7 Biggest RV Life Mistakes That Cost Us Thousands – Full-Time RV Living

Our biggest full-time RV life mistakes taught us some expensive lessons in our first two years on the road. When we left Florida in our 44-foot toy hauler, we had never even towed an RV before, let alone lived in one. Barry had barely slept in an RV before our first night as full-timers! Looking back now, we can laugh at some of these mistakes, but at the time, they were anything but funny. From flooded offices to tornado encounters, each mishap came with its own price tag and learning curve.

The Poopsie Alert: How a Simple Black Tank Mistake Flooded Our RV Office

One of our most embarrassing mishaps involved the black tank cleaning process. Barry took over the task without fully understanding the procedure – a classic case of not asking for help when needed. The result? A blood-curdling scream from the back of the RV as black tank contents came flooding up through our rear bathroom toilet and into our RV office, soaking the carpet. It took hours to clean, sanitize, and dry everything properly.

• Key Lessons Learned:
• Never rush tank cleaning procedures
• If unsure, ask for help rather than assuming
• Keep cleaning supplies readily available
• Always follow the correct order of operations
• Document proper cleaning procedures for reference
   

Grey Tank Overflow: A Washer/Dryer Learning Experience

Early in our RV journey, we learned an expensive lesson about grey tank management with our washer/dryer combo unit. We forgot to open the grey tank before running a load of laundry, and since the unit drained into our shower, the water had nowhere to go. While we caught the overflow quickly, that “little bit” of water found its way behind the closet door and warped the wood, requiring professional repairs. This experience actually led us to eventually remove the washer/dryer entirely – they’re just not worth the hassle for us.

• Key Lessons Learned:
• Always check grey tank levels before running appliances
• Monitor drainage points during washer cycles
• Inspect for hidden water damage after any spills
• Consider if a washer/dryer is really necessary for your RV lifestyle

   

Don’t Let the Stress of RVing Affect Your Marriage

The first six months of full-time RV living tested our 30-year marriage in ways we never expected. After uprooting our lives, selling our home, and leaving our comfort zones, we found ourselves clashing during stressful moments. Whether it was taking a wrong turn with the rig or struggling with parking, these new challenges put strain on our relationship. What we didn’t realize was that we were each processing our own individual stresses – we missed our routine from before connections, and adjusted to working in smaller spaces and managing a 44-foot toy hauler.

What We Learned About Managing RV Life Stress:

• Give each other grace during the learning curve

• Acknowledge that you’re both experiencing individual stresses

• Take breaks during stressful situations (like parking)

• Remember that the first six months are typically the hardest

• Don’t let momentary frustrations build up into larger issues

• Communicate openly about individual challenges

• Celebrate small victories together

The $300+ Mistake: Why You Should Trust Your Gut About RV Spots

It was a Friday afternoon in Nashville when we faced what would become an infamous moment in our RV journey. We encountered a 90-degree turn and blind back-in with massive boulders lining one side at our campsite. Being new to RVing and still inexperienced with our 44-foot rig, we attempted to thread the needle instead of asking for a different spot. The result? Our brand new 2022 F350’s front left tire scraped along the boulders, ripping off the hubcap and scratching our tires. To make matters worse, when we finally managed to get positioned, our landing gear panel died due to rain exposure during our drive.

The Real Costs:

• $160+ for wheel cover replacement
• Tire damage
• Hours of stress and frustration
• Blocking other campers’ access

What We Should Have Done:

• Asked the office for a different spot
• Trusted our gut when the situation felt wrong
• Been willing to find another campground
• Remembered there’s always another option

Why Weather Timing Matters: Our Double Tornado Wake-Up Call

Despite being Indiana natives, we managed to schedule our visit home during tornado season. The result? Two tornadoes touched down within five miles of our RV in a single day. While we were fortunate to avoid damage, it was a stark reminder of how weather can impact RV life. Even after living in Florida and understanding hurricane seasons, we hadn’t considered seasonal weather patterns in other regions.

Weather Planning Tips We Now Follow:

• Research regional weather patterns before planning trips
• Understand seasonal risks for each area
• Have backup plans ready for severe weather
• Use reliable weather apps for monitoring

Here’s another great video on Weather Risk and Proper Planning

The Expensive Walk-Away: How Forgetting a Final Check Cost Us $500

What started as a wonderful stay at a unique Bayou location turned into an expensive lesson in departure protocols. After dealing with electrical issues and borrowing extension cords, we managed to have a great week. However, when we left, we forgot about $500 worth of equipment – including our Power Watchdog and our only power cable. Though the owner called us 25 minutes down the road, the complicated access meant Barry had to unhitch at a church parking lot, leave Darlene and Hugo there, and drive all the way back in just the truck.

Our New Departure Checklist:

• Walk the entire site before pulling away
• Check all pedestals and hookup areas
• Make sure slides and awnings are in
• Do a second walk-around after pulling forward
• Look over entire camp spot for anything left
• Look in tall grass and hidden areas

You won’t believe what you can forget sometimes.

Get our Setup and Teardown Checklist Here.

If you are interested in the Power Watchdog Surge Protector we showed in the video, here’s the info.

Black Tank Handles: The Repeated Repair That Could Have Been Avoided

Breaking two black tank pull handles taught us an expensive lesson about RV maintenance. These seemingly simple components are made of surprisingly soft metal that’s easy to bend. Improper handling led to multiple mobile tech visits, requiring them to cut open the underbelly and completely replace the mechanisms. These repairs were neither cheap nor quick.

Prevention Tips We’ve Learned:

• Pull handles straight out without pressure up or down
• Use flat palm pressure when pushing back in
• Apply lubricant regularly (we use T9 Shield)
• Never let inexperienced people handle the valves

Consider this task part of regular maintenance

Grab some Boeshield T9 Lubricant here.

The Solar Power Mistake: Why Not Being Self-Sufficient Cost Us Thousands

Our biggest financial regret was not investing in solar and batteries from the start. We didn’t realize how dependent we’d be on expensive campgrounds without these systems. When we started, campground fees were around $40/night – now they’re often $60-75+ for basic spots. After experiencing both lifestyles, we discovered we actually prefer boondocking’s freedom and connection to nature.

Why Solar Matters:

• Provides freedom from campground dependency
• Offers significant long-term cost savings
• Enables enjoyment of more remote locations
• Eliminates check-in/check-out stress
• Creates flexibility in travel plans

Cost Impact:

• Campground fees have increased significantly
• Extended stays at campgrounds add up quickly
• Limited options during peak seasons
• Higher overall monthly expenses

   

Here are TWO Videos that talk more about costs and cutting expenses: