Why FullTimers Stop

[Steven@147]

Was reading up on how many Full-timers might be out there and ran across articles on RV-Dreams.com as to why some owners stop full timing. I think it's a good discussion about full timing and the pit falls that one can find themselves in, for pro's or newbies.
First off, I think you have to categorize full-timers into Young<50, Older 50-65, Old 65 >, Working Full-timers, Fully Retired, Financially Independent, etc. There is a lot of different types of people out there full-timing. It kind of seems to me reading up, it depends on what category full-timers fit into, as to whether they are, or can be successful years down the road.

Here are some of the reasons they talked about on RV-Dreams. I got to say though I thought some of the reasons for stopping were ridiculous and mostly those came from young full-timers.

Full-timing wears you down
CG Overcrowding
Irresponsible boondockers
RV repairs too expensive
Missing family
CG site cost too high
Out of funds
Tired of searching for the best pizza place or where the grocery store or WalMart is (Common give me a break!!!)
Tired of reservations and to far out, can't go on a whim or spur of the moment
Online digital nomads can't get high speed internet - want all the bells and whistles, bloggers
Had kids RV too small (they know what causes that now you know)
Health or Age

Seems some previous fulltimers have coined a new phrase - "Decision fatigue".

Well I guess if you live on the edge, yup it can be discouraging, it can get expensive, especially if you move every 3 -5 days and constantly setup and tear down and stay at high priced attractions all the time. One response was - No work camping and had to pay $1000/month for site?
For us, where we are at its $430/month plus elect, our last elect bill was $83 and its been in the 80-90s and running both AC units. That includes cable TV, excellent swimming pool, and the best onsite laundry we've seen, $2.00 wash/dry just to name a few amenities.

Then read where many thought the first year going fulltime was the roughest, then the 3 year mark and then the 5 year. For us, we are coming up on our 1 year anniversary in July going fulltime, our experience has been great, not rough at all. But then again we planned for going fulltime and are in our 60s, retired, don't have to work camp. We live fine on our retirement and SS income, haven't had to touch our savings once in the last year.

If something breaks we fix it ourselves. If you can't DYI yes it can get real expensive and time consuming having to take the RV to a dealer and wait, or wait for a mobile tech. Major problem like frames, delamination, yes a person can't DYI, but we have replaced a converter, propane regulator and a RF complete wheel brake assy ourselves in the last year and we keep up with maint of the rig like wheel bearing repack and suspension greasing.
Most of the time we stay at least a month at a site unless traveling to a different part of the country. In the last year we traveled up to Indiana and Ohio, back down to TX, and not had a problem. "Decision Fatigue?- our big decisions revolve around whether to cook or go out for dinner.

We have been having the time of our lives this first year. We will continue full-timing as long as we want to, as long as we can.
Seems to me some full-timers don't plan too well or expected way too much, expectations were way too high. Some advise against going full time - too difficult, too expensive, too hard. Bull! What say you? Am I being too critical?

 

[D2Reid]

... I think you have to categorize full-timers into

I have a little different category system for full timers.

Roving fulltimers. Those that have a good retirement income who can afford to roam to their hearts content. Rarely visit the same place twice. Enough in the bank to repair or replace as it occurs, can do a lot of minor repairs themselves.

Vacationers. Taking one or two seasons to be roving fulltimers but know it's not going to be a sustained thing.

Snowbirds. These people go to one place in the winter, one place in the summer, same places each year. They may wander around a bit during moves, but back to the same places.

Homesteaders. These are folks that don't move their RV. Well maybe a little bit. But generally stay in one area. Family, work, finances; for whatever reason they don't roam.

One would think that age plays a big part in the decision making process, and to some degree it does. But about the time you think you have it nailed down on age the exceptions will pop up: The young couple who had a really hot money making streak and are not yet 40, cashed in and moved out. The octogenarians that are in far greater health than I am.

I think I have seen more quit because of health. The big C the most common. Family being the second, kids/grandkids, family. Most that start down this road have something going on financially, some better than others, the ones that don't have big piles of cash tend to work things out. Very few of us can keep running in what I call "vacation" mode. Moving every few days spending big cash on tourist stuff.

And yes, I think decision fatigue is a thing. Been there, been there, been there... where haven't we been? Yuck, I still don't want to go there. Ok, I really like that place lets go back. Too warm, too cold. And then age starts to creep up on you, for some reason you just don't have the energy you used to. Still like to go and do, just not at the pace we once did.

We are in our 11th full time season.

 

[orbiker]

Thanks for the interesting perspectives.

We are getting close to counting the days before retirement. 8 months.

The decision fatigue is interesting. Where to go when? KEN

 

[geotex1]

Much to our surprise, one of the full-time couples in our camping circle told us over the weekend that after 21 years of full-timing that they're coming off the road out of shear frustration. Truly nomadic roamers, they just do not enjoy having to plan their destinations. They enjoyed camping through the Winter in the Midwest where they had no problem finding camp availability, but now in-season they're just discouraged. Years ago they bought some mountain property for their second retirement (retired in their mid-30s), and plan to spend a couple years developing it into an off-grid homestead and re-evaluate.

 

[D2Reid]

they're coming off the road out of shear frustration.

We are getting close to that point also. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy for all the people have found the outdoors. But it is different now, 5 years ago we had an easier time of it. Trying to plan for September now.

 

[Steven@147]

I have a little different category system for full timers.

Roving fulltimers. Those that have a good retirement income who can afford to roam to their hearts content. Rarely visit the same place twice. Enough in the bank to repair or replace as it occurs, can do a lot of minor repairs themselves.

Vacationers. Taking one or two seasons to be roving fulltimers but know it's not going to be a sustained thing.

Snowbirds. These people go to one place in the winter, one place in the summer, same places each year. They may wander around a bit during moves, but back to the same places.

Homesteaders. These are folks that don't move their RV. Well maybe a little bit. But generally stay in one area. Family, work, finances; for whatever reason they don't roam.

One would think that age plays a big part in the decision making process, and to some degree it does. But about the time you think you have it nailed down on age the exceptions will pop up: The young couple who had a really hot money making streak and are not yet 40, cashed in and moved out. The octogenarians that are in far greater health than I am.

I think I have seen more quit because of health. The big C the most common. Family being the second, kids/grandkids, family. Most that start down this road have something going on financially, some better than others, the ones that don't have big piles of cash tend to work things out. Very few of us can keep running in what I call "vacation" mode. Moving every few days spending big cash on tourist stuff.

And yes, I think decision fatigue is a thing. Been there, been there, been there... where haven't we been? Yuck, I still don't want to go there. Ok, I really like that place lets go back. Too warm, too cold. And then age starts to creep up on you, for some reason you just don't have the energy you used to. Still like to go and do, just not at the pace we once did.

We are in our 11th full time season.

Dallas, You are an inspiration to us all. 11 years is a long time and I'm sure you have seen just about all.
Between you and I, I think we have the "Who" fulltimes and the "How" they fulltime down, lols. I guess we are a mixture of Roving, Snowbirds and Family, RovelyBirds ? Since going fulltime last year we kind of decided to pick a big popular attraction to visit once a year, outside of peek season if possible, then rove camp to Indiana/Ohio to visit family for a few months, then end up back down in the Southern Texas gulf coast Dec - Apr, somewhere for the winter, then some time around Austin to get our annual health check ups done, then start the process all over again.

Since moving to Texas away from midwest family 19 years ago, each year always plan trips back for holiday visits, so trip planning is nothing new to us.

This year our Roving is to Disney and meet up with kids and grandkids in June coming down from Ohio. Then slowly rove camp from Florida up to the midwest and spend a few months around the rest of the family then back to TX for the winter. Last year was Galveston, this coming winter maybe Corpus Christi.

Health and or Age is probably what is going to stop us, baring any catastrophic circumstances. Probably end up like these people in a tiny home, park model or permanent perch. and our rig in the same park. My wife's uncle has a park model place somewhere around Surprise AZ.

 

[D2Reid]

11 years is a long time

Doesn't seem like it. We just keep having fun and the time flies by. LOL, you could come winter with us in Park City, UT Dec-Mar. I'll even help you brush the snow off your roof. But I have to admit it wouldn't be much fun if you don't like snow sports...

Disney, We used to live 90 miles away, so went there often. Definitely something to do with (grand) kids. We developed the habit going straight to the back of the park and then continuing clockwise. Over the years it appeared to us that the majority of the crowd would go through the gate and begin a clockwise tour. But by going to the back first you avoid the big line surge. Definitely make food reservations.

As adults we enjoyed Epcot more than Disneyworld.

Safe Travels.

 

[Stormin' Norm]

Intriguing thread, thanks for posting it. Thought I'd comment on one aspect I've not seen mentioned yet.

Perspective first: Firmly in the Roving full-timer category, about to start our 4th year ... of what I used to call my one-year "experiment" with it. (Don't get me started on the furniture and stuff I put into a storage locker thinking it was going to be economical thing to do for 1, maybe two years, haha. Oh well.) Sold home on east coast, came west to explore, and have not gone back east of the Mississippi again yet, as there is no shortage of new places to explore. Absolutely loving the life, despite dealing with a crash last year that left us truck-less for 4 months, a failed fridge cooling unit, slide seals, etc. etc. Have to admit to being a long-range planner, making my reservations 9 months or more in advance, which has served me well lately, and I have no problem continuing to do so, and enjoy the route and destination planning. Never boondocked, not equipped to do so, only a few wistful regrets about that, passing by a few choice sites while out on hikes, etc. Generally try to stay 1-2 weeks minimum in any given place, though since Covid times, have done a few longer term stays.

Anyway, have pondered coming off road to get a house again in last 6 months, partly due to health affecting my mobility, more due to situations with grown kids getting settled, or re-settled, but... who the heck wants to buy a house now in this market?!? Staying in RV now for another couple years makes perfect sense, until next housing market crash, haha, especially since pressure is off a bit with regards to me other reasons. So... down the road we go! Sure don't want to buy another RV now too under current market conditions, so going to coax and coddle our 2017 303RLS along for another couple years at least.

 

[Steven@147]

Doesn't seem like it. We just keep having fun and the time flies by. LOL, you could come winter with us in Park City, UT Dec-Mar. I'll even help you brush the snow off your roof. But I have to admit it wouldn't be much fun if you don't like snow sports...snip
As adults we enjoyed Epcot more than Disneyworld.

Safe Travels.

Hey Dallas, I have been to UT several times but in my past life in IT computer career. Spent a lot of time in Provo, visited Promontory UT and the transcontinental RR meeting place and at least drove by the Morton Thiokol plant near there. Visited Park City UT in the winter, really nice area but not with an RV. But now I don't like winter all that much. The Wife has never been out there so it's on her bucket list, during the warmer months.

Intriguing thread, thanks for posting it. Thought I'd comment on one aspect I've not seen mentioned yet.

Perspective first: Firmly in the Roving full-timer category, about to start our 4th year ... of what I used to call my one-year "experiment" with it. snip so going to coax and coddle our 2017 303RLS along for another couple years at least.

I know what you mean, We've been trying to be diligent and keep up with the RV maintenance and repairs to make it last as long as we can. We would hate the thought of purchasing now as well, RV or S&B.

 

[Oldcow]

Very interesting post and comments.

We plan to be "Roving" 5 to 6 months in the US during the winter months. We are in eastern Canada. Is it mostly "out" of season in most areas of the US between September and April? The rumors of overcrowding is definitely something on our mind. We are hoping for a large TH, may do the first year in our 34'TT to make sure the lifestyle is for us.

Oldcow

 

[D2Reid]

Is it mostly "out" of season in most areas of the US between September and April?
Oldcow

The season, in my experience, is mostly temperature related. During mild summer months the season is further north. As old man winter creeps in the season moves further south. The more northern RV parks start to shut down the end of September. You can get lots of far south reservations July, August, September when the temps are somewhere between 90f and 100f.

 

[Ramand337]

I know the day will come, but it is a long way off for us. We have a unique setup that was planned for years ago. We built a 2 spot RV "park" on property we have in the Southern Utah mountains and spend 6 months there from some time in April until the first snow, which is about November 1st. November is "roving" month when we decide where to spend a month at some place new. Then its the Vegas area for December for a month to be with the kids and grandkids for the holidays. January is a "roving" month followed by 1 or 2 months (depending on roving plans) at our favorite place in Yuma. We watch the snow and temperature situation in Utah on our security cameras and usually leave for our mountain around April 15th. The "slack" time is another "roving" time for us until we can return to Utah.

We do plan ahead, but one of the most important things for us is having a "home base". Knowing we have six months to spend with our friends and visitors on our mountain retreat while maintaining our fulltime lifestyle, and having time to plan our couple of months of roving, takes off the stress. We have friends that we travel (rove) with yearly, which also adds to the fun. We decided when we undertook this lifestyle that we would try to see all the things we want see, but generally keep to our schedule. This year we decided to break the schedule to take the grandkids on a 4 week trip to visit a few National Parks and visit the Great Grandparents in Iowa in June. This was because of health reasons with the Great Grandparents. There are few things that can take me off a schedule, this is one of them. The Grandkids usually spend this time with us in Utah.

Bottom line for us is..... HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Beachcamper]

We have been fulltime since 2018. Love planning and do reservations months in advance so latest issue with campgrounds being booked is not affecting us. One thing we did is to buy an RV lot in a resort in south Florida when we sold the house. We winter there from Nov - April then take off to explore the country the rest of the months. Have many friends there and close to family.

Having a place to stay all winter allows time to take care of maintenance, rest up and plan the next trips. With this method, we don’t feel stressed out or wanting to stop traveling anytime soon. We do a lot of the repairs ourselves to save money and knowing expenses keeps us within budget.

 

[TheRealRoland]

We have a small piece of property, looking out over the Mississippi River. We set up the trailer there to go there every weekend, and hopefully more often once i get the wireless internet sorted out. Full-timing is a dream, dunno if we can manage that this year. So far the weekends are bliss, compared to tent camping in the same spot every weekend (when it's fair weather...)

Perhaps would like to rove, but then probably need a bigger tow vehicle to reduce the stress on the car. Still, with both of us working, would have to do that roving over the weekend.

 

[BobnColo]

well we will have to see how this pans out for us. Have always had rv's but usually for long weekends or a weeks vacation. We both retired a few weeks ago and sold the house while the market is still hot. Bought the 2970RL last May with these plans in mind. We left Cortez Co Sat morning to go out to Buellton Ca. to see new grandaughter and left there and on our way to wander around Texas until the 3rd of October when we have reservations at Lake Greeson in Arkansas. From there who knows, but someplace warm until Colorado in the spring and northern traveling. Plans are to buy a place probably in Arizona for the winter when the market gets back to "normal" if there is such a thing anymore. 70 is the new 40 lol

 

[Corky2]

Was reading up on how many Full-timers might be out there and ran across articles on RV-Dreams.com as to why some owners stop full timing. I think it's a good discussion about full timing and the pit falls that one can find themselves in, for pro's or newbies. ...

Have the reasons and motivations for people starting full-time RV living changed over the years?

I have been wondering why the recent increase in people buying RV's let alone why some new buyers decide to live full-time in the RV. I wonder if the ratio between new buyers going full-time is increasing with the increase in RV purchases and why.

 

[Steven@147]

Have the reasons and motivations for people starting full-time RV living changed over the years?

I have been wondering why the recent increase in people buying RV's let alone why some new buyers decide to live full-time in the RV. I wonder if the ratio between new buyers going full-time is increasing with the increase in RV purchases and why.

I think absolutely motivations have changed. I think there are several reasons why but just one that comes to mind is that Gen X and younger people are not locked into the traditional way of thinking. Technology (social media, mobile networking) is a big part of it. For the youngsters the more traditional way of thinking is out the window. Some of the reasons I have read about for various age groups going full time,
Freedom
Travel
Meet new People
Get out of the Rut
Change Up Jobs
Do Things We Had Never Done Before
Live Life Now
Simplify Life
Experience Life, Not Just Live It.
Work Burn Out
Minimal Quality Time With Traditional Living
Scratching Their Hitch Itch

Get back to you later with more thoughts, gotta take a break

 

[Corky2]

I think absolutely motivations have changed. I think there are several reasons why but just one that comes to mind ...

I agree that traditional norms for many younger adults is and has been changing. That's probably a product of how they were raised, taught and the social environment bubble they are living in. Our society in general is going through radical changes that seems to impacts younger people the most. But I'm not sure it's these socially changed people who are currently buying RV's and living full-time in it.

 

[Steven@147]

I agree that traditional norms for many younger adults is and has been changing. That's probably a product of how they were raised, taught and the social environment bubble they are living in. Our society in general is going through radical changes that seems to impacts younger people the most. But I'm not sure it's these socially changed people who are currently buying RV's and living full-time in it.

Hey Corky2, First from one veteran (USN) to another, thanks for your service. The wife wanted to go somewhere yesterday so I didn't get a chance to finish my thoughts. There is a lot of changes in society these days. Couple that I have run across,

We are in our mid 60s. We were taught the traditional way of thinking / living, you know, when you got the good paying job you stayed with it till retirement 30 -40 years, you lived in the same area you grew up in, got your house paid off etc. Now days not many companies pay retirement so there is no incentive for people to stay to one company or loyalty to one company, or in the same place for 30 years. With head hunters and job networking people can find higher paying better benefit jobs all over the country. Right before I retired the young people in the company seemed to come and go like a revolving door, two to three years and gone. With the cost of housing, 2-3 years, RV living fits the bill.

At one RV park we stayed at, was talking to a young guy 30s, HD diesel mechanic, wife and 5 kids living in an RV, would work for a company for awhile, find a better paying company with a sign on bonus and move again. They were originally from SC, moved to TX, then he got a job in FL with a $5K sign on bonus. Said RV living fit their bill.

Not wanting to be political, but I think the Affordable Care Act, like it or not, has helped change the dynamic a little. Younger people don't tend to use health care as much as us older people. Where ever the young people move to, they can get health care coverage if there work doesn't provide it.

When staying in our home state, TX, there are lots of transient workers, power grid, new wind farm construction, the new TESLA plant in Austin, they move from one work site to another. RV living fits there bill. They are never in one place long enough to buy a house, and the cost of houses in TX is going crazy.

In the medical field, my wife's old job, she worked for the same hospital for 20 years, they did away with retirement, she was seeing more traveling health care workers, moving from job to job when a better opportunity presents itself, RV living fits their bill.

We are in Indiana right now, guy next door to us is from AL, has a Solitude 378, single, working here till job is done, then move to the next job.

Was reading a couples site from SC, they started with the traditional lifestyle, were miserable, totally stressed out, woke up one morning and asked, is this what we are slaving away for, misery? Chucked it all, bought an RV move all over the country, working jobs they find online. They are in their 30-40s.

Lots of changes going on in society. Its not just us retirees buying RVs any more.

 

[trailrydr]

........Lots of changes going on in society. Its not just us retirees buying RVs any more.

IMO, I dont think it ever was.... There have always been those chasing the blue collar dollar doing migrant skilled labour type work traveling the country. Not to include those who travel to FEMA work sites doing clean up, repairs, firefighting, building, etc. Thats been going on for years and given the current extreme weather issues will probably increase with more folks doing it (along with the newbie COVID RV'ers and retirees).

We have been to several campgrounds where we have seen those types of long term site rentals. Mostly because its cheaper than staying at a hotel and save money while cooking out. This also doesn't include those who are renting long term for vacation purposes cause they like that particular campground or location for the same monetary reasons. Seen alot of that too.

The real question in my mind is when the COVID RV'ers are done, what will full time RV'ing be like. Will it make it any easier for those who do this type of living (retiree and/or traveling worker)? Will the glutten of used RV's have any effect on full timing due to less demand and needing to places to park, store or vacation in. Campground access may also become a reason for those giving it up too.

We are are considering all of this while we make up our minds to become full timers in the near future. For us, we would like to maybe workcamp in our retirement. We talked with several of those folks and some say the type of RV'ers today are becoming more "challenging" to deal with. This too maybe a reason for some giving it up.