I know I could buy something bigger and tow a 4x4 and that has been analyzed....and tempting....but I don't think my pocket book wants to do that. See, I want to make this transition without touching my savings. I want to do it with cash raised by selling everything (downsizing) and selling my house. I know that once I spend time out west that I will not want to come back to Indiana. I lived in California for 10 years and Whidbey Island, Washington for 10 years....loved it all.
I still can't get the thought of warm weather this winter out of my mind and to do that I should hit the road no later than November to beat the bad Midwest weather.
I'm back to the plan of cleaning out, selling what I can and donating the rest as I wait for that 1 buyer of my house. Once the house is sold, buy the trailer and the truck that is going to tow the small trailer. Will put the Mini Cooper up for sale soon and will use the proceeds of that to buy my 4x4. Then I will drive my '94 Chevy PU until the house sells. Once the house sells, my friend buys my '94 pick-up, that he has been waiting to do for years and is still waiting for me to give it up.
Then I will hit the road with a truck trailer combo, all bought with cash from the house sale and will not have to touch my savings. The feeling of having that savings for emergencies feels better than using some of it for a bigger motor home.
A lot to do this weekend. More stuff to drop off at the goodwill, more trash for Wednesday pickup. I plan to get down to what I would live with on the road as soon as I can, while working and waiting for the house to sell. I have verified with my HR dept, that a 2 week notice is all I need and all vacation time and salary is paid up the day I leave.
I have more "stuff" in this house than I thought I did .... unbelievable.
How exciting...good luck with the sale of the house as looks like your on the homestretch! Wish we were there at this point...next year for sure!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you'll be sorry with your choice. Don't put it off for a moment more than you have to. Except for unforeseen circumstances, I could have lived in my small trailer with my two dogs for the rest of my life. You'll smile out west when you sail up the grades that keep others crawling in the right lane. Plus having a 4X4, you can explore so many places you might not see in something else AND the crew cab makes a perfect and comfortable place for your pups. Make sure you get one where the seats fold down to the floor. I put four orthopedic beds in mine so that they could ride in comfort. Nothing too good for my pups. The trip west was only with Jack, but he loved every moment of our adventure--he lived and swam the way dogs are supposed to live. Bah to suburbia!
ReplyDeleteHere's a picture of my set up http://travelswithmrnimble.blogspot.com/2010/03/where-is-jack.html
"the way dogs are suppose to live" ... have you read the book "Merle's Door"? I think you would enjoy it and it's available on kindle. or kindle apps for us iPad users. I really like your set up and that link you sent for the Jayco is looked at over and over. I love the floor plan of that trailer. Thanks for reading and giving me the information I need to make this decision.
DeleteYes, I've read "Merle's Door". Thanks. You might like "The Art of Racing in the Rain".
DeleteThe 218 floor plan has been discontinued. If I were you, I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 21 ft trailer. The reason I chose the 218 floor plan was because in rainy weather, the pup's bed was right by the door so they didn't track the mud in. Up they went. I put two fitted plastic sheets on it, a fitted sheet, and some king size quilts.
I don't think you'll be sorry with your choice. Don't put it off for a moment more than you have to. Except for unforeseen circumstances, I could have lived in my small trailer with my two dogs for the rest of my life. You'll smile out west when you sail up the grades that keep others crawling in the right lane. Plus having a 4X4, you can explore so many places you might not see in something else AND the crew cab makes a perfect and comfortable place for your pups. Make sure you get one where the seats fold down to the floor. I put four orthopedic beds in mine so that they could ride in comfort. Nothing too good for my pups. The trip west was only with Jack, but he loved every moment of our adventure--he lived and swam the way dogs are supposed to live. Bah to suburbia!
ReplyDeleteHere's a picture of my set up http://travelswithmrnimble.blogspot.com/2010/03/where-is-jack.html
Yes, I've read "Merle's Door". Thanks. You might like "The Art of Racing in the Rain".
DeleteThe 218 floor plan has been discontinued. If I were you, I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 21 ft trailer. The reason I chose the 218 floor plan was because in rainy weather, the pup's bed was right by the door so they didn't track the mud in. Up they went. I put two fitted plastic sheets on it, a fitted sheet, and some king size quilts.
I think whatever you decide on, a TT or motorhome, getting a toad or using a tow vehicle is a good idea. I don't bother to unhook & go meandering about because it's just a hassle to do so. But if I had a vehicle other than the motorhome, then I'd might venture out.
ReplyDeleteThat thought is stuck in my mind. One of the reasons I traded my 4Runner last April was to use the Mini Cooper as a toad behind a Class A or Class C motorhome. Then the more I looked I realized I should have kept that 4runner with the tow package and the V8. It did have less HP than the Tundra, which I am going to go look at today and test drive. I know many do but I know more people that have toads than don't in the RV world. About the time I am deciding on the truck/trailer combo I see a nice used Class C in great shape that could pull a toad !!! Winnie Views uses her small toad in a great way and pulling it with a smaller Class C. I will have to watch myself today, I have a habit of making the trade the day I test drive.
DeleteI think whatever you decide on, a TT or motorhome, getting a toad or using a tow vehicle is a good idea. I don't bother to unhook & go meandering about because it's just a hassle to do so. But if I had a vehicle other than the motorhome, then I'd might venture out.
ReplyDeleteAfter almost 5 mos full-timing and at one time considering a MH without a toad, I am so GLAD we opted to have a run-around vehicle when parked. Personally, a truck-fiver works great for us. As to the job frustration, can relate--after 22 yrs. and having all the "work ducks in a row", I left on good terms, BUT with no notice. When it's time, it's time. Many of them still follow our blog/journey and are envious that we are free, at last.
ReplyDelete