Is RV Life after Military Retirement for You?

After yet another military move, you would think post-PCS unpacking would be a breeze. But, here we are, emptying one more brown box of “stuff.” I’m so close to throwing my hands up, getting rid of it all, and living the RV life.

I know, I know… RV living wouldn’t really work for our family at this military assignment, but it’s a “someday” idea I’ve been pondering the pros and cons of. Instead of a soaring mountain of moving boxes, we could wake up under tall pines with fresh mountain air. Rather than this endless sea of packing paper, we could lounge in beach chairs by rolling ocean waves. Those travel plans sound pretty tempting when daydreaming of retirement days ahead!

Here are some things to consider:

RV Living in Military Retirement

Pros: Here’s what I’m thinking: By choosing to live in an RV, we could blaze our own path. We’ve spent years following orders. Our lives have been shaped by the rules and regulations of this military life. Finally, we could call the shots ourselves!

“Let’s go to Yellowstone!” we could gleefully exclaim. Like the Yogi Bear and BooBoo cartoon of yore, we could pack up a picnic basket and be on our way. With the freedom of an RV, we could set our own course to whichever park or recreation area tickles our fancy.

Possible cons: With PCS travel from one military installation to another, we’ve learned there are a lot of miles between Point A and Point B. Not every view of the road from the captain’s chair seating is Instagram-worthy. When the snacks have been gobbled and the playlist has lost its tune, we may grow weary of the miles spent on the road.

Personally, my spouse has spent a lot of time away from our family while on active duty. In retirement, it’s possible we may face a little too much of a good thing. Together. 24/7. Contained in a small space. We might need to keep the limits of our patience levels in mind.

Related: Planning ahead for military retirement

Setting Our Own Schedule Sounds Ideal

Pros: Unlike submitting a request for leave, in our retirement days ahead we could set our own schedule. We might stay one place for a long weekend and park at the next spot for a couple of weeks. The ease of RV living may offer a sense of flexibility we haven’t experienced.

Possible cons: After moving here, there, and everywhere with this military life, perhaps we’d prefer to stay in one place for a while. We could:

• plant things in a garden and tend to the patch from season to season.
• form lasting relationships with neighbors and friends around the community
• order those nifty return address labels, and even re-order! Without changes!

We may finally enjoy a sense of “belonging” that might outweigh the option of RV travel.

Is an RV a Wise Retirement Investment?

Pros: Instead of making plans to build, with upgrades inspired by home improvement gurus Chip and Joanna, we could invest our hard earned money in an RV. With RV living, there’s no need for an expensive mortgage, pricey property taxes, or costly utilities.

Choosing to live in an RV is almost like living minimally in a trendy “tiny house” but on wheels.

Possible cons: Depending on the type of RV, the price may range anywhere from $40,000 to $400,000, so owning a unit is indeed an investment. Although it may be filled with dreams, an RV is powered by fuel, either gas or diesel. While only getting around 8 to 12 miles per gallon, just think of all of the colorful gas stations we’ll have the chance to visit! We may become truck stop beef jerky connoisseurs!

We have the type of luck that means if we’re passing through a sketchy area our vehicle will randomly break down. I fear a similar fate with RV living. Any money we may be saving on a mortgage and utilities may quickly be spent on motorhome repairs. Plus, if an RV is our main residence, where will we stay when the vehicle is up on a lift in the mechanic’s shop? Awaiting repair work while in an extended stay hotel may be all too reminiscent of life in a TLF with a military move.

 

 

Along with the ideas mentioned here, there are plenty more points to consider before choosing to live on the open road.

Perhaps we’ll plan to rent an RV over a long weekend to get a feel for how it drives. Maybe I’ll browse more online reviews for an honest picture of RV living.

Seasoned by the often-spontaneous nature of military life, I’ve learned that as long as our family is together, we are up for whatever may come our way!

By Mary Ann Eckberg for MilitarybyOwner