We spend about as much as full-timers as we did when we had a stick
house.

I was able to forecast this pretty well by keeping track of every nickel
we spent for several months before we retired, sold the house, and hit
the road. I then reviewed the list to see where we would spend less and
added in the extra costs associated with full-timing--fuel, campground
fees, and in our case health insurance. It was pretty much a wash.

I envy you two, and i plan on doing the same one day ....or, at least
going for very long extended RV trips while maintaining a small home
base.  I believe there is a FULL TIME NG on the 'OpenRoads Forum' and
there are a few Books and DVD's written specifically for prospective
Full Timers . I think Camping World carries a Book on the topic.  Happy
Trails.

Although we are not full timers we do go south for the winter.  We spend
winters in the lower Rio Grande Valley (between Harlingen and McAllen).  RV
parks down there range from $125 to $700 per month plus you pay your own
electric ($0.12 to $0.15 per kwh).  The low end of the range would be full
hookups, grass sites, dirt streets, no rec hall or other organized
activities.  The top end would be full hookups, 50 amp, cable TV, WiFi,
large (70'x40') sites, paved pad and patio, paved streets, landscaping,
swimming pools, laundrys, multiple rec halls, organized activities every
morning, afternoon and evening and may even include free late afternoon
golf.  I am sure your "decent" park is in there somewhere.

Ron

Check out  www.rv.net    I usually start on  http://www.rv.net/community/
Click on  "more forums" for  "rv lifestyle" or  "fulltimers forum".
Click on "more active topics" for current threads or use search for specific
interests.  Lots of years of rv experience  there.

Be nice, forum is moderated by volunteers with little tolerance for
disruption or rude rubes.

You will like them once you learn to navigate.

Go to www.escapees.com

There is no other group, web site or forum that is as dedicated to the
fulltimer as The Escapees RV Club, Inc. No other group will comprehend
your lifestyle. No other group will support your legal rights. No other
group will provide you with an address that has been adjudicated legal
for voting by two state courts. No other group will provide you with
inexpensive camping at their own parks and as much as 50% discount on
commercially owned parks. They offer discounts on insurance, road
service, and financial services as well as merchant members who will
also provide discounts.

The club offers an educationally oriented rally each year with this
year's being in Montana. They also offer special trips like the Rose
Bowl, Balloon Festival and get-aways like cruises.

Look at the web site. Look into the Birds of a Feather groups and the
local chapters. Look into their educational materials and publications.

I, personally, have 4 friends who have written books on fulltiming. I
even wrote one myself which dealt with what to pack, how to pack it and
how to care for it. While one or two are good, no book, web site, video,
etc. will give you all of the answers you need as each and every
fulltimer has different requirements and budgets.

So if you are looking for the place to learn about fulltiming, go to the
Escapees site and join the club. The magazine and the people are worth
every single penny of the dues. Their on-line forums are the best for
what you are searching for, too.

We fulltimed for 9 years and the experience was made easier and richer
by being a member of Escapees.

It will cost as much as living in your house, maybe even more. The cost
could be lower if you are willing to undergo a few lifestyle changes. That
is why the cost is almost always the same because people chose a lifestyle
of about the same expense as living at home.

Rules for lowering costs and improving your health at the same time:

1. Don't eat out cook at home. You know what goes into the food.
2. Don't eat out - I'm serious!
3. Drive at 55 mph.
4. Stay longer and use bicycles.
5. Avoid air conditioners, use swamp coolers.
6. Try to cook with electric, avoid propane.
7. Do not eat out!
8. See attractions on off times and days.
9. Store your RV down south and fly to it.
10. Travel Mexico.
11. Buy a smaller RV.
12. Do campground hosting, volunteer time to clean up etc, you'll get
freebie stays.
13. Join AAA.
14. Fill propane in the summer, make the tank last.
15. Passive solar heating - dark shades reflectors, paint roof dark color,
etc.
16. Wear warm clothes.
17. Exercise regimen - you will eat less, stay warmer and have more vigor to
initiate repairs/work yourself.
18. Do not eat out!
19. Make use of free medical clinics, health fairs and join the doctors that
only accept cash network.
20. Long extensions cords, powerful 5.11B & G devices, siphons, hand trucks,
knowing bread and milk delivery times will all get you freebies for food,
internet, power, heat, etc.

If you look really old you can pretend you are senile and make off with
stuff all the time. You can pull the senile act when paying for something,
pay it short by at least 20% and make like you paid it all, act confused,
etc.

Remember, today's seniors are the most subsidized, babied and pampered
generation of all time. They have the most money as a group and get the most
freebies. There is a very strong air of entitlement surrounding seniors, so
make use of it to go above and beyond. No supermarket is going to lock
granny away for absent mindedly putting a $15 steak in her purse.