Importance of Planning Ahead

Just as we accepted our new position in Pennsylvania, I thought about trading in our Keystone Sprinter 300kbs travel trailer for a new or used motor coach. We currently have the trailer and tow car, an 06 Ford Econoline 250, which has enough power to tow the trailer and was left over from my now-closed construction business. We also have a second vehicle for daily driving, a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (very good car). I thought it would make it easer for us not to have to drive two vehicles from one assignment to another, also having one vehicle we would spend less on gas. I calculated what I am currently getting (between 8 and 10mpg) versus what I have been told to expect from a motor coach (between 6 and 8mpg) and I would save an average of $27 on a 500 mile trip. Also, we would save some money by replacing two separate insurance policies with one new policy. I calculated the savings to be roughly $200 a year, not a dramatic reduction although in the long haul the savings add up. There are also other savings by trading – for example, time, maintenance, and cleaning. However, my favorite aspect of this trade-in would be that I would have more time with my wife to discuss and plan outings – exploring and sight-seeing - once we arrive to our locations. And to just be able to have conversations with one another to pass the time as we drive.

I took some time to research a few rvs online by going to the manufacturer’s website to get an overall idea of price and construction of new units. I also wanted to get a sense of where a two or three year old unit would stand in comparison. From there I took a look at dealership websites before going to their lot so I could browse their inventory and prices and compare them to other dealers in the area. I was hoping to avoid the pressure and speeches from sales people who don’t like shoppers (but they sure love buyers, don’t they). I came up with some pretty good alternatives that would allow us to have the same, if not more, comfort as our trailer. It was very important that we at the very least have the same length (32-35ft) and to have at a minimum one full length slide or two smaller slides. We found that what we want was available in both Gas and Diesel pushers, although a new diesel would be out of our price range. Taking into account my skills in construction we made a decision to stick with a used model that was 1 - 4 years old to avoid taking a hit on the depreciation.

After we looked at the few models that were on the maybe list, we did some number crunching and found which unit would work best for us. We contacted the dealer to try and get a range of what they would offer us for our trailer, knowing that most likely they were only going to offer us wholesale for the unit. They gave me a number that was a bit low but fair, considering that the economy isn't all that stable. Taking that number into the grand picture, we saw that the difference in the numbers would negate any other monetary benefits from trading our unit.

Before I bought my trailer, I thought about buying a motor coach for a brief moment but never thought it through and the trailer turned into an impulse buy. This time around I learned the importance of planning ahead on any purchase - by taking it slow, and making the decision based on money, practicality, and forethought about the future.

Rationale - Christi

Artur and I got married almost exactly 2 years ago. In the past two years, we’ve really struggled to find our niche in life – a path that would allow each of us a degree of enjoyment, as well as relative success. In our attempt to figure out our best course, we’ve moved across the country twice, changing “careers” each time, and now find ourselves living in my in-laws house. Needless to say, we haven’t gotten any closer to where we want to be. But it’s hard to get where you want to be if you can’t even figure that out….

Artur brought up the idea of “Workamping” – living in an RV and obtaining jobs at campgrounds or state parks. The jobs would be seasonal, meaning we would need to find new jobs every six months or so and would be traveling to new states for each job. When he first mentioned the idea, I thought he was crazy and I wanted no part of even discussing it. But he pointed me towards a web community and, through research, I became excited about the idea. So, we formatted a resume and I emailed it out to about 50 campgrounds offering positions that would fit our abilities. At least half of the employers contacted me to discuss the positions, and within a month, Artur and I had accepted a position. Just under 2 months from now, we will be starting our next phase in life – and hopefully a phase that will last for many years to come!

Our decision to go on the road may be rather unconventional, but here are the goals I hope for us to realize while we are on the road:
• Simplifying life. We don’t need expensive items to feel of value. Removing ourselves from a community of materialism, we won’t feel judged or feel the need to compete.
• Lower financial stress. Without the material items, or a high mortgage, we won’t feel as though our life focus is to make money.
• Lower career stress. Higher money careers are obtained with higher levels of responsibility. If our jobs do not demand 10+ hour days, we can truly have time at home with each other, and our time at home won’t be consumed with thoughts about our jobs.
• Life focus on experience. Since we will be living on the road, we won’t need to save up money and vacation time to explore the wonders of our country. In each new location, we will have new explorations to fill our life.

I would be foolish to set out without understanding possible concerns. I hope the positives will outweigh the potential negatives, but unfortunately the only way to determine that is to take the risk and see what happens. Here are a few concerns I have:
• What if our next job isn’t as easy to come by?
• What if a job is horrible – whether we hate the campground or we cannot get along with management, or the positions are not as described to us?
• Will we have difficulties meeting friends? Will I become lonely?
• Can Artur and I truly be happy in such confined spaces for an extended period of time?

I believe we have devoted sufficient time researching and discussing this option to know that this is the route we need to take. Whether we succeed or not, at least we are following out heart…..

Rationale

“Life is hard, and only you can make it harder”

- Artur Wojnowski

When do you decide to hit the road? What make you want to leave the familiarity of your daily life…… That is what I asked myself - and for everyone there is a different reason. Whether it’s the adventure that draws you, or the new scenery, it is exciting and scary - the unknown!

All though there are still areas that people have yet to explore, much has been uncovered. For most people, the extent of exploration and adventure ends at the Discovery Channel, or National Geographic’s. I know that was me, but I have always liked the prospect of exploration and adventure, but not quite so adventurous as going in to the Amazon, or the desert in the middle of nowhere. Quite the opposite, I want to explore that which has already been uncovered, because I would like to uncover it for myself. See it for myself without the pain and frustration of trial and error. People have already done this, and made it easier for us. But! With every person seeing the same thing so differently, the discovered becomes rediscovered.

That is why I have decided to embark on this journey of full time RVing and exploring what this planet has to offer - first hand, and seen from a whole new light.