen for you! Keep us up-to-date on what your plans are. Take care and get excited for your next stage of life! Tom & Cherí
Jason Head life's too short...just do it! Go with your gut instinct.
I hope you did it! That sound amazing
Love the intro! Haha We are prepping for full-time right now. Our lease on the condo is up February 1st and we will actually be hitting the road in late January. We've been spending the last couple of months working on the 2001 31 ft. Four Winds that we bought this year and we're very excited to start our journey, but we still have a TON of stuff to learn. We're so thankful that we found your channel!
WOW !! Well to be perfectly honest, in my humble opinion, of course without offending anyone who thinks differently from my point of view, but also by looking into this matter in a different perspective and without being condemning of one's view's and by trying to make it objectified, and by considering each and every one's valid opinion, I honestly believe that I completely forgot what the hell I was going to say.
Hahaha this is great!!🤣🤣 Thanks for watching👍🏻
😂😂😂
I agree wholeheartedly!
joe demeter What in God's Holy Name are You Blathering About..I Cannot Solve Your Problems ,Sir..Only You Can..
joe demeter 😂😂😂😂😂
There is a difference between an rv's, travel trailers and 5th wheels. You are in a 5th wheel some travel trailers you can pull with a car and an rv has its own motor to move it. I lived in an rv for 5yrs and loved it.
Thanks for sharing Chas!
if anything... dude lookin like Lieutenant Dan...
Haha! Thanks Phil...that's a new one for me! - Tom
He definitely does
LT Dan...ice cream
OMG HE DOES! Cracking up how he played diff soldiers that died in wars! same person new outfit hehe
I kept trying to figure out who or what Tom looked like! Yes....he absolutely does!
Just found your videos! My hubs and I just reserved a Forest River TT and we are going to purchase officially today. Full time is still a few years out for us 😢 but part time is right around the corner! We can’t wait to get started!! Thank you for all the great information!!
Awesome! Congrats on purchasing your TT today! Where are you going to travel to first? - Tom
EnjoyTheJourney.Life first big trip will be to Las Vegas to visit our grandson! He cannot wait for us to visit 😁
Sounds like a great trip Kim...enjoy! - Tom
If you ever need anything in particular from Aldi, let me know! You two are helping us plan our next chapter more than I can even say! 😃
OMG he looks exactly like Garfield's dad!!! 😂🤣
Ha ha, thank you!
Jon Arbuckle!
Absolutely one in the same.
Since we last watched this video, Vicki decided she was a beach person and we moved homebase to 4 houses from the Atlantic Ocean in Central Florida. Ray, the mountain person, heads for the hills with the RV 6-7 months although there really aren't too many mountains where he now travels in the Midwest and Texas. Thousand Trails with the Trails Collection is still our go to campgrounds when we are not boondocking. So, Ray's current (2020) monthly goal #'s are: mini-Class A payment $418, RV insurance $80, maintenance and repair $100, fuel $150, food (survival foods and roadside produce) $300, VA medical copays $50, cellphone $65, Thousand Trails $66 and everything else and whatever we forgot $400. The fact is, no matter how hard we try, Ray's RV months are always around at least $1,500 but that does include the RV payment of $418.
That's ridiculous that he can't live on on less than $300 per month for groceries. Just get 20lb bags of rice from Walmart for only $8. Get some Knorr powdered chicken and beef bullion, cooking oil, SPAM and Corned Beef and you can eat like a king by making stir fried rice meals over a camp fire or camp stove. Throw in some "regular food" like eggs and fresh fruits and your monthly food bill drops to less than $200. As for having a $418 per month RV payment, that could have been or should be alleviated by buying a used vehicle outright. Between those two things, it would be under a $1000 a month. If you have have to finance your RV and you're not making at least $2k a month, then it's best to skip it all together. The cheap RV lifestyle only works with a paid off RV or Van and the ability to know how to buy cheap groceries and cook them yourself.
he looks like woody from Toy Story!
Woody! Ha! That's so funny because he has been compared to Buzz Lightyear so many times!! He's oh-so Toy Story now, lol ~Cheri
I was thinking the same.
Haha yeah, we are getting both Buzz and Woody lol
Hal Davidson more like buzz lightyear....
Woody! Just needs a cowboy hat, shirt and vest
You two share so much great knowledge and ideas...thank you! I'm feverishly taking notes!
Just a note, Florida in the winter is IN season....snowbirds.
Thanks Nancy, we were referring to the panhandle area (Destin, Pensacola Beach, etc.) where winter is off season. - Tom
Thanks for a great video! I owned an RV previously and just purchased a 1994 Winnebago Adventurer, 34 ft, Osh kosh Pusher with a Cummings Diesel and Alison transmission. Great shape and low mileage. I am spending the summer getting all the systems checked out and learning the various systems, plumbing, electrical, engine maintenance etc. For class A, class C and tall rigs I have heard about a app called Co-pilot (I think) that you put in the height of your unit and the kind of road preference and it lays out a route of travel that insures you don't get squeezed by low overhead. With my unit being over 12 ft tall I will invest before I play the "Snowbird" from North Western Wisconsin" for 5 to 6 months! Thanks again for an excellent video!
Thanks Tim! Great tips! We do use the Co-pilot app sometimes, but the interface seemed clunky and old, hope they update it. Happy Travels! - Tom
Great tips! Thanks so much for helping us RV rookies.
You are welcome Kelly, thanks for watching! - Tom
Passport America is great. However, some campgrounds limit the number of days you can stay and it's usually Sunday through Thursday. But half off is great deal. We've stayed as cheap as $11.25.
Thanks Carol! Yeah, we like Passport America and we have definitely saved more then the cost of the membership. - Tom
No choice; I make under $2K on Social Security! BTW--I need a double-sided tribe shirt; beach on one side, mountain on the other. LOL I love both--it depends on the season and the weather. I don't do snow. ;-)
Ha ha! Thanks Liz, yes, several others have suggested a 2 sided shirt like that as well. Cheri' doesn't like to snow either.
You two are so refreshing and so CUTE! Thank you so much for all you give !
Thank you Maggie!
From Red Lodge take the Bear Tooth Highway down to the Chief Joseph Highway into Cody , WY . BEAUTIFUL Drive . And Cody , WY is a great little town . Be sure to stop into the Irma Hotel in Cody for the buffet breakfast , and the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum , it's awesome !!
JT
Thanks for the great tips JT! This is such a beautiful area! We have yet to take the Chief Joseph Hwy but plan too! And yes, Cody is such a cool little town! Safe travels my friend!
I had lunch, and dinner at the Irma in June. Spent a fortune on touch tunes that night
Was there last year !!! Stayed at the KOA in Cody for 5 days !! Went to the Irma hotel and ate there...love Cody !!!
Here is a little advice from a trucker DO NOT GET STRAIGHT TALK unless you dont want signal in 45% of the US. Yes it runs off at or Verizon towers but they restrict the connection to it. Cheaper isn't always functional. Best option I can say go sprint yes its little more but atleast you have signal when you need it.
I think if you put a cowboy hat on him he will look like the cowboy on Toy Story....
Haha! Thanks Kim! Yes, Woody from Toy Story has been mentioned a few times on here. What's funny is I've been told I look like his buddy, Buzz Lightyear for a long time haha! Thanks for watching! - Tom
I agree, I think you look like Buzz Lightyear! To infinity and beyond! :-D
Hahaha! Yes! - Tom
Mosquitoes: Consume apple cider vinegar. You can dilute it with water or take it in capsules. Also, don't drink alcohol. After physical activity, stretch and massage your muscles. (Something about lactic acid.)
Thanks Lisa! Great tips! As I'm enjoying my adult beverage for the evening...hmmm. - Tom
I'm doomed.
That is hysterical! Fartsquat 😂 I think he looks a little bit like Buzz Lightyear. To infinity and beyond!
Haha! Thanks Jeanne for the Buzz vote! - Tom😆😂
Most every truckstop in the US has showers (the exceptions would be the smaller ones). While they do charge from $12-15 for a shower every driver that buys more than 50 gallons of fuel (the average truck holds roughly 200 gallons of fuel) will get a free shower, so many drivers have a build up of free showers and have no problem giving showers away if you ask (p.s. they don't have to know you're not drivers)! I know that some of the large travel centers have loyalty cards for RV'ers although I'm not sure if you get free showers on those cards. One way to get around this is if you have a diesel vehicle, in that case you can fuel at the truck pumps, using the truck loyalty card and get your own showers!
That's a great tip! Thank you T Black! - Tom
EnjoyTheJourney.Life Oh and one thing I forgot to tell you if you don't already know, truckstops also sell truckstop handbooks that that will list every truckstop, address, phone number, exit number and all the ammenities each one offers i.e. restaurant, fast food, showers, laundry, Western Union, etc etc. I lived in my truck for several months and that guide was invaluable!!
A lot of them ask for your CDL to verify you're a trucker, and if you didn't fill up $13 is no deal
Ok, cool, thanks again T Black! - Tom
Thanks for the tip SUPERNOVA! - Tom
You must pay for the $21 in order to use it nationwide. The 10 dollar one is for your one and only local gym.
Thank you for the heads up on that! - Tom
I agree with having the National Park Pass...i actually have the Handicap NPP for lifetime..and it was free because of my back disability !!! Love it !!
Yes, the pass is a must have!
I have a question I'm hoping you can help me answer my family it's about 2 live temporary full-time in our motorhome.
We won't have a permanent address will be moving from place to place but in the meantime what do we put down as a permanent address for things like DMV and medical insurance motorhome car insurance and so on.
Just wondering what do you guys do or some ideas that we can do thanks
If you don't have a close relative you can borrow an address from, check out Escapee's . www.escapees.com/education/domicile/
We are elite Thousand trails members. We can stay back to back at campgrounds for 21 days at a time. We can book out for 120 days. Only restriction is we can only have one holiday booked at a time. Right now we have parks booked out to October. We have paid $00.00 so for at the camps. I think the fee people are talking about is for 50 amp electric. We only need 30 amps. We paid around $5500 up front and our dues are around $450.00 a year. We are full timers and if we add up the upfront cost and the annual dues we pay each year (for let’s say 10 years) the membership pays for itself in under 18 months. We have also been very lucky that everywhere we have stayed we got full hookups. We stay at a TT campground and then boondock our way to the next campground. We only like to drive about 300 miles a day. We also eat plant based and do most of our cooking at home. We help our youngest daughter with college expenses and last month all our bills came to a whooping $860.00. We are able to live life to the fullest. Last week we climbed the dunes of the Oregon Coast and watched the sunset. Next week we are visiting the largest seal colony in the USA. Next month we are exploring Yosemite. TT was right for us. Drawback: there are not many TT campgrounds in the middle of the country. But the are many boondocking options.
Wow! Great info on the TT elite membership! Thanks Dale! That sounds like something we would be interested in. And your budget coming in at $860! So cool!! Safe travels and see you on the road! - Tom
I work at the campgrounds for Cheatham dam in Tn. Yall come check it out folks ! Great place to camp and go fishing, kayaking and boating
You guys rock! I'm shopping for my first RV and doing so much research. I'm happy to have come across your videos and will definately be supporting some of your links to must have items on amazon and great reference links as well. Thank you.
Great vlog....u covered a year of my research in one concise vlog.....thanks I liked and subscibed
Thanks Mark!
If you want to add solar the cheapest way is to buy all the parts on ebay. It's much cheaper than buying a kit like GO Power. I've installed 720 watts of solar for under $1000. (excluding batteries). We're thinking of doing some upgrades like adding 2 or 4 AGM batteries from Sam's Club $(179.00 and they are 200 amp hour batteries)and 2 or 3 more solar panels (the company we buy them from on ebay now has bigger panels available (200 watt) for $185.00 each. The last thing on our list is to upgrade our inverter ( our motorhome is a 2003). the inverter we have is a 1500 watt modified sine wave . For $600 we can replace it with a 3000 watt sine wave inverter that would use less power in standby mode plus it has a built in transfer switch and automatic generator start.
Wow! Awesome tips Rich! Thanks so much! - Tom
RVing full time? Sure I’ll give it a try. I mean, what the Shrek.
Hahahaha! Thanks for that Cal Cal!! We both got a laugh out to that one! - Tom😆😂
EnjoyTheJourney.Life
In three years, when my son is off to college, I really am going to give it a shot. I very interested in class Bs.
That's awesome Cal! That's how I did it, when my youngest son went to college, we hit the road! - Tom
Going through a divorce, son is about to head to college and now I find myself watching these videos for the inspiration to buy an rv and live simple like I did in the military, plus save money. Unfortunately I own a small remodel business and all my contacts and jobs are here in north Texas
Hashses
I am divorced as well and my youngest will be going to college in a little over a year. I hear ya!
Hey, that's my friend Jill at Chickasaw National Rec Area. Good job with the video and yes it is hot and humid there.
Hi Deborah! Oh, that's awesome, small world! Take care! - Tom
Amazon needs help so bad, you can live in your rv in the parking lot and work in the warehouse...lol. They advertised it on the radio...lol
Wow, I imagine they are really in need of lots of help for the holidays. - Tom
bigbaddawn like working at Amado is so bad they don't pay enough so one must live In parking lot
These are seasonal jobs, just for the holidays - Tom
bigbaddawn I have watched many videos of people on the Amazon Camperforce and none ever stayed in their parking lot. They put you in a nearby Campground for free with full hookups.
I don’t think too many would sign up for the parking lot deal. Lol!
For sewage hookups when friend docking, I've connected to there septic right on the clean out trap.
Awesome.this life is gift from God.!!!
Thank you!
i may be living rent free thanks to your tip on working at the campsite. thank you soooo much, you've just saved me thousands!
Tom looks like Jon from Garfield. Great video.. you guys are my new favorite. My youngest child is 12 so I have a few more years til I can start my adventure.
Haha! Thanks Alli! He has been mentioned before. Thank you and have fun planning! - Tom
I am a single Mom of two little boys, 9 and 7. We are getting ready to live in a camper full time!! I have always homeschooled my kids, so now they will really get to see and experience their studies!!
We are getting ready to start our new RV life and we appreciate this video
Have you two heard about taking Vitamin B12 to stop bugs from feasting on you? It works great! Second video
Totally enjoyed, so informative! Thank you!
Thanks for the tip Marie, glad you are enjoying our videos! - Tom
As for solar it all depends on what you want to run especially if you are off grid. I ran min 300 watts and use 2 6 volt golf cart batteries in series to make them 12v. 2 6 volts will give you about 320 amp hours vers a single 12 v at about 120 amp hours. A descent system will run maybe $800.
I’m a new explorer to this exciting new lifestyle . Thanks for all the great tips . I’m going to sell my house and all the STUFF... looking at a used Sports Coach 330 . I’ll be doing this solo! Does anyone out there have tips for anyone like me venturing out on your own . I’m buying a piece of land for a home base . Also is there any groups out there that haul their horses with them? I’d love to hear about that and what locations they like to go to ! Looking forward to my new love of freedom and seeing the country meeting new friends!
Nancy
Awesome! Congrats Nancy! A channel you my want to check out is Creativity RV, she is also a solo female RVer. Keep us up-to-date on your plans!
Creativity rv
EnjoyTheJourney.Life
Do you have any information on groups that travel with their horses?
I wanted to say too , how much I really enjoy your videos !! THEY ARE VERY INFORMATIVE AND I LIKE YOUR STYLE !!! I’d love to see a video comparing all the different types of TVs to chose . Including the prices and pros and cons. It’s a huge topic , I know , but that’s why there needs to be an informative video or videos on the topic ....
Happy & Safe Journey
Please, please keep your horses home!!!!!! From a full time rver!! Go out first for a year and I bet you will think twice about ur horses!!
See Road Apple Gang. These are the horsey Rv people
My husband and I live in our RV stationary to go to school full time while living on his VA stipend. Rent is $4,080 a year which ends up being $340 a month in rent. It’s not the best but it’s a lot cheaper here in middle Tennessee than what the base was taking in Maryland!
Yes! We actually stayed at a campground near Ruby Falls outside of Chattanooga, with a beautiful view of the mountains, on a lake and it was only $400/month! The east coast is *expensive*!!
Lord farquaad yes I definitely see the resemblance definitely
Brand new rv resort in Conway SC near Myrtle Beach they have a deal of 1,800.00 for full hookups, satellite tv, and power included for the months of January, February, and March.
The only problem with your RV unlike me who do vinelife I can park anywhere you cannot you have to pay for docking that's the only thing about the RV is this true or not
Thanks so much for your comments! - Yes, size is a problem with our big 5th wheel. Many camp spots that we cannot get into. - Tom
EnjoyTheJourney.Life I just want to something you guys thought of getting a Class B what's your commentary on that
We are thinking about the next RV, yes something smaller and more space efficient. But we need an office, so that has us looking at toy haulers...haha! - Tom
Yea, but Vans are not allowed in RV parks which offer free hook-ups, like free water, electric, sewer. When you're Boondocking, you have to rely on solar which takes an entire day to recharge, you have to purchase your water or hunt for it, and you also have to pay to dump your tanks. It ends up costing more to boondock, with way more stress & much less space just to "appear" stealth.
In a Class B+ or Class C, I can get the best of both worlds. I can boondock for free, and I can get an RV membership like Thousand Trails or Adventure Outdoor Resorts, where the cost of the membership can break down anywhere from $3 to $9 a night. That's for unlimited power, free showers, pools, activities, garbage, sewer, wifi, etc. Now the point of traveling isn't so that I'm stuck at RV parks all the time, but it's nice to have that convenience. Also, way more security. I've seen enough stories of vans getting robbed.
Not only are vans easier to break into bc they're more likely to park in cities, but they cost more to buy & customize. Just the van shell can be from $25K used ---or up to $40K for a new Ford Transit or a Mercedes Sprinter! I just saw a few Class B+ & Class C online for a little over the same price and they already had all the interior done: insulation, flooring, furniture & tv, tanks, plumbing, electrical, fans, AC/Heat, outdoor storage, backup & side cameras, etc. You'd have to be nuts to think a van was better.
I really enjoy how much information you packed into this video, Thank-you!. I would love more videos showing you using some of these options like Harvest Host.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! Harvest Host is on our radar to check out. We will make sure we make a video on it. 👍
I got my RV for free! It was a fixer upper but I have no debt
Sweet!!! That is the way to do it!!! Congrats 🎉
nicole lopez - well get her road worthy - then get yerself out here Kitten.
Thanks guys! I'm about to join the full time RV world and this video gives me more confidence. Tough to walk away from the norm...
Congrats Sonny! You can do it! Glad you liked the video. Keep us up-to-date on your Full Tim RV travel launch! 👍
We are right there with you Sonny. Getting ready to try the less conventional lifestyle ourselves. Maybe we will see you out there :)
Yes!! 👍
You guys are great your video just came up on my TV. It was so helpful so I put you in my phone list. I just sold my house in filthy Baltimore. I only got 13500. So I'm trying to find a dependable rv n right now we live on the east coast so walmarts are gonna be home cause there isn't much BLM land
I've been studying all this for a year, my husband didn't think it was gonna happen so him not so .much. he's a roofer n at 52 it's getting hard to do. I. Handicap n get a check of only 1000. We have 5 more car payments, then our only bill will be insurance n cell phone my husband just wants a TV. We will be living really on the cheap so this was helpful
I'll keep watching your channel. Thank u
That’s awesome Christi! Sounds like good timing. Yes we heard there isn’t much for free camp spots on the East Coast. Good luck with everything and thanks for watching! - Tom
monthly rate is same as many pay for rent so RV living is definitely NOT really cheaper, just more work BUT more fun!
Don't forget people live in their Vans also like myself van life is the new Rich RV is the new rich and if the economic collapse comes will be safe people who own houses or pay rent they going to be in problems and economic collapse is coming one way or another this is why I live in my van not for the environment to save money and live cool and simple
We love vanlifers! Yes, so many advantages! - Tom
EnjoyTheJourney.Life you guys are so awesome love you videos Keep On Rockin the Free Will guys
Same to you buddy! - Tom
Not necessarily.
Coast to Coast is AWESOME. You have to join a campground membership who has Coast to Coast as an affiliate. But you can buy a used membership or a membership that is so cheap because it is out of the way.
What about the YMCA? That's nationwide too!
I remember paying way too much money for a membership back in 2006. Are they less expensive now? I think it was $50-60 for an individual membership. I did love they Y, but I love the price and facilities of Planet Fitness more :) ~Cheri
EnjoyTheJourney.Life being self employed for some is half off ☺
That's cool! - Tom
20 a month in iowa
I'm thinkin more of a Woody, than Lord Farquaad!! But seriously, thx so much for all the info- very helpful.
First, now that you mentioned it; I can't NOT see a resemblance between Tom and Lord Farquad. Second, I know several fulltimers that save money by spending the majority of the year in New Mexico state parks --- they have a state parks pass for a little over $200 that is good for a year (13 months if you time it right). Still have to move every 14 days; but that is about the limit for most people to be able to stay in one spot before needing to refill/empty tanks and do grocery/laundry/??? runs. Personally, between the state park passes, national park pass, and boondocking on BLM/national forest lands (I do regular campgrounds only when necessary) I almost never go over $1000 per month.
Awesome!!! Thank you so much for your feedback! You have mastered the RV life👍🏻🎉
If anyone has actually MASTERED the RV life, I'd like to meet them; everyone I know is still just working on it.
Hahaha true story. Always a work in progress👍🏻
Hi Rocki5pr I checked your channel and see you are an Aussie too? Are you back in Oz at the moment? Have you RV'd in the US before? Why I am asking is because I am just about to head over there in October (currently in France ... lived here for 10 years) to buy an RV and travel around for a year or so. I have some questions I just cant seem to get answers to being an Aussie re: the domicile, registration, insurance etc. It is so confusing, different answers from different folks none of whom are Aussies doing this. If you could send me a message that would be great if you are familiar with it. Thanks in advance Marilyn
Marilyn Gould, not sure what showed up that made you think I'm an Aussie; ... I was born and raised in a couple areas of Wisconsin and other than a brief visit to Canada have not left the U.S. Sorry I can't be helpful answering any of your questions.
We are just getting started - looking at RV and reviewing videos. We are both near retirement, so going to go for it! Your video was Awesome! Thanks so much for all the information. You guys are so cute!
I do it now 1000 A YEAR.
Wow!
Doing it at $1000 a decade. Hit me up
@@aprlk that's expensive, I'm spending $1000 per century
You can save some money by eating at the senior Center's. check around the area and you can find food banks. Our church has a free buffet lunch every Sunday. Where do the homeless have their evening meal, join them. hear you can certainly find out a lot about the area there.
Good info, thanks
I’m letting go of my things fairly easily and left with a ton of photos to scan. Overwhelming how many I’ve taken over the years. Anyway, it will get done within the next 3 weeks. Sell the house and hit he road within 90 days. Woohoo.
90 days!!! Yessssss🚌
Celeste, you mentioned 'scanning your photos'. Could you please explain. Scan to memory stick or what? We don't know what to do with our precious pic albums. Congratulations on your new life!
I am saving them to my Cloud. I have more space and can always get more. Figured I can loose them that way.
👍💖
You guys are so great. I’m getting ready to move from Hawaii back to the mainland and am looking into RV living while I figure out where I want to settle down . This was so helpful.
We've been living full time, in our house, for 3/4 of a grand per month for the last 5 years. If we can maintain a house for $750/mo, I don't see why you can't do it in an RV for 33% more.
That's awesome Thomas! Great point!
Best comment ever. Wish I could like it twice lol.
they should be able to do it for half that if they boondock
Most people don't understand how difficult it is to boondock. Emptying compost toilets, no or very few showers because of water shortage, basic (if any) electricity. It's not as glamorous as it seems for most people once they live it, although on paper it's "Hey! We can save a few bucks carrying out our own poop!"
My water bill for three months with a full house, teenagers and washing clothes is about $90 US. There is NO WAY I'd try and save a few bucks on hygiene, hot showers and clean clothes whenever I want to go boondock and get such little savings.
Quality of life counts for something and many times it costs money, one way or the other.
A Dad Supreme So what is your point? people do what they can and like, the freedom of movement i key to me.
Hey FYI Nomadic Fanatic has the 1000 trail membership and has a posted a video about it
Yes he is a remarkable lookalike.
Haha! Thanks for voting! - Tom
I don’t feel the fun part here and now. I’m getting rid of the last of my stuff and a house full of my parents belongings. A massive undertaking. I need to start Vlogging now. Thanks for the encouragement.
Of course there were challenging times. Making the decision on each item...how to let go. There was a book that came into my awareness 2 times when I was downsizing, so I decided it was meant for me to read it. So glad I did! Made a huge impact on how I decided what to keep. 'Spark Joy' by Marie Kondo. It was an easy read and it made it easier. amzn.to/2Kyu0Pq And yes, start vlogging!! There are so many people out there that need this kind of inspiration. Vlog while you are downsizing! You got this :)
In the process right now. House sold. Estate sale people are setting up for our living estate sale. We are camping in the driveway and using the kitchen, bath and laundry for two more days and then we drive away. It has been super stressful making all the decisions and packing within 3 weeks because the house sold much sooner than we anticipated.
Oh my goodness this is so exciting!!! Time to get on the road to adventure and freedom! Congratulations 🎉😍 ~Cheri
Love to hear your story and learn the process. Like to make a plan and not be thrown into it and deal with emotions.
Thank you! Planning is great, but you can't plan for everything. It's kind of a mix of planning and rolling with what shows up and know that its all meant to serve you and your goals.