Scott and Denise Tibbo: A Jayco Family of Companies Pathfinder Embracing the RV Lifestyle

April 1, 2025

Scott and Denise Tibbo: A Jayco Family of Companies Pathfinder Embracing the RV Lifestyle

An RV Dream Turned Reality

Scott and Denise Tibbo always envisioned hitting the open road in an RV once retirement arrived. However, their plans took a turn when they attended an RV show in New England three years ago. The moment they stepped into a Jayco North Point 310RLTS, they knew it was the right fit. That same day, they purchased both the fifth wheel and a truck, setting them on an adventure they couldn’t wait to begin.

Despite Scott still working full-time, the couple made the decision to start RVing immediately, instead of waiting for retirement. Now, they travel 8-10 weeks per year, embracing the RV lifestyle long before they originally planned. The decision has been life-changing, and they have zero regrets about starting their journey early.

Timeshares to Travel Freedom

Before purchasing their Jayco, Scott and Denise enjoyed traveling through timeshares. While those vacations were wonderful, RVing brought an entirely new level of freedom and adventure. Owning an RV has allowed them to explore more of the country for longer periods, expanding their travel experiences in ways they never imagined.

The RV lifestyle has also enhanced their hobbies, particularly photography and drone videography, giving them incredible opportunities to capture stunning landscapes across the U.S. Most importantly, it has brought more quality time with their grandchildren, making memories at campsites and on the road.

The Joy of Sharing the Journey

One unexpected benefit of their RV lifestyle has been the overwhelming support and excitement from friends and family. Through social media, they document their travels, and the enthusiasm from others has been heartwarming. Their adventures have not only inspired others but have strengthened their appreciation for the lifestyle they’ve chosen.

For Scott and Denise, every destination offers something special. Whether it’s a peaceful retreat in Cooperstown, NY, or Bar Harbor, Maine, or an exciting trip to Charleston, SC, or Cape Charles, VA, they find joy in both the journey and the destination.

 

Planning and Looking Ahead

As planners, Scott and Denise map out their trips 6-9 months in advance, coordinating vacation time with Scott’s work schedule.

A key part of their travel routine is keeping friends and family informed. Each year, Scott creates a master travel itinerary, listing all their trips and destinations. This not only helps with organization but allows loved ones to join in when possible.

A Typical Travel Day

Every trip follows a well-established routine. Scott picks up the RV from storage, brings it home for loading, and once everything is set, they take their traditional departure selfie. With their Garmin RV GPS guiding the way, they hit the road, stopping every 1-2 hours for a quick break.

Once at their destination, they set up camp, explore local restaurants, and relax by the campfire. Evenings often include Netflix by the fireplace, while mornings start with breakfast on the Blackstone grill before heading out for sightseeing.

Memorable Mishaps and Laughs Along the Way

Not every trip goes according to plan, but the unexpected moments often lead to the best memories. On one trip to Cooperstown, NY, they arrived a day early, only to realize their campsite wasn’t available yet. Though it required an extra setup and move, they made the most of it and laughed it off.

Their first year of RVing brought its share of challenges, including a particularly disastrous travel day to the Finger Lakes. Engine trouble, wrong turns, getting stranded in a long driveway, ripping open the side of the RV, and even an unexpected snowstorm all combined into one unforgettable day. The next morning, they fixed everything, laughed with the campground owner, and carried on—proving that even the worst travel days can turn into cherished stories.

 

Lessons Learned and Advice for New RVers

One of the biggest surprises when starting their RV journey was how much there is to learn. Even after the dealership walkthrough, the sheer amount of knowledge required for operating an RV—understanding its systems, driving, turning, and parking—can be overwhelming. Research, YouTube tutorials, and hands-on experience have been invaluable.

Looking back, Scott wishes he had done more research on truck payload capacities, weight distribution, and braking systems before purchasing his first tow vehicle. However, through trial and error, they’ve learned what works best and are now well-equipped for any adventure.

For those considering the RV lifestyle, Scott and Denise have one piece of advice: Just do it. Waiting for retirement isn’t necessary, and the experiences gained from RVing have been some of the best in their 38 years of marriage.

The Future of Their RV Lifestyle

Once Scott retires, they plan to extend their trips to 4-6 weeks at a time, allowing them to travel further and immerse themselves in new destinations. For now, their current approach—traveling on weekends, spending a week at their destination, then returning home—works perfectly.

The journey is about more than just travel; it’s about the experiences, the people they meet, and the memories they create. Whether enjoying a campfire under the stars or mapping out their next adventure, Scott and Denise are living their dream, one mile at a time.

Follow their journey:

Instagram: @scott_tibbo | @tibbspathfinders

 

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