Sunday, October 24, 2010

Our new tiny home. On wheels

Brian and I went and picked up the Sportscoach yesterday. I have to admit I was uneasy about it all week. I kept asking myself "Are we making the right decision?" "Why are we buying a motorhome again?" "Is this going to be a money pit?" Our whole plan is to make our life simpler, less complicated, less cluttered with stuff, and I wonder if this is going to hinder that plan. Then, on Friday, I looked at pictures I had taken of it, and I was excited about it.

The moment I saw it yesterday I became excited again and those questions disappeared. What's the point on dwelling on them? It's too late. We bought it. It's ours. I have to remind myself that this wasn't a spur of the moment decision. We've been leading up to this for the past couple of years. Living full time in our coach and traveling is going to be a more enjoyable life than spending our days going to jobs that we don't like in order to pay for our home that is too big for us, and to pay for the useless 'stuff' we've managed to fill it with. A home that we don't get to enjoy because we spend our time working to pay for.

The seller and I took care of the paperwork while Brian attached the windshield wipers we had purchased on our way up to get it since the forecast called for rain. $35. And so it begins.

Brian was super nervous about his first time behind the wheel of a motorhome. He drove it for about 10 minutes on a test drive last week but this was going to be a 45 minute drive, on the freeway, in the rain. He did great and got us home safely. He parked it on the street, turned it off and opened our gate to back it into the back yard. When he went to start it again, it struggled and didn't start. Sounded like a dead battery. I thought "Oh great! Here we go. We just bought a piece of junk." Turns out it was a loose battery cable and Brian got it into our yard like he'd done it a hundred times before.

Here are some pics. We will be doing some remodeling because we feel that some of it is "god awful" so stay tuned for the upgrades.

The couch folds down into a bed.

The captains chairs swivel around and the little table is removable and there is a larger table to be put in its place.

"10-4 big buddy". Yes, we have a cb.









Yes, that is a built in blender! There are other gadgets offered for it online like a food processor and coffee grinder. 

The bathroom. Which will be getting a makeover.

Lots of built in storage and a walk way next to the bed which was a plus for me. Part of the counter folds  up and makes a vanity. I don't plan on using that but it's a cool feature. I WILL be using the built in hamper though.


The bar with the door closed

The ice maker

The bar with the door open. All mirrored inside.



6 comments:

  1. The interior looks to be in pretty good shape.

    I don't know anything about motorhomes but you might contact Aaron (2whls3spds) if you run into problems. He's got a couple of Airstream trailers that he's restoring. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to share some of his knowledge.

    http://2whls3spds.blogspot.com/

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  2. O K now you've done it. You're going down that slippery slope. I haven't driven mine in a long time but I live in it and I have not seen anyplace I'd rather live. I don't know if I'll ever travel again but I think that part of the satisfaction of living this way is I can.
    The hardest thing for me has been keeping the clutter down. It's a constant struggle because I'm not very good at it.
    When I bought this old bus it had a fire place which was replaced by a wood stove which I removed about twenty years ago. I'm putting one back in this week.
    I'm going to do a piece on this piece of history when I get "a round tuit". Maybe soon. You've inspired me.
    Stay positive and have fun.

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  3. Thanks Rat Trap Press!

    Old fool ~ When we were planning on getting a bus we talked about putting in a wood stove. Bet they keep the space nice and toasty. Would love to hear about your piece of history.

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  4. Sounds like it could be fun. You guys be careful out there. lol

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  5. I found you through Lloyd’s Blog and thought I’d comment to wish you all the best in your endeavors. Your motorhome looks really nice. Hope your plans all work out.

    My husband and I have a similar attitude about quitting the “rat race” way of life, and are planning an early semi-retirement, living simply and frugally. We don’t have a motorhome, but have a camper (w/a solar panel for electricity) on our piece of property in north central New Mexico. We visit twice a year; the plan is to move there, and maybe for some of the winter months, take the camper and head south. Explore. Enjoy life... the older you get, the faster it goes by!

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  6. Do you still own your Sportscoach? Do you have pictures of some of the fun stuff you did to it? I own one just like yours!!

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