The Reality of RV Life: 9 Important Facts You Don’t Want to Miss
For many people around the world, living in a home with wheels is their version of paradise. In this post we explain the reality of RV life, with 9 important facts you don’t want to miss.
Furthermore, with just a few small changes, your experience camping or living on the road can be much more organized, and you’ll be ready for any surprises than if you had not prepared at all.
We have included action items to implement, some of which might not be common knowledge, especially if you are just starting on your RV adventure. By following these guidelines you can plan accordingly.
If you want this lifestyle for yourself or if it’s something that has always intrigued you but never seemed possible, today could be your lucky day.
Quick note, we’re an affiliate of some of the companies on this page, which means we may receive a commission for qualified purchases when you use our links. This doesn’t cost you anything extra. (Read full disclaimer.)
Dive into these amazing facts and tips of RV living, to get started on your journey towards freedom.
Let’s get to it!
Fact 1: The RV Community is Welcoming
What You Can Expect:
Regardless of if you are a social butterfly or an introvert, you’re guaranteed to find smiling faces and welcoming greetings within the RV Community.
This has advantages for RVers who are new or experienced alike. The feeling of belonging and connection to others is physically and emotionally healthy.
“It is not uncommon for the bond of friendships/relationships while traveling to tend to last for years.“
It’s a Roadtrip Life
Campers love to swap stories of their experiences, offer a helping hand, and provide a wealth of information on RVing in general. You will gain many facts and tips of RV living around the campfire from new friends.
You will get ideas on where to head for future destinations, what to visit while there, local foods to enjoy, and the little secret ‘off the beaten path’ tidbits, that will give you insight during your next location.
Although, there may be times when you feel lonely on the road, keep in mind, and implement the helpful tips below. You will be successful in meeting people.
Action Items: The RV Community is Welcoming
- Get outside.
- Be welcoming.
- Be open-minded to trying new experiences.
- Join RV clubs.
- Go to campground meetups, activities, and a potluck if offered.
- Share your time.
- Share your past and future travel plans.
Fact 2: You Have a Variety of Camping Options
What You Can Expect:
Ever wondered where you will camp when you hit the road? Luckily, there are a variety of ways to camp for different situations you will encounter, desire, or need for your choice of RV lifestyle.
Many travelers prefer for periods of time to be off-grid, many need consistent internet and others enjoy the amenities of a campground. There is also FREE camping which is always a bonus!
Some memberships allow you to stay at breweries & wineries, golf courses, even ghost towns, and museums, or stay on private lots. If you just enjoy natures beauty there are National Parks, State Parks & City Parks, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Sometimes you might just need a pit-stop for over-night. These options are available: casinos and establishments such as Cracker Barrel, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot to name a few.
You will find truck stops quite handy, (if you can sleep through the noise of trucks coming and going all night) such as Flying J and Loves which come with the benefits of showers, laundry, and dump stations and more common now are pet areas for doggie duties and a quick run.
Action Items: You Have a Variety of Camping Options
- Join membership programs such as GoodSam and Passport America. Your annual membership fees are affordable and pay for themselves after a couple of visits.
- Harvest Hosts annual membership includes places to stay for a free night or two (individual hosts discretion) at each location. Their hosts offer interesting places to experience, such as Wineries, Breweries, Golf Courses, Alpaca Farms, even Ghost towns, and many more. Please keep in mind purchasing something helps to support the establishment.
- Take advantage of free overnight parking (just as a courtesy consider purchasing an item or two from them as a thank you.) Don’t forget to leave the area cleaner than you found it.
- Enjoy the solitude and free camping on Government lands, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Your taxes pay for them.
Fact 3: Pets Enjoy Traveling Too
What You Can Expect:
Dogs are natural companions to take on adventures, most can easily adapt to the RV lifestyle. If your dog is new to staying in a camper or RV, it is essential to take the time to introduce him or her to their unfamiliar environment.
We suggest you spend at least a couple of nights in your RV even if it’s your driveway. Let them enter at their own pace and allow them to sniff their new surroundings for as long as they want.
Pets are content where their owners are. Make it as comfortable and enjoyable for them to associate this as a fun and safe place.
Action Items: Pets Enjoy Traveling Too
Make a list of items to bring along.
- Treats
- Toys & Chews
- Blanket or bed
- Pet Monitor
- Food container
- Travel bowls
Fact 4: Relationships Can Be Challenging in Tiny Spaces
What You Can Expect:
No matter if you travel with your significant other, best friend, or family with kiddos, know that if you don’t have effective communication skills, there will be challenges.
If you are thinking “There is in any relationship” you are correct, but for example, living in a tiny space let’s say 300 sq. ft. emotions are heightened.
You can’t separate yourself to another room, there isn’t a man-cave or she-shed to retreat to. If snoring is a concern, you can’t shut the door and go downstairs to the couch.
Small spaces get messy fast. Does everyone clean up after themselves?
Action Items: Relationships Can Be Challenging in Tiny Spaces
- Communicate, communicate, communicate… don’t let anything sit on that back-burner. If there is an issue, work it out right away.
- Laugh often.
- Be organized. Closet space for example is at a premium…share.
- Be clean. Pick up after yourself.
- Give each other alone time.
- Compromise.
- Apologize when you are wrong and forgive when needed, then let the issue go.
- Hugs are free!
Fact 5: RV Life Can Be Affordable
What You Can Expect:
Have you asked yourself, “How do RVers afford to travel?”
We are here to let you know that it is affordable to live this lifestyle.
To start you will need to take time to sit down and ask yourself honest questions about how you live and manage your finances currently when you first start to prepare for your RV travels.
There is a mindset to RV life which requires everything to be as minimalistic as possible without sacrificing comfort.
To make it affordable, you will have to be mindful of these examples below:
- Not traveling like you are on full-time vacation.
- Embracing the fact you have limited space a ‘one in, one out‘ mindset will keep you on track with your RV weight.
- We suggest planning a menu for meal preparations, make grocery trips sparingly, and try to buy just necessities.
You should consider the weight in your RV constantly, and it is easy to reach your max capacity, so before you buy that next item consider one thing you are willing to part with. Here are your action items of RV life to implement.
Action Items: RV Life Can Be Affordable
- Pack a lunch.
- Avoid eating at restaurants.
- Share meals when eating out.
- Use the lunch menu specials.
- Memberships.
- Stay in places longer.
- Check for coupons (you may find a buy-one, get-one offer online.)
- Plan meals ahead of time.
- Visit places during the week.
- Check for discounts.
- Use gas apps to find lower pricing. The Gasbuddy app not only gives you local prices to the area you are traveling, but comes with a trip planner, and ways to get discounts by updating fuel prices at whichever gas station you are at!
- Take advantage of grocery store points towards gas discounts.
Fact 6: Have a Minimalist Mindset
What You Can Expect:
You will find living in your camper, it is important to have a minimalist mindset for a few reasons.
- Saving money
- Avoiding accidents
- Avoiding clutter
- Comfort
- Health
There are e-Books available on ‘How to live a minimal life’ and ‘How to downsize’. A great option to find these types of books is Kindle on Amazon.
An affordable monthly membership is available which allows you an extensive selection of unlimited e-Books. You can read to your heart’s content, especially on those rainy days in your camper. Books are heavy and bulky so converting to online reading is a fantastic way toward starting your minimalist mindset.
Action Items: You Must Have a Minimalist Mindset
Photo Albums and Video Storage
Ditch the photo albums and go digital. Important documents should be digitalized also, for safe keeping and easy access. Read below the benefits of Amazon Prime, to learn about online photo and video storage.
DVD’s and CD’s
Ditch DVDs and CD’s. Even if you aren’t on the road yet, take advantage of a 30-day free trial with Amazon Prime. You may have heard of this program, but may not be familiar with everything that it includes, so here’s some benefits:
- Instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows.
- Unlimited, ad-free access to over a million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited full-resolution online photo storage and 5 GB free video storage
Recipe Books
Donate recipe books and use online apps for cooking ideas.
Books and Magazines
Are you an avid reader? We know there are going to be some of you thinking you like the feel of a book, or just turning the pages, but think about this, books not only take up space, they also add unnecessary weight. A few books may not seem they will make a difference, but with that non minimalist mindset, soon it will be with other items and they all add up quickly.
Instead give Kindle Unlimited a go for unlimited reading, and unlimited listening on any device. Great for those rainy days in the camper, on the beach, relaxing in a hammock, or even travel days. Amazon is currently offering you a FREE (3) three month trial (value of $29.97), after which the membership is $9.99 /month. Once you start thinking with a minimalistic mindset, you’ll find yourself making much better use of your space.
Audiobooks and Podcasts
Another option for your travel days, or anytime you think you would enjoy listening on the go, try Audible Plus, it is an Amazon company, that offers a complimentary 30-day trial. All-you-can-listen membership that offers access to thousands of titles, including a vast array of:
- A selection of Audible Originals that span genres, lengths, and formats
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts including exclusive series.
- And more…
Declutter: Ditch the ‘doubles.’
Yes, for you fellas out there that want to bring their whole garage of tools, just incase you might need an extra, this is a no-no.
All the ladies, and gents that cook, you do not need a half dozen travel mugs in your cabinet, nor two or more of each cooking utensil. Instead, search for multi-purpose kitchen tools. For instance, space saving cooking tool.
Fact 7: Planning Your Monthly RV Budget
What You Can Expect:
RV living is much like the stationary life when it comes to budgeting your finances. Moreover, this is probably the number one factor you will have to take into consideration when you prepare for your RV travels. Create and follow a monthly budget.
Your expenses such as food, vehicle & health insurance, a rainy-day fund, and entertainment will still of course apply. But, you will find as you lose categories, you will also gain different expenses.
In the same vein, once you’ve decided which ways to camp will best fit you, you’ll see ways to improve your budget.
Camping budgets are flexible
Camping budgets are flexible if you are willing to try a variety of ways to camp. In our experience, when an unexpected expense rears its head, we can boondock (camping without water, sewer, or electric connections,) or use one of our RV camping memberships for a few nights which provides slashed prices, or free camping with Boondockers Welcome.
This tactic has allowed us to pay for unexpected expenses but more often we use those savings to add to our travel fund. Cutting corners where you can on your budget surprisingly adds up fast.
Refer to the tips in FACT #5 as they are all meant to save more for your travel fund. In addition, follow these action items below.
Action Items: Ways to Save on Your Monthly RV Budget
- Typically, fuel prices during the week are less expensive than weekends and holidays.
- Try to avoid holiday weekends, campground fees are increased.
- Shop discount stores and consider the generic store brand items.
- Do not sign up for all online entertainment memberships, you will find they have the same movies or tv shows.
For additional tips on saving money: How to Have an Amazing Road Trip Without Breaking the Bank
Fact 8: Camping Can Be Noisy
What You Can Expect:
Depending on which type of camping you choose, while living in your camper you may have trouble getting used to outdoor noises. In general, animals and nature can be loud, or if in a campground, you may have noisy neighbors.
Follow Campground Etiquette
Most campers follow ‘quiet time‘ hours, which are usually posted or provided in your check-in paperwork, usually from 10pm to 7am. During these hours you may hear generators running, or an occasional barking dog, there will be times when you will experience campers that keep their RV outside lights on, play loud music, or are loud themselves.
While all of these can be annoying, there are ways to get restful sleep.
Action Items: Products for Noisy Camping
- Black-out curtains or Reflectix.
- Eye Mask
- Ear Plugs
- White Noise Machine
- Headphones
- Fan
You can politely remind them of the campground rules or call a manager/park ranger. You could also introduce yourself. As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
Fact 9: Prepare for Your RV Travels: Mishaps and Safety
What You Can Expect:
RVs and Campers are not built to travel thousands of miles, things come loose and break. Creating and using a strict maintenance schedule on both your vehicle and camper will save you problems down the road, and inconvenience of finding a hotel if your camper is your home, and the expense. Often you will find repair shops will take days or weeks to get you back on the road.
Action Items: Prepare for Travel Mishaps and Safety
- Plan your routes but know when something unexpected comes up, have a Plan B.
- Checking your tires regularly for wear and cracks is necessary to prepare for safe travels. On longer excursions we check our tires every time we fuel up. Too often? We think not.
- When you are parked use tire covers against the elements.
- Have safety items in the event of a breakdown, flashing pucks, or triangles, and a flashlight.
- Have a first aid kit
- Carry at least a couple of fire extinguishers in your RV, and one in your vehicle.
- Have tools to remedy quick fixes to get you to the closest establishment.
- Insurance policies will cover your vehicle, but if you are towing your RV, it may not be included in your plan. By having a good RV roadside assistance membership is a peace of mind option to truly consider.
- Be aware of your location. Use landmarks or mile markers to inform emergency services. There is a handy feature on Google Maps to ‘drop a pin’ for your location.
Final Thoughts
These facts and actions of RV living are not only to prepare you for your RV travels, but a crucial part of your RV journey and living in your camper. With these steps in mind they will help you throughout the years to come!
We’re here to help you succeed.
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