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skeenut · 01-22-2013, 03:38 PM

Hello to all,
Really glad to have stumbled across this incredible depository of information and I'd like to introduce myself before I start picking everyone's brains.
My wife of 34 years and I are empty nesters. Two children, one son married and living close-by with two grandkids, the other daughter living in FL with a new grandchild. Carole, my wife, nearing retirement from teaching. I've been out of work for several years...kind of an unwanted retirement.
We're both healthy and very active. Skiers, campers, bike riders, gym rat types...but getting older.
We own our home, with the bank, and are starting to think about downsizing to eliminate a mortgage and moving to a more hospitable area property and state income tax wise. We'll both have SS, she a pension too and we have savings. We're not wealthy, but we'll be OK financially if we're smart about it.
I've car camped and lived in park model trailers for vacations, both short and for the entire summer months, for most of my life. One of my fondest childhood memories is a summer long cross country trip taken with my family in a Skamper pop up. We hit as many National Parks as we could.
So, I've begun to toy with the idea of a transitional move. To a trailer. Just jettison all the accumulated stuff, pare it way down. and see the country for a few years.
I love the idea of saving some money and seeing the country for a few years. Canada and maybe Alaska too. Cities, parks, the Pacific, Mexico..heck, I'd like to TT to ski country if it were feasible. We have a Hobie Tandem Island, (great car topping sail boat,) that we could put into far away pieces of water. I get excited just thinking about the possibility.
So I need some reality. That's where you guys come in. I'll be lurking and learning. Maybe even doing. Soon.
Jeff

lonewolf1977 · 01-24-2013, 07:22 PM

Hello fellow lurker!! We are in the search phase as well.

Foiled Again · 01-24-2013, 09:37 PM

I've been HBC (homeless by choice) since 2005. It isn't for everyone - especially long term, but some of us adapt to it with very little problems.

My only "in a perfect world" changes would be

a big bathtub to soak in occasionally
a washing machine and dryer that no one else had washed golf balls in!

BUT... all that considered I wouldn't want to move up to a honkin' great 5th wheel to get those things. Perhaps I'll just get a big pickle barrel and soak under the awning.

You have one fantastic resource right IN New Jersey - Colonial Airstream - located between NYC & Philly. They have one of the biggest inventories of new Airstreams in the USA. They also often have some newer nice used ones too. You'd be foolish not to to see them in person. HOWEVER go without money or a pen, or a check! You'll succumb to temptation and buy the first new one you see if you aren't careful. A gently used one is a much better bargain!

find the layout you like - there are many choices. Then go looking for one that's 2-5 years old and priced to move. If you get one while it's cold and miserable you'll get a better choice too...

Paula