RV life is an exciting opportunity to embrace adventure, potentially lower your living costs significantly, and secure flexibility for your life. Whether you’re considering a full time RV life on the road, or downsizing into an RV in a somewhat stationary position at an RV park, there are many benefits to making the switch.
If you talk to seasoned RVers, you’ll notice there are a few common pieces of advice they will give you. These are some of the things people wish they knew before moving into an RV.
1. Living in an RV isn’t automatically more affordable
Many people are drawn to RV living by the idea that it’s a more affordable alternative to traditional housing. While it’s true that your costs can be lower (e.g. no mortgage, smaller utility bills), the reality is that the expenses can add up and a budget is still important to make sure it fits your goals.
For example, RVs require regular maintenance, and repairs can be costly. Unexpected expenses like engine repairs, tire replacements, or mechanical issues may occur at inconvenient times. Don’t forget to also factor in campground fees, fuel costs, and upgrading your RV for comfort or safety. An RV can certainly be far more affordable than your current home, but to truly make it less expensive you should choose your RV and the place you’ll park wisely.
2. If you don’t want to deal with constant maintenance, be more stationary
One of the challenges of living in an RV is the nearly constant maintenance and repairs that take place when you’re always traveling. Some full time RVers are parked in a different place every few days, and that constant moving can translate to some pretty significant wear and tear.
We recommend either planning (both in your time and your budget) for things to need maintenance on a consistent basis, or planning a more stationary lifestyle where you stay put in one RV park for a long period of time and make day trips in your regular vehicle while leaving the RV parked.
There are also some ways to equip yourself to DIY the maintenance and repairs if you’re mechanically inclined. Learn as much as you can about your specific RV’s systems, and be prepared for frequent maintenance tasks. If you’re serious about living in an RV, you might also consider taking a basic course in RV mechanics and maintenance.
3. There may be connectivity challenges
Another area new RVers sometimes don’t think about it internet and connectivity. While many campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, the service is often slow and unreliable. Depending on where you’re traveling, cellular signals can be weak or nonexistent, making remote work or staying in touch with family and friends a challenge. At our RV park, we do offer Wi-Fi that is pretty reliable, but this is not the case everywhere you go.
For those who work from the road, this can be a serious problem. You may need to invest in cellular boosters, mobile hotspots, or satellite internet to stay reliably connected if you’re going to be on the road most of the time.
4. Weather will impact your life more than you’re used to
The weather plays a much bigger role in your day-to-day life when you’re living in an RV. Because of their small size and limited insulation, RVs are more vulnerable to temperature changes. Hot summers can turn your RV into an oven, while cold winters can make it hard to stay warm. Dealing with rain, snow, and storms requires extra preparation—everything from securing awnings to managing moisture inside to avoid mold.
RVers need to stay on top of weather forecasts, adjust their travel plans based on the seasons, and take extra steps to ensure their RV is properly insulated or ventilated, depending on the climate. You may want to also invest in winterizing your home or buying heated blankets or other winter gear to stay comfortable. In the summers, you’ll want an RV with good ventilation and air conditioning.
5. You need to be proactive to build a community
While RV living offers the freedom to travel and explore, it can also feel isolating at times. Constantly being on the move makes it hard to build lasting connections, especially if you’re frequently traveling solo. While there are communities of full-time RVers who meet up at campgrounds or on social media, some RVers miss the stability and sense of belonging that comes from staying in one place.
On the flip side, many RVers find that RV parks and campgrounds can be a great place to meet new people, share stories, and make friends. The RV community is warm, welcoming, and supportive. For example, at our ranch and RV park, guests stay for at least one month and enjoy common interests and a welcoming community.
Ready to learn more about living in an RV in the Dallas area? We have a beautiful RV park with all the amenities you need, including:
- Fenced dog park
- Wash house
- Fire pits
- Picnic areas
- On site laundry
- Vending machines
- On-site management
- Pet friendly animals
We are a friendly, welcoming ranch and RV park, where you’re welcome to feed or interact with our animals, get to know your neighbors, and make yourself at home. Check our availability or contact us any time to learn more.