June 1st, 2011 
Ralph
Just about to depart on the long full time RV roadtrip...
RVing full time had been a dream of ours for nearly 5 years – we wanted to find a way to see the USA and live the full time RV lifestyle.
One problem with this dream though: we are not “professional full time RV people”…we’re not even half-way experienced full time RVing people.
In fact, we’ve barely ever camped, gone RVing or done anything remotely related to “roughing it” in the outdoors.
The only other time we ever vacationed in an RV was a three-day RVing rental that cost us a small fortune to Acadia National Park in Maine nearly three years ago.
We were so bad at it we vowed we’d never do it again.
But the dream of full time RVing never went away…
So in spite of all that, we took the plunge, bought a behemoth Chapparal Fifth Wheel and set out on our full time RV journey…but this time do it 100% – doing it full time.
Why Full Time RVing?
Most people thought we wouldn’t actually go. We have a nice home in a nice neighborhood with good friends and family nearby. We have good jobs and our kids are doing pretty well in school and life overall is good. We consider ourselves to be very fortunate.
So why throw all that aside and go in an RV full time for a year?
The main reason is that we love to travel. We’ve traveled and vacationed in the continental United States and Canada many times before but always felt we never had enough time to really enjoy all the sites, as well as see all the places we’ve always wanted to go to.
So we decided that to get a real taste of what our country is really all about, we had to do it by RV. In fact, this passion to see the U.S is so strong that in spite of our lack of experience and knowledge of RVing full time, we would buy an RV site unseen on the Internet, buy a big honkin’ truck to pull it (twice in fact, but more on that later), take the kids out of school for a year and home school them, totally take our own businesses mobile and travel the country for a year living in an RV full time.
Our Story
It all started in 2008, when Jen gave me a book for our 9th wedding anniversary called The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris
Suffice to say, I got the better end of the deal.
The 4-Hour Workweek
Although The 4-Hour Workweek
At the time Jen gave me the Tim Ferris book, I was working at a job I hated with my career going nowhere fast. Jen on the other hand had built a very successful business and had always wanted to travel the world from the start of our marriage. The final part was what I could do to enable this mobile dream to come together.
So I started an online business in the Tim Ferris mold, outsourced much of the work and built it part time while still working full time. Eventually my primary online business reached the point where we could be comfortable to leave the trappings and location dependence of the corporate job world and set the stage for the idea Jen had always had in mind ever since we first met.
Truth be told, our original goal was to travel around the world before the age of 40. We had traveled fairly extensively in the continental US and Europe prior to our family, and particularly fell in love with the western United States. But instead, we decided to have kids and build a location based lifestyle in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. And we are so glad we did because our kids are the best things to ever happen to us.
So the idea of going across the US in an RV started to take shape as we discussed how we could satisfy our passions for travel, spending time with our kids, while continuing to pursue careers that we are extremely passionate about. We really weren’t so sure about what we would actually DO with the kids on the road though. How would we educate them for an entire year?
That’s when we heard about road schooling, a form of homeschooling that has been pursued by other location independent families that have similar desires to us with regard to travel, work and family. Although secular road schooling is less prevalent, Jen did a tremendous amount of research on how this all could be done in a mobile environment RVing full time.
So all the pieces of the puzzle started to come together in mid 2010 and we started announcing to our friends and family our intent to hop in an RV, home school our kids, run our businesses and travel the country.
Sounds simple right?
The Plan
We figured once we announced it we had to do it. Thomas Edison once boldly announced that he would bring electricity to every home and business in the US when all there was was candle power. He said the best way to accomplish your goals is to announce it to the world, then pursue it with reckless abandon to avoid the humiliation of backing down.
We are far from bringing electricity to millions of homes for the first time, but that’s in essence what we did.
So we researched RVs and trucks extensively, dissecting styles and floor plans. This took months of research (how we went about this specifically in later blog posts). We then started putting our house up for rental while we were gone, putting together initial plans for itinerary and got the plan moving forward, laying out all the pieces for a summer 2011 departure.
Departure Day or “D-Day”, as it was commonly referred to, (not coincidentally as the both destructive and liberating historical day in 1944 by the same name) came very quickly. All the plans were in place and we shoved off not the great unknown of upstate New York for what would be the first of many sight unseen spots we would call home over the course of the next 12 months.
The Full Time RV Family Blog
On this blog, we will be as transparent as possible to tell you about what its really like to RV full time as a family: our family rving experiences, how we educate our kids homeschooling, how we maintain and grow our businesses, our travel experiences and observations. As a part of the full time RV experience, our two boys will blog too, (as a part of their homework) but also to give their own personal observations into what it’s like for a kid to pack it all up and head onto the open road in an RV for a year.
On the blog, we’ll provide photos and stories of our travel experiences, blog posts on regional observations, how to instructional videos on how to maintain and live in an RV full time, expense logging to give you a better idea of how much this all costs, occasional product reviews for products we find essential to living the full time RVing lifestyle (we’ll give a link that we do make a small commission on) as well as just general non-related even goofy stuff that we think readers of our blog may find interesting…or stuff we just like!
Our aim on this blog is not to convert you to the RVing full time way of life…in fact far from it. We’re not some messianic tribe of RV enthusiasts that live, breathe and eat all things RV. As I told you before, we are the farthest thing from that – total “wet behind the ears” RV newbies.
Our real goal in writing this blog is that maybe in some small way, you too may be inspired by what we’ve done to throw caution to the wind, take the plunge and pursue your individual dreams that have been lurking in the recesses of your mind for years…no matter how crazy they are.
A few weeks ago, as we visited a local cemetery to pay our respects at a family member’s grave, we realized that life is indeed short. You are on this earth for only a brief moment in time, so you had better make every second count. And when your time on earth is done, don’t have any regrets. Our motive is to do just that RVing full time across this great country of ours…without any regrets.
Thank you for reading and we look forward to corresponding with you on Full Time RV Family!
Special thanks to:
for inspiring us to go full time RVing on the road (OTR)!
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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this. A really great start to your adventure! Hope all is well…we miss you already!
XOXO
Thanks Nettie! We miss you guys too!
YAY…so glad we can already be in touch. You did not disappoint with getting your blog up asap!!! So glad you are having a great trip so far, and wishing you fabulous adventures every day! LOVED Alex’s video on how to fill up with deisel….Amy hasn’t even pumped her own gas yet. She watched it with a wee bit of envy (and picked up a few pointers). Love, Leid
Thank You very mutch (Alex typed this).
We are so glad you like it! We miss you guys – are in Niagra right now Bs up 3-0! We will post more we promise! Let me know what you think of the blog layout so far..ideas???
Also don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook. Miss you much!
Hi guys! What an awesome blog, can’t wait to hear all about your excursions! Take care, we miss you lots!
Love,
The Rubinstein’s
Thanks we will be in touch! On to Toronto today to see the Stanley Cup (replica)!
Smiling out loud with every written word! We’ll be checking back frequently. So excited to see you here in 2 weeks. XOXO, Karen
Yes please do! Also “Like” us on Facebook so we can get the word out. See you in a few weeks!
Psyched about this! The kids are reading everything and loving it. Matt sent a message to the boys and we will continue. We miss you and are inspired by you all. Love, the gang
Thanks Eva, we will keep posting new stuff and showing how we do it all….who knows you and Brendan and the kids could be joining us soon…..miss you guys!
Hi Eva, We’ll be posting an overview on Cooperstown and on the Falls soon. I have to get those history tidbits into the blog too. Niagara Falls is really close to Toronto so we had a short drive. Happy Fathers Day to Bren, Grandpa Ray and Papa Joe…..and a big hug to all. Jen
This is so cool, we love the first blog! Who knows you may inspire us to try ths??
Enjoy every second
The Satkevich family
Thanks Kate! Every time I think of “roughing it” in the wild, I think of you…because you know more than anyone how much of an outdoorsy kind of guy I am. BTW, tell Bill you guys are meeting us in DC next Spring no matter what he says!
Hi Kate, We need to caravan with the Satkeviches..at last we will have plenty of outdoor chairs! I packed so many books, there are only two outdoor chairs in storage. We had our first guests over last night and we all had to sit inside… Our guest were also Venture Scout leaders. Happy Fathers Day to Bill and a big hug to you. Jen
WOW! So cool…loved the blog site. Can’t wait to follow you along on your journey. God Speed my friends!
Hi Linda, It is FRIDAY…so I am thinking of you :-). Thanks for the note. Xoxxoxo Jen
Love the blog, you guys rock! Keep all us Kennedys in the loop as to your goings on! Ted
Hi Jen and family, Safe journey! Spence is going to love this, I guarantee you!
HelLo!
Great blog ! Nice writing Alex !
I’m happy that we can ‘stay in touch’…
We hope that ‘all is well ‘ !
Hope you are enjoying Toronto w/ your friends.
Love to all,
mom ‘n dad
Thanks! Love to you too! Were “at the cottage” in Coboomk Ontario – it’s just like Square Pond but with Canadian flags. Miss you much – great job commenting btw you are sooooo techie! Xoxo
so cool – we will be watching and waiting to hear about all of your adventures – you are amazing! blessings!
Hi Chezzi! Seeing a post from you brings fairy dust to mind and a big smile too! Everyone has been so kind to us in our travels. We are really enjoying it. Stay tuned…. Big hug! Jen
WOW AWESOME HUGS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
You are in my heart & thoughts:) When you see the moon it’s me sending HUGS XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thanks Judy I see the moon right now! Xoxoxo
Just got a couple of text pics…….gotta love those “specials”! Nonnie and Bumpa look great. Hope you had a nice anniversary dinner.
Love To All
xoxo
Thanks Auntie Nettie we miss you! Eli says: “hi I love you all”. We are at the Pirates Sox game now – avoid the sweep! Love to All.
Hi Jen and Ralph,
Rich sent me the link to you blog and I am very excited to follow your travels. It sounds wonderful so far. Your description of dinner in Pittsburg got my salivary glands working.
Missed you at the end of the Baseball season but it was fun to see how much the team matured and progressed. Best of all I got to meet you and have fun talking and connecting.
Will stay in touch.
Continue to travel safely. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna (Kamron’s Nana)
Hi Donna! Thanks for the note. meeting you was the best part of this years baseball season for me. We have been havig a really good time, not travel weary yet. I am so glad that you read and commented on our blog. Pittsburgh is really such a fun city and great to do with my parents and our kids. Now we are in Ohio and visiting Michigan for just a day to see the Henry Ford Museum which we have heard lots of great things about so I am dying to go. We are in Chicago for the 4th
I hope you have a fantastic summer on the Cape. When we come home, if Rich comes over to play guitar I am goig to tell him that he needs to bring his Mom too! :). Take care….. Jen
Not sure if my 1st message went out. I’ll wait to hear from you before I write it all over again. That ole quick finger moved too fast!
Love this and loving that you all are living your dream…very inspiring!
Suzeee! Glad you love it! When you comin to see us? North Dakota? Idaho? Oregon? Thanks much and miss you! xoxo
I’m wearing the pin made by Pat / Alex you picked it out for me at your school. An awesome memory for me 🙂 HUGS to ALL XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ( of course I have the peace sign on 🙂 🙂 Explore & enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Judy,
That was a nice day at the school bake sale..I remember it well. We just sent you a picture of the boys at the Henry Ford Museum which was awesome!! Keep that peace sign on! Xoxoxxo love ya, Jenny
Hi Jen, Ralph and boys,
I’m following you through your blog, for me it will be a great read on a daily basis after a hectic day at work. I’ll look forward to your reviews on the the restaurants,”hole in the walls” and diners that you will be visiting (what a culinary journey!!) throughout your travels. Happy 4th-Sue
Thanks Sue! We will be sure not to disappoint – many great restaurants to choose Delma s we travel across this dine culinary land of ours. Thanks for the comment and stay tuned! Happy 4th!!!
[…] you are RVing full time, you get to see lots of cool […]
Love you all & enjoy this connection 🙂 HUGS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxx
Thanks Auntie we love you too!
I just responded to your last email and then I read your newest blog. Small problem. Can be solved with $$$$$$$$!!!!! a short stay in one place might just be what you need. Tim and Dan loved KOAs. We stayed in one in Salt Lake City as a matter of fact. It was pretty much near the center of the city with the super highway right near by and the copper mine across the valley was lite at night which we could see from afar. So now you solve this problem and it will make a funny story some day. Love from the Chapins
Yea $$ is the solution to many problems for sure. But how you respond to those problems is what matters most! (now I sound like I am lecturing Alex and Eli:-) ).
Btw we love KOAs – haven’t stayed in and one yet!
[…] always go wrong, especially if you are total full time RVing novices like […]
LOVE YOU ALL :):):):) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hope you are staying cool & having wonderful weather:) HUGS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxxx
[…] will let you know that although we are not RV experts, anyone can set up an RV, so don’t be afraid of RVing full time. It’s not that […]
Headed to Maine later:) Donna flying in later tonight:) XXXXXXXXX
Just got my cmputer bck….Awesome postcard &&& picture
Giddy up cowboys I always loved riding 🙂 Thougt I was Annie Okley 🙂 XXXXXXX
Keep it coming Judy! We lovet tohear from you. The boys are really getting to be good riders. We are having fun and are now in Great Falls Montana. Beautiful. What is happenign at home? Please email us thenews! How was Langstons Bday?. Love ya!!! Jenny
Having fun watcing your trip….looks like you are having a great time. Just dropped my daughter off back in Pittsburgh………..didnt make Elements.. Hopefully back there in late October so maybe then. Safe travels.
Gary
Hi Gary,
Pittsburgh is one of my favorite cities. Just so you know, the Chapparal is holding up great!
We are glad we bought it from you! Thanks for the comment
Jen
Wow, found your site a few days ago and have had a chance to read it and LOVE it!! We are on the same journey so must be like-minded souls. So excited to read about your adventures. There were so many similarities in our journeys and what we want to blog about, I had to contact you. We are still in the planning and preparing stage, but wish we were leaving tomorrow. If you can give us any tips on how you were able to grow your blog so successfully, and would be willing to share, we would be so appreciative of any wisdom. If you want to visit our site, http://www.roadvsroots.com. Great admirers of your work…Lorrie and Paul
Thanks so much Lorrie for the kind words! Best of luck on your journey, when do you leave?
The most important thing in writing a blog is yo think whats portant to the reader and write great content. In our case, that means getting our kids to do the work. Th search engines will find you. Also use images as well, helps tell the story and keeps people involved. The more the better, in fact with captions.
This blog is done on wordpress whivh is siper easy to use, my kids even can do it :-), so you know its easy for us adults.
Let us know how we can help in your upcoming full tine rv trip!
It must have been a lovely feeling to realize that you could be financially stable and location independent all at the same time. If you’re ever looking for things to do on the road, check out http://www.rv123.com. They list RV camping destinations, campgrounds, RV shows and rallies. I think you’ll find the information on this site useful if you’re a camping enthusiast.
Thanks Clara, we will check it out!
There isn’t any time for cut-and-dried monotony. There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time!
The highest man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.
The genius of a good leader would be to forget him a situation which wise practice, devoid of the grace of genius, can handle successfully.
Meaning of a Statistician: A man who believes figures don’t lie, but admits than under analysis many of them won’t remain true either.
Time will be the scarcest resource and unless it can be managed hardly anything else could be managed.
Thank you so much for your extremely introspective comment! Thank you for stopping by.
Cool idea for a blog. I wonder, though, if you don’t get on each others’ nerves being in a confined space so much.
All the time! I think its inevitable. Still lots of fun though. I like to take long walks.
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