FAQ

I have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help reduce the amount of individual emails I receive with general questions. If you have a question related to Full-Timing or RVing, feel free to contact me at hs_cooper@yahoo.com.  I will still reply to individual emails, however, general or common questions will just be posted here. PLEASE put “TMN question/comment” in the subject line or it may get deleted as spam. 

What exactly does Full-Timing mean?

When someone says they are a “Full-Timer” or “Full-Time RVer” they mean that they live in a recreational vehicle year-round. Most travel several months out of the year, while some may only travel between one or two spot each year. And there are those who never move their RV at all, yet live in a RV park or resort year-round.

What do you need to know about Full-Timing?

For whatever reason(s) you decide to go Full-Timing, you should try it out first! If you have never been in a RV, I would recommend renting one for at least two weeks so you get the experience of living conditions and see if you are comfortable driving one. Many RV parks also offer fifth-wheels or travel trailers for nightly rental (the RVs stay in the park) and this is a great way to get the feel of Full-Timing.

Full-Timing is not for everyone. There is limited space and privacy. It takes a great deal of compromise to be a Full-Timer. So before you leap into it, try out the RV lifestyle.

If you think it is right for you, then you need to start down-sizing the extra stuff and begin looking for the best Full-Timing “rig” (RV) for you.

Aren’t campgrounds and RV resorts expensive? Do I need to join camping clubs or buy a site somewhere?

Many RVers will agree that campgrounds, RV parks and resorts are over-priced – especially for those who just pull in for the night and leave early the next morning without using any extras (i.e. pools and other recreation features).

Most will blacktop boondock at travel centers and truck stops or find business which will allow overnight parking (like most Walmart stores – but always check with management) to avoid paying high rates for just a few hours at a campground.

Rates at campgrounds, RV parks and resorts are usually less expensive if you get the weekly or monthly rate. However, most parks will require extra deposits for those taking advantage of the monthly rate. Another thing to keep in mind is staying during off-season for the best rates. You may find a savings of $200-400 less per month (like Florida) during the off-season.

Many may work seasonally for their site at a campground or volunteer at a state park as a camp host. Hosts work minimal hours each week for their site and some state parks can offer extras such as laundry, local telephone and newspaper service for their volunteer hosts.

Some parks offer specials – stay a handful of nights and get a few free. Watch for coupons at Welcome Centers and park websites. Ask the park if they offer discounted rates for veterans, active military, law enforcement, firefighters, seniors and participate in membership programs like Good Sam.

If you join a camping club, you can get additional discounts at parks throughout the US/Canada. Passport America usually offers 50% off rates at participating campgrounds which is a great deal. However, you should consider the cost of the club you are joining and see if the costs will benefit you. If you join and stay at only one participating park and save $12, but the yearly club membership costs $30… well, it wasn’t worth it joining.

And keep in mind the location and amenities offered at the parks. You may think $24 is a great overnight rate with your discount card, but if you read information about that park, they might not offer full hook-ups or allow the discount on weekends/holidays.

If you consider “buying” a RV site to have a place to stay several months out of the year, you should take it as seriously as you would buy a house or condo. Read everything and if you don’t know or understand something, ask questions! You may find you can only stay at particular times and that the park may be able to rent your site during the remainder of the year. Or you may have to leave your RV there year-round but you have to leave it vacant after 6 continuous months!

RV stays can be affordable, you just have to do some shopping around and learn the tricks of the road!

What about mail service while you’re on the road?

If you join an organization, such as Escapees, you can pay for their mail forwarding service. There are also several companies who cater to Full-Timers mail forwarding. Services vary from sending mail in bulk to opening (with your permission), scanning and emailing your mail directly to you. Prices vary for these services.

But don’t forget the U.S. Postal Service will forward your mail temporarily (up to a year) for free. You can get it forwarded longer for a monthly rate of around $15. Postal boxes for six months or longer are a great way to keep your mail secure if the RV park you are staying at is rather large (too many people handling mail) or it doesn’t have private mail boxes (PMB) for you to rent during your stay.

If you are worried about paying bills, consider looking into electronic options such as automatic withdrawal/deposit. If this is something you don’t like, then consider calling the companies and see if they will take your check information over the phone. Most will do this, plus give you a receipt number for your records. Money centers (like in Walmart Supercenters) also offer bill pay services for a minimal fee.

I’m worried about safety while traveling. Are truck stops and campgrounds really safe?

As with daily travel, you should always be alert of your surroundings and use common sense. When pulling over in truck stops, travel plazas or rest areas (esp. at night) watch the area where you park (make sure it’s well-lit and within view of the facility so others can see if you need assistance or you can see if anyone is near your rig).

If you are blacktop boondocking or overnighting, make sure you don’t answer your door at night and to leave the scare lights on your rig. If there is a knock on the door and the person appears to be law enforcement or someone “official” from the facility (such as an employee with ID) open a window near the door area and ask what they want. Make sure to keep your phone handy in any case. Although we’ve never experienced this (thank heavens) there are folks who have opened their doors to get mugged and robbed. Always think safety!

Another thing which we have noticed appears to be on the rise is panhandlers. Recently we were outside Orlando and stopped at a Flying J and a panhandler approached us at the pump. When we were in Pensacola we were a bit shocked at the number of panhandlers in the Walmart parking lots. And just the other day we heard about the panhandler problem in San Antonio. Times are tough, but don’t let your guard down. Be mindful of your surroundings at all times.

When you are on the road, don’t “advertise” a wad of cash or a wallet of credit cards. Consider a travel belt to wear under your clothing if you are carrying extra funds. And never, ever put all your money in your wallet. I’m always amazed to see how “trusting” (and by that I really mean foolish) folks are when it comes to their purse or wallet. You’ve probably been to the store and have seen an open purse with cell phone and wallet peaking out – the purse just lying there in a shopping cart – with the woman on the other end of the aisle looking for something. Don’t be foolish with your money and identification!

You may not have to worry as much in private RV parks as they usually have security, gates, gate cards or key-less remotes. But the same rule applies – no answering the door at night. If someone knocks on the door, open a window near the door area and ask what they want.

And please, please, please – lock your doors!!! Even in a secure campground you should lock your doors when you are not going to be near your site.

What do you do about storage?

One thing Full-Time RVers learn very quickly is that you can’t take it all with you. Most smaller motorhomes and travel trailers have very limited storage space. Larger motorhomes and fifth-wheels usually do have adequate storage, but extra items (such as a washer and dryer) take away from this valuable space.

You can’t live in a RV and own 40 pairs of shoes. Oh you could, but you wouldn’t be taking any food or supplies with you! Full-Time RVers have found the delicate balance of living with the basic needs of life and their personal wants.

We learn to simplify our needs and reduce our wants. You may need a skillet to cook your eggs in the morning, but do you need 6 different sizes? Only if you are a traveling chef! Full-Timers think about items that will be used the most often or items that offer multiple uses. If we don’t use it, we don’t need it!

We also have to live by the unwritten law of “In-Out-In”. If we want to bring more items in our RV, we must eventually move some out  to allow room for more to come in.

Most campgrounds and RV resorts have yard sale days or trader shelves (usually books, games, puzzles, maps, craft supplies) where we can unload some of the extra stuff we have picked up. Many of the Full-Timers I know donate their items to local charity thrift shops or use services such as Freecycle or BookCrossing.

What are Seasonal RVers? Why does everyone go to Arizona, Texas or Florida?

When someone says they are a “Seasonal RVer” they mean that they only live in a RV for one or two seasons out of the year. Some Seasonals may actual travel with their RV, while others may have their units already in storage at the “seasonal” location. Many RV parks that offer storage will also place your unit and set it up for you for an additional fee.

Usually the Seasonal RVers are on the road during the winter months and the RV is conveniently located in a warmer climate, such as Florida, Texas or Arizona. There are regions in these states that cater to RVers or “Snowbirds” – offering RV shows and special discounts. Arizona is also popular for boondockers.

Can younger people and families really live year-round in a RV? How do their children go to school?

Although most people think of Full-Timers as retired folks, a growing number of younger singles/couples and families are on the road these days. With changes in the economy, it makes more sense to down-size and be mobile. Why be stuck trying to pay a house mortgage in any area with no jobs? Being mobile you can go where the jobs are.

And not all the jobs are for the hospitality industry. If you do your research, you will find a handful of companies in need of hourly and salaried employees who can and are willing to travel. These positions can include benefits, vacation pay, insurance and even reimbursement for your camp site fees.

RV manufacturers have created layouts for families, including two bedroom designs. And with the addition of slides increasing space, a family can live quite comfortably in a RV year-round.

Most Full-Timing families home-school their children. There are services available for those who home-school, including special programs and tutoring. And for those who are in an area long enough, some choose to enroll their children in the local school system.

Updated: April 4, 2012