You and your camper are a team. You can’t wait to get out on the road and when you return, your mind is already running through the next destination, the next trip, the next big adventure.
If this sounds like you, the thought has probably crossed your mind that maybe it’s time to consider becoming a year-round camper-dweller or fulltimer.
But before you put the For Sale sign in your front yard, here are three points to consider to help you decide if fulltiming is right for you.
Fulltiming is a lifestyle choice
While it may be exciting to travel to new locales and meet strangers who turn into friends, fulltimers are, for the most part, travelers who literally and metaphorically don’t let the grass grow under their feet—or, in this case, under their camper. “Hello” is followed by “Goodbye” rather than “See you tomorrow!”
TIP: To avoid feeling isolated, keep your “back home” friendships alive via blog posts, emails or social media. Also, consider joining RV groups and clubs. RV-Camping, RV Clubs and RV Associations and RV Share have extensive lists, or check out The Ultimate List of RVing Social Sites.
Fulltiming isn’t free
While you won’t have to pay for home and property upkeep, you will still have expenses associated with living full-time on the road: the cost of the camper, and if needed, a new vehicle capable of towing it, insurance and maintenance bills, and fuel expenses and campground fees.
TIP: To avoid unpleasant surprises, create a projected fulltime RV budget and compare it to your current expenses. Check out Follow Your Detour and 19 Expert RVers Weigh In On Fulltime RV Finances for RV living cost estimates, and The Ultimate Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Full-time RV for a free interactive budgeting worksheet.
Fulltiming can make or break a relationship
Being on the road together can strengthen a relationship and enable you and your significant other to build a new life together. But it can also be a source of stress if you both aren’t on the same wave length. Make sure you both agree with the idea of living on the road before you sell your home and pack up your possessions.
TIP: Test out the idea by taking longer trips than usual—months instead of weeks at a time—to see how well the two of you handle the experience. Or consider keeping your permanent residence for the first year or two while you live on the road. Then, if you decide that fulltiming is right for you, you can “cut the cord” and sell your home!
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