Full-Time RV Life: The Quitting Has Just Begun - Why Many Have & Will Come Off The Road
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- In the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen more of our friends in the RV community calling it quits on Full Time RV Life. So why are so many coming off the road?
Why are people leaving full-time RV life? Well, the short answer is Living & Traveling in an RV for most people isn’t a viable long-term living solution. Learn more in this video.
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Thank you for sharing your comment and for watching the video! It's great to see fellow outdoor enthusiasts coming together. If you're looking for high-quality gear, I highly recommend checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series. It offers a massive capacity, powerful output, fast recharging, and comprehensive protection. It's perfect for RV adventures and ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Stay powered up for all your outdoor endeavors!
After recreational RVing for 15+ years and owning class A & class B RVs I’ve learned that bigger more complicated RVs go along with many problems and high maintenance. Folks get drawn in to the vast space in big rigs and the slides. If you want to minimize problems and maintenance stick with smaller towables with no slides. Get composite construction or fiberglass, pay attention to the components the RV manufacturer uses starting with frame, wheel bearing suspension s, hot water heating system, condenser fridge, decent solar system with lithium batteries. Smaller RVs are much easier to find parks, boondocking sites etc that are available and the sites cost a lot less. You can easily expand your necessary outdoor space with easy pop up tents etc. Using a towable means you have your tow vehicle to use if the RV breaks down. Keep things small & simple as possible, you’ll be much happier.
Great points, thanks for watching
Well said!! We live in a 26 ft 5th wheel with no slideouts. The rv dealer we bought it from thought we were crazy to want an rv with no slideouts. We have zero regrets! Starting out 7th year full-time and no plans to exit any time soon. We also avoid rv resorts or parks... so many other options that cost way less or are free.
I bought a simple 5x8 teardrop with solar power. Had it built to my specifications. It’s simple and easy
I've been pretty happy with my truck camper. Full time 1.5 years. The simplicity of it is liberating. A dry bath would be nice but again everything is a tradeoff.
100% sage advice. Often when you spend more, expectations are higher, and the liklihood of disappointment increases.
Unpopular opinion based on these comments is "you" determine "your" experience. I have read dozens of comments about how hard it is to find a camping spot in XYZ location. And people complaining about "COVID RV'rs". My wife and I have put 15,000 miles on the coach since June of 2022 and have yet to struggle to find a camping spot (we've been RV'ing since the late 1990's, just started again as retirees). And quite honestly, the fellow RV'rs we have found to be the rudest are the experienced RV'rs. For some reason they (in general) seem to have the view that the world needs to revolve around them, and everyone in the area needs to be church quiet at all times.
Only thing we've encountered consistently with the younger RV'rs is a general lack of camping knowledge. However, they seem (in general) to be open to friendly people who want to help, verses chastise. We've been from Philly to LA and back, down to Florida a couple of times and spent three weeks in Canada this past June and NY State twice. And we have done everything from Glamping to remote Boondocking. This includes Cracker Barrels, KOA's, State Parks, Truck Stops, Mom and Pop Campgrounds, and Camp Margaritaville's. So our sample size is pretty good.
I will say that any industry needs youth to survive. My wife and I won't be doing any of this in 20 years. All of the people complaining about younger campers should look at the mirror, and ask themselves, "why didn't I offer to share my knowledge". Did I take a few moments and introduce myself to them? Did I take 5-mins out of my incredibly important life to try and learn who they were, and what got them to start camping? Did I try and find a level of common ground between us as people, as human beings?
Again "you" determine "your" experiences. You can either look for the positives or the negatives. However, I guarantee you will find exactly what you are looking for. I promise you that.
For me, full-time RV living is a necessity. I lost everything in 2020 when my business was closed. Lost my home to bankruptcy after that. What I could afford to do was buy an RV and turn that life into my home. I guess it depends on why people started did it to begin with. As you stated, there is a very different reason when it's not a necessity. Still, I have learned to adapt and find that I don't need all that I used to think I needed. I make due with so much less, but I still have created a home that is safe and comfortable for me.
Blessings to you and the strength you are displaying to adapt! ❤
Amen Sister! Good for you and I will pray for you!!!
Is rving more expensive than owning a small house?
I'm glad you were able to adapt and have continued to thrive. You've done good Connie.
Good for you Connie! Also the RV choice that these guys made is very energy-intensive and high consumption. If you are boon-docking, and staying in one place for a long time, and co-operating with others for example pooling resources etc. then it's less expensive, less hard on the environment and more socially meaningful.
I have been full timing since 2016. Last fall I could not find a RV spot at a RV park in Arizona for anything. This year, it was much easier to find a place for the winter in the same area. Hopefully more folks will leave RVing for the rest of us.
If you can’t afford a really new rv you are not going to rv at all. You are going to find an rv park and live long term there. That is what we are going to do. No kids, we don’t have pet. I want to find a good deal on a nicer used rv and then get a long term lease, pay by the month. Laundry and Showers included. She is right about the constant travel in an rv, they are not made to be driven down the highways, bouncing through parking lots, truck stops, state parks, dirt roads. No way. I heard not to buy a rv built during Covid as they are junk.
the 2001 Country Coach Magna we owned was rock solid! The right models in the right years are awsome quality. But its a lot of research. Some great brands got bought out and there quality dropped so you need to know when that stuff happened. The late 2000 Country Couches were not near as good as quality as early 2000 ones. There are no quality brands left they have all sold out to bigger names and with that quality goes out the window. @@dalepxp8963
2016 was a joy! You could get a campsite in a national park without a problem! Hard to believe it was only 7 years ago
My daughter bought a 350 Ram Duly to pull her new 5th wheel. She pulled it to Florida and found a place on private property that provides the water,sewer and electricity for $500 a month .We made a couple stops on the way but ultimately parked it and it is her condo. She works from home and is close to the beach not on it but maybe an hour. Great place.
Where in Florida?
@@BeautyAndHerBeasts Lake County
Rental of unpermitted trailer space?
I’m quite sure that they have permits it’s just privately owned not the packed up areas. These people are quite honest and law abiding citizens.
@@sandrajordan3802I lived in Leesburg (Lake County) 😊
I'd like to see a video highlights how people can afford these expensive rigs and traveling full time
That would be great. Also a discussion on the massive depreciation of these vehicles once they are driven off of the dealer lot. The people who are selling their homes to purchase these “homes on wheels” are in for a rude awakening when it comes time to sell their RV for a fraction of what they paid for it. Meanwhile their friend who purchased a small vacation home in a popular spot has been building up equity over the years with the home appreciating in value and is in a much better financial situation long term.
I guess if you’re financially well off then none of this would matter right?
I'm just glad to see all the COVID RVers coming off the road. I've been planning my RV retirement for decades and now that I'm a year out 😔 it's been disappointing to see the camp grounds grow so crowded with rude people who only camp because they are stuck with a rig payment. There was a time prior to 2020 when people understood the unspoken manors between fellow campers. We never planned to sell it all and live in our RV. We always planned on keeping our home base to stop and rest between adventures. Basically snowbirding.
Monthly RVers are becoming more rude!
They “think” they own the space they “rent”.
I know this bc I’m a work camper. Trust me, if I owned an Rv park there would be no “MONTHLY’S”!
Worst thing campgrounds ever did! Two weeks was the norm and now even stat parks rent out monthly’s, how I know this is bc we camped in a state park in Alabama 😬
I’ll be honest I’m currently “renting” (hypocrite) I am but I’m honest only bc we’re in Georgia visiting with our soldier and granddaughter but I’m ready to get back to work and on the road!
Leticia
Tell me about it. It's often times been frustrating....I've sometimes for kicks and giggles plugged in dates 10 months to a year out for some campgrounds and they are BOOKED!! I really hope something changes.
@@eagleridgebuildingsofandre3748 yup.. it used to be that my husband could say hey I've got next Friday off let's book a campsite. Not anymore. Not since 2020 ruined it. It's not just too many RVers but it's also people booking spots that they don't even know they will use. Then the rest of us have to wait until they hit the cancel button. Although I love the RUclips RV community I also blame them for the mess we are in here. Too many channels made it look fun and easy. Always preaching to people to get out there and try it 😒.
I’ve watched so many RV’ing YT’ers go through lifestyle/need changes. Either they were constantly changing rigs or taking a break. It didn’t take me long to realize that slickly edited videos couldn’t camouflage the problems inherent in the lifestyle.
You just explained alot of reason me and my wife stop full time RV life. Pre covid life was awsome! Than Covid hit the govt went crazy and the most rude people in the world bought RVs and brought there untrained dogs that like to attack other RVs with them. But of course we got out in the middle of the big price increase so we got 2x more for our Country Coach Magna than we payed for it lol. We had 3 dog attacks on my wife in Leash rule RV parks in 3 months. We sold it all for full time Rving while we were still working because of my job causing us to move quite often and the kids were gone so it seemed like a good idea. Then retired and really got a few years of good full time roaming fun before Covid crazy started.
My wife and I never plan on going full time. I like the idea that we can go for a few days or a couple of months and come home and repair the things on the camper that got broke on the road. We can plan what our next adventure will be without the pressure of what season and possible weather we will hit.
No matter of all drawbacks the RV life might bring never forgot to appreciate the incredible luck of living in country where such way of life is possible....because next to USA and Canada there aren't too many regions around the world supporting such freedom combining ideal law background, climate and endless stunning territory...
It was never a lifestyle it has always been a fad, it's expensive, do you know how many hotels you can stay in for $450,000 and up? Comfortable units COST BIG CASH and always have, they depreciate like a brick falling from the sky while criss crossing the country to see a giant ball of yarn or a big blue Paul Bunyan is really anti-climatic. Why in the world would anybody want to pay at a crowded park with the same people seen at the last 15 parks, why not camp remote and learn something, anything about the reality of this country. Using mine for business was a God send, building it for true remote use was PRICELESS. The good point to all those giving up is the availability of low mileage high end Class A's for 60% or more less in purchase price compared to retail. Avoid the parks and resorts find a trail and enjoy the solitude.
Two years ago I found a part of the country I liked and bought into a Port Home community. A couple months ago I took a 5,000 mile road trip in my 42' fifth wheel. After not fitting into one too many RV and State Parks, after backing into one too many tree branches that I didn't see, I rerouted to return to the dealer where I bought the fifth wheel and downsized to a 28' pull trailer. Life happens, and we adapt.
I have a 46' mobile home.
I absolutely can't understand why people would think it is a good idea to pull a 42' RV that is only 4' shorter than my home.
Did you mean 32'?!
@@candeffect My fifth wheel was my full-time home for a couple of years as I traveled the country. It was a comfortable home and it was, indeed, forty-two feet in length, as are most Class A motorhomes. I pulled it with a 1-ton diesel dually and was well within all towing and stopping limits. Many modern RV Parks advertise that their sites can accommodate rigs and combos up to 65' in length.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this video. Hubs and I literally had this convo over wine-30 tonight as we discussed our next phase. We are in escrow with a property that will be a home-base and PTR for us. We are in our 4th year full time and have ZERO regrets, but traveling full time is taking a toll on our rig, and we have seen a change in the RV community as a whole. We have been considering getting off the road part time for a while now, but an opportunity we can’t pass up was laid at our feet and we are taking it. RV life isn’t ending, but CHANGING. And you said it so well in this video. It was the words we were saying to each other. 😀
RV life is amazing, and it can look different for different situations and seasons. Thanks for watching and best wishes
I can't imagine how anyone would think young teens can or should adopt to this lifestyle. Leave it to the very young or old. Kids need stability.
Interesting perspective. 👍 Curious, are you not interested in visiting all of the fun places other than the "big rocks"? We're finding it will take multiple lifetimes to see all of the cool places just in America alone. 😮
I also wonder if part of the reason so many are not RVing full time is because of the fuel costs. My Camry cost about $70 a fill here in Oregon, I can only imagine how much that would cost an RV.
Stops me in my tracks. I have about the most economical rv you could have and I was spending about $100 a day just in fuel and that was 5 years ago when diesel was much cheaper even. So.. not many travel days now and you might as well stay in a motel. 😮
My wife sold everything we had in '19 and retired in May '20 with every intention of spending a few years on the road. And then covid ruined all of it. Once pleasant campgrounds and state parks became overrun with people turning rv parks into trailer parks. RV space prices and availability got ridiculous. We tried for a while and then just gave up and sold our toy hauler and bought a house. It was sad.
🤮
I saw several acquaintances buy RVs in a hurry at the start of covid. It seemed like a knee-jerk "get me away from it" reaction. I didn't get a sense that they really thought through all the implications of living that way.
But it never occurred to me how much this would make life difficult for people who were already doing it, and who knew what they were about. Sorry to hear it.
Motorcycle prices went up suddenly too, but newbie riders tend to get sorted out pretty quickly. 😕
Great video. I always wondered if the dream gets deflated a bit when kids turn into teens and they want to follow their own passions like organized sports.
Life changes as the kids become independent- and then seasons will change again when they leave for college or jobs / life is always changing. 😉
The gas, parking, upkeep are ridiculous for big RVs.
I am a solo female RV owner, and I know I do not fall into any of the examples you gave. I researched joining the RV life years ago, planned it, and developed my dream into reality. I've been on the road since February 2023, and I am doing this full-time. I love this life. The adventures I do outweigh the work that goes into RVing. Just wanted to shared! Thanks for your videos!!
Do you have a channel on RUclips?
Still in the honeymoon phase . . .
C how you feel in a couple of years
Do u get any action? Wink wink
How do you do it without a man, since you're just a woman?
This is something you do when your kids are grown. Kids need friends and a stable household
The KYD kids turned out great!
@@sunnycharacter..even a broken clock is correct twice a day.
This was a great video! We have been wondering why so many people were exiting or going part time. We actually just bought a small home in the country near my kids so that we have a landing spot. Our plan is to use it as an Air B&B/Furnished Finder until we are fully ready to move in. We are also adding a full hook up site to the property so that we can come and go as we want, even if its rented out. We have been full time for 3 years and still want to do it part time, but felt the need to make our exit plan and also have a place in case we needed it for medical care as we get older. Thanks for that video! Great Job!!!
I love this plan!!!
Ditto above.. Great strategy with options 🎉
That sounds like a well thought out plan. Hook a 30amp to the house with the agreement you come and go in your rv as you like. You always have a home base. That isn't as scary as just driving around the country and where ever you are is home for that moment.
A quality rv like a class A will stand up to use better than any class C. With a class A you get a medium duty truck chassis not an overloaded van chassis pushed to its limits.
I bought a used National Class A with low miles. Has had a few issues but nothing that caused me to seek out a repair facility. I did have the brakes and tires replaced professionally. 5 year un it so far put 35k miles on it. I have total confidence in this rig.
Live your dream. You'll be glad you did.
Cost, overpriced rigs, trucks to tow them, fuel prices, repair bills, long waiting periods for repairs. Poor quality of service. Not enough campgrounds or legal off grid spots to stay, too many rules.
Finally, an honest RV'r. Thank you for that. I hope people will listen before they have to learn (but I doubt it :)
People do need to start understanding that even buying an RV just for vacation purposes is not necessarily a cheaper vacation option. Last year I flew from Oklahoma to the the BVI’s, rented a catamaran and a Captain to sail it, 3 roundtrip airline tickets, and spent about $10,000. If you buy an RV and lets say have a $700/month payment plus another $100 for insurance, that’s $9600/year. Of course that doesn’t even include fuel costs or RV parks. I only had to pay for my 2 week vacation one time. You pay that $9600 for the RV for multiple years. If I don’t want to spend $10K next year, I don’t have to. But if you bought the RV, you have no choice but to pay $9600 whether you use it or not. No I don’t have a physical asset to show for my vacation, other than some t-shirts, but the RV is constantly depreciating in value and once you go to sell it, you’ll see how much value you have lost. And if you have a 5th wheel or travel trailer, you have to buy a big truck and insure that as well. RVing is great fun but people need to stop thinking that it’s a cheaper option than traditional vacations. Obviously full-timers need to understand that a “sticks and bricks” is an appreciating asset where you can build equity and could last for your entire lifetime, whereas an RV is a depreciating asset that will eventually be worth little to nothing and at some point need to be replaced. The bottom line is, an RV is not an investment, it’s an expensive toy for adults. If you understand that fact, you can have a great time with your RV. If you don’t understand that fact, you will be very disappointed
Well said! 👏🏻
The solution is to buy an RV you can afford for cash. RV payments are crazy.
We paid cash for our used rv and truck....no payments for the 6 years we have lived full time. We don't stay in rv parks.... we stay in state, county or city parks...boondock, army corps of engineer campgrounds, and others that are way cheaper. We have no regrets and are starting our 7th year this month. We know people who sold their stick and brick homes for less than they paid for it. And they put thousands into them to maintain and update. There's pros and cons with each situation.
Great points, I would add for those thinking about buying an older used RV to avoid payments is a great idea, but it has one issue: Many RV parks get snooty about the age of a rig. Ours is 15 years old, has just 30K miles, looks almost new but nevertheless we've been turned down wanting to stay at an RV park because it's over 10 years old. On one hand, I get it, they don't want a dilapidated rig parked next to a nice fifth wheel, leaving oil and other fluids behind, etc.
RoadsofFaith has a great solution to this by staying at public parks (national, state, county, COE, etc).
But you are so right about the cost. I'd say if someone has the idea RV'ing is cheaper than regular vacations you're going to get a rude awakening especially every time you pull into a station to fuel it up.
All very good points.
I agree in my 25 yrs of RVing this is what I know. Almost all full-timers I have known over 25 yrs, most quit within 4-5 yrs.
They are just exhausted
Very true, thanks for watching
Omg..it's good to know I'm not just feeling like there is something wrong with me!!
I did it for 6 months and it was exhausting 10 years ago.. Great reminder
I think buying a cheap piece of land and parking the RV should be highly considered. Even a famous RUclipsr Bob Wells whose a full time RVer has a piece of land he stays on in Arizona. I think that’s the future of all full time RVers IMHO. RV parks fees are insane these days!
For me, RV's bringing dogs that bark and poop everywhere within the the parks, is my turn off. They don't care. Walk into a Trailor who has dogs, it has such a bad smell. It's nice when a young family can enjoy the parks and meeting others. But, it's getting to be a fad and not a adventure. Good Luck.
My wife and I have talked about RV'ing, not full time but lets say extended time.
She of course is attracted to the larger RV's with slide outs, folding canopies, and all the other fancy stuff.
Ive told her if its mechanical its not IF its gonna break but WHEN its gonna break. Just one look at how slide outs work was an immediate NO WAY for me!
Wha you found is poor construction techniques make them unfixable. When you put the appliances over the one piece carpet it makes them single use . When you hide the water lines you can’t fix them . When you put the electrics under the bed it’s fangorus to stay in .
I opted for a prison bus
Strong strong windows and chassis , very tall head room , and a engine compartment you can get to . Had it since 93
Still works. I just got old
as a trucker who lives on the road most of the time, id say to get the smallest RV possible that gives u more places u can fit, a big RV towing a car will get stressful , also the main difference between a regular home and living on the road is on the road u control nothing , best laid plans fail
I went head on for a year. Went and got a newer Mercedes Sprinter thinkin' I got something I can rely on. It's as expensive to live in a motor home full time as it is to live in a home. You don't save any money unless you are mooch docking.
Ok now that you've completed the 50 state map how do you choose the new destinations
We are living in our Airstream, and will be hitting the road full time on Labor Day. It’s been a two year journey to get to this point. We are finishing up our last home town commitments, and are beyond excited about starting our full time travel life. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. See you out there, on the road less traveled.
Hopefully we will see you out there!
It's Labor Day weekend. Enjoy your new life!!
@@o2bnov0307 thank you!
I can see this myself. I’m looking at longer stay places at least a month because gas on the west coast is so high. Also looking at park models in over 55 places.
I was exhausted when I did it to for a month lol but I was alone and doing it by myself. Plus parking in an RV is a pain. I have a 26 ft Winnebago but it’s not nimble. I have 2 cats so a van was too hard. 😅
Most of the people quitting are probably the you tuber ones. Once the subscribers start dropping off and they find jobs, or leaving you tube altogether, wow, that’s got to hurt the income. There are too many in my opinion. Almost ever topic you can think of, has 500-1000 channels. It’s going to go down at some point. I know l have cleaned out my subscription list. I just changed too. Like you said. Everything has a season. Anyways take it easy, have fun, that’s what life is for in my opinion.
A lot depends on your $$$. I am 85. We just sold our 40 ft diesel Class A. We were on the road 25 years, and put about 145,000 miles on the coach. Surprise: we also own a home in Michigan and Naples, FL. And have taken 20 cruises. And visited places like China, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, most of Europe, ....
So, $$$ is likely the biggest factor. If you have it your choices are different.
Agreed $ opens many doors
DUH! 😅
I'm sure glad my parents didn't drag me into that lifestyle, I loved going camping but after a week or two I was always ready to get back to my neighborhood friends and riding dirt bikes in the woods we lived next to. I'm 65 and been retired for 9 years and still keep in touch with some of the kids I grew up with. I believe I grew up in the best of times I call it the leave it to beaver days, we were all good kids alcohol, pot, fentanyl meth, heroin and all the other drugs we're not even in are vocabulary. In fact I loved the neighborhood I grew up in so much I bought a house near buy the house I grew up in, it's really hasn't changed much good schools, stores and neighbors.
4:33 Same happens with cycle touring as well. Predictable chore.
We are 1.5 years into full timing and we love it. Hope to get a couple more years in before we settle back down. Thank you as always!!! Dana
Thanks for watching! Safe travels
My wife noticed that on one of your videos you said you were at home base. She wants to know what that is since you said you were full timers. Don’t shoot the messenger.
She explained that! They have a vacation rental property and sometime use that as “home base” for a short period of time!
Great video guys, just one thing we want to point out is when will be the best time to get the best deal on a used RV. 5 years after 2021, the finance term of 5 years will come to an end then you have to refinance your rig. If you bought in 2021 at say 5.99 % there’s every chance that will be 9.99% and not only that but you will find that you actually owe more than the rig is worth because the used value is going to go down like a lead balloon, there’s going to be a massive glut of them on the market and repossessions. It’s going to get ugly for some and very good for others.
Great point. The other thing to keep in mind though is the fact that a lot of these people sunk a lot of money into buying these RVs. They are likely making insane monthly payments which is not leaving much money to do the proper routine maintenance. This might lead to a flood of RVs that look like good deals but have not had the proper upkeep due to the owners just not having enough funding to do so.
Never had an RV but from observing throughout the years from people and relatives, is that they're very expensive an arm and two legs. Not to mention they seem to be built using cheap material with super thin walls, when all the equipment like the A/C, stoves and what not are like the wall's. Quality is cheap but expensive. Just like a BOAT which stands for Bust Out Another Thousand - NO I think I'll pass.
My 2008 40 foot motorhome with 4,163 miles and 12 hour generator and NEW roof with ALL residential appliances i just started using breaks down alot less than my new one did.
What did she say: "Explore, have freedome...." How free are you in a huge mobile 'home' that won't fit in the places you want to explore? I think there's a lot of 'convincing' going on and 'talking myself into it' going on to believe you are free. The places you want to explore has to change with the size of your rig.
And the "kids just love it".....sure they do, when they're 5.
(no violin lessons for you, kid. Do you even know what a violin is?)
We have a Winnebago Minnie that fits in any campsite, vast acres or a tent site near a river, like Yellowstone. We can boondock anywhere. After driving 6,000 miles we go home to my cozy house.
One commenter mentioned payments. YIKES. Is that part of the 'freedom'? No one feels free with RV payments or "The kids need to see the US".
You sell your home and get a RV short time later you want to get back into a home ,now your RV has decreased in value as home prices have increased ,,,now your in deep 💩
Exactly
Ive decided to wait until the market crashes on rv’s and am confident it’s going to crash, like all markets they eventually become inflated and pop. I’m not hoping that happens, it’s just the way it cycles. Some are going to get caught just like the housing in 08. I’ve been looking at buying for several years now. I personally like the prevost chassis but want an earlier with a 60 instead of and older v8, they were affordable but prices went nuts over the past 3 years. I believe I will be able to purchase what I want in the next couple of years.
Ok. I like the idea of going to a place I want to see for some time. BUT!!! How do you pay for the GAS!!! I was paying 4.50 $ a gallon. Every time I stopped was putting in 80 90 dollar! We just went a small 4 hour drive. I can’t even imagine going 20 hours away. I mean 2,000 or more for gas is crazy and on social Security not going to happen! Costs more than what I get. How do you people go anywhere? Is there some kind of secret card? I mean dam you can’t even eat. That’s not even the cost of the camping spot cost. I don’t want to cash it in BUT WOW! It’s gotten crazy out there.
Washington state prices never did go down much from $5 last summer and now it's back up and over $5/gal. I DESPISE BIDENOMICS AND OUR GOVERNOR.
Just had the same conversation.
I had briefly considered the RV lifestyle, but after about a year of research, I've come to the conclusion that this is not a good time. I can't tell you the number of articles and videos describing the terrible quality of RV construction. Manufacturers are cutting every corner they can find and overcharging for what is darned near junk. Perhaps when the situation improves, I'll reconsider.
I can’t afford the rents these days so living in my rv is a life saver. I don’t drive very far nowadays so hopefully my house will last a while.
People coming out of sticks and bricks environment have what I don't have: Money! Only the rich can do this luxurious way of life. If you do it and are entitled, admit it and be happy about it. You are very luck and fortunate which I am not.
Good, hopefully another 250,000 get off the road and these RV parks turned into long term trailer parks, return to what they once were. Tear the wood decks down and sell the Rubbermaid storage sheds and lets get back to RV'ing.
How living in a Porta potty on wheels with a kitchen that runs on a lawn mower engine sounds like a life to some has always been puzzling to me. Rent one for 3 months and try it. Like it? Try three more months. You get out clean if you want to, not married to 20 year payment plan on a disintegrating box that is losing value with every passing day. Without cheap long term financing, these rolling eye sores would not be parked all over America only to eventually become death traps for the unhoused. Porta potty on wheels, that's what they are. Say it to yourself before signing the loan docs
My fiance and I are really thinking about living the nomad lifestyle. We are in our 20s and 30s and we won’t ever have kids so I believe we can do this lifestyle for a longer time
Once upon a time the idea of that was appealing. However, the idea of driving around from site to site over the course of a year or more is unappealing to me. Plus, it has to be very very pricy. I see the rates of campgrounds these days, for full hook up...its almost as much as a hotel. Add that the price of fuel, the cost of the rv itself and insurance. I can however see, taking the RV for the winter months and driving down south and using it as a second home for the cold northern months. But, to just drive around , not appealing to me anymore. To each his own tho.
Cousin and her husnabd were retired, sold everything to live the RV life. Lasted a year Wasn't what they expected Apparently they thought family they visited would let them live rent free on their property and use of their vehcles. None of us have rv hookups. I credit their failure due to lack of planning and research They sold teh RV and now rent an apartment Lots to consider when making that kind of life change
Those big rv devaluation is to consider, it’s not a good investment …I prefer have a small cabin on my pickup truck, I travel a lot and still have my vehicle and a house to comeback to.
It seems to me with the advent of Airbnb's RV life isn't necessary to go and see out of the way places. Drive or fly (rent a vehicle) see the sights and fly back. An RV is a house on wheels why bother just rent an Airbnb and stay in a real house.
10:57 so much truth from cajun country and now liver in the cente of the rv capital of the world and the factories are about to lay off my wife builds Entegra ( jayco) diesel pushers and she is off all next week was off 3 weeks in june ect.
I truthfully don't understand how anyone can afford to RV any longer. Costs are prohibitive, expenses, fuel, insurance, tires, repairs and the campgrounds are now over-priced!
While it sounds fun to live in an RV with kids, I worry about kids raised that way. Because they live on a permanent vacation, will they really have any entrepreneurial drive or drive at all?
Wait until gas is $10/gal. I live in Southern California and I am pay $6. They need to start manufacturing electric or hybrid RV's. I was thinking of renting one for a trip so my dogs can come vs. taking them in a RV with a pet stay hotel with the dog ees. I did the math per mile, it does not add up. This is a very informative and well thought out video with great information. Thank you.
I full time in a 19 ft travel trailer just to have a roof over my head; I have no Complaints
it’s funny when people say the want to travel to have “freedom” 😂😂😂😂 Like, “does your house oppress you?”😂😂😂 If you don’t travel while you’re living in a house, you’re not a traveler…lol You have the same opportunity living in a house you travel, get in the car, go for the weekend, stay in a hotel.. but they don’t do it.. and if you don’t do it while living in a house… you’re not going to do it in an RV.. you just end up being one of the people living in an rv park watching tv all day… lol
Depreciation on a full-size RV is ridiculous when compared to the rise in the value of actual real estate. One goes down one up.
More rv’s are coming off the road because people are sick of fixing them all the time. Their built worse than a single wide trailer.
I’d like to full time but just for a few years. Maybe use it to decide for sure where I want to settle down. I love where I live but the cost of living has gotten too high.
Wow, so, 12 minutes of boomer problems.
"What if I want to fly to Hawaii?"
Don't have an RV but several of my neighbors do. Therefore I've done a lot of RUclips research and surfed many channels on all the tips, tricks, pros, cons, and recommendations. This video is without a doubt the BEST scripted, filmed, heartfelt, useful, informative and appreciated video on the whole topic that I've viewed.
Thank you!
Not the same as having and living in an RV.
Aren't things getting way too expensive for this ??
We only part time. Our house is paid for. What has slowed us down on traveling is the high cost of diesel, the stock market going way down, the rising cost of campgrounds and inflation in general. We just can't afford to travel like we use to. I have actually considered coming out of retirement and going back to work.
Same, if only I physically could 😔
@@jodybogdanovich4333 I will definitely pray for you 🙏🙏🙏 What's wrong?
@@adriannurse1502Thx! I have multiple chronic illnesses -- inflammatory psoriatic arthritis, bronchiolitis obliterans, scoliosis, DDD, familial tremor which is now affecting my voice, chronic pain and fatigue, depression/anxiety. Osteoporosis has been reduced to osteopenia with Prolia. High cholesterol and hypertension. Oh, and IBS-D! Sleep apnea but I have the Inspire implant for it; however, now I have to use supplemental oxygen at night for my small airway disease.
I was gainfully employed all my life until around age 60 when the autoimmune disease hit me like a wrecking ball. It's a full-time job for me now keeping track of all my meds and appointments LOL. I'm 68 but feel like I'm 98. I have a T@B teardrop with little bathroom and kitchen and want to visit as many states and National Parks as I can by taking month-long trips but our messed up economy and outrageous gas prices really put the brakes on my plans.
From what I understand is rv on van lifers wear themselves out from over traveling, just find a good spot and stay there for a month or so, what’s the rush to be on the road all the time
imo a van or pickup that tows a small camper is least stressful way to go , easy to get service on a pickup and if trailer needs work just drop it off and stay in a motel til its done,
I don’t worry about anything. I’ve got Jesus and insurance.
lol i-10 louisiana been down that highway (and its forever bridge)
Hotels,cars restaurants, that's all I need
In Key West a parking spot for a class A is likely as much per day as a hotel on the Island.
Great info. Any chance you can do a sequel? We would love to hear how you go about renting out your home: Do you use a property manager? Do you rent it on your own? Pros and cons of either? When you decide to go home, is it a big deal to move back in and then turn around and leave again? Tips and tricks of this piece of your lifestyle would be amazing! If you rent on your own, do you have a lawn service, cleaning crew, painters, plumber, electrician, etc? Do you prefer short-term renters compared to a year or longer renters?
Ditto.. following
because there are so many on RUclips, nobody is getting paid much anymore
I cannot wait to begin RVing in my Elder Years… This has been my goal since 2018
Just wait until all the boomers come out to play !!!! Forget about it...
Pretty understandable. Not a full-time thing to begin with. Part-time for sure!!!
I think it’s so amazing how parents nowadays don’t teach their children how to use a knife and fork we call it proper table manners
Great episode. So much food for thought. I love when you share your insights into the “big picture” of RV living.
Thanks for watching
We started "full timing" in 1994 as my job required extensive travel across the Western US. Our kids had left home.
We rented our new home to a friend. We thought this might be a couple year adventure. Fast forward to 2023, we're still full timing and retired. But...planning ahead...we purchased property in AZ which is set up for RV's...and we have a mountain RV Site on family property in Montana.
Best of all worlds.
I have been watching your videos for such a long time and have enjoyed every min of all of them. We are a lot older than you two but have only been on the road for around 2 years. We hope to be doing this for years to come as well. Thanks for all the great videos.
Thanks for watching!
LOL didnt need a 12 min video to tell the tail of GAS is to high..
Are you saying Hippies or creative people are terrible neighbors? That’s what you showed! Your putting a stigma on it!
I think she meant drunk, loud hippies…
Must be nice to have the financial backing to have all these immensities. Wife and I are both retired from live long Service related jobs and in no way able to do and go where these people do. All this has a Romantic illusion of Travel and Freedom, but the hidden costs and fees, OUCH!
Haha.. yes.. as my adventurous father used to say- the reality spoiled the romance!!
I traveled the world for a decade. After a while everything looks the same even internationally.
In 2013, I said I'd never travel again. I want to be home. I haven't gotten on a plane since.
I don't miss it.
Traveling is boring.
Family, pets, home is where its at.
Since 94 for me, after 2 decades of it...if I never see another plane, I am delighted....still gotta see those Lockheed planes dumping chemicals on us 24/7 though...
I would like to know how paying for a mortgage every month and RVing has the same cost as a person who is RVing without a mortgage at all? A mortgage can be an easy $1,000 to 2,000 per month plus taxes, insurance and utilities. The cost of the RV does not go away just because you are not using it for a month here and there but the Mortgage cost will never go away.
The mortgage cost does go away when you pay it off. Campground costs will always be there, fuel costs to move the RV from place to place, more maintenance and repairs when moving from place to place more often all add up.
Wow. This kills me she has an RV worth over 100 grand. A beautiful summer home and must also have a winter home.. oh poor baby,,, 😂😂
Just FYI our RV is 20 years old, was purchases used and is worth no where NEAR that much
Good. You people are dangerous on the highways.
Thanks for keeping it "real". while it sounds glamorous or like so much fun....people need to realize it can be hard or even harder out there. Thank you for being honest and not painting a rosy picture on being full time.
For sure. It is an Active lifestyle and you must be OK with living outside of your comfort zone.. or at least pushing it..
Great video 😎 We have a house in Florida for six months in the winter, a lot in Tennessee for six months and use Tennessee for summer home base. My happy place is windshield time running in and out of Tennessee on road trips😊
Don’t forget the Buccees stops!
@@GratefulGlamper I’ve only got gas at one and that was south of Louisville Ky on 75. My beef with Buccees is letting fueled vehicles set at the pumps while customers shop for an hour🥴
The price of fuel and rv lot rent today has exceeded the cost of furnished rentals. Mostly. I showed a friend recently the actual cost of driving at 7 mpg 1800 miles one way, plus 3 months lot rent vs nice furnished condos for the same 3 months. The amenities and luxury of the condo is far above the rv and it was actually cheaper.
Great point. I'm gonna have to look into this plan option. Ya the fuel alone kills it.
It’s not a replacement for a true home and space.
If you live in an rv park full time, how do you recieve mail and does the bank and other institutions accept an rv park as a permanent address?
We have a mail box at a UPS store
If the silly prices would come down across the board that would certainly help.