Pros And Cons Of Living In A Rv

First, a little bit about Scott and Amie. My name is Scott, and together with my wife, Amie, we’ve been navigating the full-time RV lifestyle since 2021. As the former owners of a traditional home in New Hampshire, we made a significant shift when we decided to sell our house and take our lives on the road. Our vlog, TheRoadRoamers, chronicles our journey, sharing insights and lessons that we’ve amassed along the way.

• The decision to transition into an RV wasn’t taken lightly. It meant embracing minimalism and learning to live with less, a challenge we both were eager to undertake. My background in autobody work for over 27 years provided a foundation of skills essential for RV maintenance and repairs. Any issues that have surfaced during our travels gave me a chance to roll up my sleeves and learn even more. Amie’s experience in real estate for 25 years in New Hampshire was an invaluable asset, especially when it came to meticulous planning and preparing for trips. From forecasting our route to organizing meals, her expertise ensured our journey was as smooth as possible.
• Full-time RV living opens up a world of possibilities especially popular among retirees seeking adventure, families looking for enriching experiences, and individuals or couples engaged in remote work. It allows for unparalleled freedom, but comes with its unique set of challenges.

In determining if full-time RV living suits you, consider aspects such as lifestyle preferences, the practicalities of downsizing, and whether you crave the stability of traditional housing or the dynamic movement of life on wheels. As you continue to the next section, we’ll delve into the day-to-day realities of RV living, parsed through the lens of our experience, and aimed to equip you with a candid perspective on this distinct way of life.

The Realities of RV Living

• Embracing the Life of a full-time RVer comes with a complex set of realities that Amie and I have come to know intimately. One of the very first considerations is the comfort of our furry companion Molly – a soft-coated Wheaton Terrier. Traveling with pets means adapting the space for their needs, ensuring their comfort during travel, and staying on top of their healthcare. It’s a joy to see them adapt, but it’s not without its hurdles.
• Another Critical Aspect to consider is the cost comparison between RV living and traditional housing. Sure, you might forgo a mortgage or rent, but the costs don’t vanish. There are campground fees, maintenance, fuel, and not to mention, the initial investment in the RV itself. However, living in an RV CAN cost less that the traditional sticks and bricks home. Amie’s knack for meticulous planning has been instrumental in crafting a budget that keeps us on track – a necessary strategy for anyone considering this lifestyle.
• Living Off-Grid is something we’ve dabbled in, appreciating the tranquility it offers. The advantages are clear: freedom, self-reliance, and an unrivaled connection with nature. However, it demands a significant investment in the right equipment, like solar panels and water filtration systems, and a strong willingness to learn.
• Environmental Impact: Living in an RV offers a range of positive environmental aspects compared to a traditional sticks-and-bricks home. The smaller living space in an RV often translates to reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. Additionally, many RVers embrace a minimalist lifestyle, leading to less overall resource consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. RV dwellers frequently engage in off-grid living, utilizing solar panels and other sustainable technologies to generate their power, decreasing reliance on traditional energy sources. Furthermore, the mobility of RV living allows individuals to choose eco-friendly campsites, immerse themselves in natural surroundings, and adopt a closer connection to the environment. This mobile lifestyle often encourages a heightened awareness of one’s ecological impact, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way of life.

Transitioning smoothly towards practical aspects in the next section, it’s important to highlight that adopting an RV lifestyle isn’t just about embracing freedom – it’s also about adjusting to a new set of daily logistics and learning to manage resources wisely.

Life on the Road: Practical Aspects

• Health Care: I remember sitting with Amie, combing through all the considerations that come with transitioning to an RV lifestyle. One topic that came up frequently was how we would manage healthcare on the go. For travelers like us, healthcare options for RV dwellers are a critical piece of the puzzle. Access to telemedicine can been a game-changer, and some insurance plans now cater specifically to those living a nomadic lifestyle. Keeping up with regular check-ups when you pass through larger towns can become part of your yearly routine.
• RV Living with Children: With your eye always on the next horizon, the experiences you will be able to provide for your family comes with unique advantages. RV living with children means education extends beyond the four walls of a classroom, instilling a sense of wonder and adaptability in them. State and National parks can serve as science and history lessons, while campground friendships teach valuable social skills. Many families find camaraderie on the road in RV groups and clubs such as the Fulltime Families community. Amie and I are often envious of young families because of all the tools they have access to for their on-line learning. We didn’t have any of that when Amie home-schooled our kids.
• Mail Forwarding: You can’t forget about the mail. Yes, even in a digital age, managing mail while full-time RVing presents its own set of logistical challenges. Mail forwarding services like the one offered by Escapees RV Club have become our lifeline, ensuring that we receive important documents and parcels no matter where we have our jacks down. We’ve learned the importance of planning ahead and staying organized with deliveries, ensuring there’s always a campground host or a local post office that can hold items for us.
• Wi-Fi Signal Strength: And let’s not overlook the role of technology for comfortable RV living. You can outfit your rig with a robust Wi-Fi booster and cellular data setup that allows you to stay connected for work and personal reasons. The right tech can often mean the difference between a frustrating experience and a fulfilling one. And trust me, as someone who’s had to troubleshoot more than his fair share of tech issues, I’ve made certain our mobile home is as connected as it is cozy.

With the next destination calling, I often reflect on how integral these practical aspects have become to our RV lifestyle. They set the scene for the life you lead, punctuated by breathtaking vistas and the joy of discovery. Yet, perhaps the more mundane matters, like logistics and planning, play an equally crucial role in supporting this life of freedom and adventure.

Choosing Your Path: Logistics and Planning

I learned quickly that choosing the right RV isn’t a decision to take lightly. It’s vital to consider what ‘long-term living’ means for you. For some, it might be a compact space that’s easy to lug around, while for others, like us, it might mean having enough room to comfortably live and work. Here’s where our background really helped us—my expertise in autobody work allowed us to weigh the maintenance aspects confidently, and Amie’s knack for real estate gave us an edge in assessing spaces and features that would fit our lifestyle.

• Working from Home in an RV isn’t just picking a spot with a view—it’s about connectivity and creating a space that can morph into an office. We had to ponder the pros and cons—yes, the views are unbeatable, but then there are internet issues, distractions, and space constraints to consider. This is a daily situation for many, and our vlog viewers often see how we tackle these challenges head-on.
• Campground Amenities: Time and again, we’re reminded of the importance of campground amenities or the lack thereof. When you evaluate campgrounds, think about whether they meet your vital needs, such as power, water, sewer hook-ups and safety. Drawbacks aren’t just inconveniences; sometimes they necessitate a change of plans or even destinations. We have had moved within the campground to a more suitable spot on more than one occasion. I even had a bad feeling one time about a place we were going to camp at, and so I decided to look up the reviews, and they were horrible. Needless to say Amie found us a better spot for the night right away. That was a rare event due to Amie’s detailed planning abilities.
• Legalities of it All: These logistics become more complex when they intersect with legalities. Changing states means new rules and regulations for full-time RVers like us. From vehicle registrations to state taxes and even voting, it’s a legal puzzle that requires due diligence. There are options for establishing a domicile in certain states and careful research, knowing your specific needs, should point in you the best direction for your situation. Our current domicile is in Florida through Escapees RV Club and has worked well for us and our particular needs.

In my years of experience, I’ve learned that preparation isn’t just about the thrill of the open road; it’s also about foreseeing and planning for the myriad of situations you’ll inevitably face. Whether it’s Amie’s hours of meticulous trip planning or my tool kit for impromptu RV repairs, our collective expertise helps paint a realistic picture of full-time RV living for our followers.

Community and Lifestyle

• Embracing a nomadic lifestyle through RV living has led to an abundance of rich personal experiences, as well as a few challenges. Amie and I have adapted to the shifts in social dynamics and found a sense of community that is unique to RV living. The connections made in RV parks, and keeping track of those people we meet on social media sites, have been invaluable, and we’ve seen firsthand the supportive nature of RV communities. The new friends we have made on the road while Full-Time RVing has become the greatest blessing for Amie and I.
• Remote work is a significant aspect of our lives, and while the freedom is unparalleled, we’ve faced challenges such as ensuring consistent internet access and creating work spaces for both Amie and myself. Our vlog, TheRoadRoamers, and now this Blog, Roamers RV Gear showcases these behind-the-scenes aspects of remote work on the go.
• Ensuring RV safety involves a combination of strategic planning and the use of essential safety items. Implementing outside motion lights can be a crucial deterrent, illuminating the surroundings and discouraging potential intruders. Security cameras provide an extra layer of vigilance, offering real-time monitoring and a sense of security when parked in unfamiliar locations. Having a canine companion, like our dog Molly, is an invaluable asset, as dogs not only provide companionship but also serve as reliable alarm systems. Molly’s presence alone acts as a deterrent and enhances our overall sense of security. Regularly communicating your whereabouts with trusted friends or family, choosing well-lit and populated parking spots, and being aware of your surroundings are additional safety measures to consider. By combining technology, strategic planning, and the companionship of a loyal pet, whether you solo RV or with your entire family, these tips can create a safer and more secure living environment on the road.

Closing Thoughts: Living in an RV isn’t just about the places you go; it’s about the lifestyle you lead and the people you meet along the way. It’s living simply, but fully. It’s dealing with maintenance issues on your own terms, like when I have to put my auto body skills to use. It’s about having the expertise from years in real estate to meticulously plan out our trips, as Amie does. It’s about having the RIGHT Camping gear for your RV. If you’re considering this lifestyle, weigh these reflections against your personal circumstances. May your journey be as fulfilling and insightful as ours.

We’ll See You on the Road!

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