I have a contract on my house and am getting ready for this full time rving and workamping thing to begin and I am SCARED out of my mind. I don't have any idea what type of RV/TT to buy, I don't know how to set up residence in a state that will be most beneficial tax wise and I just don't know how to start. I really thought I was prepared, but don't feel confident. PLEASE ANY ADVICE OR ENCOURAGING WORDS WOULD BE WONDERFUL.

shihtzulover

Congratulations ! And Welcome ! Yes, this will be a major, and sometimes overwhelming change in your life. But you are going to have fun, meet new people and see amazing places.
Start looking at RV's.....do you already have a truck that could pull a TT or 5th wheel ?? If not, then you might want to avoid an additional cost and purchase a Class C or Class A. If you are towing a vehicle; can that vehicle be towed "on 4 wheels" or would you need to purchase a dolly ?? Are you comfortable handling a dolly ??
Have you already paid any property tax your current State might charge on vehicles ??
If yes, then it might not be beneficial to change residency until after the first of the year.
Do you have pets ?? If yes, then figure on additional needed room in your RV. How comfortable are you driving an RV ?? You might want to consider driving classes - there is an RV "Boot Camp" offered by Workamper News.
Best Wishes
and Enjoy !

Welcome
First order of business: Have you ever lived in an RV for a considerable amount of time? If not, I would look into renting one for a minimum of one month if you are seriously thinking about going full-time.
There's presently a couple on the Forum that seemed to "place the cart before the horse.' They are now looking to get out of an RV mortgage after a short stint as full-timers. Having as few financial obligations before you hit the road is key!
I agree with Priscilla regarding an adequate tow vehicle. However, IMO due to the lack of storage, and construction, I would NOT consider a Class C a full time unit. I understand folks do it, and more then likely those folks will chime in and say I'm wrong.
As I wrote, IMO (In my opinion) coming from a full-timer going into our 11th year.
Setting up residence isn't difficult. If you go into the Escapees Forum (Free to ask) you will get many ideas from them. Most prefer a Texas residence through the Escapees Club. I prefer Florida residence. Neither state has a state tax. Although Florida doesn't have emissions testing. One less thing to worry about when your on the road.
You mentioned Workamping in your post. However you didn't say if you NEED to earn. The downturn in our current economy has put a bit of a crimp on paying positions, especially in warmer climates for the winter.
Good Luck

Welcome, shihtzulover! There is tons of information on all these topics in the forums. Buying an inexpensive RV that you can test the waters in or renting one for a month will not only give you some experience but give you the chance to see what you like and don't like before you make a major financial commitment.

Have you gone to RV shows and looked?

South Dakota is another state very popular as a domicile. If Texas suits you, the Escapees will give you help and is an excellent support group. There are BOFs (Birds of Feather) interest groups including one for solos that are worth joining.

Good luck!

CJ

Yes, if you are not already an rv traveler testing the waters may be the smart way to go. It could be that one month is not long enough to test the waters. A rental is expensive but a good start.

The best thing to do would be to pick up a used camper that you feel works for you. With a pull type camper the puller is also a major investment and needs to be a well thoughtout choice.

A good older motorhome is also a lesser expensive way to start out. You can pull your auto.

Just be carefull and do not over invest unless you can absorb the lost dollars if in fact you do change your mind. Starting out with used is well advised.

Either way, Good luck and welcome to a great new life on the road.

RT

Thanks for all of your advice. unfortunately, the deal on my house fell through and I am back to square one. I do have to earn a living and no I do not have my RV yet. Because of the expense of renting, I am going to buy a used (inexpensive) Class A to get started. I have been doing tons of research and my attend the rally in Louisville Ky this summer. I am going to reduce as much debt as possible and save as much money as I can before I hit the road. Every time I read these forums I just get SO excited and just can't wait to see the country with my little shihtzu, Tessie. She loves to travel so we will have a blast. I do worry about finding work, but I am a very hardworker and will be fine. I would like to know which state would be the best to purchase or title an RV in with the cost of taxes and tag expenses. Does anyone have an advice on that?

THANKS to all of you, I will see you soon!

Brenda

At least you had a contract. I'm still waiting for the first offer on my home so I can depart also. I have my tow vehicle already and have a 5th wheel picked out. Now I wait.

Merry Christmas all.

shihtzulover, there is no one size fits all, but TX, SD and FL are popular with RVers for establishing a new domicile. They are the home of mail-forwarding services often used- Escapees in TX, Good Sam in FL and Alternative Resources and Amercas Mailbox in SD) You'll want to have everything in one state- driver's license, registration, your will, insurance, etc. Once you have a better idea of what sort of RV you'll have, you can get estimates on insurance and vehicle registration.

Good luck!

CJ

Not all, but most of us full-timers have a lot of experience of camping since childhood, from sleeping in a sleepingbag under the stars, tenting, to driving a motorhome/or pulling. We strongly suggest taking a few months in an RV purchased cheaply/or rented and decide if this is truly your bag. RV'ing is not for everyone. Finding a job is relatively easy, be flexible, and cheerful, people will love you.
Reading the posts on this forum offers precious advice/information/support.
Good luck! and Welcome! to what we consider a great lifestyle.

I found out 8 weeks ago my company was sending my job and 120 fellow employees jobs out of the country to Mexico. I am 51 and single. I have owned and used a 1990 truck camper for the last 11 years mostly going to NASCAR races. Since finding out about loosing my job, I have joined this wonderful site! I also just purchased a new 2009 Puma TT. I have been reading about filling out Resumes and finding work. I am not quite ready for full timing, but this time next year I should be out there for a full season test run! I feel the excitement every time I think about it!!!
I get to decide what I want to be when I grow up, all over again!

Hi skywalker,

Thats exactly how I got into this, without the 8 weeks notice.. I was sort of threaded through the needle by surprise.

Once thru, it isn't as scary as you see it now.

Consider it a blessing in disguise! Us solos really have nothing to loose in this circumstance, for the most part. Make your plans and go as soon as you can!

Hi Gina, what you said to skywalker really made me feel better. It seems very scarey to give up the "normal" job and stix and brix and hit the road. It seems that this Rv lifestyle would be so liberating and exciting. I know getting started in the workamper position or whatever job one finds but I a so looking forward to seeing what opportunities are out there.

Skywalker, I know how you feel about the excitement and being forced into going for it because of job loss. I am finding that nothing is forever, I can live with a lot less than I was (prior to unemployment) and I know I would do just fine. Many positions however want couples, so that is an obstacle that will have to be dealt with, but I am positive about this whole adventure.

shihtzulover

Your fear is probably normal and appropriate. You don't say whether or not you have a history of RVing or any workamping? Frankly, I can't imagine jumping into full-time RVing with no experience of having and living in an RV and I'm not sure I would recommend it.. There is so much to learn and most of us learn it gradually over a lifetime of camping in one way or another. It would be better to get the RV, 1st do some weekend trips, then some longer ventures of a month or 2, then go the full-time route if you really like it. However, jumping in and doing it would be far better than sitting home the rest of your life wishing you had done it.

Would'nt you just know it! I post my first comment here, have plans made to try workamping, and my employer offers to extend my employment for another 13 months! Oh well, maybe my 401K will have more time to recoup!
I have spent up to a week in my truck camper before and loved it. Now that I have the TT it can only be better. Are there any classes I can take regarding campgroung computer work? I have noticed a lot of them want experience, but where do you get it? I figured now I have some more time before having to find a workamper job, I could learn a few things!
Would appreciate any suggestions!
Thanks!!