Who's SS while doing full time RV living?

[Marianne]

DH would love to do the full time RV life. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the idea. I know storage is limited and you aren't moving around constantly, but I sure would like to hear what some do to have a more SS lifestyle in an RV.

 

[cheepo]

we considered a 5th wheel..with there slides..they can be pritty livable
but things to consider especially if thinking of moving around...is gas is not cheep thease days,\
and being so heavy some get as little as 6 miles to the gallon..
and if considering campgrounds...are not cheap...
some have added storage place at the back...but if thinking long range could be a unique adventure....

I think now would like to get something 21-24 feet..something easily drivable...that if we went away there would be room to put in larger found treasures...that one could refurbish...
I would like to sell plants and jam at the farmers market...so somthing to have space for an awning type thing...
but...is still just in the thought phase..

 

[Leta]

I don't think a high degree of SS is achievable on the road. That said, we have put a lot of thought into buying a park model RV and placing it on land. I don't think that's what you have in mind, though.

Here is a site about a family that has converted several RVs to run on waste veggie oil, and lived on the road full time.

http://www.happyjanssens.com/about-us/

 

[i_am2bz]

I don't think a high degree of SS is achievable on the road. That said, we have put a lot of thought into buying a park model RV and placing it on land. I don't think that's what you have in mind, though.

Yes, I had questions about that too, Leta.

Marianne, were you thinking of parking the RV on a piece of land so you can have a garden, chickens, etc? Otherwise it would be difficult to be very SS, would it not? Or am I missing a piece of the puzzle? (not surprizing!)

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

We plan to offer parking space for a camper in exchange for helping us work our little 2 acres. Might give that some thought.... plains of Colorado.

When my kid was quite young, I dreamed of being a fulltime RVer .. boondocking, growing veggies in a little windowsill planter, composting toilets, keeping a couple of mini chickens. Then the cost of gas rose, so we decided to settle in one place.

Not sure if it would have been possible to be self-sufficient but looking at pioneers and how sometimes they traveled for months and months ... made their own soap, traded for needs, etc. Wonder if it IS possible.

 

[sufficientforme]

My Dad is a full timer who is SS minded but rather than be self sufficient he is more disaster prepared. He carries 6 months of Freeze dried food (light weight) has a generator and a backup solar generator. He carries and uses a water purification system. He is completely portable, but if you are talking putting it on some land that would be very doable.

 

[i_am2bz]

My Dad is a full timer who is SS minded but rather than be self sufficient he is more disaster prepared. He carries 6 months of Freeze dried food (light weight) has a generator and a backup solar generator. He carries and uses a water purification system. He is completely portable, but if you are talking putting it on some land that would be very doable.

Interesting...How big is his RV? How much does he travel?

 

[FarmerChick]

I have to agree with your DH. Do it if you get the chance.

This is a biggie for me. Hubby and I are definitely going to travel TONS when we hit early retirement. I plan on full time rving. But more like not selling my home, leaving for 2-3-4-6 months and drive and have a blast. Then come home to home base and relax and leave again. Big trip is drive to Alaska. I tell ya I can't wait.

SS while long term rving. Hmmm....things like buy from any local farmer markets where I park. Buy from local shops and use the best the locals can provide. Keep the dollars to local business. There isn't much I can do but put my spending dollars in a good direction I guess.

Then the little SS things like don't waste food, be smart in purchases, enjoy free attractions and parks. That kind of thing.

 

[sufficientforme]

It is, I think (not 100% sure) 35' fifth wheel plus his truck for transportation locally. He stays 2-4 months at a time depending on seasons (winter is always spent somewhere warmer like AZ, CA). He LOVES it, and he is turning 70. This is by choice, he can afford a home but he loves this lifestyle now. I know he is a member of many 1/2 price camping clubs and that helps with cost also, but in general expect to pay 200-400 a month for a spot if you are not dry camping etc.

 

[snapshot]

Anyone wishing to do full time RVing, my advice is don't wait. My stepdad thought he could wait to retirement and he took one trip and passed away soon after --leaving my first stepmom with a big trailer and payment. DH and I have been doing this for 9 years and are stopping at this point so we can be more SS. I sew, can, dehydrate and stock a decent pantry--somewhat but have not figured out how to have a real garden or any animals but pets as we travel and move every 6 months or so. Many places in AZ you can park in the desert for free or $170 for 6 months--near Quartzsite. Marianne, please check out my journal for more info on what can be done while traveling. But as far as being SS, you are at the whims of your gas prices and motorhomes aren't cheap to fix or insure. Bumper pull trailer gives you the back of your truck with a topper if you wish. Can't do that with a fifth wheel. I never like the stairs in them either. If you are serious, check out the kitchen layout and storage as those have proved to be the most important. Hope you do this and have as much fun as we have!!! Wouldn't trade it for the world!!!!