RV's anyone???

scarpbooker06 · May 21, 2006

Haven't traveled for almost 7 years. Am contemplating a return. Don't want to do the extensive move every thirteen weeks thing I did in 1990's and am thinking I want to purchase a "Toy Hauler" to bring my garage and toy's with me. I know the price of fuel will almost equal the cost of the vehicle per year but I just remember how much I hated to pack and unpack with every new assignment. I know some who travel with a suitcase, a plate, fork, spoon and some bed linens but I just can't. I even shipped my Kitchen stuff to Hawaii when I did that assignment. What's it like out there now?

Hi, I just purchased a rv last week and I am planning on taking it to an assignment in Seattle. I like the idea of my own housing. I don't think I will come out ahead on cost though. Spots in an rv park aren't cheap. Hopefully it will work out. I have heard of others traveling with an rv and they like it.

RNERHOUSESUPOR · May 22, 2006

Thanks for the quick responses. Scarpbooker06, you will have to let me know how it works out for you . What type did you choose? I worked with a couple in South Florida who had a travel trailer and a CRNA in Kansas who had a Class A motorhome. I've read about the cost of parking spots in Florida and may rethink trying to do the RV site there until I find out for certain what I will have to pay for a spot and if I have to pay for the whole year just to have a reasonable monthly charge. If anyone else has information I will appreciate it.

JaxiaKiley · May 24, 2006

I have friends who are doing it. It is hard to come out ahead in the cost of the home, but I think it is worth it to not have to pack every time. I want more roots so I plan to get an RV and travel. I think it will be worth it in the end with travel costs and housing stipends.

nightingale, RN · May 24, 2006

I am glad we are talking about this as I plan to do this in a few years after my teens get settled into college (hopefully).

Trvln Nurse, RN · May 24, 2006

I've lived full time in my RV for 1 1/2 years. Have to say "I LOVE IT!" I'm working as a traveling hemodialysis RN. I have a 40 foot 2001 Safari Panther 455 (2 slides) diesel pusher motorhome. So I'm not really "rough-n-it". I tow my Honda Civic behind. This is truely a home on wheels...My laundry is running in my washer as I write. This is my third RV...all diesel pushers....but that is what my husband and I wanted because we "get up and go" often....a weekend here and a weekend there. Like to explore different areas. The higher price of gas doesn't really concern me because my agency pays my mileage from one place to another with no travel caps....this pays for my gas. And if gas gets too expensive I can also use biodiesel...which we have looked into and have found that Catepillar says it is OK to use in our engine and OK to use for our heater (we have a hydrohot system that provides us with instant UNLIMITED hotwater....and heats the coach beautifully...and I've camped very comfortably in zero degree weather). Tommorrow I'm finishing up my assignment on the West Coast....and I'm traveling all the way to the East Coast for my next assignment. The fun part is that I'm taking a month to get there. The added bonus of using an RV for your home is that the housing stipend puts more money (tax free) in your pocket. And our repairs and any other expenses....tax write off. Those are too biggies you're missing out on if you go the apartment route. Tomorrow it will take me about 1/2 hour to disconnect and get on the road....it usually takes us only 15 minutes to set up. Motorhomes have less set up requirements than a fifthwheel or a trailer but also require more maintence. Full time RVing is a different lifestyle that works well for some but not for others. I have stayed at some beautiful campgrounds. Right now...I'm in a beautiful campground in Washington....I'm completely emmerced in the forest....no one near me....so peaceful and quiet. I've really enjoyed staying here for the past three months....but now it's time for a new adventure. The best advice I can give someone thinking about buying a trailer or motorhome....is "do your homework" ie....get a good deal on the purchase because these all do depreciate. And make sure what you are looking at will suit your needs. What kind of climates will you be traveling too? Does it have enough insulation....or air conditioners? Is it big enough....or will I feel crowed, etc. Do you have pets? Climate is a big factor that I didn't think about until I had an RV. I have two big air conditioners on my rig....yet still wouldn't even consider taking a summer contract in a desert area. I've been in Phoenix in 110 degree weather and with both my a/c's on it was still about 80 degrees in the coach. I can see why the high end coaches have three a/c's and are well insulated. Anyway....hope this helps. Be happy to answer anymore questions about RV's. Have lots of experience and am an RV enthusiest.....just love being on the road....can't wait to get out there again next week. Guess I'm a gypsy at heart.

nightingale, RN · May 24, 2006

trvlnRN, I am glad you decided to share that info. Way cool! I can see me enjoying that lifestyle; I so want to see the country yet spend quality time at one spot doing just that.

At least, four years to go, but worth waiting for!

WannaBTraveling · May 25, 2006

I've lived full time in my RV for 1 1/2 years. Have to say "I LOVE IT!" I'm working as a traveling hemodialysis RN. I have a 40 foot 2001 Safari Panther 455 (2 slides) diesel pusher motorhome. So I'm not really "rough-n-it". I tow my Honda Civic behind. This is truely a home on wheels...My laundry is running in my washer as I write. This is my third RV...all diesel pushers....but that is what my husband and I wanted because we "get up and go" often....a weekend here and a weekend there. Like to explore different areas. The higher price of gas doesn't really concern me because my agency pays my mileage from one place to another with no travel caps....this pays for my gas. And if gas gets too expensive I can also use biodiesel...which we have looked into and have found that Catepillar says it is OK to use in our engine and OK to use for our heater (we have a hydrohot system that provides us with instant UNLIMITED hotwater....and heats the coach beautifully...and I've camped very comfortably in zero degree weather). Tommorrow I'm finishing up my assignment on the West Coast....and I'm traveling all the way to the East Coast for my next assignment. The fun part is that I'm taking a month to get there. The added bonus of using an RV for your home is that the housing stipend puts more money (tax free) in your pocket. And our repairs and any other expenses....tax write off. Those are too biggies you're missing out on if you go the apartment route. Tomorrow it will take me about 1/2 hour to disconnect and get on the road....it usually takes us only 15 minutes to set up. Motorhomes have less set up requirements than a fifthwheel or a trailer but also require more maintence. Full time RVing is a different lifestyle that works well for some but not for others. I have stayed at some beautiful campgrounds. Right now...I'm in a beautiful campground in Washington....I'm completely emmerced in the forest....no one near me....so peaceful and quiet. I've really enjoyed staying here for the past three months....but now it's time for a new adventure. The best advice I can give someone thinking about buying a trailer or motorhome....is "do your homework" ie....get a good deal on the purchase because these all do depreciate. And make sure what you are looking at will suit your needs. What kind of climates will you be traveling too? Does it have enough insulation....or air conditioners? Is it big enough....or will I feel crowed, etc. Do you have pets? Climate is a big factor that I didn't think about until I had an RV. I have two big air conditioners on my rig....yet still wouldn't even consider taking a summer contract in a desert area. I've been in Phoenix in 110 degree weather and with both my a/c's on it was still about 80 degrees in the coach. I can see why the high end coaches have three a/c's and are well insulated. Anyway....hope this helps. Be happy to answer anymore questions about RV's. Have lots of experience and am an RV enthusiest.....just love being on the road....can't wait to get out there again next week. Guess I'm a gypsy at heart.

I think you must be my soul mate. My husband and I want to do the same thing when our kdis are grown... I of course want to spend about 6 months in Hawaii like everyone else, but I REALLY want to travel across the US in an RV, do all the agency's pay for mileage??

RNERHOUSESUPOR · Jun 15, 2006

Not much action on this post lately maybe moving to top of list will bring more information. Have visited relatives who are "Snowbirds" and they pull a 5th wheel. Have encouraged me to go with the Motorhome and pull a trailer with it that would haul my little car (2000 Celica GTS) and Motorcycle (1989 Goldwing). Still haven't made up my mind, other than I want to be closer to my daughter all the time. Not just the summer.

Trvln Nurse, RN · Jun 15, 2006

Just checked in again....I'm currently in the midwest (half way from West coast to East coast trip....and having a blast! Staying at a lake this week.) Mt. Rushmore was very cool to see and planning to stop and say hello to Elvis and others before I get to where I'm going....having set on my next assignment yet. Awaiting some license applications. Love traveling in my motorhome. Never have problems finding affordable/nice campgrounds except for last night. However....it is usually not a problem. And when traveling across several states without stopping for a tourist activity...I boondock somewhere since my RV is self contained. That way it doesn't cost me anything. Let me know if you have any questions....be happy to help. I'm a full time traveling RN and a big RV enthusiast. Judy

rodggang · Jun 17, 2006

We just purchased a 5th wheel to hopefully do some traveling next year. I am going to try some per diem first then travel. When you are traveling to your next assignment do you plan your stops and make reservations or just drive until you find a place to stay?

ExAirBagRN · Jun 17, 2006

As far as safety is concerned, would you suggest that a single female attempt such a feat as travelling alone by RV/motorhome?

I have the most wonderful childhood memories of RVing with my Grandparents.....would love to revisit some day.....

I adore your detailed posts.....I look forward to reading more...safe travels!