Two years ago, we took the plunge into full-time RV living, selling our suburban home and most of our possessions to embrace a life of adventure on the open road. It’s been a wild ride filled with breathtaking highs and challenging lows, and we’ve learned more about ourselves and each other than we ever thought possible. As we reflect on our journey, we can’t help but ask: Was it all worth it? In this blog post, we’re laying it all out there – the good, the bad, and the unexpected – to help you decide if full-time RV living might be the right choice for you.
Our Journey: From Suburban Life to Full-Time RV Living
Two years ago, we made the life-changing decision to transition from our busy suburban life in Sarasota, Florida, to full-time RV living. As empty nesters with our youngest heading off to college, we found ourselves asking, “Is this it?” We were caught in a cycle of constant busyness. Full-time jobs plus – Barry with his popular band, Reverend Barry and the Funk, and Darlene with her unique strolling wine entertainment business – but we weren’t truly living the life we dreamed of.
Our transition to full-time RV living wasn’t just about changing our physical home; it was about transforming our entire lifestyle. We went from:
- A spacious house to a 44-foot toy hauler
- Predictable routines to new adventures every day
- Limited vacation time to the freedom to explore at our own pace
- Being tied to one location to having the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere
While the change was drastic, it allowed us to incorporate fun and exploration into our daily lives, rather than cramming all our adventures into a few weeks of vacation each year.
Is Full-Time RV Living Worth the Distance from Family?
One of the biggest concerns for many considering full-time RV living is the distance it creates from family. For us, this was a significant consideration, especially with our daughter starting college. We had to ask ourselves if it was worth taking away her childhood home and creating a situation where she’d have to fly to wherever we were for visits.
Here’s what we’ve learned about managing family relationships while full-time RVing:
- Communication is key – we make sure to have regular video calls with family
- Planning is essential – we coordinate our travel schedule to spend quality time with family when possible
- Flexibility is crucial – we’ve had to be prepared to change our plans for family emergencies
While there have been challenging moments, like when Barry had to fly back for his stepdad’s funeral while Darlene stayed with the RV, we’ve found ways to make it work. In fact, we’ve discovered that we can sometimes spend more quality time with family now than when we were tied to a traditional home and limited vacation time.
Friends and Community: Is the Nomadic Lifestyle Worth the Social Trade-offs?
Leaving behind established friendships and community connections is another significant aspect of transitioning to full-time RV living. We’ve had to adapt to a new way of socializing and building relationships on the road.
Here’s what we’ve experienced:
- Saying goodbye to long-term friendships and community roles can be emotional
- Meeting new people is frequent, but maintaining long-term connections can be challenging
- RV communities and events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals
- Social media and technology help us stay in touch with friends old and new
While the nomadic lifestyle can sometimes feel lonely, we’ve found that it’s opened up opportunities to form connections with people from all walks of life. We’ve met fellow RVers at campgrounds, attended RV community events, and even reconnected with friends across the country that we wouldn’t have been able to visit as often in our previous life.
Relationship Challenges: Is Full-Time RV Living Worth the Potential Drama?
Living in close quarters 24/7 can undoubtedly put strain on any relationship. After 30+ years of marriage, we thought we knew each other well, but full-time RV living has brought new challenges and opportunities for growth in our relationship.
Some of the relationship challenges we’ve faced include:
- Adapting to constant togetherness after years of independent schedules
- Managing stress and frustrations in a small living space
- Learning to communicate effectively during high-pressure situations (like backing into a tight campsite)
- Finding ways to maintain individual identities and interests while sharing most experiences
We’ve had our share of arguments and tense moments, but we’ve also found that overcoming these challenges together has strengthened our relationship. It’s crucial to be patient, understanding, and willing to work through issues as they arise. If you’re considering full-time RV living as a couple, it’s important to be honest about your relationship’s strengths and weaknesses before making the leap.
Daily Realities: Is Full-Time RV Living Worth the Hassles?
Full-time RV living comes with its own set of unique challenges and hassles that you don’t encounter in a traditional home. From constant setup and teardown to managing limited resources, there are plenty of aspects that can test your patience.
Some of the daily hassles we’ve encountered include:
- Frequent moving days that can be exhausting and time-consuming
- Dealing with RV maintenance and unexpected repairs
- Managing water, electricity, and waste in limited-resource situations
- Adapting to varying climates and weather conditions
- Navigating unfamiliar roads and finding suitable camping spots
While these challenges can be frustrating, we’ve found that they’ve also made us more resourceful and adaptable. The key is to develop systems and routines that work for you, and to always maintain a sense of humor when things don’t go as planned. The freedom and experiences we’ve gained far outweigh the hassles we encounter.
Here’s our favorite Trip Planning software (sure to make it less of a hassle!)
Embracing Uncertainty: Is Full-Time RV Living Worth the Unpredictability?
One of the biggest adjustments in transitioning to full-time RV living is embracing the unpredictability that comes with this lifestyle. From financial uncertainties to unexpected route changes, flexibility becomes a crucial skill.
Some aspects of unpredictability we’ve encountered include:
- Job instability – as remote workers, we’ve had to navigate job loss and changing income streams
- Weather-related challenges that can alter travel plans
- Mechanical issues that can disrupt schedules and budgets
- Evolving campground and boondocking regulations
To manage these uncertainties, we’ve found it essential to:
- Maintain a robust emergency fund
- Develop multiple income streams
- Stay flexible with our travel plans
- Continually educate ourselves on RV maintenance and troubleshooting
While the unpredictability can be stressful at times, it’s also what makes this lifestyle exciting and rewarding. Each challenge overcome is a reminder of our resilience and adaptability.
Full-Time RV Living: Is It Worth It for You?
After two years on the road, we can confidently say that for us, full-time RV living has been worth it. The challenges we’ve faced have been outweighed by the incredible experiences, personal growth, and freedom we’ve gained. However, it’s a deeply personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and personalities.
Consider these factors when deciding if full-time RV living is right for you:
- Your comfort level with change and unpredictability
- Your relationship dynamics and ability to thrive in close quarters
- Your career flexibility and income stability
- Your desired level of connection with family and established communities
- Your tolerance for the practical challenges of RV life
Ultimately, full-time RV living isn’t about escaping reality – it’s about choosing a different way to engage with life. It’s about prioritizing experiences over possessions and embracing a lifestyle that allows for continual growth and adventure. If you’re drawn to this lifestyle, we encourage you to do your research, talk to other full-time RVers, and perhaps try extended RV trips before making the leap. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to full-time RV living – it’s about finding what works best for you and living life like there’s no tomorrow.
2 Responses
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Awesome. Let us know if you have any questions.