Questions to You – Do you want to travel and see the USA and other countries before you die? How long are you going to wait?? Until you are too old to drive, your eyes fail, your health fails, or both??? DO IT NOW! If you have the financial resources to let you retire – even on a modest income – some full-timers can make it on $700 a month if their vehicles are paid for. You can get part time work in lots of places if you should run into financial difficulties. Just make sure your insurance will pay enough for emergencies. There is a book that tells you where you can stay for free, there are books that tell you of others that have done what you are going to do. I respectfully request that you buy one or all of those books before you make a decision on this new life of full-timing. You can find advertisements for these books in Trailer Life magazine.
The average expense for retirees break down thusly:
Food | 29% | If you budget according to these averages, you’ll have 43% to spend on your RV – begins to look good, huh? |
Housing | 34% | |
Transportation | 9% | |
Clothing | 5% | |
Personal Care | 3% | *A good idea is to try out the lifestyle for several trips – that way you know if you really can get along in a small space for long periods of time. |
Medical care | 10% | |
Other | 10% |
Here’s a list of some items you want to look for in your RV:
60″ Hide-a-bed | VIP innerspring mattress | 10 cu. ft refrigerator |
12 volt Lumadome | 4 burner range w/oven | Combination Door/dead bolt lock |
Systems Monitor | Single handed faucets | Extra holding tank |
Pull-out pantry | 12 volt demand pump | 95 amp battery |
TV Antenna | Battery pack & charger | Porch light, grab handle |
Breakaway switch | Kitchen utility circuit | AM/FM/CD sound system |
Microwave oven | Two folding chairs | 10 gal. gas/elec. water heater |
Double entry step | Automatic LP gas regulator | Chrome bumper cover |
20′ sewer hose | Spare tire, wheel & rack | 5000 lb. axles or more |
25′ water hose | Foam-Core vapor barrier | Radius windows -safety glass |
Spice rack |
Factors to consider for Full-time RVing:
Finances – | Sell your home or keep it for when you settle down again. Where do you get your best income – Mutual Funds, Money Market, etc. |
RV Equipment – | Choose the right combination for your needs, i.e.: Trailer and vehicle or Motor-home & vehicle, either way you will be trailer-ing something. Buying new vs. old – Maintenance problems or warranties. |
Choosing a ‘Home Base’ – | Buying your own property, buying into a timeshare, which State to live in – preferably an income tax free state. Legal problems in the state you choose, i.e.: tax on stocks, tax on death, etc. Smog checks, insurance costs. |
Communications – Mail forwarding – |
Will it follow you timely, legal address for vehicle registration. Buying a cellular and its costs. |
Personal Belongings – | Do you want to keep your furniture, plants, photos, etc. and where can your store them in air-conditioning. Have a garage sale or give it away! |
Traveling with Pets – | Will your pet travel well? Does it get along with other people’s pets? Do the RV parks accept pets? – pooper scooper? |
America IS Beautiful – Go see it yourself – Take the Grandkids on a trip of a lifetime.