Pros and Cons of living full-time in a Motorhome?

[Tom-D]

Hey you could visit @Tom-D while you're up that way!

No I wager that will never happen.
He says he won't be camping then says he will be boon docking on BLM land.
He says he will have every thing he owns in the rig. people who full time, never do that, they down size to fit their new life.
you can tell he shoots more she- than Provda

 

[Tom-D]

No, they quite the registration process not long after the Vietnam war. Then when the Iran hostage situation came about there was serious talk of starting the draft up once again. They started the selective service registration process, so I just went on ahead and joined the ANG and figured I'd get my "military duty" out of the way regardless.

When you went in, I was less than a year from retirement. and going camping. BTDT
There is a reason full timers don't use a super C off road, but I'll let you figure that out by your self.

 

[MIFlyer]

I have one of dem too, USAF, Tom has one from the Navy. See, the two of you can bond and tell war stories while your comparing rigs.

they can invite brien too and discuss maintenance requirements and AZ's idea to refurb old planes for profit (which Tom actually does).

I can make the flight up to live stream it on PoA

 

[Salty]

they can invite brien too and discuss maintenance requirements and AZ's idea to refurb old planes for profit (which Tom actually does).

I can make the flight up to live stream it on PoA

Oh, I totally forgot about that scheme. I guess I should have told him to buy two 747s and flip the second one for a quick profit.

 

[Tom-D]

I have one of dem too, USAF, Tom has one from the Navy. See, the two of you can bond and tell war stories while your comparing rigs.

No, We will be camping where he can't go.

 

[azblackbird]

He says he won't be camping then says he will be boon docking on BLM land.

I won't be "camping" in state or national parks. BLM land yes.

He says he will have every thing he owns in the rig. people who full time, never do that, they down size to fit their new life.

I will be down sizing to fit my "new life". Got rid of a few bikes and I can almost get around in my garage now. House is almost packed and I'll be selling all the furniture here shortly.

 

[Tom-D]

I am an old man! Even have my AARP card.



Yeah, he can show me everything I'm doing wrong.

Why would I try?
The finest thing you said yet was your going to take that rig onto public lands. Have you ever seen the roads there?

 

[Tom-D]

I won't be "camping" in state or national parks. BLM land yes.

You'll not be doing that either.

 

[azblackbird]

Why would I try?
The finest thing you said yet was your going to take that rig onto public lands. Have you ever seen the roads there?

No Tom, I've never been off-road or on BLM land in my entire life. I ride all my dirt bikes on the highways. I prospect for gold in the city parks. I camp in my back yard. When I get my rig, I'll be staying in truck stops and Walmarts.

You'll not be doing that either.

OMG... you mean to tell me all those big rigs (many of them SuperCs) I see out in the boonies parked on BLM land are there illegally?

 

[MIFlyer]

No Tom, I've never been off-road or on BLM land in my entire life. I ride all my dirt bikes on the highways. I prospect for gold in the city parks. I camp in my back yard. When I get my rig, I'll be staying in truck stops and Walmarts.



OMG... you mean to tell me all those big rigs (many of them SuperCs) I see out in the boonies parked on BLM land are there illegally?

you guys might be talking past each other for one legit reason.

tom lives in Western Washington. we have trees and slopes, lots of them, so lots of our boondocks are TIGHT, steep roads with tress crowding the edges. AZ i imagine to be a bunch of small ish rocks and the occasional large rock, where a road is just "don't drive into a big rock, or into a gulley"

 

[Tom-D]

you guys might be talking past each other for one legit reason.

tom lives in Western Washington. we have trees and slopes, lots of them, so lots of our boondocks are TIGHT, steep roads with tress crowding the edges. AZ i imagine to be a bunch of small ish rocks and the occasional large rock, where a road is just "don't drive into a big rock, or into a gulley"

But wait til he try to get that monster down a dirt road, way out in no where land. He better take a bunch of CDs with him. so he has some thing to watch while he waits for the tow truck.

 

[azblackbird]

tom lives in Western Washington. we have trees and slopes, lots of them, so lots of our boondocks are TIGHT, steep roads with tress crowding the edges. AZ i imagine to be a bunch of small ish rocks and the occasional large rock, where a road is just "don't drive into a big rock, or into a gulley"

AZ, UT, NV, BLM land is pretty barren compared to WA. Lots and lots of boondockers here. You'll see everything from clapped out school buses to million dollar Prevosts and Marathons all parked right next to each other. Everybody get's along. You want to see a circus, go to Quartzite during the winter. It's a boondockers paradise. RV's as far as the eye can see. Same goes for the dunes at this time of the year. Most BLM roads in these parts are all big RV friendly. At least until it pours rain, then they can become a nightmare. They dry out pretty fast though.

 

[Tom-D]

OMG... you mean to tell me all those big rigs (many of them SuperCs) I see out in the boonies parked on BLM land are there illegally?

Now I know you are shooting the shi-. People who want to do the boondocks thing don't buy Super-Cs to do it. You have never seen the couch you describe on anything but the interstate.

 

[azblackbird]

But wait til he try to get that monster down a dirt road, way out in no where land. He better take a bunch of CDs with him. so he has some thing to watch while he waits for the tow truck.

It's so obvious that you have no clue about where a big truck/trailer combination can go and can't go you're making yourself look like a fool. I've driven down plenty of dirt roads in my life, with a helluva lot heavier loads and way longer trailers than what I will have. I know this is hard for you to fathom, but how do you think we moved oil rigs to some of the remote locations we've moved them too? The magic Genie just transports everything? I've been on dozer width hillsides with semis that would make my rig look like a matchbox toy. Gimme a freaking break Tom.

People who want to do the boondocks thing don't buy Super-Cs to do it. You have never seen the couch you describe on anything but the interstate.

You're killing me dude....

 

[Tom-D]

AZ, UT, NV, BLM land is pretty barren compared to WA. Lots and lots of boondockers here.

Bull Scat. you'll only see any camper in designated areas.
BLM -(public lands) have rules to follow and permits to get.
Your observations and what you post shows your ignorance of what you are getting into.

 

[Tom-D]

It's so obvious that you have no clue about where a big truck/trailer combination can go

Do you really want us to believe you can go anywhere a semi goes? Now I know you better have towing insurance.

 

[azblackbird]

Bull Scat. you'll only see any camper in designated areas.
BLM -(public lands) have rules to follow and permits to get.

OMG... you're ignorance is getting worse Tom.

What you see here is BLM land outside of Quartzite. Tell me what you see in the picture. There's are tons and tons of similar places all throughout AZ, NV, UT, and CA that have the same boon docking culture. Of course the big rigs are not there, because you know... they can't drive on dirt roads. Oh yeah... the BLM assigns each of them a "designated" space.

 

[Clark1961]

Bull Scat. you'll only see any camper in designated areas.
BLM -(public lands) have rules to follow and permits to get.
Your observations and what you post shows your ignorance of what you are getting into.

Maybe in some admin areas. During hunting season in Wyoming you'll see campers just about anywhere on BLM land. Yes there are rules to follow but they are minor to say the least. The campers like to use our wellsites since they are level and there isn't much you can say to them except point out the hazard of camping next to whatever pressure vessel or pipeline that would ruin their whole day if it ruptured.

 

[azblackbird]

Maybe in some admin areas. During hunting season in Wyoming you'll see campers just about anywhere on BLM land. Yes there are rules to follow but they are minor to say the least. The campers like to use our wellsites since they are level and there isn't much you can say to them except point out the hazard of camping next to whatever pressure vessel or pipeline that would ruin their whole day if it ruptured.

Yeah there's a few minor rules you need to follow. I know that don't like you camping in one spot for more than a couple weeks or so. Most people I know just move to another BLM property, spend a couple weeks, then move back.

I don't know where in the hell Tom comes up with all this goofy stuff.

 

[Tom-D]

Maybe in some admin areas. During hunting season in Wyoming you'll see campers just about anywhere on BLM land. Yes there are rules to follow but they are minor to say the least. The campers like to use our wellsites since they are level and there isn't much you can say to them except point out the hazard of camping next to whatever pressure vessel or pipeline that would ruin their whole day if it ruptured.

they trespass just like always every way. but try that on most BLM land And you'l be told to get into a designated area.
We have a new administration with different attitude towards public lands, I expect things to change, but right now, ???

My bottom line here is simple, AZ has unrealistic expectations of what he can do with the equipment he has elected to use to full time.
We have 3 full timing friends they come here in the summer, and go south in the winter. all 3 have home bases at both ends. they own small lots in RV camps like "Lake Tyee" and similar in the south.
They do not try to roam free, and go where they know their equipment will not go.

 

[Tom-D]

YI don't know where in the hell Tom comes up with all this goofy stuff.

We've been there, tried that. got run off.
but you go ahead on. you already know every thing.
But before you go, show us your camper /trailer.
No pictures= just BS.

 

[Tom-D]

Yeah there's a few minor rules you need to follow.

Like stay in the approved camp areas ? pretty big one.

Years ago, I camped out of the 170, we landed way out like a hundred miles out, in the red rock country.
We had camp all set up, about 2 hours, when 2 forest rangers arrived and told us you can't stay here..
Try getting away with it in a super C.

 

[TCABM]

Point of observation: there are only ‘traditional’ RVs in this picture. TTs, 5ers, and Class As.

 

[Clark1961]

they trespass just like always every way. but try that on most BLM land And you'l be told to get into a designated area.
We have a new administration with different attitude towards public lands, I expect things to change, but right now, ???

My bottom line here is simple, AZ has unrealistic expectations of what he can do with the equipment he has elected to use to full time.
We have 3 full timing friends they come here in the summer, and go south in the winter. all 3 have home bases at both ends. they own small lots in RV camps like "Lake Tyee" and similar in the south.
They do not try to roam free, and go where they know their equipment will not go.

Ummm, trespass? No. As I said, maybe in some admin areas but certainly not across Wyoming. Multi-use is the watchword and nobody messes with the campers. Perhaps you are confusing National Park land or State Land with BLM land? Anyway the hunters are mostly pick-up campers but you also see 5th wheel, bumper tows, and a few Cs. Nearly all have 4 wheelers which are considered non-damaging and don't have to use existing roads or two-tracks. The existing roads definition gets stretched to include any flat, brush free ground.

So to make the story short, your comments do not fit what I've observed in Wyoming. Of course you are free to believe what you like but I am certain you cannot reference a Federal reg that supports your contention.

 

[Tom-D]

Quartzite.

1,000,0000 th of the BLM land and an approved camp site area.. You'll not find much gold there.

 

[Clark1961]

Like stay in the approved camp areas ? pretty big one.

Years ago, I camped out of the 170, we landed way out like a hundred miles out, in the red rock country.
We had camp all set up, about 2 hours, when 2 forest rangers arrived and told us you can't stay here..
Try getting away with it in a super C.

Well there ya go, forest rangers. BLM doesn't have forest rangers, they have enforcement agents and admin personnel. National Forests have forest rangers. I have worked on development projects in National Forests and know the difference between Forest Service and BLM.

 

[Tom-D]

Ummm, trespass? No. As I said, maybe in some admin areas but certainly not across Wyoming. Multi-use is the watchword and nobody messes with the campers. Perhaps you are confusing National Park land or State Land with BLM land? Anyway the hunters are mostly pick-up campers but you also see 5th wheel, bumper tows, and a few Cs. Nearly all have 4 wheelers which are considered non-damaging and don't have to use existing roads or two-tracks. The existing roads definition gets stretched to include any flat, brush free ground.

So to make the story short, your comments do not fit what I've observed in Wyoming. Of course you are free to believe what you like but I am certain you cannot reference a Federal reg that supports your contention.

This is a good thing to learn. I hope this spreads, Try that in Or, and Wa.

Given we mostly go to the national forests here in Wa.

 

[Tom-D]

Well there ya go, forest rangers. BLM doesn't have forest rangers, they have enforcement agents and admin personnel. National Forests have forest rangers. I have worked on development projects in National Forests and know the difference between Forest Service and BLM.

I'm not certain they were forest rangers.. just a frequently used term. (every one in uniform in camp is a forest ranger?
Had uniforms badges all that. looked like I shouldn't argue

 

[Tom-D]

Point of observation: there are only ‘traditional’ RVs in this picture. TTs, 5ers, and Class As.

good point.. nice observation.

 

[azblackbird]

They do not try to roam free, and go where they know their equipment will not go.

Get real dude. It's not like I'm going to be 4-wheeling in my rig. If I will be camping out in the boonies on BLM land, you can darn well bet I'll grab one of my dirt bikes and survey the area before I even think about pulling in.

Like stay in the approved camp areas ? pretty big one.

Uhhh yeah... that's kinda the idea Tom, staying in areas that are primarily for camping, which is pretty much wide open on many BLM properties where there are roads or trails. They just don't want you 4-wheeling across the open desert or prairie, which of course is entirely understandable for conservation purposes.

Point of observation: there are only ‘traditional’ RVs in this picture. TTs, 5ers, and Class As.

So let me get this straight. A big diesel pusher pulling a trailer similar in weight and length to me (which there are many in the Quartzite area) can easily navigate a desert road, but a Class 8 semi truck pulling a trailer can't... Yeahhhhh right... I'll try to remember that.

1,000,0000 th of the BLM land and an approved camp site area.. You'll not find much gold there.

OMG... talk about showing your ignorance Tom. FYI... Quartzite, AZ is one of the premier gold bearing areas in AZ. Each year there are 100's if not 1000's of ounces found within a 30 mile radius of the town itself. There are guys who have found 1 oz nuggets right at their camp site.

 

[TCABM]

So let me get this straight. A big diesel pusher pulling a trailer similar in weight and length to me (which there are many in the Quartzite area) can easily navigate a desert road, but a Class 8 semi truck pulling a trailer can't... Yeahhhhh right... I'll try to remember that.

I said no such thing. I said the picture you posted only included traditional RVs.

Your OP was thoughts on full-timing. I’ve never full timed, but I’ve part-timed which is way easier than full timing in my experience.

My thought on the picture you posted is that I couldn’t discern an RV of the type you are interested in. That’s all, nothing else.

Also, on the refurb old -182s and -210s business part, there’s not much to tell.

The successful businesses in that particular segment do it as margin enhancers. Not a single producer does it as a primary revenue generator. For customers, they will not pay a premium for those modes on a refurb as they believe the primary platform they acquire is sufficient to meet their needs and only minor upgrades, if any at all, would be required to meet their requirements.

The only viable market for 210s appears to be export. That market isn’t large enough to provide a sustainable margin as a sole line of revenue. Unless they are drug runners. Then, absolute payload for least investment is the goal.

To put it in perspective, the successful businesses in either model are netting <5% ROI. You can fart and miss that margin in a low production environment.

 

[azblackbird]

My thought on the picture you posted is that I couldn’t discern an RV of the type you are interested in. That’s all, nothing else.

There was a big (single axle) toter in the pic pulling a huge trailer similar in nature to what I'll be pulling. What you saw in the picture is about 1/50th of the overall winter RV population that resides in the surrounding areas. I believe the city goes from about a 4,000 population in the summer to 250,000 in the winter. It's amazing.

To put it in perspective, the successful businesses in either model are netting <5% ROI. You can fart and miss that margin in a low production environment.

Already had a great conversation with the owner of one of the largest STC holders of the Cessna 182/210 markets. He assured me there is plenty of meat on the bone for the market I will be targeting, that is providing I don't overpay or buy a totally dilapidated aircraft. I appreciate your efforts though, and it was great conversing with you.

 

[Tom-D]

Get real dude. It's not like I'm going to be 4-wheeling in my rig. If I will be camping out in the boonies on BLM land, you can darn well bet I'll grab one of my dirt bikes and survey the area before I even think about pulling in.
Yeah, just to get where ya get phone coverage to call the tow truck.

So let me get this straight. A big diesel pusher pulling a trailer similar in weight and length to me (which there are many in the Quartzite area) can easily navigate a desert road, but a Class 8 semi truck pulling a trailer can't... Yeahhhhh right... I'll try to remember that.

People who make that decision don't use a super class C, there is a reason for that.

 

[Tom-D]

So let me get this straight. A big diesel pusher pulling a trailer similar in weight and length to me (which there are many in the Quartzite area) can easily navigate a desert road, but a Class 8 semi truck pulling a trailer can't... Yeahhhhh right... I'll try to remember that.

It's not a case of " CAN"T" but are smart enough to not try.
You are not a class 8 truck, you do not have their ground clearance, you do not have their turn radius.

Get real dude,, the folks that full time do not use a Super class C. there are many reasons for that.

 

[azblackbird]

You are not a class 8 truck, you do not have their ground clearance, you do not have their turn radius.

But a huge 45' twin axle diesel pusher pulling the same type trailer does... right?

 

[Tom-D]

But a huge 45' twin axle diesel pusher pulling the same type trailer does... right?

No,, big F--ing no.
Typical of your lack of understanding of what you misunderstand of what you propose.

 

[Tom-D]

Big question for AZ, have you ever driven a Super Class C. Towing ?

prove it with pictures or not respond.

 

[azblackbird]

Big question for AZ, have you ever driven a Super Class C. Towing ?

Not yet. There's a Renegade dealer here in town. When I get close to buying, I'll take one for a test drive and put it through it's paces.

I'm used to driving these little bitty trucks...

...and using them to move these little bitty things around the Rocky Mt. area.

I don't like driving buses, they feel way too weird for my tastes. I'll stick with the trucks.

 

[abqtj]

Just a thought, when people want to go camping they don't take it all with them.

Someone please tell that to my wife


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[tawood]

Forget the trailer. get a 5th Wheel with a gooseneck in the truck bed. There will be zero tail wagging dog even on wet road with wind.

This.
I've owned Class A's, Class B's, Class C's.
I've owned a pop up.
I've owned a travel trailer.
But nothing, and I mean nothing, tows as beautiful as the 5th wheels I've owned. And AZB is full of it (as usual) when it comes to wind. I've towed a 5th wheel in 40 knot direct crosswinds, with little worry. And if your brakes are set up right you can stop on a dime, just as good as no 5th wheel at all (an idiot driver in Lexington KY once proved that one to me). Just get an inertia brake controller, not a timed unit.