THINKING OF STARTING THE RV LIFE? 31 RVers offer these words of advice on getting started.
Updated: Sep 4, 2019
Are you dreaming about life on the road in an RV or Van? How does visiting National Parks, finding odd roadside stops, enjoying a campfire, or maybe just more time outside to relax? Perhaps you want to simplify your life or live a more purposeful life.
Whatever the reason that brought you here. Welcome!
We have enjoyed almost 2 years in our RV traveling across the US exploring National Parks and enjoying the freedom that this life brings Don’t get me wrong there are challenges like stinky black tanks, less space, and not having our old income. But in the end it has been worth it and I wish we had done it sooner.
I recall how scary it was to take the leap. I mean quitting our jobs, renting our house out, and selling our cars wasn’t easy. I get it. It can be a stressful time. Any big life change is. But know you can do this. There are lots of people out there happy to support your dream including us.
To prove it I went to some of my favorite Facebook groups and ask my fellow RVers “What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting the RV life?” And “Is there anything you wish you knew before you got started?”
I am so grateful for the information everyone shared. What they share is helpful for anyone considering the RV lifestyle or for those already in it. Suggestions covered many topics so I have tried to group them together into common themes. Sometimes the same advice was given more than once and I included that as well to stress how important these points maybe. This is the advice given for those thinking about the RV Life.
31 TIPS ON GETTING STARTED IN THE RV LIFE
That’s why you are here right? Here is what the RV experts had to say.
I wish we knew how much we loved it. Would have started 30 years ago.
Expect the unexpected.
Do it! Like all of life, you’ll grow through experience😊
Research, research, research!
RV/camping life is a lot like riding a motorcycle. Ride your own ride.
Just DO IT!!! Quit looking for excuses!!!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’ll find the RV community has a lot of great people that enjoy meeting new people and lending good advice.
Simplify!!!!
Save lots of money. If you don’t need it, your wife will want it. “But it will go nice with the couch” 🛋. Or “Oh no. Where’s the water coming from?” “Why isn’t the AC working?” You get the idea. But have fun and enjoy your new adventure. When in doubt, ask someone. Make friends. Enjoy food cooked on a grill. Wear sunglasses as you have your morning coffee outside.
Why didn't I do it sooner!
The different views from your windows are priceless.
That the American dream of freedom is out here on the road just waiting for us to get up the courage to go find it.
Leaving your life behind is not as easy as it seems despite all the beauty on the road.
Just do it! 👍🏻
That this is not a 9-5 life, and it's a change of thinking. I wish the transition from cubicle life thinking to FT workamping life hadn't taken me as long. I feel like I missed some things along the way. You just need to breath and enjoy all that's around you... After all, that's why we're doing this, right?
Enjoy every minute, it is a very fun life style...just have a repair slush fund!
There is a lot of care and maintenance to RV'S and they can become money pits so you really have to decide if you love camping that much vs the problems!!
Wherever you go, there you are.
Just chill and roll with the punches😆 It’s kinda like when you watch all those Christmas movies and everything and everyone looks so perfect but that never happens for real. That’s the way it is with RVing. It’s never going to be perfect but that’s “perfectly alright” just enjoy the journey!!
If we knew it would have been this must fun, we would have started earlier. Pack Lite.
Know that it's a learning experience. You will make silly sometimes expensive mistakes. Give yourself time to learn about your rv. Camp out in it in the driveway or very close to home for a few days. Have fun.
It's a new challenge and that's how we grow. Enjoy the ride.
Research your space needs versus your wants...type of RV. Travel trailer, 5th wheel, class A. class C or B...research and enjoy the numerous RV groups on Facebook as well...a very friendly community and there are no wrong questions...we all started somewhere too.Research is my one piece of advice. Good Luck! Enjoy this...a very good documentary on RV living full-time and done well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg37Cbx-kak
That I should of bought a 20 footer or Van. I bought a 30 ft MH and it is way 2 big.Don’t forget to get a National Park pass ⛺️🔥😎
Use the Internet and go to youtube and spend hours and hours and hours watching videos about RVing.
I can drive when I wanna and camp when I wanna. I keep my own time-clock! And so can you!
Research. YouTube videos are helpful.
Never be afraid to ask a question!
Know your go to map apps or sites. Plan ahead.
Get on different Facebook RV pages and forums. I wish I had before we bought our warranty.
Always expect the unexpected & once you get P-Od at it, walk away till later.
So believe in yourself and start researching. Make a plan, save and have a budget. You got this!!! What suggestions do you have for new RVers?
Happy Trails,
The Penny Pinching Globetrotter
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