For Those Of You Who Have A Motorhome
Nov 19th, 2003, 06:19 AM
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For Those Of You Who Have A Motorhome
Could we live for a thousand a month and travel the country? Maybe staying in a place for a few months at a time? Where could I research this? Are there magazines that address this topic? We're still thinking of taking two years to travel, hike, walk, do our own cooking, just visit our country. I would really like an opinion on what we could expect the monthly cost to be.
Nov 19th, 2003, 08:07 AM
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Hi cd,
Try the Open Road Forums at RV.Net
http://www.rv.net/forum/
There is a "RV Lifestyle" & "Full Time RVing" boards...and a whole lot of other great boards on RVing. I frequent the "Destination" board.
Utahtea
Try the Open Road Forums at RV.Net
http://www.rv.net/forum/
There is a "RV Lifestyle" & "Full Time RVing" boards...and a whole lot of other great boards on RVing. I frequent the "Destination" board.
Utahtea
Nov 19th, 2003, 08:55 AM
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Thanks Utahtea!
You gave this website to me before but then we thought it something we could not afford to do so I lost it. Lately we have been trying to figure out how we can manage it. Only live once and all that kind of stuff!
You gave this website to me before but then we thought it something we could not afford to do so I lost it. Lately we have been trying to figure out how we can manage it. Only live once and all that kind of stuff!
Nov 19th, 2003, 09:31 AM
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cd,
Many private campgrounds will give weekly or monthly rates that are cheaper than the one night rates.
You might look into campground host for short periods of time in National Parks during the summer. You get free hookups and some pay a little. From what I've heard the park rangers take the host out on day trips to places many people don't see.
Our biggest expense is GAS! On a four week trip that kills us, but if we could do the same 5,000 - 6,000 miles and spend months at a time on the road, then the daily cost of gas would drop dramaticly.
You have to eat even if your are home...so those cost should be about the same.
You won't have a water bill, electric, home gas & garbage bills because those are include in the camping fees.
I would get a good cell phone that doesn't charge for roaming with a lot of minutes per month. You won't have a home phone to pay for.
If you own your own home then you might consider renting it out. If you rent, then you might consider moving out and getting a storage unit for your stuff. You will have to figure that into your monthly cost...unless you have family and friends that can store your stuff for free.
We're in the process of trying to decide what to do once we retire in a couple of years so we've been thinking of these things too.
Utahtea
Many private campgrounds will give weekly or monthly rates that are cheaper than the one night rates.
You might look into campground host for short periods of time in National Parks during the summer. You get free hookups and some pay a little. From what I've heard the park rangers take the host out on day trips to places many people don't see.
Our biggest expense is GAS! On a four week trip that kills us, but if we could do the same 5,000 - 6,000 miles and spend months at a time on the road, then the daily cost of gas would drop dramaticly.
You have to eat even if your are home...so those cost should be about the same.
You won't have a water bill, electric, home gas & garbage bills because those are include in the camping fees.
I would get a good cell phone that doesn't charge for roaming with a lot of minutes per month. You won't have a home phone to pay for.
If you own your own home then you might consider renting it out. If you rent, then you might consider moving out and getting a storage unit for your stuff. You will have to figure that into your monthly cost...unless you have family and friends that can store your stuff for free.
We're in the process of trying to decide what to do once we retire in a couple of years so we've been thinking of these things too.
Utahtea
Nov 19th, 2003, 12:15 PM
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Utahtea
How do we look into campground host? That would be great. Also, have you ever had a 5th wheel? Which unit is easier to handle, an RV or a 5th Wheel? Not ever having one, we have no idea what is easier in the mountains and if we hit bad weather. I will also ask this question on the RV site you gave me. The price of gas scares me. Also, I am addicted to my computer and don't know how I could give up having one. Is there some way to hook up to a data port in the RVcamps within my RV?
How do we look into campground host? That would be great. Also, have you ever had a 5th wheel? Which unit is easier to handle, an RV or a 5th Wheel? Not ever having one, we have no idea what is easier in the mountains and if we hit bad weather. I will also ask this question on the RV site you gave me. The price of gas scares me. Also, I am addicted to my computer and don't know how I could give up having one. Is there some way to hook up to a data port in the RVcamps within my RV?
Nov 19th, 2003, 01:06 PM
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cd-HGTV did a show about RV's awhile back. If you go to their website hgtv.com and type in rvs in the search box you will be able to find it. Also, try www.gorving.com or do a search for rv newsgroups on google. My Aunt and Uncle have a 5th wheel and they love it. They can unhook the truck when they get to their campsite and away they go. They are on their way to Arizona now as we speak. I know they have internet access because they emal everyone from on the road. As for gas prices, I know that feeling. We have a 32' power boat. Kaching! We bought a used Whaler we tool around in and leave the big boat at the dock alot. ;-)
Nov 19th, 2003, 01:27 PM
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cd,
My parents went comepletely RV a couple years ago. They have a laptop, printer, the whole shebang and most nicer parks they stay in have a port in the office available for them to plug into. I don't think they charge extra. They will also use friend's houses, etc. I also think that when the signal permits they have finally been able to do it wireless off their cell phone. Every year the technoology gets a little better but they can't stay on too long.
My parents went comepletely RV a couple years ago. They have a laptop, printer, the whole shebang and most nicer parks they stay in have a port in the office available for them to plug into. I don't think they charge extra. They will also use friend's houses, etc. I also think that when the signal permits they have finally been able to do it wireless off their cell phone. Every year the technoology gets a little better but they can't stay on too long.
Nov 19th, 2003, 01:27 PM
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Unfortunately we don't have an RV - yet, but I do have some thoughts....
I think it would be better to have either a motorhome, pulling a car or a 5th wheel. That way you have something else to drive and don't have to pick up camp every time you want to go somewhere. I would think this would be even more important to do what you are planning to do.
Another cost is travel, if you are across the country at holidays - are you going to fly to see family or skip it or drive.
Many state parks (at least in Oregon) have camp hosts too. Even some of the smaller campgrounds (non-state) have hosts. Of course there are committments on your part cleaning the bath, being there X amount of time. However, that could be offset by the low cost or free rent, meeting people from all over and living in such a beautiful place.
I think it would be the museums and 'activity' costs that could blow a budget. There are lots of passes to National Parks and state parks available if you know where you are going to be for a while, these might save you money - especially if you are over a certain age.
Just some thoughts.
I think it would be better to have either a motorhome, pulling a car or a 5th wheel. That way you have something else to drive and don't have to pick up camp every time you want to go somewhere. I would think this would be even more important to do what you are planning to do.
Another cost is travel, if you are across the country at holidays - are you going to fly to see family or skip it or drive.
Many state parks (at least in Oregon) have camp hosts too. Even some of the smaller campgrounds (non-state) have hosts. Of course there are committments on your part cleaning the bath, being there X amount of time. However, that could be offset by the low cost or free rent, meeting people from all over and living in such a beautiful place.
I think it would be the museums and 'activity' costs that could blow a budget. There are lots of passes to National Parks and state parks available if you know where you are going to be for a while, these might save you money - especially if you are over a certain age.
Just some thoughts.
Nov 19th, 2003, 02:14 PM
#10
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You guys are great, thanks for all the replies!
Bucheyemom
The HGRV was informative. Please ask you Aunt and Uncle how they do their email. Thanks!
Wednesday:
Could you ask your parents what their monthy expenses are? If this is too personal, please just skip it.
SaraLM
We would be interested in being hosts for a few months, any suggestions?
Thanks again to you all!
Bucheyemom
The HGRV was informative. Please ask you Aunt and Uncle how they do their email. Thanks!
Wednesday:
Could you ask your parents what their monthy expenses are? If this is too personal, please just skip it.
SaraLM
We would be interested in being hosts for a few months, any suggestions?
Thanks again to you all!
Nov 19th, 2003, 03:57 PM
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I will email them and ask. I found another site for you to check out,
http://www.firstrv.com. They have message boards, chats etc. for first time rv'ers. Another suggestion is to do a search on some of the campgrounds like KOA and see what they charge, amenities etc. Happy surfing!
http://www.firstrv.com. They have message boards, chats etc. for first time rv'ers. Another suggestion is to do a search on some of the campgrounds like KOA and see what they charge, amenities etc. Happy surfing!
Nov 19th, 2003, 06:25 PM
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I recently heard about companies which use message boards to promote products or services without appearing to do so. Sounds like an RV magazine and/or web site to me. Are cd and utahtea the same person?
Nov 19th, 2003, 06:44 PM
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cd,
Here is information on volunteering in the National Parks:
http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/index.htm
From that website I found the link for volunteering. You can find many campground host postitions here:
http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/
As far as computers, we have a laptop so it doesn't take up a lot of room. I can use it while we are traveling. You might want to check into internet options with a cell phone. My son had that but he found that many of the parks didn't have cell service so he also didn't have internet access.
We had a travel trailer for 9 years before buying the motorhome. My DH said if he ever was going to get a trailer again it would be a 5th wheel because they are safer than travel trailers and easier to handle.
As far as a 5th wheel vs motorhome, it depends on what your going to be doing. If you are going to spend months in one spot, then a 5th wheel might be better. You will have the tow vehicle to go off in. With a motorhome you would also have to have a tow vehicle so you wouldn't have to unhook every time you wanted to drive off.
One thing to consider is how much driving will you be doing. Some states allow riding in the 5th wheel but others don't. I personally wouldn't feel safe riding in the 5th wheel but my SIL does it all the time. I like our motorhome because I am able to get up and get a snack, drink or even go to the bathroom while my DH drives.
Some of the choice will just be money and personal likes and dislikes.
Utahtea
Here is information on volunteering in the National Parks:
http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/index.htm
From that website I found the link for volunteering. You can find many campground host postitions here:
http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/
As far as computers, we have a laptop so it doesn't take up a lot of room. I can use it while we are traveling. You might want to check into internet options with a cell phone. My son had that but he found that many of the parks didn't have cell service so he also didn't have internet access.
We had a travel trailer for 9 years before buying the motorhome. My DH said if he ever was going to get a trailer again it would be a 5th wheel because they are safer than travel trailers and easier to handle.
As far as a 5th wheel vs motorhome, it depends on what your going to be doing. If you are going to spend months in one spot, then a 5th wheel might be better. You will have the tow vehicle to go off in. With a motorhome you would also have to have a tow vehicle so you wouldn't have to unhook every time you wanted to drive off.
One thing to consider is how much driving will you be doing. Some states allow riding in the 5th wheel but others don't. I personally wouldn't feel safe riding in the 5th wheel but my SIL does it all the time. I like our motorhome because I am able to get up and get a snack, drink or even go to the bathroom while my DH drives.
Some of the choice will just be money and personal likes and dislikes.
Utahtea
Nov 19th, 2003, 10:41 PM
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To jor,
You don't need to "buy" it, I don't care if you "buy" it and I have no intention of giving up on a subject I know and like.
If the subject doesn't interest you then it's VERY SIMPLE...skip the thread!
Utahtea
Nov 20th, 2003, 03:41 AM
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About 10 years ago we used to subscribe to a publication called Work Camper News for people who were full-timing it. It contained job listings and campgrounds looking for help. I don't know if it is still in publication. Some campgrounds have telephone hookups for seasonal sites. There are campground directories that contain this information. Go to any large news stand and you will find magazines such as Trailer Life which will give you leads and info. Don't forget that libraries may offer internet access. When we considered extended travel I decided that I might be better off getting an occasional temp job to do office work. A friend's brother is semi-retired and able to get temporary jobs that pay well so he works a few months at a time.
I have not liked the 5th wheel set ups and am very happy with our current camper. My husband is nervous about high winds but stability improved tremendously with the addition of towing stabilizers. Not cheap but well worth the added safety factor. We have a pickup truck with factory installed "tow package". We took a summer off once and it was the best summer of our lives.
I have not liked the 5th wheel set ups and am very happy with our current camper. My husband is nervous about high winds but stability improved tremendously with the addition of towing stabilizers. Not cheap but well worth the added safety factor. We have a pickup truck with factory installed "tow package". We took a summer off once and it was the best summer of our lives.
Nov 20th, 2003, 04:54 AM
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Thank you Utahtea and Buckeyemom for the websites. I will be using them as soon as I get home from work today! Utahtea, why would your husband prefer a 5th? Does he believe it safer?
dfrostnh: The high winds concern me also. That is why I wanted to know, as far as safety goes, what is better, a 5th or a motorhome. I will look to see if Work Camper News is still around.
dfrostnh: The high winds concern me also. That is why I wanted to know, as far as safety goes, what is better, a 5th or a motorhome. I will look to see if Work Camper News is still around.
Nov 20th, 2003, 07:48 AM
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cd,
I've seen the workkamper website:
http://www.workamper.com/WorkamperNews/WNIndex.cfm
My DH says that the 5th wheel is easier to handle and set up than a regular trailer. I think it is also safer because of the weight distrubution. Just keep in mind this is compared to a regular trailer. As far as between a 5th and motorhome...I don't know.
Utahtea
I've seen the workkamper website:
http://www.workamper.com/WorkamperNews/WNIndex.cfm
My DH says that the 5th wheel is easier to handle and set up than a regular trailer. I think it is also safer because of the weight distrubution. Just keep in mind this is compared to a regular trailer. As far as between a 5th and motorhome...I don't know.
Utahtea
Nov 20th, 2003, 07:56 AM
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Did you guys notice that the other motorhome threads were pulled!
BTW to Jor, I didn't notice your early post about this being a set up. Go back and read post that cd and I have done before. You will see that we are old timers to fodors and if I'm guilty of promoting anything it would be UTAH
.
Utahtea
BTW to Jor, I didn't notice your early post about this being a set up. Go back and read post that cd and I have done before. You will see that we are old timers to fodors and if I'm guilty of promoting anything it would be UTAH
.Utahtea
