RE: vacation mode vs. fulltime mode
Like that famous song said: "They say I'm lazy, but it takes all my time". I love that.
After 4 years, we still do a lot of "vacationing". We just don't have to hurry and see everything. It is exciting still to see what awaits us when we turn the next corner.
bob
RE: Staying busy
I suffered the same dilemma. I wasn't lucky to have a full-day hobby (i.e. fishing, golfing, etc). I've tried many new things and that is really fun (and time consuming). I've tried wood carving, photography, cross-stitching (surprisingly cool BTW).
I think I have a bit of ADD because nothing really "grabs" me for a long time. The good news is; after trying two or 3 new things that take a while to learn, I go back and try things I've lost interest in before. Then another, another...
So, I struggle with boredom. But, I've found the most boring day is still better than my best work day - and I really enjoyed my work (Air Traffic control). I just don't want to work anymore.
My worst time is winter because we feel somewhat land-locked, trying to stay in 70 degree temps. Limited to the south. Don't like being location limited. So, that's when I really play with the idea of going back to work; and have a couple times - only to find out I truly hate working!!
I wish I had the money to cruise for the 3 winter months. That would be cool. Might try some kind of cruising to break up the winter. They seem fairly inexpensive at times ($4-600 per person per week). What we save in gas, food and campgrounds, it really isn't that expensive. We'll see.
Good luck. If you happen to find "nirvana", please let me know. There's an extra $100 from me to you, if I can do it too - LOL.
bob
RE: Coffee Maker Elevator
I got it now. Had to figure out the sliding rails - but, I never claimed to be a mechanical engineer - LOL. Outstanding job!!
bob
RE: Newbie question for y'all...
"The thing that most surprised me when I started FTing was how quickly and easily my wife adapted to it"
I agree with this totally. Remember; you don't need to plan everything. It's more fun to just say "let's go, I don't care which direction".
bob
RE: Kinda scared
I am not being "flippant" when I say - JUST DO IT!! What's the worst that could happen; you don't like it and buy/build another home.
I retired on my 50th birthday. We hit the road soon thereafter. Yes, I have gotten bored. Bored enough to go back to work for short periods of time. Each time it has given me a little extra $$$. But, more importantly, it has shown me that I don't really want to work anymore (I know - I've done it 3 crazy times). My toughest times are nov-march, since my destinations are more limited (we don't like cold weather).
It's not that I don't like work. It's that I don't want to have to get up or go to bed at a set time. I don't want to have to ask for permission to be off work or go on vacation.
That said, I've had the opportunity to try new things; hiking, cross-stitching (cool at night while watching TV), wood carving, etc.
We can go to the beach or the mountains when the urge hits. I personally don't want to workcamp. If I wanted to commit to an employer, I'd go back to work and make $$$.
We move about every 10 days. That's how long it takes us to get hitch-itch. So, we move on. And each time we do, we get that new exciting feeling of "what's around the next corner".
We don't enjoy the big cities much. However, sometime there is OK. We like broadway plays and the availability of big city stuff. The rush-rush of the big city is not one of our favorites though. So, we can decide to go to a big city and move whenever we wish - be it 3 days or 3 weeks.
Want to take a cooking class or fishing class, it's soooo easy to fit it in when you have your home with you and no time table to live by.
Anyways, you will get bored. But, you will also have things to try that your previous geography confines didn't allow.
We love it!!!
bob
Hobbies Category
Anyone interested in asking the moderators about starting a "hobbies" category? I think it would be nice to have an area dedicated to things we do; whether fulltiming or just "headin out". Crafts, fishing, biking, woodworking, etc.
Ideas?
bob
RE: Chewing off too much?
The only thing I recommend is: get an exhaust brake. Not totally necessary, but will make your driving alot more relaxing. Remember: it's not what the truck can pull - It's what the truck can stop!!
bob
RE: want to take kids and full time for a year or two
We travelled with 2 grandbabies (twice) for several months each time. Had a blast and home-schooled. They were very young (5,4) at the time, but they seemed to enjoy this style of learning very much. We had more fun too. They got to experience history instead of just reading about it (which we also taught them to do).
bob
RE: Tow Haul On or Off??
I usually keep mine off for 1 reason. When it downshifts going up a hill, it downshifts 2 gears. This really rev's up the rpm's and scares the poop out of me.
Since my unit has the autoshift on the shift lever, I use that to downshift manually when I anticipate going up a hill. Almost like driving a manual.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong and someone can correct me. I'm no expert and when I bought this truck last year, I didn't put a transmission guage on. So, I have no idea about the temps. Gotta get one.
RE: Full timers, Where do you work?
Why not go into business for yourself? Wash RV's for $35-40. Wax them for $125. Buy some carpet cleaning equipment and clean RV's carpets for $70.
Use your imagination. The entrepreneurial spirit is still alive. Get rich? Probably not. Live how you want, where you want? Probably can.
bob
RE: Any custom paint jobs out there?
So what does a custom paint job on a 5th cost approximately? I know it will vary with detail, size, etc? Just an idea where to start. $3000? $7000? $20,000?
bob
RE: Go shopping with me
The newer diesels don't smell more than a gasser nowadays. And, they are almost as quiet. Not so for pre-2004 models.
Really, don't sweat it. Find a model with a floor plan you like and, if so moved, go for it!!
Most diesels will last 300k+ miles. Most gassers probably won't. Not true always, just history. Yes, some gassers will last a long time if you take care of them. None will last if you don't.
Enjoy. And yes, the 3500 is a 1 ton.
bob
RE: Make sense to buy US Mint silver coins ?
I still have many silver coins that I bought in 1980 for $62 an ounce. When I break even, I'll consider it again. LOL
RE: Go shopping with me
Mine is a beautiful tan, not white.
You can get a single, rear wheel 1 ton.
Yes, a 5th is an upgrade from a trailer.
You can get a short bed truck, then use a "slider" hitch.
If your 5th is not too heavy (less than 12k pounds), a 3.73 rear end would be optimal - better gas mileage than a 4.10 or larger.
No more maintenance on a diesel than a gasser. Will normally last much longer.
These are not gospels. Just my opinions.
bob
