Snowbird, Ful-timer, Summer-timer, Part-timer, Any-timer, Some-timer..... What kind of RVer are You?

All words I have heard to describe the time reference of the RV Life style.   I'm sure there are more ways to describe the way in which to approach the amount of time we spend on the road.  My definitions may be different than yours.  I believe the details of the definition matter little.

What matters most is for each individual or family to define a way that makes sense for them the life they want to live, so that the plans and 'home' decisions made will match their definitions and their preferences.

Working Definitions as a Starting Point

Full-timer - one who lives in some type of an RV all of the time.  The RV moves from time to time to different locations.  They may or may not own a residence but do not occupy it during the year. 

Snow-bird -  One who lives in some type of RV during the winter in a warmer climate and returns to a residence/home base which they occupy the rest of the year.

Summer-timer - One who lives and travels in an RV during the summer and occupying a residence/home base during the school/work year.

Any-timer or Part-timer - One who primarily lives in a residence/homebase and travels extensively in an RV at any time of year regardless of weather, at every opportunity. 

Some-timer - One who travels or camps occasionally in an RV.   Lives in a primary residence.  May dream of full-time travel in the future.

So why give definition to how one lives in an RVs and manages their living circumstances? 

Perhaps one of the most important questions one needs to answer when considering living in an  RV either full or part time is whether to sell their home of residence or to maintain a home base/residence.  Then whether they will return to the residence for at least part of the year.  I am amazed when I talk with people considering living in an RV without ever having spent much time in an RV.   How will they ever know if the call to the road is greater than the relief  in the return to home?

Some of the considerations I pondered were based on finances, desire to live more simply, and freedom from long distance maintenance and changing life responsibilities and commitments.  Whether I choose long-term travel, financially I needed to downsize and change where and how I lived.

Another consideration worthy of consideration is the need for security.  Does you home on wheels fulfill your need for home and provide a sense of security. Or is it provided in another place that you must return to in times of stress.  The real test for me was the first time I became ill for more than a few hours.  Could I wait out pneumonia, while hacking and coughing for weeks in a tiny space? 

The answer for me comes with having a short-term Plan B.  What will I do if.....  There may be times that I need to land for a time do to illness, vehicle repairs, family need, (who can truly anticipate every possibility).  My Plan B entails ensuring that I always have enough money in the bank to cover an extended stay in a base camp complete with electricity and water when I need life to be simplified.

AND 

A Plan B Fund available to fund a start over after full time travel has ended.  I like many other nomads haven't a clear cut plan to answer the question of how long will I wonder?  But  having a fund set aside has provided a security to help lessen the anxiety of uncertainty.   Will I ever want to own a home again..... Who knows??? But I will have access to funds to get  started with the next chapter in life.

Many people do not talk readily of the what if's that come in life.  I have found that not talking about these questions wake me up at night and anziety.  So I say, let's talk about these shadows of the night, share in the dialog learning from each other.   

What kind of RVer are You???        How do you ponder PLAN B?