After two years of full-time RV living, we’ve noticed a concerning trend – more and more RVers are quietly leaving the lifestyle. While scrolling through RV groups and forums, we keep seeing “For Sale” posts citing similar reasons. Here’s what we’ve learned about the three major challenges forcing RVers to hang up their keys.
Will Your Health Take You Off The Road? The #1 Reason RVers Quit
We’ve learned about health challenges firsthand. Just three months ago, I (Darlene) took a nasty fall off our patio, resulting in a head and neck injury. While I was able to recover thanks to maintaining good physical condition, it was a stark reminder of how quickly health issues can impact RV life.
The “RV 15” is also real – just like the freshman 15! Our first year, Barry, Hugo, and I all gained weight from the excitement of trying local restaurants, craft beers, and campfire drinks. We quickly learned this lifestyle isn’t a vacation – it’s our life. Finding balance is crucial for sustainability.
Staying Healthy on the Road:
- We invested in adjustable dumbbells and exercise bands
- Daily walks (Hugo helps with motivation!)
- Cooking most meals in the RV
- Balancing special occasions with everyday healthy habits
- Maintaining strength for RV setup and maintenance tasks
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Also mentioned in this video:
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Are Rising Costs Forcing RVers To Sell Their Rigs?
The financial landscape of RV living has changed dramatically since we started. Basic RV resorts that were $45/night now command $60-80, pushing more people toward already-crowded state parks and boondocking sites. We’ve adapted by embracing more off-grid camping, which cuts our site costs in half when balanced with occasional resort stays.
We’ve learned to travel slower, typically staying 1-2 weeks in each location. This reduces fuel costs, minimizes wear and tear, and lets us truly experience each area. Insurance costs are another challenge – we’re even considering changing our domicile from Florida to potentially reduce rates.
Here’s a link to our 2023 Budget video.
Then watch how we cut those expenses 63%!
Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Boondocking and solar setup
- Fuel savings with TSD/OpenRoads card
- Extended stays for better rates
- Slower travel pace
- Regular budget reassessment
Why Are Maintenance And Repairs Killing The RV Dream?
With Barry working full-time remotely, dealing with constant maintenance can be overwhelming. We’ve never taken our Alliance RV to a dealership for repairs – horror stories of 6+ week waits made us find alternatives. Instead, we’ve learned to handle most repairs ourselves or use mobile technicians when necessary.
Our approach to maintenance is practical – if it’s not affecting safety or preventing movement, we prioritize and tackle issues gradually. We’ve found manufacturer support crucial – Alliance has been responsive with either factory support or approved mobile techs when needed.
Maintenance Tips:
- Invest in quality tools before hitting the road
- Learn basic repairs through NRVTA training
- Use mobile techs strategically ($125-150/hour)
- Build a relationship with your manufacturer
- YouTube tutorials and RV community support
What We’ve Learned: Making RV Life Sustainable Despite The Challenges
Living full-time in our RV has taught us that preparation and adaptability are key to longevity on the road. While we’re sharing these challenges that are forcing many to quit RV life, we believe most can be managed with the right mindset and planning. Through maintaining our health, embracing boondocking to control costs, and developing our repair skills, we’ve found ways to make this lifestyle sustainable. Remember, RV living isn’t always Instagram-perfect, but understanding these challenges before they arise can help you build a more resilient approach to life on the road. Have questions about any of these topics? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s help each other navigate these challenges together.
