Introduction

Full-time RV living is a dream come true for many people. It offers the freedom to travel the country, explore new places, and live life on your own terms. However, it’s important to be prepared before you hit the road.

RV living can be great!  You can explore places you’ve never seen and meet people you never thought you’d  meet.  However RV living can also be stressful and isn’t for everyone.

Here are some tips and tricks for newbies to help you make the most of your full-time RV experience:

Choosing the right RV

The first step is to choose the right RV for your needs and budget. There are three main types of RVs: travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. Travel trailers are the most affordable option, but they require a tow vehicle. Fifth wheels are more expensive, but they offer more space and amenities. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but they are also the most self-sufficient.

When choosing an RV, consider your lifestyle and how you plan to use it. If you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling, you’ll need an RV that is comfortable and has plenty of storage space. If you’re planning on staying in one place for most of the year, you can choose a smaller RV with fewer amenities.

You should also explore all your options – don’t immediately decide you need to buy a brand-new RV.  Many times, you can get a great deal on a “new to you” rig which has been well maintained and can save you several thousand dollars.

Downsizing your belongings

One of the biggest challenges of full-time RV living is downsizing your belongings. You’ll have to get rid of a lot of the things you’re used to having, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Here are a few tips for downsizing:

  • Get rid of anything you don’t use regularly.
  • Store seasonal items in a storage unit.
  • Invest in space-saving furniture and storage solutions.
  • Go digital with your books, photos, movies and music.

Creating a budget

Full-time RV living can be expensive, so it’s important to create a budget and stick to it. Be sure to factor in the cost of gas, campground fees, food, and other expenses.

Here are a few tips for saving money:

  • Cook at home as much as possible.
  • Take advantage of free activities, such as hiking and biking.
  • Join a membership club for discounts on campground fees and other expenses.
  • Work part-time to supplement your income.
  • Consider boondocking occasionally – research free spots to park overnight such as box stores, free campgrounds, rest areas and so on.  Do your research first, as not all box stores or rest areas allow overnight parking.

Enjoying the journey

Full-time RV living is an amazing experience. Be sure to slow down and enjoy the journey. Take time to explore new places, meet new people, and create lasting memories.

RV tips

Here are a few additional RV tips for newbies:

  • Learn how to maintain your RV. This includes things like changing the oil, checking the brakes, and winterizing your RV. Maintaining an RV requires a unique set of skills as you must not only maintain the mechanics of the RV, but also the interior.  It’s like being a mechanic and a handyman at the same time.
  • Invest in a good set of tools. You’ll need them to fix minor problems and make repairs. However don’t go overboard because you have to remember that you have a limited amount of space in your RV to store your tools.
  • Join an RV forum (or many 😊). This is a great way to get advice from other RVers and learn about new products and services. Social sites like Reddit and Facebook have numerous RV centric groups you can participate in.
  • Attend an RV rally. This is a great way to meet other RVers and learn about the RV lifestyle. Sometimes these rallies also have newbie sections and even whole seminars dedicated to new RVers.
  • YouTube is your friend. One of the drawbacks of being a newbie is sometimes when you ask questions you get “roasted” by more experienced RVers.  A way around this is to search YouTube first and if you don’t find an answer then ask in one of the forums you are a member of.

Full time RV

Full-time RV living is a great way to experience the country and live a minimalist lifestyle. However, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. By following the tips and tricks above, you can make the most of your full-time RV experience.

Conclusion

Full-time RV living is an amazing experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you can make the most of your full-time RV journey.