There are a lot of misconceptions about full-time RV living. If you’re thinking about jumping into this lifestyle, here are a few things you should know.
Misconception #1: You Have to Be Rich or Retired
A lot of people have this idea that the only people who can afford this lifestyle are those who don’t need to work. Maybe they’ve made a lot of money and had a very successful career as a doctor or lawyer. Or maybe they’re in their 60s and have retired from working.
While we certainly meet people who are rich or retired, it isn’t a requirement. A lot of full-time RVers still work!
Some of them work for companies that allow remote work. As long as they can get an internet connection, the employee is fine. Others are freelancers or independent contractors that make their schedules. Or you can choose to work at a local company, such as a local restaurant. Full-time RV living doesn’t have to conflict with work!
Misconception #2: The Full-Time RV Lifestyle is a 24/7 Vacation
Some people looking at this lifestyle think it’s always going to be easy. Who doesn’t want a full-time vacation?
Unfortunately, that’s not reality. Problems will come up regularly.
- You need to keep the RV clean
- You need to do daily chores such as washing dishes and laundry
- You may be working (as we just talked about)
- The RV or your car may need maintenance
- You may have trouble finding a campground or a dump station
While it’s a great lifestyle, just be aware that these things happen!
Misconception #3: You Have Freedom to Easily Travel
One thing you may find is it can sometimes be tough to find a campground in your target area. The summer is particularly difficult! A lot of people are traveling during the summer since that’s when kids are out of school.
Your best bet is to do a little planning before you pick up and go. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a Walmart parking lot for a night or two before you’re able to get a more permanent spot.
Misconception #4: Full-Time RV Living is Quiet and Secluded
There’s more than one type of RV lifestyle, but most people tend to stay at RV campgrounds. These facilities are great since they offer bathrooms, showers, electricity, wifi, etc. They may even have things like a restaurant, general store, pool, game room, or other fun things to make life easier for you.
The thing is, other people will be staying at the campground too! Yes, you will have neighbors. And just like when you’re living in a neighborhood, you’ll meet all kinds of different types of people.
Some will go to bed at 8 pm and you’ll never see them hang around outside their RV. Others have a more social RV lifestyle where they like to sit around outside and invite everyone they see to sit around the fire and drink a beverage or two.
You can choose whichever type of lifestyle you want. Just know that if you’re going to an RV park, you may end up at a campground where you’re parked right next to some loud, social neighbors!
Misconception #5: Every Stop is a Beautiful, Scenic One
If you are moving around often, you can’t expect every stop to have a gorgeous view of a National Park. You will spend some nights in a Walmart parking lot or a rest area. You may find yourself at a boring campsite that doesn’t seem to have anything special around it.
While it’s nice that you do have the freedom to stay in some great places, it won’t always be sunshine and rainbows!
Misconception #6: It’s Easy to Save Money
The RV lifestyle can be more expensive than you think.
If you’re paying for a spot at a campground, you’ll usually pay around $30 per night. Over a month, that’s $900. On top of that, you need to account for all of the other costs of just living: food, gas, RV payment, car payment, etc.
Granted, maintaining an RV will likely be cheaper than maintaining a house. But these costs still add up, so make a budget before you jump in!
