From pipe dream to reality Corporate couple sell everything to live, travel in an RV

from Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show 2020

Beginner’s guide to kayaking

By Andrea Busche

Like most people working in corporate America, Howard and Linda Payne dreamed of selling everything they owned and heading out on a big adventure. The difference between the Paynes and “most people,” however, is that the Paynes actually did it.

At age 41, the couple experienced a transformative trip to Alaska, which made them rethink everything.

“We were both working in the corporate world –Howard as an attorney, and me as a director of operations,” Linda said, “and we took a two-week vacation to Alaska. This was in 2004. We did a lot of back-country camping and hiking, and we were cut off from technology.

“There in Alaska,” she continued, “we truly reconnected as a couple. We had never had trouble in our marriage, but we had lost some of our intimacy and closeness. This trip rekindled all of that.”

“Travel and nature revitalized us,” Howard added. “And, we decided to change our lives.”

New to RVing

The Paynes decided to sell everything, purchase an RV, and live an adventurous life on the road. There was only one problem: “We had never RV’ed before in our lives,” Linda said with a hearty laugh.

Howard buckled down and did some solid research. After a month, they felt ready. The Paynes sold their 4,000 square foot “dream home” in Louisville, Ken., while learning about ways to make money from the road, such as by “work camping,” monetizing their website, and speaking at RV shows. The couple’s first “rig” was a 40-foot, 400-square-foot fifthwheel with four slides/ pop-outs and all the luxuries of home: a king-sized bed, electric fireplace, side-by-side fridge, and washer and dryer. Later, they downsized to a 29-foot class C motorhome, which is still pretty swank; it features a queen-sized bed, full kitchen and full bathroom.

Meet Howard and Linda Payne, real-life, full-time RVers, who will share their RVing lifestyle experiences at a variety of seminars in Gooseberry Room 2 at the Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show. See page 4 for all seminar schedules.

The Paynes have had some amazing adventures over the last 15 years, including visits to 51 national parks and plenty of hiking, kayaking, fishing, and photography.

“Every state has something special to offer,” Howard said. “We meet locals and like to live like locals.”

“But our focus was nature,” Linda added.

Sharing what they know

Today, the Paynes have much to share, and will present some of their knowledge and experience at the 54th annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show at the DECC. Their two seminars are titled “RVing Basics,” and “Alaska – The Ultimate RV Trip.”

The Paynes have learned plenty about the logistics of owning and operating an RV over the years, but they are also experienced in highly practical topics, such as how they receive mail, how they purchase health insurance, what states are best to “domicile,” and how to find RV camping spots for free.

In addition to presenting at shows and expos across the country, the Paynes host annual educational rallies, and share information on their comprehensive website,

RV-Dreams.com.

For the Paynes, the RV lifestyle was the perfect way to slow down, appreciate life, and rekindle their relationship.

“We are much more present with each other, as well as with friends and family,” Howard said. “This lifestyle takes away a lot of distractions.”

“We meet so many people who are still working the daily grind,” Linda added. “I would share that money doesn’t bring you happiness. We are now rich with life.”

GOOSEBERRY ROOM 1

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

12:00pm ......................... Marine Electronics University

3:00pm .......................... Marine Electronics University

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

12:00pm ......................... Marine Electronics University

3:00pm .......................... Marine Electronics University

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

12:00pm ......................... Marine Electronics University

GOOSEBERRY ROOM 2

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

6:30pm ....................................................... RVing Basics:

Hooking Up Utilities, Dumping Tanks, RV Systems

Overview & Campground Etiquette