Why We Left Our Florida Home for Living Full-Time In An RV
Two years ago, we were living what many would call a perfect life in Sarasota, Florida. We both had full-time jobs, and Barry was also the leader of a very popular band throughout Florida. I (Darlene) had built a fun side business as a strolling entertainer. With a beautiful home where we’d raised our kids, life was good – but we were busy. Too busy. Between our full-time jobs, side businesses, weekend gigs, and trying to find time for what we truly loved – travel, adventure, and exploring new places – we felt like ships passing in the night. With our youngest heading to college, we found ourselves asking: “Is this it?”
That’s when we discovered there was a whole world of people living full-time in RVs. Within 10 months, we sold everything, leased our home, and hit the road in our Alliance toy hauler with our rescue dog Hugo. Little did we know how completely this decision would transform our lives.
The Unexpected Joys That Changed Everything
Living in our RV has opened doors we never imagined. Instead of cramming experiences into two-week vacations (one for Christmas in Indiana, one for a Florida cruise), we’re now exploring places like Utah’s national parks and the Oregon Coast. We’ve had countless “pinch me” moments, like sitting by a campfire on a random Wednesday, realizing this amazing spot is our backyard for the week.
The biggest surprise? How this lifestyle has deepened our relationships. We can now spend three weeks visiting family in Indiana, really connecting instead of rushing through holiday visits. We’ve rekindled friendships spanning 30 years, spending quality time with people we’d only kept up with on Facebook. From week-long stays with our best friend in Santa Barbara to spontaneous meetups across the country, we’re creating deeper connections than ever before.
The Reality Checks of Full-Time RV Life
Let’s be real – RVs break. A lot. Within just the last 72 hours, our inverter started overheating, and we’re troubleshooting furnace issues. The “Mr. Fix-it” role isn’t optional in this lifestyle, and while the learning curve can be steep, the satisfaction of solving problems ourselves (and saving on those $150/hour mobile tech fees) makes it worthwhile.
That’s why we’re seriously considering joining NRVTA’s Training Academy (we already have the online course and LOVE it!) – they offer both hands-on training events and online courses that walk you through everything from electrical to plumbing systems. Some of our friends have completed the in-person training and rave about how valuable it is. Even if you don’t want to tackle everything at once, having access to specific training modules when issues arise is incredibly helpful.
Get 30% OFF NRVTA Courses using this link and the code LTNT30 at checkout!
Travel stress is real, especially when balancing full-time work with movement days. Just yesterday, we had a close call with diesel fuel in remote Texas, reminding us that even simple things like finding a gas station become more complex with a 44-foot toy hauler. These moments can test any relationship, but they’ve ultimately made us stronger and more patient with each other.
How Living Full-Time in an RV Transformed Us
The biggest change? Our perspective on “stuff.” Selling everything was initially daunting, but now we laugh about how little we miss our possessions. I still enjoy browsing Target with my Starbucks, but now I find every reason NOT to buy things – where would we put it? This minimalist mindset has been unexpectedly freeing.
We’ve also learned to handle curveballs with grace. Whether it’s my serious fall in Wyoming that changed our travel plans, or adapting to job changes on the road, we’ve discovered a resilience we didn’t know we had. This lifestyle has taught us to slow down, appreciate the moments, and find joy in the journey – even when it includes unexpected detours.
Ready to Start Your Own RV Journey?
After two years on the road, we can honestly say that despite the challenges, this lifestyle has been worth every moment. Yes, there are trade-offs, but the freedom to explore, connect, and live life on our own terms far outweighs the occasional stress of travel days or RV repairs.
That’s exactly why we created “Your Path to Full-Time Freedom.”
Think back to when we started – we spent countless hours researching, watching videos, and making expensive mistakes along the way. We built this comprehensive course to be everything we wish we had when we began our journey. From handling your mail and choosing a domicile to managing your finances and maintaining your rig, we cover every aspect of transitioning to full-time RV life.
But it’s more than just a course. You’ll also join our private Facebook community where you’re surrounded by others who are either planning their transition or already living the life. No judgment, no silly questions – just real support from people who understand exactly what you’re going through. We’re there too, actively answering questions and sharing insights from our ongoing journey.
Whether you’re planning to hit the road this year or five years from now, this course will help you avoid costly mistakes and build a solid foundation for your full-time RV life. We’ve packaged everything we’ve learned – both the victories and the hard lessons – into a resource that will save you time, money, and stress.
🔥 Special Offer:
We’re currently offering a discount plus 2 months free access to our Private Facebook Group for the next 9 people who join! Learn more about Your Path to Full-Time Freedom
