Fulltiming - Part 1

Welcome to the first of a ten-part feature on that phenomenon associated exclusively with RVers - the nomadic lifestyle known as fulltiming. Over the course of our series we hope to introduce you to the joys and mysteries of what has become the dream for many lucky enough to have had a taste of the RV experience. We will explore the personal qualities that lend themselves to successful fulltiming. We will weigh the costs of fulltiming. We will attempt to identify the factors most likely to define the perfect fulltiming rig. Finally, we will introduce you to the preparation required to enter the fulltiming lifestyle and the special situations you are likely to encounter once you get there. Let's begin by asking the question:

In their wonderful book, A Complete Guide to Full-Time RVing, Bill and Jan Moeller define fulltiming as simply "having an RV for a home." Obviously, this definition encompasses a great deal more than just living in your rig. By design, it also means being able to go where you want, when you want, and with whom you want. Fulltiming provides an opportunity to travel like you've never traveled before, with no rigid structure, no set routine, and no undesired repetition. It allows you to go to places you've never been, see things you've never seen, and try things you've never tried. Best of all, you get to do this at your own pace and in your own style. You can live life the way you want to live it.

So exactly what qualities best describe the ideal fulltimer? The jury is certainly out on this one. Some feel a successful fulltimer must be carefree, curious, gregarious, adventurous, handy with tools, of retirement age, and able to enjoy the endless freedom offered by the lifestyle. All fine qualities, indeed. However, to say these are the only attributes that make a happy fulltimer would be a disservice. Fulltimers come in many shapes and sizes, as evidenced by this collection of sometimes contradicting descriptors:

A fulltimer could:

• Travel all the time or just seasonally.
• Drive a motorhome or pull a trailer.
• Be retired or be a "workamper."
• Move frequently or spend extended periods in a favorite place.
• Be any age.
• Be empty nesters or parents of young children.
• Be couples or singles.
• Live in their RVs all of the time or spend some time in a "home base."
• Be gregarious or reserved.
• Be curious or shy.
• Follow the interstates or take the roads less traveled.

Part 2 > Questions Potential Fulltimers Should Ask