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These couples sold their homes to live in luxury RVs and travel around the US all year long

Jun 25, 2022, 19:51 IST
Business Insider
Deb and Joel have a YouTube channel called Chasing RV Sunshine where they document their travels.Joel and Deb Brettingen
  • One couple bought their 44-ft motorhome second hand for only $170,000.
  • The luxury RVs are equipped with multiple TVs, a king-size bed, dishwasher and fridge-freezer.
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Lindsey and Bruce Roberts from Dallas, Texas, had only planned to visit Alaska for six weeks in their RV but ended up extending their trip to almost a year.

"That's when we knew that we just wanted to be out on the road," Lindsey said.

The couple, aged 70 and 60, said they realized their house was not their forever home and worked their way into the RV lifestyle since 2009. They sold their home in 2018 and have been living in a Newmar Ventana luxury RV since then.

Lindsey and Bruce said they spent around $300,000 on their luxury RV.Lindsey and Bruce Roberts


"Each trip got longer and longer so we wondered why we even needed a house. It was just better to sell everything and not worry about the house," they said.

The couple, who have been married for 30 years, said they have been to 49 states. The highlight of this lifestyle for them is the change of scenery and getting to choose where they live.

"One of our friends asked us if we're saving money and if it's cheaper and we said no because we're not economizing. We're enjoying our life," they said.

The Roberts sometimes stay at luxury RV resorts that have amenities like a swimming pool, golf course and outdoor areas to relax.


Joel and Deb Brettingen

Joel and Deb with their dog Maya.Joel and Deb Brettingen


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Joel and Deb Brettingen, from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, have been living in a luxury RV full-time for nine months after selling their home of 20 years.

The couple, both retired law enforcement officers, decided to sell their house after they paid off their mortgage to become full-time "RVers" to escape Wisconsin winters.

"We hadn't seen all of the US and this was one way we could travel and see it on our own time frame. We have plans to visit Canada and Mexico too," they said.

Joel and Deb own a 35-ft Tiffin Allegro motorhomeJoel and Deb Brettingen

They had a five-year plan, organized their finances and set up a budget. In the nine months that the Brettingens' have been living in a motorhome, they have spent most of the winter in Texas, and have visited the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Salt Lake City and Deadwood in South Dakota.

"We've gained freedom and a lot of friends in the RV community. Everyone helps each other and we meet people from several different countries."

The couple did a lot of research before embarking on their new life by watching YouTube videos. They bought a used 45ft RV in 2020 that cost $170,000.

"I don't miss mowing the lawn or the upkeep of the house. Food and daily expenses are similar except for gas but we can adjust as some places you can stay for free on public land."

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Joe and Sharon Carmichael

Joe and Sharon Carmichael in front of their RV with their granddaughter who comes to visit.Joe and Sharon Carmichael

Joe and Sharon Carmichael hit the road in their new motorhome after selling their house in 2015. Joe used to work in sales and was constantly driving between appointments.

"I saw people in RVs and said that's what we're going to do. It's been a dream for a long time," Joe said.

The couple own a Newmar London Aire coach that cost about $700,000. They said that without having to pay property taxes and insurance it's much cheaper to live in a motorhome.

Inside Joe and Sharon's motorhome that boasts four TVs.Joe and Sharon Carmichael


"Initially my wife said she would do it for a year but got completely hooked on the beauty of the US and found there's so much to do on the road," Joe said.

"We probably spend around $6,000 a month on expenses including payment on the motorhome, fuel, food and drink and we have lunch out quite often and visit national and state parks."

When the couple first told their family they laughed and said they give it six months before they get divorced because they downsized their space. "We passed that with flying colors and just celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary in Niagara Falls."

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