What lesson do you learn from this story?

[gcal]

I learned that half their previous income is still more than twice our current retirement income. What are they they doing with it all?

 

[gcal]

I think they spent way too much on the trailer. As I added it was close to $10,000 on something that looks about the same size as my Runaway camper. From looking at the pics it just looks like it only has a bed in the back and side walls that open all the way around. He is siting outside doing work on the computer. I would think that for that kind of money they could have got a nice class B or C and been more comfortable. But I guess it works for them.

Yeah, they could have done better with that trailer. Not sure what those oversized tires are about.  There's  not much point in having a trailer that can go places your truck can't  pull it.

 

[LeeRevell]

"...spend three months refinishing a used, ex-military trailer they bought off Craigslist for $800.



They then spent about $6,200 "finishing it off," replacing everything except the frame and axle. Most of that money went to solar panels and wiring to provide the camper with an energy source ($900), their refrigerator ($800), and replacing the wheels, tires, and brakes ($1,200). 

So that explains the running gear on the trailer.  Milsurp.  It is smallish, but they are young and adventuresome.  Later in life, they will crave more comfort, and will upgrade.  Maybe end up in a hightop van or a Class B.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

There's a whole sub-forum devoted to building trailers like that over on Expedition Portal.  Very popular with the Indiana Jones Wanabee crowd that has fantasies about driving around the world in a Land Rover.  Which is certainly doable these days.  All it takes is a big enough pile of money.

Regards
John

 

[LowTech]

They should have used an M101A2 trailer, it already has chevy 6 bolt wheels and they could have gotten it a lot cheaper if they didn't want the bed

 

[ilovemyvan]

What I've learn is that no one size fits all. They are doing it their way like most of us do. Different is not bad, it's only different.

If that's the way they like it I wish them many more years of enjoyment.

-Nicole

 

[ttpadilla]

First: I haven't read the article because my dial-up won't load linked items, but I have read the posts and I agree with Nicole... we might be feeling a little judgmental because a) they are outside of our "clan, and b) they are "wasting money" while we're practicing frugality, and it's completely normal for us to feel that way.

Full-time/long-term RVing isn't new, it's just mostly been restricted to the upper class, after retirement. Fortunately, Bob has found and shared ways to make it accessible to everyone.

I have a rich aunt and uncle who have been full-time RVers for years, and they spend a fortune and enjoy a lifestyle that is far more extravagant than I desire. But they have been just about anywhere anyone would wish to drive to, seen so much beauty, met some wonderful people, and it works for them quite well. They also have a 40' Class A (or larger) and are very unlikely to ever try boondocking in the back woods of a National Forest. So... less competition over good camping spots!! I say let them travel in their circles, and we'll do what we do, and if our paths cross we will greet them as brothers. Because after all, we're all just after a little freedom.

 

[GotSmart]

Now for my take on this.  

First, they have a way of making a lot of money on the road.  It is possible.

Second.  They are spending a lot on groceries.  They do not have a community to give them ideas on how to buy what they like at a lower cost.  

Third.  They, like just about anyone else starting out have gone a different route when setting up their residence.  Just about everyone here would have advised them to use a different platform.  What they ended up with will be a treasure for many years to come.  It works for them now.  

Fourth.  Having access to a site like this where you can get advice and education on just about any subject from AC to Z brackets has saved me thousands of dollars.  

And last.  No matter what you are in, you can have a good time and completely enjoy the way of life that is out there for the taking.

 

[Brian_and_Jesse]

Wow, a grand on groceries! What are they eating?

Darlin' (Brian) and I spend that much and another $700 for supplements and meds. It can't be helped. Being diabetic and having heart problems (etc.) makes eating ten times more expensive than it used to be - and we're definitely not big eaters. Meds aren't cheap and the supplements we use are needed if I wish to stay out of the hospital. (I haven't posted for almost a month because May/June have been 'hospital' months for me. If any of you have A-fib, you'll know how much fun it can be!)

I see no mention of insurance, either vehicular or medical, and to forego either one is asking for trouble, IMO. I've visited scores of hospitals in my travels over the decades - all ER visits - so I absolutely need a good medical plan. It's just a way of life for me/us, and I'm no sicker on the road than I am in an S&B situation.

There was a time when I/we could easily live without any money at all, but not anymore, unfortunately. Our touring budget is approx. $4,000 a month, and we can get away with $2,500 if we're more or less stationary. That includes Internet, two cell phones, food, medicine, supplements, gas, insurances (health and auto), propane, repairs/maintenance, and sundries. We seldom, if ever, use campgrounds.

Jesse.

 

[Marie]

Thanks for the post about a-fib, hospitals, etc. I'm sorry you've got those medical issues. It makes just regular life harder, and especially a traveling life! A-fib, or I should say the FEAR OF AN A-FIB ATTACK is what keeps me from going on the road. I can hobble around with my arthritis, I make it OK with my lack of youthful energy, but what would happen if I had to go to the ER for a-fib?!?!?! I travel alone with two little dogs...

 

[Brian_and_Jesse]

Thanks for the post about a-fib, hospitals, etc. I'm sorry you've got those medical issues. It makes just regular life harder, and especially a traveling life! A-fib, or I should say the FEAR OF AN A-FIB ATTACK is what keeps me from going on the road. I can hobble around with my arthritis, I make it OK with my lack of youthful energy, but what would happen if I had to go to the ER for a-fib?!?!?! I travel alone with two little dogs...

Morning Marie!

It's possible to cardiovert yourself nine times out of ten (using Norwegian cod liver oil (which you should be taking anyway), 1,800 mg magnesium citrate, 500 mg potassium, and a teaspoonful of cayenne - in warm water), and if that doesn't work, I take an extra 25 mg pill (or two) of Metoprolol. It's the other times that aren't much fun.

Knowing what your triggers are (chocolate, wine, other stimulants etc.,) helps, of course, but I caught a cold and then a 'bad' flu on top of the cold (last time I had the flu was twenty-two years ago) and that activated GPD, and that aggravated my heart and sent me to the ER with my vitals in the stratosphere. It happens, just not often - thank God! (It had been within days of a year for me between serious episodes.) I get PVCs anyway, but they're not as dangerous - nor as alarming.

I've been sick all my life and have learned (or decided, I guess) that I can live and die anywhere, so I don't let my challenges imprison me. I want to LIVE until I die! There are emergency rooms everywhere, so propping yourself up with whatever cocktail works for you and heading for the nearest ER usually does the trick, and if it doesn't - you won't know or care.

I know it's scary, but hey, I'm still here (praise GOD), and I'm on a first-name basis with more ER docs than I care to count. Why not ask your doc what your mortality risk is? They won't like it, but insist on knowing where you rate on their chart. If they say you're heart is basically healthy (have an echo cardiogram done), despite your A-fib, then there's absolutely no reason you can't travel. Ask your doc. Get the confidence you need. Chances are you may just feel better on the road - I know I do!

May God bless you, Marie. I'll remember you in my prayers.

Jesse.

 

[Brian_and_Jesse]

Please pardon my spelling and grammar.  I'm overtired here and this is the first time in weeks that I've been online.

Jesse.

 

[Marie]

Note: I know this is kind of off topic, and this will be the last one.
Dear Jesse, thank you so very much for the actual, physical advice on cardioversion. I've been looking for advice like this for two years! Also, thank you for the encouragement. I'm sure if I look hard enough, I can find the strength and courage I had as a young woman! Especially thank you because you have such huge challenges yourself. I appreciate your time, more than I can say.

Marie

 

[Brian_and_Jesse]

Note: I know this is kind of off topic, and this will be the last one.
Dear Jesse, thank you so very much for the actual, physical advice on cardioversion. I've been looking for advice like this for two years! Also, thank you for the encouragement. I'm sure if I look hard enough, I can find the strength and courage I had as a young woman! Especially thank you because you have such huge challenges yourself. I appreciate your time, more than I can say.

Marie

Not at all, Marie. Anything I can do to help is a gift to me.

Here's a link to a bunch of folks who share our battle with A-fib. I post there under the name 'Mahrie' (Jesse was taken), a character I like in my latest seven-novel series.

http://www.earthclinic.com/cures/atrial-fibrillation.html

Hope it helps.

Love,

Jesse.