Claustrophobia issues? An RV that feels like a house?

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Zizi

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Joined
Mar 5, 2015
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We are considering becoming fulltime RVers to enable the hubby to retire early. We currently live in a small condo, about 1100 sq. ft. I have claustrophia issues; avoid the elevator and take the stairs to our 3rd story unit. I also have extreme aversion to cookie cutter decor/brown paneling. Part of me is all for the downsizing and early retirement plan but the neurotic part of me is having extreme anxiety:)

I've been perusing motorhomes, trying to assuage my fears. From what I've read, I gather we'll want a Class A with slide outs. We will be following his job, staying usually a couple of months or more at various sites on the west coast.

I don't like the idea of crawling into a bed because there is no walk around space. [We have a California king. The hubby is 6'3.] I don't understand these units designed for enough seating for a football team? I'm not going to be entertaining or having company. I need space for online business/office. Kitchen sinks look too small to wash a real pot in. Is it possible to find a truly livable house-like RV and if so, can it be found for under 100K?

My anxiety and I thank you for any advice, hand-holding you can offer:)
 
I think it would be best for you to rent a motor home and see how you like it, especially with your claustrophobia. if you find a MH you like and it is close to your needs you can always remodel it to allow for a desk/office area. start looking at RVTrader, manufacturer websites-some have new and archived brochures, etc.. JMHO
 
Yes, checking out a bunch of RVs in the upcoming weekends is definitely on the agenda. I was trying to narrow down the search to those that are more for full-time living vs weekend campouts with the grandkids.

And I just came across a note where an RVer says she pays $500 a month for her park space. Is that about average on the West coast? [geesh, we only pay $845 a month for our condo with an awesome duck pond view:)]
The hubby's company will pay for the majority of his on-the-road expenses, which made us think in terms of getting a motorhome in the first place. Instead of wasting dollars on motel rooms for him and living apart, we could put that money into the motorhome and I could join him. But now I'm second-guessing this??? Even if the motorhome is already paid for, it seems the average expenses can be almost the cost of an apartment rental. I realize I'm rather comparing apples to oranges ...We don't know yet just how often he would have to relocate.
Thanks again for any input and listening to me think outloud:)

 
Yes, you are right that depending on the situation, motorhome living can be as expensive as condo or apartment living.  The difference is that they are portable, which may or may not be what you want.  If you do not need or want to keep moving around, you may be better off with an apartment.

As far as claustrophobia, I find that lots of big windows and slides makes a big difference.  There are units with king-sized beds that you can easily walk around, but they tend to be in larger, more expensive units.  (Beware that there are multiple definitions of "walk-around."  Mine has a very narrow walk-around space.)

You might want to consider a 5th wheel that you pull with a truck.  They tend to be a little more open and since you will be staying in one spot a couple or more months, you might be more comfortable and will have a truck to drive to stores, etc. 

I live full-time in a 32' Class C, but I am one 5'1" person, and although I love my motorhome and feel as though I have lots of space, it would not be big enough for a second person.  Also, my bed is what they call a "short" queen and not appropriate for your tall husband.  In addition, I have a short shower, so you will want to have him stand in the shower and lay on any beds in RVs you consider.  I tend to stay 2-10 days in a location, so a motorhome is great for me, but I suspect you are going to be staying in one place longer.

Go to some RV shows and imagine yourself living in various units to see how the lifestyle fits you. 
 
Thank you so much, Judy. I'm definitely into the big windows, even here at our small condo. The dining room is displaced so my 'office' can be by the window with the most light/best view.
I hadn't thought about the shower. When we go looking, I'll have that on my check list for hubby to check out:)
And thanks for articulating clearly for me that "depending on the situation, motorhome living can be as expensive as condo or apartment living."
Appreciating all these pointers! I can see a big list of pros and cons in the making. We were thinking the resell of the motorhome at the end of 4-5 years would be a boon to finance our first big trip. So many variables to consider.
The hubby has already decided that we should keep our current  lease for another year until he's sure this traveling job will be a good fit for him. Hopefully I can get my anxiety under control and go with the flow.
 
I'll just add an opinion: When we were RV shopping, I found the 5th wheels to look and feel far more like a sticks-n-bricks than anything else. We went with one of those claustrophobic class c's only because neither of us were willing to tow a vehicle, and at our advancing age (and clumsiness), interior and exterior stairs were OUT.
 
Based on your description, you probably want a large Class A or 5W trailer with 4 or more slides, to get the maximum size and open-ness. You can get a nice previously-owned one, but they still aren't cheap. And yes, ongoing maintenance, insurance, etc, is costly, and RV park sites in nice areas can also be pricey. Especially near major metro areas, where land is expensive unless far outside the city.
 
Zizi,

There ARE less claustrophobic units but it might take some looking.  We've always wanted lots of large windows and light colors, both inside and out.  Our earliest Class Cs were all in the brown/beige/gold hues (with light exteriors) and we got pretty tired of that so we shifted to blue in our last two Class As.  It's not a real popular color but we like it and that's what counts.  I've argued with many RV manufacturers/salespeople who insist that dark colors look "luxurious" and I tell them baloney - they look dark, depressing, and claustrophobic to me.

For our current motorhome, the exterior primary blues are light with only some darker blue swirls (people who live in deserts need lighter exteriors!).  Inside we have light blues in the fabrics and very light beige Corian countertops with blue trim.  We also have a white convection/microwave and a white propane range/oven.  The colors inside make it seem more airy, especially with a lot of large windows throughout.  Mirrors help it look larger too but sometimes they're overdone and you see yourself everywhere you look!  I like our mirrored wardrobe doors in the bedroom but told them to leave off all the ones in the kitchen and dinette.  The walls are a very light color and the wood is unstained natural cherry which also is light.

The floorplan also can make you feel claustrophobic.  I've seen some that have big "things" like refrigerators close to the front door so it seems more cramped and chopped up when you walk inside.  We have two slideouts, one in the front and one in the bedroom and these are adequate for us  - but we're only long-timers not full-timers so you may want three or four.  Consider slide location relative to underbay access and also patio usage if you like to live outdoors.

In addition to hubby trying out the shower and bed, make sure he has enough leg room in the toilet room.  He'll really have to try everything in RVs that seem most interesting!

In addition to attending various RV shows I recommend subscribing to both Motorhome and Trailer Life magazines to get a range of ideas not only about RV styles but also practical issues related to RVing.

Finally, you've already discovered our RV Forum.  Do be sure to read the articles in our Library (button above left) about fulltiming and checklists for buying RVs, taking delivery of an RV, and other practical subjects.  The Fulltiming board has a ton of information written by and for other fulltimers.

Assuming you go the fulltiming route, rest assured you will find the RV that is perfect for the two of you.  Just take your time and do have fun while on the hunt.  Buying a motorhome, especially one for fulltiming, is not the kind of thing you jump into overnight.  There's a learning curve involved and we've all gone through it and survived so you will too!  ;)

ArdraF
 
ArdraF said:
I've argued with many RV manufacturers/salespeople who insist that dark colors look "luxurious" and I tell them baloney - they look dark, depressing, and claustrophobic to me.

Our salesman was calling brown a "neutral" color. BS! Brown is BROWN. If you truly want neutral, use white or eggshell/navajo white, or something like that.

I insisted that the butt-ugly BROWN linoleum and gag-worthy mustard-y carpet was NOT coming home with us. My DH and two male salesmen were trying to tell me to "just try it out for awhile" but I absolutely put my foot down. I KNEW if that flooring came home with us, I would never, ever get the chance (or the cash) to replace it.

FWIW, I chose the carpet I wanted (from a carpet store) based on how it felt to my feet, and the nicest color in that line was a light sage, so sage it was, and everything we've purchased for the interior since then has been sage or something that coordinates with it. So now, although I still have dark wood paneling, it definitely feels less "all brown, all the time" to me.

But I guess this is a bit of a digression from the main topic...
 
I'm also very claustrophobic. Haven't had a problem since I got out if a tent. Look for an RV with lots of windows. Look for light wood and don't let any salesman tell you that dark wood is "elegant." Sit outside frequently. Cook outside. Enjoy yourself.
 
Zizi - you need to take a ride in a motorhome with lots of windows.  I think that might allay your claustrophobic fears.  You're sitting up so much higher in a motorhome and you can see so much further than when riding in a car.  Hard to describe, but it feels  so much more "open".
 
Hi, and welcome! Taking your concerns one at a time:
CLAUSTROPHOBIC - Probably means a class A or fiver with light interior and three or four slides. I would tend toward the class A.
HEIGHT - As noted try the bed, shower, toilet, entry door, etc.
BED - Walk around kings and queens 80 inches long are readily available. Longer will limit your choices somewhat.
DOLLARS- Buy slightly used (two to five years old). You'll avoid initial depreciation and will find many in your price range. Ours would be in that range at four to five years old and we full time comfortably. It meets all of these requirements plus having a w/d, outside entertainment center etc.
Do NOTcount on a MH being an investment.  After four to five years old you will perhaps recover 40 to 60% of your initial cost in an individual sale. It's very easy to find yourself upside down in this time frame.
RENTING - This is a good idea although most rentals are smaller class C's that don't meet your needs.

Ernie




 
Just got an offer from a casino on the coast for free weekend lodging during its RV/Boats outdoor show:) Will definitely be checking out the RVs.
Thanks again for all this advice!
I noticed the 5th wheelers looked more homey but I really wasn't interested in buying a truck to tow it with. Love my Jeep Cherokee. However, we will keep all our options open.

Windows and more windows plus light interior -- that seems to be the main things.

 
Love my Jeep Cherokee.

You'll have a lot more fun with that!  Many motorhomers tow Jeeps because most of them can be towed four-down and because you can go offroad and see more fun things than with either a regular passenger car or most trucks.  You don't have to be a serious four-wheeler to have fun offroad either.

ArdraF
 
Sadly if you have issues in 1100 sq ft, you will really have problems in 350 sq ft!  RV's if I remember correctly are defined as being 400 or less sq ft.  Since your issue is mental have you discussed it with your doctor?  I think a frank discussion with medical professionals is in order to determine if medication or councelling would help.
 
I think brown and the many shades of is ugly. Inside or outside. Period.  And I think the RV industry has cornered the market on it... Yuck, yuck, yuck..

Luckily, we found a rig that isn't brown on the outside but are stuck with it on the inside..it is what people want..

I am told that if you want to sell your house, paint everything brown....arggggghhhhh

Sorry for the rant....i just wish you could get other colour interiors w/o going custom...
 
Since his job plays a big part in this.  You need to discuss the TAX implications with a TAX Attorney,  there are significant TAX benefits to working the way your husband does.

My wife works as a Traveling Nurse and we go from location to location 3-4 times a year.  We pull a 34' Travel trailer and use a Pick Up as our daily driving vehicle while we are on site for her job. 

One aspect I know, you must maintain a primary residence so you have someplace to work away from and must go back there for a period of time each year.

We have a Retirement Cabin on a River in Iowa. 

Tom...
 
My 5th wheel has Mirrors on the cupboards that are above shoulder level, and one large mirror on the wall beside the fridge and with the 6 windows in the LR/Kitchen area is bright and cheerful. Top of walls are painted off white and the lower part a light green, Feels very open.
 
I too have claustrophobia and cannot even consider sleeping in the over cab bed of a Class C because of it. This may sound funny, but one issue Ive run into is the location of the toilets in some of the RVs. Ive seen huge beautiful 40 ft RVs with everything I want, but then they stick the toilet in a little closet off to the side. Uff da!

So, when you go looking at RVs, go into the toilet area and shut the door. If you can still breathe, then its all good. :)
 
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