FAQs: Good, Bad & Ugly – Part 1

As I reflect on the first two months of living and travelling full-time in my RV, I have compiled a list of the questions I am most frequently asked, which I hope will give you some insight into my journey.

Fulltime RV FAQ

Q: Why?
A: About six years ago, I knew I was ready for a change and wanted to leave some stress and structure behind and experience more freedom. I expended considerable energy identifying and refining my goals and exploring options. Gradually I developed a plan, and at the core I was focused on retiring at the age of fifty. My career was a pathway, it did not define me and was never a destination.

This timing coordinated well as it also seemed to be appropriate for travel, a fluid timeline largely driven by ensuring my two kids were somewhat independent and sufficiently settled into their own paths.

As my kids were headed off to college, I knew I wanted to downsize, but the idea of a few gap years before buying my next house sounded inviting. So, I sold my house and while I look for another, I have embarked on this journey.

After patiently navigating my plan for five years, I now experience the freedom to pursue my passions, reconnect with friends around the country, do things that are fulfilling to me, chase my numerous hobbies and embrace new experiences – all while having the time and flexibility to volunteer and serve others.

I’m thoroughly enjoying my journey and keeping my mind open and my path flexible to what lies ahead.

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots, the other is wings.”
– Hodding Carter, “Where Main Street Meets the River”

Q: Did I really sell my house and everything I own?
A: Yep, sold my house and nearly everything I own. I accomplished this in a fairly methodical manner over several years. First step was to stop acquiring anything new to the extent possible. I then continued with simple steps by scanning photos and documents and getting rid of paper. I studied minimalism and adopted the idea that it was not about deprivation and living without, but rather only having those material things that are useful or bring joy. My downsizing gradually continued any many others benefited from my donations.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
– Hunter S. Thompson, The Proud Highway

I kept a few things of value – either sentimental or monetary value, that I was just not ready to depart with. Everything I own is in a five by ten foot storage unit, that is only about half filled, or with me in my RV.

Q: Do I miss anything I got rid of?
A: Not yet. There is nothing I regret tossing, and I have found that having fewer possessions is actually very liberating. Memories, experiences and relationships are more fulfilling to me than being surrounded by stuff.

Q: What’s the worst thing that has happened in the two months on the road?
A: Pulling out of Fort Randall campground along the Missouri River in South Dakota, I apparently clipped a tree branch with the top edge of my trailer. Although I did not realize it when it occurred, when I arrived in Brookings that afternoon the metal trim along the edge of about an six-foot section of the roof was bent and the rubber roof membrane was torn. There was a small amount of telltale bark and tree sap along the damage, so it was obviously caused by a tree branch.

Fortunately, a few screws and some Eternabond tape has successfully held a watertight seal until I make a determination on a more permanent repair. This is a new adventure with a lot to learn, and a few mistakes along the way will not slow me down. In fact, I have come to embrace some mistakes, as it reminds me that I am challenging myself, pushing my comfort zone and trying new things. Every mistake is a learning experience, and hopefully will not be repeated.

There’s MORE questions and answers coming!
FAQs: Good, Bad & Ugly – Part 2 will be posted soon and answer:
Does living in an RV save money?
Health insurance?
What is the most challenging part?
And more! If you have a question you want answered, just ping me or send an email to BradSaum@RVingRevealed.com.

Here’s a link to the article I wrote about Kentucky Knows: American Lifestyle Magazine

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