Trading Bricks for Wheels: The Klumpps’ Full-Time RV Adventure
For Anne and Brian Klumpp, the traditional dream of homeownership took a backseat to a life on the open road. After selling their house and a beloved 35-foot boat, which Anne affectionately called their “floating summer cottage,” they embraced a full-time existence in a sprawling 45-foot motorhome. Since 2019, this impressive vehicle has been their rolling abode, a mobile sanctuary from which they navigate both their professional lives and the vast landscapes of the United States.
Their journey is meticulously documented on a US map adorning their motorhome, titled “On the Road of Adventure.” States are marked with photographs of the couple or their RV, a visual testament to the miles travelled and the experiences gathered. The blank states on the map represent future destinations, a constant reminder of their ambitious goal to explore every corner of the country by RV.
The Allure of the RV Lifestyle
Anne champions the RV lifestyle as the ultimate in luxurious travel. The appeal lies in the unparalleled comfort and convenience: no more wrestling with limited suitcase space, no more stressful accommodation hunts. “You essentially have all of your stuff with you,” Anne explains, “and you get to have a nice, easy morning drinking coffee out of your favorite coffee mug sitting on your own couch with the dog curled up beside you.” Their loyal Australian labradoodle, Skipper, is an integral part of their mobile family.
Anne and Brian Klumpp found a new kind of luxury in their 45-foot motorhome after selling their house and boat.
The initial spark for their nomadic existence came from Anne’s husband, Brian, who harboured a long-held dream of living on a boat full-time. However, Anne admitted this vision didn’t quite resonate with her. Brian then proposed the RV lifestyle as an alternative. Anne, who confessed to not being a fan of camping in her youth, never anticipated spending years exploring campgrounds.
The catalyst for their transition was Anne’s sales role in the wine industry, which began requiring significantly more travel. Continuing this from a motorhome, while simultaneously enjoying travel for leisure, became a compelling proposition. This led them to prepare their home for sale and embark on their grand adventure.
In February 2019, they purchased their 45-foot motorhome for $211,000. Their house was listed the following month and sold swiftly in April for $367,000. Their boat and dinghy also fetched $103,000. Anne concluded her 15-year career at Vineyard Brands, and together, they hit the road, their RV life officially commencing.
The motorhome itself is a testament to thoughtful design and functionality. “We have seating for eight for cocktails, dinner for four, and then we just sleep two people, so it’s a really nice setup,” Anne notes. Complementing their motorhome, they tow a pickup truck, which serves multiple purposes. It’s essential for running errands and engaging in local activities, but also functions as a makeshift garage, with their bikes and other gear stored securely under a truck topper.
Navigating the Financials and Logistics of Full-Time RVing
The financial aspect of RV living, while different from traditional homeownership, presents its own set of considerations. The Klumpps’ $211,000 motorhome, which they purchased outright, is now valued at approximately $170,000. “You’re definitely talking about a depreciating asset as opposed to a house, which would be an appreciating asset,” Anne observes. However, they find their “appreciation” in the form of enriching life experiences.
The Klumpps transitioned to RV life after Anne’s sales role began demanding more travel, making a motorhome a more practical solution.
Their preference is for established RV parks and resorts that provide essential amenities like electricity, sewer, and water hookups, rather than relying on free parking areas. This convenience comes at a cost, with their monthly budget for park fees typically ranging from $1,200 to $1,500. “It just makes life simpler when we don’t have to think about if we’re going to have enough power, what’s going to happen if our solar doesn’t charge, how are we going to manage water and waste removal,” Anne states.
Reliable internet connectivity is paramount for their continued employment. The couple invests heavily in multiple internet providers to ensure they remain well-connected, admitting to paying “a ridiculous amount of money in internet fees.” Their entertainment budget is also substantial, often exceeding what they might spend in a stationary home. Furthermore, the constant movement necessitates a significant budget for repairs and maintenance.
In 2024 alone, their expenses included over $2,500 for motorhome diesel, around $2,000 for pickup truck fuel, nearly $24,000 for meals and entertainment, and over $5,000 for phone and internet services.
After years of continuous travel, the Klumpps are exploring the idea of establishing a home base, at least for the winter months. They’ve purchased a quarter-acre lot in Fredericksburg, Texas, which they are developing into an RV lot complete with a large pad, a covered outdoor kitchen and patio, and a firepit area. This will provide a much-needed respite from the rigours of constant travel, which, while enjoyable, can be mentally taxing. They plan to rent out the lot when they are not utilising it themselves.
Working Remotely from the Road
The Klumpps successfully balance demanding careers with their nomadic lifestyle. Anne is a content creator who collaborates with various brands, and she also contributes articles and sells advertisements for RV Destinations Magazine. Brian holds a senior position at Solidigm, a solid-state computer hard drive manufacturer, where he heads governance, risk, and compliance.
The Klumpps’ motorhome, though a depreciating asset, provides them with invaluable life experiences.
Brian has been open about his unconventional living situation with his employer. “I didn’t have to tell my company about our lifestyle but I chose not to hide it,” he says. “Most of my coworkers think it’s pretty cool and occasionally ask questions about it. They often ask where we are parked.” Their prior experience working from home proved invaluable, facilitating a smooth transition to remote work within the confined space of their RV. Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for maintaining focus, and Anne’s mobile desk allows her to adapt their workspace as needed. Anne’s workload varies, sometimes averaging 20 hours per week but occasionally reaching up to 60, while Brian typically dedicates 40 to 60 hours weekly to his role.
Anne manages much of the day-to-day logistics of their lifestyle, including planning errands, managing their dog’s appointments, and handling mail and package deliveries. Wednesday evenings are often dedicated to exploring local dining scenes. Weekends are for discovery, whether it’s hiking, visiting national monuments, or attending local church services. Travel typically occurs on Saturdays, occurring every two to four weeks, ensuring they have stable internet for their work commitments and avoid the stresses of weekday travel.
“I am willing to drive, but my husband does most of it, but it’s physically and mentally very taxing, much more so than just jumping in your car to go drive for a couple of hours,” Anne admits. She finds immense joy in the scenic vistas that unfold before them during their travels. “You have this massive windshield that’s essentially like your Imax screen that’s right there,” she enthuses. “It’s so incredible to look out the window, and it doesn’t matter if you’re in the desert or you’re up in northern Michigan with all the pine trees and maples. It’s just magical.”
As they settle into a slightly slower pace, Anne is looking forward to redecorating their home on wheels. “When you only have one weekend in between moves, you just don’t really want to spend that painting on wallpapering,” she explains.
Working remotely in an RV requires careful planning and the use of tools like noise-cancelling headphones to maintain focus.
