When is it time to give up RVing and sell our 25' Excella?

[Wingeezer]

I have been thinking recently of a switch from the AS to a Sprinter based camper -
AS or other make.

The main reason I'm thinking about it is that our city is considering changing on-street parking regs which will complicate things for us - we have always brought the trailer home one day to pack then left the next, and we may not be able to do that in future.

We still don't know yet if the regulations will change.

But in thinking about a Class B which I could park in our drive, while I certainly know there would be a downside, there would be quite a few pluses - including less physical work as I age! We might also get more use out of it on short one/two night trips since it will be parked right at our house, not 3/4hour away!

Might be an option to think about.

Brian.

[switz]

I made the decision to give up my passion for flying as pilot in 1988 and sold the plane I had flown 1,500 hours in from coast to coast. It was time.

I shifted to motorcycles in 1990 and that did not end up very well. I resumed them again in 2001 as the kids were all grown. But the light of interest is waning for that activity (too many friends hurt over the years) and I think a lot about the last accident in 1990 now and would not like that experience again. So we moved into the Airstream world.

I think there is a still small voice inside us that suggests it is a time to change our activities.

[richinny]

i'm a seasonal user. jan 1st is a big arrival day here and at least 6 of the regulars i know came in today. it was great seeing everyone walking around greeting each other and giving updates. seasonal use isn't for everyone but it can be fun seeing the seasonal family every year.

[SmokelessJoe]

Bob, you have our permission to do whatever you feel is best for you.

But I think we all hope that even if you do decide to leave the road you won't leave the Forum.

Your Cheap or Free Tip Sheets have been a much appreciated contribution to this space and an aide to many.

I hope you will maintain your interest in them.

Good luck whatever you do next; many thanks for your active participation.


All the best,


Sergei

[DaveFL]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Bob, You and only you will know when that time comes. Sometimes you just wake up one morning and know that it is time to move on with the next phase of your life. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Decisions to RV or not, changes easy to make when you get home and conversation starts with "Glad to be home" or "That was fun, where to next"
These are personal decisions as most here have posted, but in reality it should be decided by all involved. Spouse, kids, doctor(age and health, most too polite to mention), accountant(rv vs stationary facilities enjoyment has it's costs).
As stated in the above posts no one but you can say it is time to change but listening to all involved should make it easier to give up something you thought was fun when you started doing it.

[Foiled Again]

I see a similar theme coming on right here. It might be time to quit if...

1. you drive 40 mph on the interstate
2. everyone who passes you waves with one finger
3. you ding the airstream every time you take it out
4. your doctor/the DMV has restricted you to daytime only driving
5. you've cleaned out your T-shirt drawer seven times and you still "have the T-shirt" for 100 things.
6. all your RVing friends have died or retired
7. you come back from every trip grumpy, sneezey, tired and achey

I really questioned myself after the wreck - and I'm still having a few after effects, but "Burning Man" is still on my bucket list. I'm sort of "on hiatus" right now, but I'm looking forward to spring and a rally or two.

I figure when I have to take a nap after cranking up the stabilizer jacks it might be time.

Paula

[mutcth]

Bob, maybe you could just park the trailer for a year. Use it less, but don't commit to completely giving it up. It doesn't sound like you need to sell it for the space or funds.

Maybe abstinence will make the heart grow fonder. But if it sits for multiple months and you have no interest in hitching up....

Tom

[genearnold]

We made that decision last year so it is fresh on my mind. In my case it was largely an age related decision. We started with our first Airstream in 1983 at ages 48 & 46. As we “matured” I committed to being honest in evaluating my own driving prowess, vowing not to be an oldie towing an RV when he shouldn't be! I think I did pretty well at assessing this. I honestly think I could have safely gone a couple of years more (I'm now 78) – but maybe not. Two additional issues affected my decision; (1) It was increasingly difficult to maintain the unit and to hitch & unhitch, due to some physical pain (mostly age-related); (2) We enjoy our comfortable home, live in the same city as our sons, and when we visit our Colorado siblings we can have their guest rooms.

I've seen some really poor decisions that resulted when people did an activity out of obligation (“After all we have a lot of money tied up in this RV – boat – ATV – airplane – motorcycle, etc. so we have to use it”). What happens in these cases is, these folks become servants to the activity and it dominates their life! All recreational activity costs more than we like to admit, so why continue it when the joy is gone from it? My sage advice as I look back over a long and winding road is, if you're not pressed for the money don't be in a hurry to sell. Keep evaluating and sell only when you are sure its what you want. My Limited sat without turning a wheel for more than eighteen months before we decided it was time to let it go. Once you make the decision be at peace about it. If after several months or years you really miss the experience you can always buy another toy.

Gene

[John&Vicki]

Experiences. If you do the same thing every year for 15 years you don't gain 15 years of experiences - you gain one year of experiences 15 times. Move on. The world offers infinite experiences. Time to order something new off the menu.

Poppy

[Protagonist]

Which is worse… Giving up Airstreaming now and regretting the decision later, or NOT giving up Airstreaming now and regretting the decision later?

Life is too short for regrets, so if you can't decide any other way, go for the option that has the least chance for regret.

[John&Vicki]

I may slightly disagree with Protagonist, maybe not. I recommend taking the path with the most risk. It can lead to a life more like a roller coaster than a merry-go-round. The lows can be a bear, but they make the peaks so much sweeter.

Don't make the safe decision!

Poppy

[Royce]

As has been said, only you can decide. I would suggest park it for a year, if you still feel the same maybe it is time to sell. Forty years ago, I spent a summer of free time building a home for my Bride. I am now preparing to build another home for her. I expect it to take longer and to hire help for some of the construction, but who can say no to an adventure?

[John&Vicki]

I've always moved on when this is what life felt like:

Monotony (short film) - YouTube

Poppy

[Bob Thompson]

I do thank all those who have responded. Your wisdom has made it easier to make a difficult decision. We've decided to sell our '97 25' Excella and our '09 Tundra and get out of RVing. We've had so many wonderful memories, places we've visited and people we've met, but the decision to turn the page and move on feels right.

So what is next? If the stars all align just right, it's a move to Maui to build our dream home and live out our days. In my former life as an architect, I harbored a home design perfectly suited to the lifestyle I've pursued all my life. It's been on my bucket list for years and the time seems right. Also, I'm an avid windsurfer with ties to the windsurfing business so what better place to enjoy my life-sport.

Thank you all for your kindness and consideration.
Bob Thompson

[John&Vicki]

Bob...

You didn't say one of the alternatives was building a house in Maui! Great decision - Maui No Ka Oi.

Aloha,
Poppy

[mutcth]

Bob, I'm hoping those stars align just right for you. Windsurfing in Maui! Wow.

Tom