Full-Time RV Living: A New Adventure Begins
Greetings, fellow road warriors and armchair travelers! It's been exciting since I took the plunge into full-time RV living and I couldn't be more thrilled. This July, I sold my house and embraced the open road with my trusty companions, Smith and Wesson
Our Mobile Home Sweet Home
Our new full-time abode is "Gladys", a 40' Tiffin Allegro Bus, and it's everything I hoped for in a mobile home. It's essentially a one-bedroom apartment on wheels, complete with all the comforts you'd expect. We've got a full-size fridge, a washer/dryer combo, and even heated floors for those chilly nights. It's the perfect balance of comfort and mobility.
Powering Up for Off-Grid Adventures
To fully embrace the freedom of RV living, I decided to upgrade our rig for serious boondocking capabilities. I've installed 2000W of solar panels on the roof and 820AH of BattleBorn lithium batteries in the basement. This setup allows us to enjoy off-grid camping without relying on a noisy generator. It's been a game-changer for enjoying serene natural settings.
The Road Ahead
Our long term plan for the year is is Yellowstone National Park. While work commitments have left the exact timing up in the air, the route is mapped and we're ready to go. Of course, we're keeping our plans flexible - if the weather turns cold earlier than expected, we'll adjust our route southward until it warms up again.
The Reality of RV Life
Transitioning to full-time RV living has been exciting, but it comes with its challenges. Like any home, an RV requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Fortunately, I completed a basic RV Technician class, which has been invaluable. I can now handle most routine maintenance tasks myself, saving time and money on the road. Like a boat, an RV can be "a hole you dump money into".
Advice for Aspiring Full-Timers
For those considering making a similar leap, here's a tip: look into purchasing a low-mileage, used coach. It's a great way to enter the RV lifestyle without the steep depreciation of a new vehicle. Plus, many used coaches come with upgrades already installed by previous owners.
The Joy of Freedom
What I love most about this new lifestyle is the freedom it offers. Knowing that we can change our scenery whenever we want is incredibly liberating. Every day brings new possibilities and new adventures.
We'll be heading west to Marion, AR next, just outside of Memphis. We'll stay a few weeks due to some business travel then move west again.
Great review, thanks Steve. Hot Springs is a great place to visit and tour. Arkansas has great state parks as well as the National Park in Hot Springs!