Anyone starting Fulltiming in 2007? Forums

Gorderon

Hello Fulltimers

I have been gaining information from this wonderful site for a while now with a view to going fulltiming in 2009 However to my surprise recently the wife has suggested that we sell the house and go asap.

Never one to let the grass grow the estate agents will be instructed shortly.

So we should start Fulltiming in 2007. and it would be good to get to know anyone else planning a 2007 start.

There will be 2 of us plus a large rough collie called "Benji" although we may have the children(4) & grandchildren(9+) visit from time to time.

For the fulltimers already out there :-

What size of unit do current full timers use in Europe?

Is it worthwile to start with an older unit at a sensible cost and see what works and doesn't then over a few changes gradually arrive at the newer unit that suits best?

Gord

Rapide561

Hello Gordon

I start full timing on 05/12/06 - the day my house sale completes.

Van requirements will vary but for winter use in colder climes - like me - go for one with level 3/grade 3 insulation - all the plumbing and fresh water tanks will be inboard and hence should not freeze.

Van size - mine is a 25 footer for me and the dog. It is already bursting at the seams despite picking a model with plenty of storage. Also in this respect - consider payload.

New van - for me yes - I am clueless mechanically.

I would also advise that if you are planning to go in 2007, you start your clearance of bits and pieces now. E bay has been quite lucrative for me, as has the local free ads etc. You may also have a car to sell.

The dog - the passport proceedure is a long one - again start now.

I also suggest you become a subscriber to the site - you can then send messages etc.

Also visit the fulltiming section of the forums. If you search that particular forum and use my user name Rapide561 in the search, there is a list of things I have done to date.

In fact, here it is!

http://www.motorhomefacts.com/ftopict-13482-.html

There is lots of very useful info in the fulltiming section - as on the whole of the site to be honest!

Rapide561

russwoo

hi Gord
we will be fulltiming in 2007, we were hoping to be away earlier but the house house is still up for sale, the market in our area seems to have fallen on it's backside. we personally feel that a new or reasonably new van is best( depending on your personal budget) most important is picking a van with a layout that is right for you, our 2 previous vans were ideal for weekending and 2 weeks a year holiday but when considering fulltiming, they were not practical.
we are taking delivery of an autotrail cheyanne 840 on 1st october, in anticipation of fulltiming once the house is eventually sold.
we have a great lumaxing german shepherd that takes up half the van when she is streched out, so, you also have to consider the size of the van you eventually pick to accomodate the dog.
hope our thoughts are of some help to you & wish you luck in your future travels

Russ & Carol

kijana

Hi Gord

We hope to complete our house sale this November, and go fulltiming in Europe then.

In our case (2 of us plus Golden Retriever) we wanted space. We started off going to m.h. shows and looking at European vans, but were horrified at the price.

Then we went onboard an RV at a show, and it was like a 'road to Damascas' moment. We both knew this was for us.

Depending on what you want, prices for smaller RV's are comparable to European on the 2nd hand market, for just 3 or 4 year old coaches. And if it's important to you, you'll be able to find one you can drive on a car licence (<16,500lbs MAM).

Have a look at the for sale ads on this site - there's a nice Hurricane 30Q going now at a good price.

There will be some compromise over size of roads accessible in an RV, but wherever a local bus can go, so can you. And we plan to get down windy roads to the beach using a Little car towed on an A frame.

Good luck in your adventure!

Bruce & Marion

camperian

4 estate agents visiting me next Tues. at 1 hour intervals.

I have been slow getting the house on the market due to work commitments, and wish I had done so in the early summer.

I bought my 1995 RV in Jan of this year and it has been a steep learning curve (which is continuing) as I find out al its little foibles

One piece of advice I was given when I started my search for a suitable MH was "get the biggest you feel comfortable driving". Remember it will now be your home!

Best wishes

Ian

steersy

Hiya Gord,
We are not going fulltiming in 07 but have just finished after setting out in 05, we have found campsite work in Buxton that has a static caravan as part of the wage, although we will winter in Spain in 07 for four months.
Our van is a Swift Kontiki Z, 3 berth, 24 foot long and fully kitted out, have a look on the for sale classifieds thread.
It was the best thing we ever did, we have made some great friends from all walks of life, and it has given us a whole new view on life.
We do not have problems, only experiences. Very Happy

DottyPolly

Greetings all fulltimers
we are also planning to start fulltiming in January 2007 in a Hymer 694G. Have been reading with great interest all posts on the subject, and are very keen to meet others doing the same .
Dont know why people are struggling with the cold as we spent a weeks holiday in the peakdistrict in temperatures of -6 degrees and were very cosy in a 1987 Hymer A class
We have had to retire early and felt it was a good chance to do and see things we have wanted for a long time. Shocked

Polly and Mick H

Dudcotion

Count us in Gordon.
We have accepted a good offer on the house and I have been around and insulted enough people at work to ensure a swift departure.
Our folding tandem and second Remoska are undergoing proving trials. A new van is on order. It's a Fresco green Bilbos LWB Nexa with an elevating roof. This gives us away a bit, We are not really Motorhomers, more like Tent People gone a bit soft, and will continue living mostly in the Khyam Motordome.
Now the truth is out I'll sneak away quietly. See you on the road, Colin.

MicknPat