Why Our Full Time RV Life Isn’t Working Anymore

Our full-time RV life took an unexpected turn after two and a half years on the road. What started as an ambitious cross-country journey from California to New Orleans became the catalyst for a complete lifestyle reset. We had built our dream of constant travel and adventure, moving every one to two weeks across America. But sometimes the most important lessons come from recognizing when it’s time to change course – even if that means staying still for a while.

When Is It Time to Press Pause on Full Time RV Life?

After two and a half years of constant movement, traveling every one to two weeks, we hit a wall. The breaking point came during our ambitious journey from Santa Barbara, California to New Orleans between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2024. Working full-time meant we could only travel on weekends, forcing us into seven to eight-hour drive days just to make our destinations. While seeing our best friends and family was worth it, the pace took its toll – especially on Darlene’s health as she dealt with residual effects from her previous accident.

Sometimes the hardest part of full-time RV living is admitting when your current approach isn’t sustainable. For us, it wasn’t about giving up the lifestyle – it was about being honest enough with ourselves to recognize when we needed to make changes.

Why We Chose Three Months in One Spot After Two Years of Constant Travel

Our original winter plan involved boondocking throughout Florida, which seemed perfect on paper. We had mapped out all the locations and were excited to show you how to successfully boondock in Florida. However, we quickly realized that with most spots limiting stays to one week, we’d be moving every single weekend. With Barry’s work schedule requiring steady Monday-Friday hours, this would leave us with just one day a week for actual adventures and relaxation.

Through a stroke of luck (someone’s cancellation), we found a three-month spot in Spring Hill, Florida. While this wasn’t our original plan, it offered something we desperately needed: stability. The decision to stay put wasn’t easy, but sometimes the best choices aren’t the ones we originally planned.

The Hidden Toll of Weekend-Only Travel in Full Time RV Life

Working full-time while traveling presents unique challenges that aren’t often discussed in the RV community. When you’re limited to weekend travel:

  • Drive days consume precious free time
  • Setup and breakdown eat into relaxation
  • Constant movement creates perpetual planning stress
  • Preventive maintenance gets postponed
  • Health appointments become harder to schedule
 

We discovered that maintaining a regular work schedule while trying to see the country often meant sacrificing the very experiences we’d hoped to enjoy. The pressure to make the most of every weekend was creating the opposite of the freedom we sought.

How Staying Still Actually Saved Our RV Lifestyle

Choosing to stay in one spot for three months has given us unexpected benefits:

  • Time to schedule and attend medical appointments
  • Opportunity to tackle accumulated repairs
  • Reduced costs through monthly rates
  • Ability to truly explore our local area
  • Chance to connect with other RVers
  • More quality time with nearby family
  • Space to reset and plan our next moves
 

The irony wasn’t lost on us – by temporarily pausing our travels, we’re actually preserving our ability to continue this lifestyle long-term. Sometimes taking a step back is the best way to move forward.

 

The Unexpected Benefits of Taking a Break from Constant Movement

This reset period has allowed us to rediscover what drew us to RV life in the first place. We’re able to spend weekends actually relaxing or exploring nearby attractions like Clearwater Beach and Tarpon Springs without the pressure of moving to our next destination. We’ve found time for personal growth too – Barry’s been practicing acoustic guitar, and we’re both focusing on health and wellness.

As we settle into our temporary home base in Spring Hill, we’re discovering that stepping back doesn’t mean giving up. This three-month pause has become more than just a break; it’s a chance to rebuild, reconnect, and reimagine what full-time RV living can be for us. Whether you’re facing similar challenges or just starting your journey, remember that there’s no single “right way” to live this lifestyle. Sometimes the bravest decision is admitting when something needs to change, and we’re excited to see where this new chapter leads us. Join us as we continue to adapt and grow, creating a sustainable life of adventure on our own terms.

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.”Laptop showing RV transition course dashboard with video lessons and planning tools

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 1 month free access to our Private Facebook Group to celebrate the launch of our new course! Learn more about Your Path to Full-Time Freedom

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2 Responses

  1. Hey, I TOTALLY get it…I honestly don’t know how you did it! I’m dreading the next 5-6 weeks…I’ve been here (coastal AL) for four months now. However, I’ve got to head back to IN for doc checkup…As a soloist (w/my two small fur buddies), I don’t like the constant set-up/teardown. But, I also limit my driving to 6 hours/day max, and of course, when towing I drive slower, usually low 60’s, than I otherwise normally would 🤣🤣🤣, so the tradeoff is, I do some extra stops, but then I’ll be in IN a month before heading back to KS for 5 months! Yeah, take your time…enjoy it…no need to try for “48 States in 48 Days” so to say 🤣🤣🤣! Take care and safe travels! P.S. The website I entered below, it’s not going yet, just has test junk in it right now…Once I get to KS, I hope to get it setup properly and going. 🤣🤣🤣

    1. It’s been a nice break for sure. Two weeks to a month at each stop seems to be our sweet spot. less than 4 hours between locations. We will be ready to hit the road again in April!

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