Full-time RV living is the ultimate way to hit the road and see the world, but it's not always a smooth ride. Trust me, I should know – I've been living in an RV for over a year now, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. But, like anything in life, with a little bit of preparation, a a lot of perserverance and a dash of humor, you can make it work.
First and foremost, let's talk about the elephant in the room: space. Or lack thereof. When you're living in an RV, you quickly learn the true meaning of "less is more." You'll be amazed at how quickly you can downsize your life, but it's not always easy. My advice? Get creative with storage solutions. I've been known to use shower caddies as pantry organizers and bungee cords to keep my kitchen utensils in place. And let's not even get started on the "great toilet paper debate" – is it worth sacrificing precious storage space for a 12-pack of toilet paper? The answer is yes, always yes.
Maintenance is a crucial aspect of RV living, and it encompasses everything from changing the oil to fixing a leaky faucet. If you're not a whiz with tools, don't worry! It's time to put on your tool belt, and learn the ropes. Trust me, you don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken-down RV. But, don't let that scare you. I like to think of maintenance as a bonding experience with your RV, a chance to give her the TLC she deserves. Plus, there's nothing more satisfying than being able to fix something on your own. If you're looking to be a pro, SAIT offers a RV tech course to get ceritified.
Of course, the best part of RV living is the freedom to see new places and make new memories. But, it's important to remember that not all campgrounds are created equal. Do your research before you set off on your adventure. Trust me, there's nothing worse than arriving at a campground only to find out that it's located next to a sewage treatment plant. Ew. And don't even get me started on the "campground neighbors from hell" – you know the ones, the ones who think it's acceptable to play country music at full volume at 3am. My advice? Invest in a good set of earplugs and a "campground etiquette" sign for your RV. Also be sure you understand the climate where you decide to set up your home. Winter RV camping can be a fun experience if you are prepared - but don't let it catch you off guard. Do your research!
Despite all of the challenges, full-time RV living is an adventure like no other. You'll meet interesting people, discover beautiful places, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about!
So, if you're thinking about hitting the road and living the RV life, go for it! Just remember, it's not always going to be easy, but in the end, it's definitely going to be worth it. Oh, and one last piece of advice – always have a roll of duct tape on hand. You never know when you might need it.