As a full-timer have you (will you) weigh your RV and make sure you are within the safe limits.
92 votes
 

1. Heavens no, we know we are overweight but we need all of our stuff.	1%
2. We weighed at the grain elevator, but didn't do the side to side stuff that I know we should do.	4%
3. Absolutely and we are within the safe limits and we do it regularly.	63%
4. We weighed once and were okay, but we keep adding stuff so I think we need to get weighed again.	13%
5. When we got weighed we were off on one side and haven't figured out how to fix that.	1%
6.  I never heard of that and wouldn't know how to begin.	9%
7. We are probably overweight and I don't want to know.	9%

As a full-timer do you (will you) buy holiday/birthday gifts for your spouse or significant other?
Total Votes: 113
 

1. I am (will be) traveling alone so the question doesn't apply.	6%
2. Yes, but the gifts are (will be) smaller than we used to buy.	34%
3. No, we don't even buy cards any more.	10%
4. We buy cards but don't do the gifts any more.	4%
5. We tend to buy a joint gift that we can both enjoy.	19%
6. Dinner out or a movie is our way of giving to each other.	10%
7. Hey a pair of earrings are always appropriate.	4%
8. The full-timing lifestyle is our gift to each other.	13%

As a full-timer, do you (will you) carry protection (fire arm)?
Total Votes: 141
 

1. No, we don't like guns and want no part of them.	21%
2. No. We feel perfectly safe on the road and can't imagine the need.	24%
3. Yes, but we don't have any special training and hope we never have to use it.	0%
4. Yes and we have been properly trained. We just feel safer.	27%
5. Yes, we have a small loaded pistol which we keep near the bed.	5%
6. We carry a shotgun and keep it loaded.	17%
7. Yes, my husband insists on one, but they make me nervous.	4%
8. We started out with one, but after being on the road for a while, we realized how safe we were so we got rid of it.	2%

As a full-timer do you (did you or will you) carry a spare tire?
Votes 108

I am not sure this was a fair question. I should have separated the motorhomes from 5th wheels and trailers. I may do it again with three separate categories.
 

1. No, we figured we could use an inside dual tire for a short distance.	15%
2. No, we managed our weight and tire pressure so we weren't worried about flats.	12%
3. No, there was no room so we just took our chances.	7%
4. We carried a tire which was unmounted.	3%
5.Yes, we carried a mounted tire but it was a waste; we never used it.	3%
6. Yes, we carried a mounted tire and considered it insurance.	60%

Will you stay in the RV that you start out with? There are two parts-one for wanabees and one for full-timers.
Total votes  135 
 

1. We will be starting out with the RV we intend to keep for our full-timing life.	14%
2. We don't plan to change but anything can happen.	20%
3.  We have researched thoroughly and the RV we are starting out with is perfect.	06%
4. We will have to make do as we won't be able to afford a different RV.	08%
5. We are starting out with our old RV and will definately trade up when we know what we need and want.	20%
6.  These next questions are for full-timers.
7. We thought we would stick with the RV we started with but temptation hit us hard after a few years.	09%
8. We started out with our old RV and wanted to see what we would want in a new RV then traded up.	04%
9. No way will we trade. We have the bugs worked out and love this one.	13%
10. Heck, we are on our 3rd RV and may trade up again.	06%

As a new full-timer what priority did (will ) you put on making a trip to Alaska in an RV?
Total Votes: 167
 

1. We want to go in our first year.	10%
2. We figure we will make the trip in the 2nd or 3rd year.	25%
3.  It is not at all a priority. We will probably go but who knows when.	31%
4. We have no desire to go to Alaska in an RV.	13%
5. The next questions were for those who are or were full-timers.
6.  As soon as we went full-time, we headed right to Alaska.	5%
7. We went to Alaska after we had been out a 1-2 years.	2%
8. We wanted to see more of the lower states first so waited about 5-7 years before we went.	7%
9. We haven't gone yet and probably won't go. We don't want to beat up the RV.	5%
10.We probably won't ever go because we don't want to be that far from family and/or doctors.	2%

As a full-time RVer is (will) your RV (be) paid for or will you finance and for how long?
Total Votes: 175

1. Paid cash and do not owe a balance on the RV.	61%
2. Financed for 1-5 years.	11%
3. Financed for 6-10 years	8%
4. Financed for 11-15 years	10%
5. Financed for 16-20 years	10%

As a full-timer do you (will you) travel with one or more pets?
152 responses

1. No, we want to be foot loose and fancy free and not have to worry about an animal.	40%
2. We have an old dog/cat and will travel with that until he/she dies then we won't get another one.	15%
3. Wouldn't think about traveling without a dog.	22%
4. Wouldn't think of traveling without a cat.	3%
5. Actually we travel with 2-4 dogs.	9%
6. We travel with 2-4 cats.	5%
7. We travel with 5 or more dogs and/or cats.	3%
8. We have several dogs and cats with us in the RV.	1%
9. We travel with exotic pets (birds, snakes, ferrets etc.)	1%
10. We travel with exotic and domestic pets.	0%

As a full-timer do (will)l you travel with a GPS?
115 responses

1.  Yes, it is the only way to travel.	34%
2.  We have one but don't always use it.	12%
3.  It is nice to have in an emergency but we just wing it with a good map.	8%
4.  I am a great navigator and love reading maps so I don't need a GPS.	10%
5. My spouse is a great navigator so we don't need one.	17%
6.  No GPS for us. Getting lost is part of the adventure.	10%
7. No GPS for us. I'd rather watch the scenery than a computer.	10%

As a full-timer how do (will) you get your reoccurring prescription drugs?
126 votes

1. Mail order pharmacy	51%
2.  Wal-Mart/Target or major grocery chain	25%
3. Major drug store chain	16%
4. Internet pharmacy	4%
5. Trips to Mexico and/or Canada	5%

As a full-time RVer will you take your RV to Mexico?
130 votes

1. Yes, in fact we have done it several times.	8%
2.  Yes, but only to someplace close like Rocky Point or Baja.	12%
3. Yes, we have been way into Mexico and love it.	8%
4. Yes, but only with a caravan.	23%
5. No, we probably won't not even with a caravan.	27%
6.  Absolutly not. I don't like the thought of RVing in Mexico.	15%
7. No, I don't even like to take a bus into Mexico.	6%

As a full-timer how do (will) you spend the Christmas holiday?
173 votes

1. We (will) fly/drive to former home area to be with our family.	33%
2.  We (will) have the kids come and visit us.	7%
3. We (will) spend the holidays with new friends wherever we are.	7%
4. We (will) meet up with old friends and camp together	1%
5. We (will) join everyone in the clubhouse of the park we are staying at.	13%
6. We (will) just spend the time alone and maybe go to a movie or something.	5%
7. Any or all of the above. It depends (will depend) on the year.	30%
8. We don't celebrate Christmas or anything; it is just another day.	5%

What is (or will be) your primary concern when choosing a campground?
Total Votes  169

1.  Price.	31%
2.  Location (close to city or tourist attraction).	25%
3. Easy to get to (close to freeway or main road).	5%
4. Ammenities (pool, activities etc.)	4%
5. Site width and or length.	19%
6. Modem accessibility.	5%
7.  Membership park.	4%
8. Clear View of the Southern Sky for Satellite use	7%

If and when you decide to quit full-timing, where will you settle down? 
Total Votes: 123

1.  Right back to our home state.	13%
2.  It sure won't be the state we came from.	5%
3. We will probably settle in the south somewhere.	7%
4. We will be looking for that ideal place as we travel.	33%
5. Somewhere near water.	7%
6. Somewhere near the mountains.	5%
7. Near a big city.	1%
8. In the country somewhere.	3%
9.  Don't have a clue where we would like to live. .	15%
10. We will probably stay in the RV forever.	13%

How has the present high cost of fuel impacted your life on the road or your decision to go full-timing (if you are not on the road yet).
(115 votes)

1.    We will still travel just as we planned and pay the price.	33%
2.   We will still full-time but adjust travel (less miles and/or stay longer).	45%
3.   We will or have downsized our RV to be more fuel efficient.	2%
4.   We have adjusted driving habits (ie, slower driving, more freeway travel).	9%
5.   We have decided not to full-time because of the high cost.	11%

When you made the decision to travel full-time, did you also consider how long you 
would continue the lifestyle?
(123 voted)

1.    We planned to travel for one year.	7%
2.  We planned to travel for 1-5 years.	19%
3.  We planned to travel for up to 10 years.	7%
4.  We planned to stay out until we got tired of it.	54%
5.  We planned to stay out forever and never settle down again.	13%

After you decided you wanted to full-time, how long did (will) it take to get on the road?
(165 voted)

1.  Under a year.	19%
2.   About a year.	18%
3.   Between 2-3 years.	20%
4.  Somewhere between 3-5 years.	18%
5.   About 5-10 years.	12%
6.  We've been planning for this for over 10 years.	8%
7.  We won't be able to go for 20 years, but we keep the goal in front of us.	5%

Had (have) you ever traveled in an RV before you started (thought about) full-timing?

Answers (161 voted)
1. Yes, we had been RVing with friends in their RV.	7%
2. Yes, we had rented an RV once.	4%
3. Yes, we started with a tent then pop ups long ago.	19%
4. Yes, we had a little trailer before we thought of full-timing.	14%
5. Yes, we always had RVs and camped a lot with the family.	29%
6. Nope, never even had been inside one until we started dreaming.	12%
7. Nope, the only time we had been inside one was at RV shows.	15%

111 responded

Answers                                                       Percent
1.   We probably make reservations 90-100% of the time....................5%
2.   We probably make reservations 75-89% of the time......................5%
3.   We probably make reservations 50-74% of the time......................9%
4.   We probably make reservations 25-49% of the time....................12%
5.   We probably make reservations 5-24% of the time......................14%
6.   We only make reservations when we want to get to a tourist 
       place at the height of the tourist season........................................34%
7.   We make reservations so seldom it isn't worth mentioning.............19%
8.   You don't need reservations for Wal-Mart 
       and boondocking so the answer is "never"..................................... 3%

136 responded
Answers                                                             Percent
1.   Escapees mail forwarding service...............................................................36%
2.   Family Motorcoaching mail service..............................................................4%
3.   Good Sam's mail service..............................................................................1%
4.   Alternative Resources in South Dakota.........................................................6%
5.   Another professional service geared to RVers...............................................4%
6.   Mail Boxes Etc. (or similar)..........................................................................12%
7.   Children (or other family) will take care of the mail and pay our bills for us.......5%
8.   Children (or other family) will forward mail as needed....................................18%
9.   Won't (don't) get any mail---do everything electronically..................................5%
10.   Other............................................................................................................9%
Because of information from some of our readers I am thinking that the "other" category probably represents our Canadian friends which have to use different mail services. 

192 voted.
1.   Texas..................................................29%
2.   South Dakota......................................13%
3.   Florida.................................................10%
4.   Montana................................................1%
5.   Nevada..................................................2%
6.   Oregon...................................................6%
7.   Alaska....................................................2%
8.   Your home state (other than above)........22%
9.   Other....................................................16%
Because of information from some of our readers I am thinking that the "other" category probably represents our Canadian friends which have to use places in Canada. 
If you are interested in the different taxes in each state go to: http://ask.yahoo.com/ask/20011231.html

170 voted.

1.   A T & T............................................17%
2.   Verizon..............................................50%
3.   Cingular.............................................14%
4.   Sprint...................................................6%
5.   Nextel..................................................2%
6.   MCI World Com ................................0%
7.   Other...................................................7%
8.   Will use calling cards instead.................4%

54 Men participated in this poll

1.   Yes, I will make sure she gets driving lessons 
       and I will make sure she drives often.................................6%

2.   Yes, I think it is important that she be able to 
       drive, but I will most likely drive all the time........................9%

3.   Yes, she will drive but she won't need lessons;
       she is already a great driver...............................................10%

4.    No, My wife refuses to even learn to drive...........................2%

5.    No, I wouldn't be comfortable with her driving the RV.........3%

124 Women participated in this poll

6.   You bet I will drive and my husband won't have a 
       problem with that...............................................................32%

7.   I'll learn just so I know how, but I probably won't 
      drive much...........................................................................33%

8.   No way will I drive. I'd be too afraid.......................................5%

9.   No way would he even let me drive. He doesn't even
       like how I drive the car...........................................................1%

1.   Satellite access at the RV................................ 15%
2.   WI FI .............................................................12%
3.   Land line (modem) whenever I can find one......11%
4.   Cellular phone..................................................13%
5.   Pocketmail.........................................................2%

1.  No, everything we own will travel (travels) with us........................28%
2.  Yes, we just didn't want to part with it all.....................................25%
3.  Yes, but only in the beginning.........................................................5%
4.  Yes, at least until we decide if we like the lifestyle.........................21%
5.  No, we are storing stuff at a family member's place.......................14%

1   0 to 2, 500 miles per year. ........................2%
2.  2,501 to 5, 000 miles per year..................11%
3.   5,001 to 7,500 miles per year...................25%
4.   7,501 to 10,000 miles per year.................21%
5.   10,001 to 12,500 miles per year...............19%
6.   12,501 to 15,000 miles per year...............10%
7.   15,001 to 17,500 miles per year.................5%
8.   17,501 to 20,000 miles per year..................6%
9.   More than 20,001 miles per year.................2%

1.   About 80 to 90% of the time. We like the red roads................20%
2.   About 75% of the time. They are okay in some states..............24%
3.   About 50% of the time............................................................38%
4.   Maybe 25% of the time...........................................................15%
5.   Only about 10% of the time...................................................... 0%
6.   Not any more than I have to. I prefer the interstates....................3%

1.  HMO/PPO included in retirement package........................................... 26%
2.  Regular (non HMO/PPO) coverage included in retirement package........9%
3.  Privately pay for regular (NON HMO/PPO) coverage.......................... 9%
4.  Privately pay for HMO/PPO coverage...................................................7%
5.  Medicare plus suppliment (included in retirement pkg).............................7%
6.  Medicare plus suppliment (paid for privately).........................................15%
7.  Medicare alone.......................................................................................3%
8.  Veterns benefits. ...................................................................................15%
9.  Catastrophic insurance (privately paid for)................................................6%
10. Self insured (no insurance at all).............................................................. 5%