So You’re Going To Live In An Rv…

When you make the decision to live in an RV there are a lot of thoughts that run through your head about exactly HOW to do such a thing. 

If you have never owned an RV and you are doing this for that first time, you will most definitely have some challenges along the way and that’s okay, so do we!. 

What we want to do is give you some information that FT RV’rs would give to you that can help you make decisions and encourage your commitment to changing your lifestyle and join the family of people that are already out there.

How To Prepare To Live In An Rv

Familiarize yourself with all RV options, use a checklist, and get confident with your choice to go full time and have ways to create power in knowing how to connect with other travelers.

There is a lot to know before you get in an RV, fill it up with all of your things and get ready to go with your life in tow. 

The very first thing you need to do is know that you got this! and then… Go over this list of things to help you out! 

• Rent an RV
• Research Your RV Options
• Buy Used
• Save Money Early On
• Have A 5 Year Plan
• Live With Less

Rent  An RV Before You Buy

If you have never been in an RV let alone prepared to live in one, you may consider renting first to dip your toe instead of jump right in. 

This is a great tip! One reason is that you could get used to how the RV functions and will get a full rundown on how it works. What is the owner trying to protect in their contract and why is that important? 

When you rent you can also ‘feel’ out the movement, how to adjust the leveling, and all the little things you just don’t know until you are actually inside of one is an awesome upper hand.

Try Them All

• Travel Trailer
• 5th Wheel 
• Motorcoach
• Skoolie

Depending on what you have and what type of traveling or living you want to do will all depend on your type of vehicle you have. 

For example if you already own a pickup truck you may opt to travel in a bumper pull trailer or a 5th wheel.

 If you want to own a Motorcoach but they seem too pricey, maybe you want to look at a skoolie, if money is no object and you want to travel on a larger scale a motorcoach might be up your alley.

Research Your RV Options

You don’t need to actually take each RV out on the road but you should definitely sit in the RV and look around to see if it has everything you could live with. 

Sometimes you can find that less is more or that you are more comfortable in a motorcoach rather than with a Travel trailer, look at all of your options and check reviews where possible.

What to look for

• Sit in the RV opened and closed to see what is accessible 
• Check out Storage and Capabilities 
• Comfortable with the size

Buy Your Rv Used

The biggest benefit of buying an RV used is affordability, just like a car they depreciate in value almost instantly.  

Finding something used but still in great shape would be great for your budget, let the original owner take the brunt of the loss.

You do however get warranties when you buy new and you’re the first to sleep in them, which for some is actually a big deal.

How to buy an older RV

• Buy 5 years old or newer for less wear
• Get an inspection especially when buying privately
• Look for repo or bank-owned

Save Money Before You RV Full Time

Creating a budget you can live with before you hit the road it will help you navigate where you’re going. Some RV camping locations are expensive or require a membership, keep that in mind when you want to spend a little more on luxury.  

Knowing what you have and what you can use financially is very important with life on the go. 

As a home in some ways, most complications come with a pretty large price tag minimum would be a tire change at a couple of hundred dollars but if you get into batteries and engine problems it can add up. 

If you prepare, unexpected disasters won’t put a damper on your route.

Why Save

• Avoid overspending
• Emergency funds
• Planning Ahead

5 Year Plan For RV Living

Having a plan is almost as important as a GPS when you are beginning a new normal. Figure out what the next steps you’ll have for your future will be. 

When going into living tiny or having a life on the road, always have your life plan in mind. 

Knowing what your goal is and having them in place can help you achieve all of your bucket lists! This is for you to stay on top of your life in motion. 

Have a reason why

• Becoming debt-free
• Upgrading your RV
• Travel outside of your country
• Following your ancestry
• Visit every national park

Living with Less In your RV

Most of your downsizing will be your clothing and for most that will be the easiest thing. 

The harder things to live without are kitchen appliances and while you don’t have to rid yourself of them, you will have to decide which ones are most important. Counter space is usually minimal. 

When you get out into your RV you’ll find that you can live with less and some of the things you keep around aren’t even necessary. 

Must Haves 

• Have a few pairs of shoes sandals, boots, sneakers
• Bring what you use daily and weekly
• Save room for water

Encouragement  and Tips For Living Full Time In An RV

It’s nice to have tips and words of encouragement from others who are doing exactly what you want to do because most of the people in your life won’t be so accepting.

 Most people hear negative and unwelcoming comments when they are younger than a “normal” retirement age when they choose this life.

Unknowing can deter a person from trying because it does sound challenging and difficult at times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn and that it isn’t completely possible to do for ANYONE, single, coupled, with a family, it can and is being done!

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney

Freedom

The freedom to live where and how you want!. You don’t have to pay for an HOA or deal with annoying neighbors (not for long anyway).

Being able to choose where your backyard is, or just share with friends & family.

You can also travel for holidays as you please rather than deal with those tricky airlines.

Network With Others

Talking to people in your temporary community can create long-lasting relationships. Get out there and make conversations, ask to borrow something, or share with others. This can help you learn more about your travel technique and help you provide insight as well. 

Patience

Have patience with yourself and others. Things do not always work out as planned. If you’re having trouble parking or learning the tricks of the trade just know that it gets easier each time. Have a sense of humor when you and others make mistakes, it makes the harder times easier and more memorable. 

Just Do It!

The advice is simple. If you have a desire to live your life in an RV just try it out and see how you like it.  Sometimes the easiest advice is the best,  not too complicated. If you like the lifestyle it may become your future, if not it can be a stepping stone on your journey. 

Upgrade Your RV Battery Power

You may find that your battery power is degrading quickly. When you are connected to shore power it will slowly charge your battery. 

If you are using an RV fulltime you may need a larger battery bank or a  when you move into FT living and this is from over-usage. 

Shore power doesn’t power everything and that is hard to grasp when you’re just starting out. 

You can upgrade your battery power by adding extra batteries and a converter to withstand your power needs.

What Does My RV Need To Travel?

Your travel trailer or motorhome may already have some of the basics contained in this list, however not even new rigs will have everything.

You’ll want to be sure you’re equipped with everything you need out on the road and while you’re parked. 

Take a look at the checklist we have provided and feel free to add your own.

Checklist For Beginners Full Time RVing

✓	Surge protector
	Electrical adapters 15/30
	Bottled water
	Sewer kit
	RV toilet paper /Toilet cleansers
	Water pressure regulator
	Freshwater hose
	Leveling blocks
	Wheel chocks
	Extension cords
	Emergency road kit
	Shovel
	Distilled Water
	Back-Up Battery
	Fire extinguisherToilet cleansers
	Motor oil and transmission fluid
	Jumper Cables
	Rv Wash kit
	Portable heater
	Battery Tester/Charger

Final Thoughts:

Going into RV life can be a scary process but luckily for you, you won’t be pioneering the idea! There are so many helpful RV’rs out there and most of them are on youtube cataloging their experiences and what they have done to make life easier.  I have also noticed that there are apps that help finding dump stations and also campgrounds and what they will accommodate (hook ups, etc..)

When you are searching on Youtube for people who full time RV just type that into the search bar ‘Full time rv’ and you’ll find a row of videos to choose from. It’s an extremely helpful source. 

If you are looking for apps on your phone you can type in campgrounds and again; you’ll find a few apps to choose from, there will be a brief description about what the app provides. 

All things considered, it may not be the easiest process but change rarely is. We hope to see you out there someday!