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Living full-time in an RV comes with unexpected challenges that rarely make it into the glossy social media posts. After 2.5 years on the road, we’ve experienced the realities behind the common misconceptions. Here’s what we’ve learned about the less-discussed aspects of RV life.
Lie #1: “RV Life is Cheaper Than a House”
After two and a half years on the road, we’ve learned that RV life isn’t automatically cheaper – it’s all about your choices. Staying stationary in one spot? Sure, that could save you money. But if you’re dreaming of exploring the country, costs vary widely. High-end resorts with amenities can run $100+ per night ($3,000/month), comparable to a house payment. More affordable options include:
- State Parks/Partial Hookups: $15-35/night
- Boondocking: Free
- Basic Private Campgrounds: $35-60/night
Additional costs to consider:
- Fuel costs (especially when traveling frequently)
- RV-specific insurance
- Internet solutions and subscriptions
- Regular maintenance and repairs
- Higher food costs (limited storage = more frequent shopping)
- Activity and entertainment expenses in new locations
Lie #2: “RV Maintenance is Simple”
Just recently, our furnace decided to quit. After attempting three different fixes ourselves, we ended up calling a mobile tech who charged over $400 to repair two unexpected issues – something he’d “never seen before.” That’s RV life in a nutshell. These rigs combine house systems with vehicle mechanics, creating unique maintenance challenges that often require specialized knowledge and parts.
When you’re living full-time in an RV, maintenance isn’t just an occasional thing – it’s a regular part of life. Unlike a house where you might go weeks or months without issues, RVs are constantly moving, shaking, and experiencing stress. We’ve learned to budget both money and patience for:
- Regular preventive maintenance
- Emergency repairs (often in remote locations)
- Higher labor costs for RV specialists
- Hard-to-find parts and longer wait times
- Multiple systems needing attention (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, engine)
The reality is: if you’re not comfortable with constant maintenance and repair challenges, this lifestyle might not be for you. It’s not about if something will break – it’s about when. Building a solid emergency fund for repairs isn’t just smart – it’s essential.
Lie #3: “Setup and Teardown is Quick and Easy”
That promise of “having a beer within minutes” of arrival? Not our reality. With our toy hauler and full-time setup, it’s more like 30-60 minutes minimum. We have to unpack the garage area just to access Barry’s office space, and with full-time living, we simply carry more gear than weekend travelers.
Smaller rigs with fewer slides and minimal extras will naturally have faster setup times. But for us, the process involves:
- Leveling (often requiring blocks due to uneven sites)
- Multiple slide-outs
- Unpacking garage space
- Setting up outdoor living area
- Managing utility connections
- Internet setup (Starlink positioning, cellular boosters)
- Weather mitigation (rain, wind, extreme temperatures)
Challenging weather adds another layer of complexity:
- Rain makes everything slippery and miserable
- High winds can make slides dangerous to operate
- Extreme heat or cold requires additional setup steps
- Mud or soft ground can complicate leveling
We once arrived at a site at night (never recommended) with ditches on both sides and a tree blocking our truck swing. After struggling to thread that needle, we gave up and headed to a casino parking lot instead. The lesson? Site selection and setup complexity varies greatly based on your rig size and full-time status. What looks simple in YouTube videos often isn’t in real life.
Lie #4: “Working From the Road is Easy”
Having worked remotely since 2006, we knew separate workspaces were essential – which drove our RV choice. We specifically selected a toy hauler where Barry could use the garage as his office while I have my dedicated workspace. Sharing a kitchen table or couch isn’t feasible with dual monitors and frequent Zoom calls. Both spaces need reliable internet, so we maintain Starlink and T-Mobile as backup systems.
Key work challenges:
- Choosing the right RV layout for dedicated workspaces
- Managing multiple time zones while maintaining work hours
- Dealing with background noise (neighbors, outside activity)
- Internet reliability and backup systems
- Power management for office equipment
- Planning around travel days
Lie #5: “Weather is Never Really an Issue”
Yesterday it was 40 degrees in Florida – not exactly what we signed up for. Weather impacts everything from travel plans to basic comfort. We’ve faced tornadoes in Indiana, 70mph winds in California, and flood warnings while boondocking. RVs are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather:
- Limited insulation against temperature extremes
- High wind sensitivity
- No basement shelter for severe storms
- Freezing pipe risks
- Storm safety concerns
The key is building flexibility into your travel plans. We’ve learned to:
- Plan routes around seasonal weather patterns
- Keep indoor activity options ready
- Stay longer in favorable conditions
- Have backup destinations ready
- Monitor weather alerts closely
- Be ready to move if conditions threaten safety
The RV lifestyle requires adaptability – sometimes that perfect beach day becomes a museum visit, or that mountain stay gets cut short due to early snow. Success comes from embracing the unexpected rather than fighting it.
Lie #6: “All Campsites are Spacious & Beautiful”
Reality: Popular destinations often mean tight spaces and close neighbors. Florida campgrounds especially try to maximize capacity, meaning you might hear your neighbor’s conversation through the walls. Those Instagram-perfect photos of secluded campsites? They exist, but they’re not the norm.
Campground experiences vary widely:
- High-traffic areas: Minimal space, lots of noise
- State Parks: Generally more spacious but harder to book
- New RV parks: Often lack mature trees/shade, parking lot feel
- Boondocking: Maximum space, minimal amenities
- Premium views = Premium prices
- Pet challenges: Barking dogs, limited pet areas
- Seasonal differences: Packed in winter, spacious in summer
- Site quality varies even within the same campground
What we’ve learned: Research thoroughly, read recent reviews, and understand that photos can be deceiving. Some of our best experiences have been in less popular locations, and we’ve learned to value peace and space over fancy amenities. Sometimes that means choosing a more basic campground with larger sites over a resort-style park where everyone’s packed together.
Lie #7: “You’ll Live in Harmony with Nature” Nature isn’t just scenic views – it’s mice, bugs, and weather extremes. We’ve dealt with mice invasions, scorpions, and endless bug encounters. Our dog Hugo once got violently sick from eating something during a quick desert walk. Living in nature means constant vigilance:
- Dealing with unexpected pest invasions
- Wildlife encounters near your RV
- Bug problems varying by region
- Weather exposure challenges
- Pet safety in new environments
Solutions we’ve found effective:
- Mouse-proof your RV before problems start
- Research local wildlife for each location
- Keep updated records of nearby vets
- Carry basic pet first aid supplies
- Plan around bug seasons when possible
Lie #8: “Healthcare on the Road is Easy” Healthcare requires careful planning when mobile. Some medications, especially controlled substances, can be challenging to manage across state lines. Many doctors won’t prescribe remotely, and finding new providers takes time.
What we’ve learned works:
- Schedule routine care during planned stationary periods
- Use The Joint for affordable nationwide chiropractic care
- Keep digital copies of all medical records
- Build relationships with mobile-friendly providers
- Consider mail-order prescriptions when possible
Lie #9: “Getting Mail & Packages is Simple”
While Escapees handles our mail efficiently, package delivery presents constant challenges. Amazon doesn’t deliver everywhere, and many campgrounds restrict package acceptance. California has strict regulations about what can be shipped, and timing deliveries with travel can be tricky.
Daily challenges include:
- Limited Amazon locker availability
- Package timing vs. travel schedules
- Finding acceptance locations
- State shipping restrictions
- Lost packages due to timing
What works for us:
- UPS and FedEx stores accept packages for a fee (always call to verify)
- Research campground package policies ahead
- Use Amazon lockers for eligible items
- Build relationships with local shipping stores
- Schedule important deliveries during longer stays
- Plan package needs around your travel schedule
Pro tip: When boondocking, we often scout nearby towns for shipping locations before we need them. Having a plan for packages before they become urgent saves headaches later.
Lie #10: “It’s Easy to Make Lasting Friendships”
The RV community is incredibly friendly, but building lasting connections takes effort. As nomads, our paths rarely cross naturally with others. While you’ll meet plenty of friendly people, converting those meetings into lasting friendships requires intentional effort.
Making connections work:
- Be proactive about planning meetups
- Join RV events and rallies
- Participate in campground activities
- Use social media to track friends’ travels
- Stay longer in social locations
- Maintain communication with RV friends
- Plan future meetups along travel routes
The reality is that building and maintaining friendships takes more effort on the road, but the connections you make can be incredibly rewarding. It’s about quality over quantity and being intentional with your social planning.
