Mike Sherman’s letter to the editor last week about giving up RV travel has already been viewed more than 600,000 times. Why so many? Our best guess is it’s because many of our readers are considering doing the same thing and are curious.
They’ve had it with crowding, high gas prices and waiting months for repairs. The sales-obsessed RV Industry Association (RVIA) has gushed in the last few years about record sales, but has expressed no concern about what happens when those RVs fall apart well before their loans are paid off, or when their owners realize that finding a campground to stay is much harder than finding a motel room.
Are you thinking of giving up RVing? Or have you already done it? Please let us know by filing out the form below. We’ll post one or two of these every Saturday until we run out (which may not happen!). Please use the form below to reply so it goes to the correct person.
But in the meantime, let’s conduct a quick poll to see how many of our readers have thought about hanging up the ol’ keys…
Are you thinking of giving up RVing? Or have you already done it?
Comment below in 250 words or less.
#RVT1060
I am also seriously giving it thought to giving it up. But after being in Maine for a few months on a seasonal site and what with the heat wave thru out the midwest I am thinking of doing one more year here and then possibly giving it up. I almost decided this was my last year but think within the next 5 I will be either storing the trailer or selling. Not sure yet. Gas prices are not what the problem is, the problem is the fees that seasonal sites have. The one I am at is about 2600 for 6 months and that does not include the electric. We will probably keep the smaller RV for travel and get a bigger one for next summer to put on site then decide if it is worth coming back here every year. Although the people are really nice and the campground well kept. And I also have a job here every summer if I want it. So for now we are going to buy a new RV and place on the site for next year and then decide next year if the drive is worth it. Happy trails.
We’ve done the whole route. TT Class c fifth. wheel and presently truck camper. We have been downsizing for about 5 years because of age. Its getting harder to dr ive because everyone is in such a hurry. At 81 im in no hurry.I’ve had people step off the curb while im doing a right hand turn ive had people drive too much forward when im making a left turn. That ones so much fun!my knees are shot. Hiking is now out of the question. Maybe someone else can take my place and enjoy what we had. Theres so much to see but time is running out.
Health has pretty much kept us off the road for the last couple of years, but as the old body is now coming back we will be back on the road but most likely not aggressively as before. Will never get rid of our bug-out vehicle.
I understand any health issues. We are off the road for same reason.
Worked since I was 12 years old, retired a few years ago. We are retired. I am not in a rush to get someplace, unexpected delays are opportunities for adventures, and preplanning trips helps to avoid issues that bother others. We just decided to take a two week trip, called one of our favorite campgrounds and told them what we wanted. Someone cancelled so we got reservations. Our “RV” life is retirement. Not only do we not plan to give it up, we are expanding our length of travel for the next few years. I don’t minimize the issues (such as experiencing a blow out while on a major urban freeway), we just deal with it. One of my most powerful life lessons was when one of my teachers said, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you, whether a bully insults you, you lose a friend, or someone close to you passes on. You and only you choose how to let it affect you.” We are retired, and our mindset is that everyday is a reward; we never forget to celebrate that we are still here.
It saddens me to read the varied comments that display some criticism towards other RVers. We are a very diverse group of people are we not? We RV in every mode possible and it should be understood that one size is not a fit for all.
Boon dock vs. parks, BIG vs small, we have it all when you travel around and meet so many interesting people. We were at it for over 30 years, starting out with a 12′ TT, then moving up through various trailer sizes. I’ll never forget my excitement at getting my own shower/toilet. My gawd, talk about heaven! Boon docking was very private back in the 80’s. Occasionally one reads complaints that too many are within sight of each other. Doing the solar routine to keep one off the grid is fun, until you get older and tired of all the maintenance involved. Plugging into electricity and connecting a sewer hose can be a new blessing. We eventually worked our way up to a 42′ monster, love the comforts but smile when I see young families starting the RV life.
We’ve been FT 16yrs. Loved it all. We are not Tourist Destination people. With the exception of Alaska(Our favorite) we don’t go where others do. We boon-dock when traveling multiple days. This has helped us with the reservation issue. We’ve weathered high fuel costs(Canada), crappy built RVs, incompetent/surly repair/campground people. It’s called “Life”.
We are now being faced with wife’s health issues, she wants to “House-it”. I don’t. The “Elites” of the world are trying to make serfs of us all by destroying the economy and our health.
There are major decisions to be made. “Life” goes on.
My husband is the same way. He is with me on the seasonal site and told me he wants more internet access and do things computer then actually getting out and being here for a month. It is nice having him here but done with his complaining of no internet no hot spot or his computer is having issues I am done. I am on my computer checking emails and what ever else but not like he is. He also refuses to join the other group of people I sit with on Friday and Saturday nite because he says they talk about things that does not interest him. So for now I think I will return to Maine next year with a bigger trailer and without him. Might want to try solo and see how it feels. I did for a month, husband here for a month and hate to say it, glad he is heading home next week. I like being solo and doing what I want. I totally get your predicament. Good luck.
We fulltime traveled, workamped and relaxed for 11 amazing years. We knew we’d come off the road at some point, and decided this was the time while we still had good health and the energy to move into a stick and brick home.
Although we love the southwest, home prices and the major problem with water supplies drying up, we just purchased a home in Tennessee. We’re not from this beautiful state, but it’s very retiree friendly; no state income tax and no taxing our retirement or social security income. No…we didn’t pick a big city but a remarkable planned community open to all ages.
It will be a major adjustment to the additional 1000 square feet to live in (and clean), permanent neighbors and a small yard to maintain, but we still plan to be summer RVers. And we are so blessed and thankful for all of the people we met and everything we experienced these 11years. Life is good!!
If 71% of people polled here are either staying the course or not ready to give it up, don’t think you can make the statement that “many of our readers” are considering giving up RV’ing. Be careful of generalizations not backed up by data.
If 1000 people take the poll and 29% are considering packing it in, that’s 290 per thousand. That’s ‘many’ in most people’s book.
After 12 years of traveling in my RV I haven’t seen nearly enough of the natural beauty our country has to offer. My most recent trip kept me on the road for 4 months; I planned to travel for 3 months but… so many places, so little time. Gas prices are a real bummer but I am nowhere near staying full-time in my sticks & bricks.
Based on what we’re seeing on this trip to the big Western national parks, I’m wondering if some of these people who “hung up the keys” are just out renting Cruise America Class Cs. Good Heavens, those things are everywhere!
We got tired of full campgrounds, inability to get reservations, rude folks, and high diesel cost. Sold the fifth wheel and the diesel truck. $7 gallon here in California……See ya!
Might re-consider later in a couple of years when the pandemonium calms down.
I’m one of those not quite yetters. Although we clearly recognize a reduction in the quality of life experienced from overcrowding, we hope that this too shall pass as more parks are brought on-line. But we also harbor no illusion that this increasing capacity will completely restore that experience, as RVs become more associated with housing the poor and prices impair their mobility.
Just getting started. 2021 35′ 5th wheel. Our first (and only rv). We camped over 4th of July weekend. Our RV resort had about 10 open spaces. Not reserved. We pulled in Saturday and had an end slot. They just handed us the map and told us to pick a space. People are looking in the wrong place I think. None of our campsites are ever full! BTW, I’m in CA.
Maintenance? Our new RV has been in the shop twice. Once they kept it for a week, once they fixed a small problem while I waited. Didn’t even unhook! I have done numerous additions and upgrades. We will be camping for a long time!
My wife and I have discussed this in detail. We’ve been living the dream now for 10 yrs and we will not stop until our bodies or our wallets are too broken to go on.
Agree!
Hey Bob, I am absolutely positive that your wallet will be empty long before your body gives out. Good luck my friend.