Episode 125: The Real Costs of Fulltime RVing

Have you ever dreamed about fulltiming, or at least spending extended periods of time in your RV, traveling the country, seeing the sights, free and easy down the road? Well we have news for you: It’s not free. Just how much will it cost to live fulltime on the road in your RV? This week, we talk to an accountant and lawyer who retired at the age of 41 and has been fulltiming with his wife in an RV for the last 11 years. They’ve kept track of every cent he’s spent and he has lots to share on this week’s episode. Our guest is Howard Payne of RV-Dreams.com and you'll want to listen to his excellent advice Also this week, your questions, comments, plus lots of tips and RV news. [spp-player] Show Notes for Episode #125 Feb. 1, 2017 of Roadtreking - The RV Lifestyle Podcast: JENNIFER'S TIP OF THE WEEK This week’s tip comes from our friend Ari Adler… Let’s listen: [spp-timestamp time="8:05"] By Ari Adler I have something to share for your tip of the week that folks might find helpful. Often, people are worried about humidity in their RVs depending on the weather they are traveling through. I found a mini-dehumidifier -- called an Eva-Dry -- that’s designed to help keep small areas moisture-free. Although it’s target use is really more for closets or bathrooms, the unit works well inside small RVs like Roadtreks. The Eva-Dry is small and requires no electricity or batteries to operate. It’s designed with a special absorbing silica gel that is odorless and nontoxic. One of the best parts is the little window in the front of the unit that has moisture crystals that start as one color and slowly change to another as the gel absorbs moisture. Once the crystals completely change color, you simply plug the unit into an electrical outlet for about 8 to 10 hours so it can warm up, dry out and renew itself. The manufacturer claims this process can be done many times for years. Jessi and I have used this for several months and it seems to be working well in terms of absorbing moisture and humidity from our 2008 190 Popular. The Eva-Dry can either sit somewhere in your rig, or you can use the included hook to hang it up. The Eva-Dry is available at Camping World and Amazon. Prices vary, but the small version is usually available for less than $25. Here is a link to the unit at Amazon: http://amzn.to/2koahYM Thanks, Ari… and for everyone be sure to send me your tips and suggestions for the RV lifestyle. You can use the “Leave Voicemail” link at Roadtreking.com. Just click it and then use the built-in microphone on your computer or mobile devise to record a message to me. You can do it over as many times as you want, until you are satisfied. And then you just click a button and it comes right to my email inbox. I love hearing from you! Jennifer's tip of the week is brought to you by RadPower Bikes (www.RadPowerBikes.com_… an electric bike manufacturer offering direct to consumer pricing on powerful premium electric bikes. Now with free shipping! LISTENER QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: A new RVer named Shelly wonders about where to find the least expensive RV parks in Florida and wonders why the only time there are discounts there is during the summer [spp-timestamp time="14:38"] Listener Lisa calls in to talk about all the red tape involved in buying a used RV from a private seller in California [spp-timestamp time="18:17"] And listener Dan asks Mike where he keeps all his toys. Mike talks about a couple of kayak mounts he’s considering (see https://youtu.be/msEJBUO9yz8) for a swing away system, or rvkayakmounts.com, which lets you carry kayaks and up to two bicycle. We’ll have more about RVing with a kayak and the different mount systems on an episode we’re planning for mater in February. The rear mount bike rack Mike currently uses is called the Swagman XC. It holds two bicycles and fits in the rear bumper hitch. [spp-timestamp time="21:52"] Sponsoring this part of the podcast is Van City RV in St. Louis, and their Partner Dealerships Creston RV in Kalispell, Montana, and Wagon Trail RV in Las Vegas. Bringing You the largest Inventory of class B’s from three locations. PET TIP OF THE WEEK Anyone who has ever had a dog or cat wishes just one thing — that he or she has a healthy and long life. Here are five tips we found from PetMD.com that can help your pet do just that: [spp-timestamp time="28:18"] FEED A HIGH QUALITY DIET Pets fed a high-quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, help maintain his or her intestinal health, help increase his or her mental functions, help keep joints and muscles healthy, and much more. KEEP YOUR PET LEAN. Pets that are overweight are at risk for a whole bunch of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease seen in pets currently and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog or cat’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or obese puts your pet at risk for joint disease, heart disease and diabetes, among other things. TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VETERINARIAN REGULARLY. All pets, including both dogs and cats, require regular veterinary care. However, veterinary care goes far beyond routine vaccinations, even though those are important. A routine examination by your veterinarian can uncover health issues of which you are unaware. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment. Early diagnosis is also likely to be less costly for you than waiting until your pet’s illness has become advanced and serious before attempting treatment. Be sure to carry a copy of all your pet’s vet records with you when you travel. KEEP YOUR PET’S MOUTH CLEAN. A common problem among dogs and cats, dental disease and oral health issues can cause your pet pain, making it difficult for him or her to eat. If left untreated, oral health issues may even lead to heart and kidney disease. In addition to regular dental checkups, the most effective means of caring for your pet’s mouth at home is to brush his or her teeth at home. If your pet isn’t a big fan of toothbrushes there are other alternatives as well, including dental diets, treats like Dozers dental chews, and toys. Ask your veterinarian for some recommendations. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PET TO ROAM UNSUPERVISED. Allowing your dog or cat to roam free may seem like you’re doing your pet a favor. However, pets that roam are susceptible to a number of dangers, including automobile accidents, predators, exposure to contagious diseases, exposure to poisons, and more. Additionally, allowing your pet to roam unsupervised may alienate your neighbors should your pet ever "relieve" him- or herself or dig up their campsite This part of the podcast is brought to you by Dozers Dental Chews, an all natural and healthy treat your dog will love. Available direct through Amazon INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK Howard and Linda Payne of RV-Dreams.com Our guest this week is Howard Payne, who, at the age of 41 with wife Linda, quit a high-paying corporate job in 2005, sold everything they had and made the transition to living in an RV full-time as they travel North America. [spp-timestamp time="33:56"] An accountant and lawyer by training, Howard documented every cent they spent. He and Linda started a website – RV-Dreams.com – to share their experiences and to offer help to those considering such a move. His website has a wealth of information, including budget spreadsheet templates to help. In our interview he talks about” How important it is to be debt free before setting out fulltime in an RV Just how much you should expect to spend per month to live a frugal fulltime RV lifestyle How you can supplement your expenses by workcamping Why you don’t have to get campground reservations as you travel Resources mentioned: Howard and Linda’s Website – RV-Dreams.com Workkamper News - workamper.com Spreadsheet templates for tracking expenses and budgeting - rv-dreams.com/spreadsheet-downloads.html Mike’s suggested expense-tracking app: SmartReceipts The interview of the week is brought to you by http://sunshinestatervs.com/, where every new or used Roadtrek motorhome is delivered to the customer free, anywhere in the country RV NEWS OF THE WEEK: Three stories for you this week.. [spp-timestamp time="57:40"] RV shipments reached 40 year high in 2016. Read more India’s Irula tribesmen brought to Florida everglades to catch Burmese pythons and teach locals how to do it. Read more Harsh winter in U.S. western states brutal on wildlife. Read more This portion of the podcast is brought to you by Alde the only name in heat that you need to know for your RV TRAVELING TECH TIP: Verizon's Steve Van Dinter reports on some Valenine’s Day Tech Gifts [spp-timestamp time="1:02:49"] Flowers and chocolate are typically first to mind when it comes to showing your sweetheart how much you care for them this time of year. However, to mix it up this February, consider giving the gift of tech. It’s not only a more thoughtful option, it’s something they’ll be able to use the whole year through! Or incorporate a little technology to help make your Valentine’s evening a bit more special. For instance, with Google Home, you can start playing your sweetie’s favorite songs just by saying a few keywords. Or record a love poem and ask Google Home to play it for your special someone. And if you have Nest installed at home, turning up the heat is as easy as saying “OK Google, turn up the heat.” Wish you could travel this Valentine’s Day but don’t have time or funds to do it? Grab a Daydream View VR headset and take your loved one around the world without having to leave the comfort of your couch. And make the experience a 4-D by serving up special French treats while you stroll the virtual streets of Paris! Ooh la la! Not a fan of crowds at the local movie theater? Make your own. With the Moto Z Droid,