On August 12, 2018, we spent our first night as full-time RVers. We were at a Harvest Host winery in Lubbock, TX enroute to Fort Collins, CO. With a beautiful view and glass of wine, it was an incredible start to our two year adventure. Who could imagine that seven years later, we would still be traveling the country in Big Al, our Class A motorhome. It isn’t always been easy, but neither was having a bricks and sticks. At least with a motorhome, we can pick up and move if the location or neighbors are the problem.
Is it Time to Break Up?
All relationships have natural cycles with highs and lows. Couples find themselves wondering if those cute quirks in the first flush of love are as cute now. Can we put up with more time with the same issues? We found ourselves asking the same question – is it time to move on? People warned us this could happen as we traveled more together.
After considerable thought and even house-hunting for an actual sticks and bricks, we realized we were not asking the right question. It isn’t “do we want to continue traveling,” but whether Big Al was the right companion to take us through the next few years? After seven years of fairly continual travel, crossing the US, we are getting the itch to broaden our horizons. Like many full-time RVers who make it the 5 – 7 year mark, we are ready to do more overseas travel. Last year, we had a great time RVing in Iceland. Next year, we hope to make it to Northern Italy. Plus, we still have a few states left to complete the USA. The biggest being Alaska, which will also mean Canada.
As we pondered on our plans and lifestyle changes, it was clear that we needed something different. Barry recently retired as a full-time W-9 employee. This means he can focus on his personal photography and workshop business. As he considered his bucket list of images to capture, many require more remote camping and more boon-docking. To capture the right light and angles, he will want to be as close as possible to capture early morning light.
Size can make a difference
As we looked at these needs, the idea grew that we needed to downsize. So we will go from our 2300 square foot home to our 38 foot motorhome, and now to a towable trailer, exact model and size to be determined. With Barry not working and requiring the dining table as his office five days a week, we don’t need as much interior space. By going smaller, we can be more flexible and camp at National Park Campgrounds where large rigs often have issues. Most folks also advise using a smaller rig to do the Alaskan trip. And it also should be easier to store when we travel overseas.
Of course, going smaller has its drawbacks. For instance, storage. We have been spoiled by Big Al’s huge “basement” and the many interior cubbies. Most trailers we have seen have narrow storage bins below and minimal cabinets inside. Plus the closets! And I thought Big Al’s closet was small! It will mean leaving behind several comfort items that are nice to haves. We have adapted to less once before. I am sure we can do it again. One thing I have learned in living in a rig, it is amazing how quickly a person can adapt to the space they have.
Comfort or Space?
The bigger change is the loss of our personal space. We have a comfortable interior with Big Al that gives us each a “side” and a couch. After seven years, we have learned what to do when you just need space or time alone. First, don’t allow for clutter which means even one thing out of place feels like a total mess.
Second and more important – don’t get your feelings hurt when one of you says, “Go away.” It isn’t meant in the forever way, but in the “There is a very nice coffee shop around the corner. Why don’t you go work there for a while?” way.
It is also important to have your own passions or hobbies. Sometimes it is nice to share them like when Barry wants to go shoot a lake and I hike with him. While he is shooting, I can read or write. And sometimes, he gets up early and heads out on his own, giving me time to enjoy my hobbies in the rig while he spends the morning capturing interesting images. Then, we can come back together, refreshed and with a story to tell.
The seven year itch has hit us. We are still working out how exactly to scratch it, but it will be an adventure no matter! And isn’t that what life is for anyway.
Let us know if you have any strong suggestions for our next home. It might be a while, but we are gathering information to make our decision. Be sure to comment below with your ideas and what you use. We would love to hear why you chose it!
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