7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Full-Time in an RV
Thinking about full-time RV life? Learn the top 7 things I wish I had known before Full-Time in an RV.
☺️ Living Full-Time in an RV Is a Big Change
RV life looks fun from the outside. And a lot of it is. But the first year can feel like a crash course in everything you didn’t know.
I thought I was ready. I had the checklists. I did the research. I still made mistakes.
Here are seven things I wish someone had told me before I sold everything and hit the road. If you’re planning to live in an RV full-time, these tips can save you time, money, and stress.
🗓 Full-Time RV Life Is a Full-Time Job (At First)
RV living comes with freedom. But getting to that freedom takes work.
At the start, everything takes longer than you expect. Travel days. Setups. Tank dumps. Even grocery runs.
If you’re not used to towing or driving a big rig, the stress can pile on quickly.
You’re also learning how to manage power, water, and campground rules.
RV life for beginners comes with a learning curve. Give yourself time. You’re building a brand-new way of life.
💸 RV Life Is Not Always Cheap
People often say full-time RVing saves money. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it doesn’t.
Fuel is a big cost. So are repairs. Campgrounds can add up fast, especially in busy seasons.
RV maintenance costs come out of your travel budget. And breakdowns happen.
You need a solid budget. Track spending. Keep an emergency fund.
Budgeting for RV life is key to making it long-term. Don’t rely on best-case numbers.
🛠 RVs Break More Than You Think
Your RV is a moving house. Every mile can rattle screws loose and wear things down.
Things will break. Slides. Water pumps. Jacks. You name it.
Knowing basic RV repair is a must. Carry tools and spare parts. Watch videos. Ask questions.
RV maintenance is just part of the lifestyle. It’s easier when you expect it.
Don’t let a busted water heater ruin your week. Be ready to fix or work around things fast.
🧼 You Have to Dump Tanks More Than You’d Like
Let’s talk about the not-so-fun side of RV life. Dumping tanks.
Your black and gray tanks fill up faster than you think. Especially with more than one person.
If you ignore them, you’ll end up with smells or worse.
Learn how your tank sensors work. Dump early. Flush often. Use the right chemicals.
RV waste management is part of the routine. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps life rolling smooth.
🌎 Plans Change. And That’s Okay.
You can plan a perfect route. You can book every stop. Then life says, “Nope.”
Bad weather, road closures, or mechanical problems will mess with your schedule.
You have to be flexible. That’s not always easy if you’re a planner. I get it.
But one of the best parts of RV living is being able to pivot.
RV travel teaches you to go with the flow. And sometimes, those changes lead to the best memories.
🧳 You’ll Pack Too Much (Then Regret It)
Storage is tight in an RV. And every pound matters when you travel.
I brought way too much. Clothes I never wore. Kitchen stuff I didn’t use. Extra gear “just in case.”
It made organizing a nightmare.
RV downsizing is more than decluttering. It’s about choosing what you actually need.
Pack what you use daily. Leave space. You’ll be glad you did.
❤️ The RV Community Is Gold
This one was the best surprise. RVers are some of the kindest, most helpful people you’ll meet.
They’ll offer help at the dump station. They’ll share tools, stories, and campground tips.
Facebook groups, forums, and rallies are great places to learn and connect.
If you get stuck, ask. Someone has been there.
RV living gets easier when you know you’re not alone. Community makes all the difference.
👍 It’s Worth It
Full-time RV life isn’t always easy. But it’s worth it.
You’ll learn more than you expected. You’ll grow stronger and more capable.
Some days will test you. But most days will reward you with freedom, beauty, and connection.
These lessons helped me find my rhythm on the road. I hope they help you start yours.
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