Full-time RV life has been an incredible journey for us, filled with breathtaking adventures and unexpected challenges. When we first hit the road two years ago, we had no idea how much our lives would change. Now, we’re pulling back the curtain on the most frequently asked questions about this nomadic lifestyle. From managing internet on the road to navigating the intricacies of domicile and mail forwarding, we’re here to share our experiences and insights to help you decide if full-time RVing is right for you.
How Nervous Were We to Leave Our Sticks-and-Bricks for Full-Time RV Living?
When we first contemplated the leap into full-time RV living, our nervousness was off the charts – easily an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! It’s a monumental step, especially considering we had never owned an RV before. We sold almost everything, only keeping our house as a rental for the first year as a safety net. While we weren’t particularly attached to our possessions, the transition to RV life presented a steep learning curve.
The first six months were particularly challenging. There are emotional, mental, and relationship aspects that many don’t discuss, but they’re very real. We’ve made videos about this transition period, which we highly recommend watching. If you can navigate those initial months, you’ll likely do just fine. The anticipation is exciting, but the reality of becoming full-time nomads can be overwhelming at first. Our advice? Embrace the journey, knowing that the rewards are truly great once you settle into the lifestyle.
Here are a couple of related videos you may want to check out:
https://youtu.be/8Y1J_ai48oU
Internet on the Road: Is Starlink a Must for Full-Time RVers?
For us, reliable internet is non-negotiable as we work full-time on the road. After extensive experience, we can confidently say that Starlink is a must-have for full-time RVers, especially those who work remotely. Here’s why:
- Reliability: In over two years, we’ve only been unable to use Starlink once.
- Coverage: It works in remote locations, from high mountains to desert landscapes.
- Speed: It provides ample bandwidth for work, streaming, and other online activities.
We do maintain a backup option with T-Mobile’s home internet, but Starlink is our go-to. While there are other options available, we’ve found Starlink to be the most consistent and reliable for our needs. If you’re planning to work on the road, we strongly recommend budgeting for multiple internet options, with Starlink as your primary solution.
Domicile and Mail Management: Navigating the Nomadic Lifestyle
One of the biggest challenges of full-time RV living is managing your domicile and mail. After our first year on the road, we needed a new solution as we could no longer use our rented-out house for mail. We chose Escapees RV Club for our mail service, which provides:
- A domicile address (we chose Florida, but they also offer Texas and South Dakota)
- Mail scanning services
- Mail forwarding options
For official documents and government correspondence, we use our Florida domicile address. However, our mailing address is in Texas. This setup hasn’t caused any issues for us. The scanning service allows us to view our mail remotely and decide whether to have it forwarded, scanned in full, or shredded.
As for packages, it can be trickier. We’ve used various solutions:
- RV park reception (some charge, some don’t)
- General delivery at post offices (call ahead to confirm)
- UPS or FedEx stores (usually charge per package)
- Amazon lockers (where available)
Always ask about package policies when staying at RV parks, and be prepared to get creative when boondocking in remote areas.
📧 Escapees Mail Service https://www.escapees.com/refer/Like+There%27s+No+Tomorrow
The Reality of “Together Time”: Managing Relationships in a Tiny Home on Wheels
Living in a small space 24/7 with your partner can be challenging, even for the closest couples. We’ve found that managing “together time” is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship on the road. Here are some strategies that work for us:
- Take solo walks or outings: A simple walk with the dog or a solo grocery run can provide much-needed alone time.
- Pursue separate hobbies: Barry enjoys fishing with his inflatable boat, while Darlene might enjoy reading or exploring town.
- Respect each other’s space: Even in a small RV, it’s important to create personal zones.
- Communicate openly: Discuss feelings and needs regularly to prevent tension from building up.
Remember, it’s normal to need space sometimes. The key is finding a balance that works for both partners and respecting each other’s needs for solitude and togetherness.
From Walmart to Small-Town Grocers: The Truth About Shopping on the Road
Grocery shopping while full-time RVing can be an adventure in itself. We’ve experienced everything from well-stocked Walmarts to tiny, overpriced small-town markets. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Plan ahead: If you’re heading to a remote area, stock up in larger towns first.
- Be flexible: You might not always find your preferred brands or specialty items.
- Budget accordingly: Small-town grocers can be significantly more expensive.
- Use Walmart for one-stop shopping: We often rely on Walmart for reasonable prices and variety.
- Embrace local markets: While sometimes pricier, they can offer unique local products.
We’ve learned to balance convenience, cost, and availability. Sometimes, paying a premium for that emergency coffee in a small town is worth it, but we try to plan our major shopping trips around larger towns with more options and better prices.
Mapping Our Journey: Travel Day Lengths and Planning Our Next Destinations
As full-time working RVers, our travel style is a bit different from retirees or vacation RVers. Here’s how we approach travel days and planning:
- We typically move only on weekends due to our work schedules.
- Our ideal drive time is around 2 hours, with 4 hours being our usual maximum.
- Occasionally, we’ll do longer drives if necessary to reach a specific destination.
- We use RV Life Trip Wizard for planning our routes and stays.
Get a 7-Day Free trial- RV Life Trip Wizard – https://tripwizard.rvlife.com/#65e9f6ad793ec
For planning, we:
- Mark important dates and locations (like family events) on our calendar first.
- Fill in the gaps with interesting destinations and new adventures.
- Try to stay at each location for about two weeks to balance exploration and work.
Remember, everyone’s travel style is different. You’ll find what works best for you as you gain more experience on the road. The key is to remain flexible and open to new experiences while balancing your work and travel needs.
As we reflect on our two years of full-time RV living, we’re continually amazed by the experiences we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learned. While this lifestyle comes with its unique set of challenges, the rewards of freedom, adventure, and personal growth are immeasurable. Whether you’re seriously considering making the leap or just curious about life on the road, we hope our insights have given you a realistic glimpse into the world of full-time RVing. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this lifestyle – it’s all about finding what works best for you and embracing the journey. So, are you ready to hit the road and start your own RV adventure?
