I'm with Joy on this one, get some realistic numbers and see how it adds up. Living single and minimalist can go a long way, but some things are non-negotiable (i.e. cost of fuel). Again, get someone to help you get started. Other than that your flexibility is an asset, use it to find jobs to make ends meet.
I have an old friend who made this work in college (and after) - not living out of a motorhome, but working odd jobs to pay rent and survive while playing gigs, etc. (He and I are polar opposites, I work for _the man_ but I'm trying to negotiate telecommuting one day (to travel), two approaches to the same thing I guess). I see no reason why you couldn't make it work. I would suggest to keeping the rig cost as low as possible, and be patient to land a deal on something good. Others will need to chime in here but given what I think your income would be I would try to keep your motorhome cost as low as possible. Below $20k would be an old used one, but if kept well shouldn't give you problems. Lots of selection out there so you should be able to find a gem. You don't need 3 slides, Corian and all that other stuff for sure!
I know you didn't solicit life advice, just RV advice - but don't shut down your future options. I'm 32 and had plenty of friends back in my 20s who were going to stay single and never have kids. They changed their minds and now are married with kids (and loving it). I'm not saying not to go RVing - far from it - just keep your future in mind when you go for it. Maybe try to keep saving while you're living out of the MH...
2002 Wildcat 28BH (the bunkhouse); 2000 Ford F250 2WD CC Lariat 7.3PSD (the horse); 2000 A4 Audi 1.8T Quattro 5sp (the speeder); Last but not least - one great wife and a beautiful daughter.
As long as you are funding your IRA or some other retirement account by 5k a year then it should work out long term, even if Social Security is not available to you in your future.
Makes sure you have decent medical, dental and disability insurance so you do not become a burden on taxpayers.
Wayne in San Jose
TV1:2002 Chevy 1500HD 4wd Crew Cab,Valley Odyssey brake ctlr,McKesh mirrors
TV2:2008 GMC 2500HD long bed 4wd Crew Cab,GMC brake ctlr,GMC mirrors
TT:Trailmanor 2720
Honda 2000
Yamaha WR250R,Polaris Sportsman 700 X2,Polaris Scrambler 500
I just recommended to another RVer the book by Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire' where Abbey took a seasonal job as a Park Ranger in Arches National Park near Moab, UT. I think the dates were from April to September. You might find a kindred soul in Abbey and the Ranger job just might be a possible for you.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
So from what I've explained, after I buy my motorhome, would it be possible for me to work full time for part of the year at a minimum wage job (while living out of the motorhome), and be able to save up enough money so that I wouldn't have to work the remainder of the year? I spend a lot of time reading and creating and doing other things that require lots of free time, and this is why I ask.
I did pretty much what your talking about for three years after college. But, that was 35 years ago. I lived out of a homemade pickup camper I built and a tent. I worked in the National Parks for the concessions and also for the Park Service as a seasonal. At times, I stayed in the concessionaire's dormatories and government bunkhouses or trailers. I was able to travel and spend a least a little time in all of the lower 48 states. I know a lot has changed in the economy in 35 years. But, earning minimum wage or slightly higher; I was never able to save enough to take time off other than when forced to between jobs or while travelling from job to job. In between jobs, I usually stayed with friends or family. Be aware that no matter how good your relationships are, you can wear out your welcome faster than you may think.
I would not trade my experiences during that time for anything and it did result in my choosing a career and a direction for my future.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
* This post was
edited 07/19/08 07:13am by trailertraveler *
Though my personal take on this is that you are not setting your goals very high, but in time that will change as you see your needs being outstripped by a minimum wage job. I'm not retired, I work full time but live in my MH, and looking at a job that will move me around the east coast and the gulf coast, but at roughly 6 times the min wage.
Meanwhile, as you consider this particular goal, you should take a look at RV's and what is affordable and suitable for your needs. Starting out in a MH would be nice, but then you have to have something to drive to your min wage job, a car (towable) would be required, as well as associated hardware to make it all work (base plate, tow bar, brake system = easily cost upwards of $1,500 and that's the cheap prices).
MH pricing is up there too, even older ones cost much more than a comparable Travel Trailer or Fifth Wheel. A medium weight TT can be towed with properly equipped F150/C1500, a 5er of modest size can be pulled with a F250/C2500 or larger. These combinations can cost less than a MH and toad. An older TT in relatively good shape can be had for only a few thousand dollars.
Just something to think about...
*Cliff*
Chaos reigns within. Reflect, repent, and reboot.
Order shall return.
2004 Trail Cruiser XP C-23B
1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1989 Thomas Diesel Pusher (Cat 3208/Freightliner)
Chesapeake, Virginia
Dad always told me son, when you're dead you're gone a long time so live your dreams now. It might be a while before you get back. Kinda goes with my article I wrote in 2005.
If your quotation" I spend a lot of time reading and creating and doing other things that require lots of free time, and this is why I ask." will make you a good living soon in the future, then I say go for it. Pick up a used class "C" and repair the necessary items to keep it going. If you really don't mind working, and showing up, on time, every day without excuses, take a minimum wage job and put your everything into the job, you should be able to make it. I believe there are jobs out there for anyone wanting to work. You may be surprised at how you may be able to advance if you show up every day willing to do whatever, even on a go nowhere job. I would love to hire someone like that, I would go back into business and soon sell out to him. Bobby
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Kinda goes with my 
