Essential Guide to Embracing the RV Lifestyle

In the last few years, RV sales have skyrocketed as more and more Americans decide to live nomadically while traveling the country. We decided to dig into the lifestyle by interviewing six individuals or couples experiencing it themselves. Here’s what you need to know.

Why do people typically choose an RV over other methods of long-term travel?

There are many ways to experience long-term travel in the US. People have lived in their cars, gotten into #vanlife, or have even survived by moving from vacation rental to vacation rental. Why did those we interview decide to go with RV life?

In a nutshell, the answer was space.

• Partners need room to do their own things: Whether it’s space to work creatively or to have simultaneous work meetings, having just one room doesn’t work for many couples.

• Friends and family can visit: Many RVers went into the lifestyle thinking they wanted family and friends to be able to visit and travel with them. Having a bigger space like an RV meant they could convince more to do so.

• Keep all your traditional conveniences: Those we interviewed wanted to travel more but didn’t want to give up the convenience of spaces such as a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. For some, switching to something smaller than an RV, like a van, would have been too much of a leap. For the amount of time they anticipated traveling, it made sense to get a bigger space they would be comfortable in.

• A place to call home (that actually feels like a home): One of the biggest reasons for RV life is for something to come back to at the end of the day that felt like a home, rather than just a suitcase or a small vehicle.

Where do you sleep?

There are quite a few places you can park your RV at night. These are the most common.

• Campgrounds: Using campgrounds that provide hookups is the classic RV parking method.

• Boondocking: Boondocking refers to finding a piece of land to camp on where you’re not hooked up to anything. It’s much more affordable than staying at a campground but does require some investment up front. Being self-sufficient in an RV often involves things like solar panels, extra batteries, extra water tanks, and extra fuel tanks. Boondocking is infinitely easier to do out West.

• Moochdocking: Moochdocking is where you set up camp on a friend or family member’s driveway.

What type of RV should you get?

While selecting your RV is a very personal choice, there are a few things everyone should consider.

• Power to get over mountain passes: One of the couples we interviewed used to have a class-C RV that had trouble with this task. They began to feel limited on where they could travel – the exact opposite of their intention in buying an RV.

• Personal safety considerations: One RVer who used to travel solo said she loved having a drivable RV for the safety aspect. When she parked somewhere for the night, she had the ability to simply move into the back to go to sleep. She didn’t need to walk around outside in order to access her bedroom.

• Ease of use while driving: Fifth wheels are going to be easier to tow than travel trailers as they are less tricky to back up and generally shift less in the wind. Keep in mind length corresponds with difficulty of driving.

• Age of the RV: A newer vehicle will likely need less renovations within. However, older RV electronics can be easier to maintain for those without a lot of RV knowledge. Newer rigs are generally more complicated, often requiring you to go to the dealership when something breaks.

How do you finance your RV?

For the most part, there are two options for acquiring your rig:

• Purchase it outright

• Finance

It’s very similar to a car purchase, and financing makes breaking into the lifestyle a realistic achievement for those without substantial savings.

How much does RV life cost?

The cost of RV life will depend heavily on how, where, and when you prefer to travel.

• Daily cost: Daily expenses for items like food, campsites, and gas will vary wildly depending on the area you’re in. If you’re seeking out big destination areas (as many travelers like to do), you’ll be spending more money than elsewhere.

• Speed of travel: No matter where you park your rig, slowing down can help you save money. Oftentimes, campgrounds will give discounts for weekly or monthly stays, compared to nightly rates. You’ll also spend less on gas by traveling more slowly.

• RV life can work for every budget: In general, you can spend as much or as little as you want. Some get into RV life to save money. Others find themselves breaking even when compared to their previous life. Others find themselves spending more. You can make RV life work for whatever kind of budget you’re comfortable with.

What do RVers do for income?

The answer is a wide variety of things. Some have their own businesses that allow them to set their own hours. Some make money from YouTube, Instagram, and blogs.

Many work regular full-time corporate jobs that are remote. Some work just part-time to cover daily expenses. Some work seasonal jobs and travel the rest of the year. Others live off savings for a while.

People transition in various ways. You have to figure out for yourself what will provide the independence to live in your RV while still making enough money to meet your financial goals.

What safety essentials should you consider?

Everyone has different comfort levels, so not all of these items will seem essential to every reader. However, these are all safety measures taken by at least one of our RVers. Take a look and see what resonates with you.

• Wasp spray: Wasp spray can be used as a personal defense tool. With a similar use case as pepper spray, this type of spray doesn’t dissipate into the air as easily.

• Firearm: A few of the RVers we spoke with are registered firearm carriers. Depending on the type of RV and the state you’re in, your home may be considered a domicile rather than a vehicle. This makes it simple to travel with a weapon across many state lines (but not all).

• First aid kit: Be prepared for small medical emergencies by purchasing the classic safety essential, a first aid kit.

• Home security camera: Monitor who (or what) is outside your RV without needing to open the door. You can also use a security camera inside to keep an eye on your belongings or pets while you’re away.

• Motion-sensing security lights: Just like many homes have, motion-sensing lights can be placed on the outside of your rig.

• Alarm system: You can install the same alarm systems for your RV as you would your stationary house. Get alerts to your phone if there’s suspicious activity.

• Built-in GPS for the internet: Having GPS connected to your internet allows you to see where your rig is as well as how fast it’s moving. This can be useful for service checks. By utilizing this tool, some RVers have discovered improper service by mechanics.

• Bike lock: If you have a bike, ensure you get a good lock. Bike theft is a frequent concern for RVers.

• Fire extinguishers: Yes, keep multiple fire extinguishers. Have one in all areas where an exit path could be blocked. Ensure you know how to use one before you need it.

• Automatic fire suppression systems: These systems can be installed in places like your refrigerator or battery compartment and will deploy automatically.

• Kingpin: A kingpin is a locking mechanism that prevents someone from easily taking your towable RV.

What are automotive essentials associated with RV life?

Many who enter RV life don’t know much about RV or vehicle maintenance, and that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s important to know the basics and have a general awareness of what’s going on. The most essential thing you can do is monitor your RV (and truck if you’re towing) to address issues promptly.

One RVer likened RV maintenance to house maintenance. Just like you’re always fixing something in your stationary home, you will similarly find yourself addressing repairs on your rig. Engage in preventative maintenance as much as is reasonable, keep tools on hand for tire emergencies, and know that you will likely become more handy as you adapt to RV living.

• What to monitor: Regularly check tire pressure, inspect fluids, ensure seals on windows are intact, check brake and turn signal lights, and keep an eye out for leaks or cracks.

• Stay proactive: Maintaining a proactive approach towards oil changes, power steering, and tire rotations will help you avoid future issues.

• Tools to keep on hand: Consider keeping a general tool kit, tire pressure gauge (perhaps even a remote tire pressure monitor), air compressor, and all tools necessary to change a tire.

What are helpful resources for those either thinking about RV life or those already living it?

• YouTube: The number one answer: YouTube. With everything from maintenance how-tos to personal RV life experiences, YouTube has answers to virtually all of your questions.

• Instagram: Those we interviewed utilized Instagram for various RV-related tasks, including finding a rig to buy. It can also serve as a research tool. Learn tips and tricks by following accounts of those who live the lifestyle. Many are happy to help with inquiries if you message them! You can also connect with fellow RVers in your area via Instagram to make friends.

• Facebook: Facebook Marketplace is a useful tool for selling items before you move (or while on the road if you realize you brought too much stuff). You can also find RVs for sale here. Facebook groups surrounding RV life or remote work can also be beneficial!

• Craigslist: Craigslist is a great resource for finding RVs for sale.

• Campendium: Campendium is an app that aids travelers in discovering camping locations across the US, Canada, and Mexico. It features user-generated reviews and cell service reports.

What are the best parts of RV life?

• Seeing friends and family: Living in an RV makes it much easier to connect with loved ones. As one couple put it, they can now visit family they would normally only see at weddings and funerals.

• Spending more time in dream destinations: A traditional 9-5 with limited PTO restricts travel. Over a year, you might visit a couple of destinations for just a week at a time. As a lifestyle rather than a vacation, RV life allows for longer stays in these places. It also opens doors to far more locations than just a few weeks off annually.

What are some challenging aspects to living on the road?

The first few months of transition while learning the basics can be difficult. Here are some areas where those we interviewed faced struggles.

• Small living area: Many overlook the fact that you’ll be in a small space, often less than 300 square feet. RVs are usually larger than vans, but they still feel compact compared to the stationary homes people leave behind. Adapting takes time.

• Personal space and communication: Managing personal space can be a significant challenge. When upset with someone, you can’t go to a separate room like in a regular house. Learning to honor each other’s space is crucial. Effective communication is essential when traveling with others, as this lifestyle can lead to strained relationships if patience and communication falter during frustrating situations.

• Weather and seasonal differences: Living on the road means dealing with weather unpredictability. Your life becomes much more connected to the elements. Understanding seasonal variations is vital, especially since not every season suits RV living equally. Winter can be a particularly challenging time in a small space.

• Planning exhaustion: Constant traveling necessitates continuous planning — from where you’ll sleep each night to your weekly activities. Initially, the logistics can be taxing. As you practice and figure out your preferences, planning will become smoother.

• Campground scarcity: The rising popularity of RV life has made certain aspects more challenging. It may take time to procure repairs and parts, and campsites can be booked far in advance in some regions. One couple mentioned they had sites reserved six months ahead due to the saturation of campgrounds on the East Coast.

• Slight changes in daily chores: Smaller daily challenges can also arise. For instance, laundry can be a time-consuming task spent at laundromats instead of using a home machine. Mindset adjustments might be necessary for grocery shopping, as many RVers lack full-sized fridges and navigate different store layouts across the country.

What should you do before hitting the road?

• Financial planning: Enter this lifestyle responsibly. Ideally, begin with minimal debt. As you travel, avoiding credit card stress will enhance your experience.

• Decide what to do with your home: If you own a home, contemplate whether to keep it or sell. Many sell, but others choose to rent it out while away.

• Determine your residency: Many maintain their current residency, some establish residency in a family state, and some utilize residency programs for remote workers, such as the one in South Dakota.

• Downsize: You will need far less than you expect. Downsizing reduces weight and helps with organization, providing more space. Anything you don’t take with you can be purchased along the way.

• Organize: With limited space, organization is paramount. If done right, it won’t feel cramped as you’ll fit everything you need. Invest in storage solutions that enable easy access to your items.

• Prepare to make mistakes: There’s a learning curve when trying something new, so mistakes are inevitable. Don’t dwell on them; anticipate challenges and give yourself grace when they occur.

• Dive in: The best way to learn about RV life is to jump in. There’s only so much preparation possible ahead of time.

Do I have to get rid of every material thing I love?

The easy answer to this question is no! Absolutely not, in fact.

An RV functions like a mini house, so you likely won’t have to part with too many belongings. Those we interviewed brought items like board games, books, blenders, office supplies, diffusers, espresso machines, and framed photographs.

For sentimental or irreplaceable items, many RVers opt for storage solutions, whether at family members’ homes or in a storage unit.

What should you do if you’re on the fence about joining RV life?

• Rent a rig: Before you head to a dealership (or Facebook Marketplace) to acquire your home on wheels, consider renting an RV to experience the lifestyle first.

• Live in the driveway: Whether you try living in an RV before purchasing one, spend time in your rig while stationary. This helps acclimate to the space and inform your needs, especially for pets.

• Go on a test trip: Once comfortable, embark on a month-long trip away from your home base. This allows you to experience full-time RV life while still providing an opportunity to fine-tune your setup.

• Commit to a time frame: If interested in RV life, set a time frame to commit before truly hitting the road. An adjustment period is natural, so aim for at least six months.

• Consider the worst-case scenario: Ask yourself what the worst-case scenario could be. Likely, it would involve not enjoying RV living, selling your rig, and returning to stationary living – a scenario that’s not the end of the world.

Finally, here are a few parting words of advice from those we interviewed:

• If this lifestyle was easy, everyone would choose it. Challenges are inevitable; if you believe it will bring you happiness regardless, go for it.

• Fears of the unknown are normal; the more you educate yourself, the less intimidating things will become.

• RV life isn’t for everyone; however, if you feel a pull towards it, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it.

• Remember your reasons for pursuing this lifestyle, as the highs will be coupled with lows. Keep your motivation in mind throughout.

• Society doesn’t set you up for full-time RV living, so it won’t feel entirely right. Understand that you’ll never feel perfectly ready; you’ll need to take the leap.