Tips for Full-time RV Living

RV living can be a dream life, but it’s also a massive adjustment and can be life changing. While these can be exciting, they can also have their difficulties. These tips below are to help prepare you for the fulfilling yet challenging life that awaits you for full-time RV living.

1. Get to know your RV

Every RV should come with a hefty stack of manuals. Read them! You don’t need to be an RV guru, but you should get to know your RV. The manuals have everything from how to clean and service your RV to instructions on the awning and everything in between. It helps to know these things yourself instead of relying on roadside assistance and random body shop employees telling you what is right and wrong with your own RV.

2. Downsize

Downsizing is an important part of RV living as the living space is very minimal. What will you need with you? What will you not need? Downsizing helps prioritize and keep essentials, so unused items won’t take up needed space. As a beginning RVer, you might find you will bring way too much stuff your first year of travel. As you gain more experience, you’ll grasp what truly are necessities as you travel. To keep it simple: keep what you need and get rid of what you don’t.

3. Get your domicile and insurance

One of the most complicated aspects of full-time RV living is the legal aspects of it. How do you get health insurance when you don’t live in any one state? How do you get mail and renew your driver’s license? How do you vote or deposit checks?  Choosing your domicile state is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It could affect how much income tax you pay, your auto insurance rates, and even how you get health insurance. There are three states--Texas, Florida, and South Dakota--that are “domicile friendly,” which makes them popular for RVers.

4. Communication is key

If you’re traveling with your significant other or family, communication is key! When you’re traveling in a small space, with limited places where you can go, a lack of communication is the last thing you want to deal with. A lack of communication can stir up frustrations and cause stress on the relationships and on travel. Keep communication open and continue to work on it every day of your RV living.

5. Expect the unexpected

If you’re mobile 24/7, 365 days of the year, things are bound to run off course and that’s okay! It could be severe weather, a flat tire or an RV repair, you should always expect the unexpected while you’re on the road. In case of an unexpected emergency, here are some things to consider:

• Have an RV repair fund for unexpected repairs (windshield, electrical, etc.)
• Carry a spare tire in case you get a flat tire
• Develop a plan in case of emergencies

Living on the wheels means having an adventure every single day, although not all of them will be fun. Hope for the best, but also prepare for the worst.

6. Be flexible

It’s always a good idea to have a plan set in place for when you travel, but also know things don’t always go as planned and you should be flexible with your schedule. Be flexible enough to have the option to stay a few extra nights or even leave early. Each location you travel to is a new experience and sometimes it’s just not your cup of tea. Have a flexible schedule to stay longer in places you enjoy, but also take off early if you’re not feeling it.

7. Take the chance

Make the leap. Get out there and see the world. A mobile lifestyle has its challenges, but it’s also one of the most incredible privileges to be able to live with so much freedom. Just remember to keep a positive attitude, expect the unexpected, and keep on going. Enjoy the journey. There are headaches associated with RV living, but there are many more pleasures.