Family of 4 Considering Full-timing Summer & Fall

[janecedar]

We are a family of 4 (kids will be 8 months old, and 12 yrs.)and we are currently shopping for our airstream dream home... we've lived on our farm for 12 years and are ready to branch out and explore!! We are used to camping, babies, compromise and resourcefulness and team work, however not used to trailer living long term. I would appreciate any tips and resources on how we can set up for success ahead of time (i.e.: must-have kid-gear, renos and redos to suit family living, recommendations on sizes and models, great destinations to explore in BC and Pacific NW that are family-friendly (close to horses/riding jobs is a big bonus!)...) We are mostly considering models between 27-31'... our budget is limited to older models, but we have the ability/skills to renovate. My dream A/S is a 30' Flying Cloud with bunks.... BUT we just cannot afford to buy this (renting would be great!! Hint, hint) so for now, we plan on buying an older model and doing some customizing to suit the needs of the family. Our tow vehicle is a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, and we are used to hauling horses and campers.

[ILOVESALLY]

There is a older bunkhouse for sale at Desert Autoplex in Texas 2006 I think for a third of the price of the new 2014.

[andreasduess]

I'd say that a 12 year old and a new baby have very different needs, needs that will further diverge as the teen gets older. Not sure if I'd throw them together into the limited space that a trailer offers.

We've taken our kids (three and 19 months old twins) camping since they were 6 months old, but that was for weekends and the occasional week, not a full-time situation. While camping is always fun, we also really appreciated our home when coming back, where one of them having a bad night didn't mean all of us having a bad night.

I am looking forward to the coming summer, where things will hopefully be easier.

[ILOVESALLY]

Kids revolve and adapt around your lifestyles. Check out Malimish.com. 3 young ones in a 25ft Airstream.

[Skatiero]

We are not full timers but we do have great bunks for our kids! It isn't difficult to build them in.

[Air Apparent]

This couple has 12 children and are living fulltime in a 36' motorhome. Here is the link to their blog Kellogg Show » Living in an RV with Twelve Kids.

It can be done if the family is up to it. It's not for everyone and probably only for a few. However, if you really want to do it, you will make it work.

Here is another link Families on the Road that has links to many families on the road.

Do you research as there are many families in rv's fulltiming. Make sure this lifestyle will work for your family before you sell your house.

When a couple takes up this lifestyle it is important that both really want to do it; otherwise it won't work. This will also be true for a family since there are more people. If your 12 year old isn't on board; it could be more difficult to make it work.

[janecedar]

Thanks for useful tips and links... We are gearing up and researching camper options... Bunks are a for sure, whether renovating or buying already equipped! Also, just to add a little more info, we will be returning home to our farm after this adventure- so this is a totally inspired choice- not a have -to living situation. Please keep useful tips, experiences and contacts coming in... And words of caution are surely appreciated and will be taken with a grain of salt...
Oh yes, and our 12 year old is super enthusiastic about this- she's chomping at the bit for on-the-road adventure living... Had enough of farm chores for a while!