Residing in an RV or any small area can have its challenges. Our RV journey started again in 2015, and for the primary 6.5 years, we embraced full-time RV residing. Now, we’ve transitioned to touring part-time, however the classes we’ve discovered alongside the way in which stay simply as related. As we replicate on the previous decade, these RV residing ideas stand out because the keys to surviving and thriving on this life-style. Whether or not you’re a solo RVer, a household of 5, or a pair touring with pets, we hope you discover these insights useful as you navigate your individual RV journey.
12 RV Residing Ideas
For those who’d slightly watch than learn, take a look at our RV Residing Ideas video right here. Want studying? Carry on scrolling!
1. Talk
Good communication is as stimulating as black espresso, and simply as exhausting to sleep after.”
– Anne Morrow Lindbergh
The important thing to thriving in RV life is nice communication. With restricted area in an RV, it doesn’t take lengthy for issues to really feel cramped—particularly if frustrations or conflicts come up. When tensions construct, that small area can really feel even smaller. Positive, you’ll be able to step outdoors, go for a stroll, or take a drive (when you have a tow car), however we’ve discovered that creating short-term distance received’t resolve the underlying points.
In our first month of transitioning to RV residing, a scarcity of communication added pointless stress to our relationship. As soon as we recognized the breakdown and labored by means of it, life on the street grew to become way more satisfying—and it finally made our relationship stronger. Communication isn’t one thing you determine as soon as and transfer on; it’s a day by day observe that continues to be simply as essential now, whilst part-time vacationers.
For those who’d wish to dive deeper into our first yr of RV residing, be sure you take a look at Joe’s second e-book, Tales From the Open Street.
2. Have the Proper Gear
Having the proper gear can prevent numerous complications whereas on the street, however determining what’s really “best for you” takes time and expertise. Earlier than we began RV residing, we did in depth analysis to search out one of the best gear for our wants. That analysis paid off, however we’ve additionally discovered alongside the way in which that not each merchandise we thought we would have liked was important—and among the greatest gear choices got here after we had extra expertise on the street.
It’s essential to keep in mind that what works for us might not be just right for you. Each RVer’s wants are completely different, relying on elements like your RV setup, journey model, and private preferences. Don’t really feel like it is advisable to purchase all the pieces earlier than you hit the street. The truth is, some gear is value ready on till you get a greater sense of the way you RV and what you really have to make your journey satisfying.
For those who’re on the lookout for concepts, we’ve put collectively a number of useful lists of our favourite gear. Take a look at these posts or go to our retailer for inspiration:
- Important RV Tenting Equipment
- Favourite Kitchen Devices for RVing
- Canine Devices for RVing
- Apps for RV Residing
3. Know Your RV
Each camper we’ve owned has include a stack of person manuals—protecting all the pieces from find out how to clear and preserve the RV and awning to guides for the fireplace extinguisher, home equipment, and even the tires.
We learn by means of each guide and downloaded the web variations as a backup. Having a PDF model will make trying to find a particular subject quicker and simpler. There are additionally construct sheets, diagrams for every fuse field and data on correct tire inflation. We’ve referenced all the knowledge many instances all through our years of RVing.
For instance, when a fuse goes out at 1 a.m., you’ll need to know precisely which fuse field to test. In our first RV, there have been 4 fuse and breaker bins—two of which have been outdoors. Belief us, working round within the pouring rain attempting to determine which one to open isn’t enjoyable. Figuring out your rig’s structure forward of time could make conditions like this far much less demanding.
For extra ideas, take a look at our put up on RV Security & Preparedness
4. Spring Cleansing
Determining what to pack for RV life—whether or not it’s a brief weekend journey or full-time residing—could be a problem. Questions like, “Is one pair of sandals sufficient, or do I want a second pair for campground showers?” can go away you second-guessing each resolution. It’s straightforward to overpack, and we’ve been there. After our first month on the street, we realized we had an excessive amount of stuff and determined to promote the bicycles we by no means used.
A couple of months in, we did a radical spring cleansing, re-evaluating all the pieces within the RV. Many articles of clothes landed within the donation pile as a result of we hadn’t touched them since shifting in. We even discovered objects we’d forgotten we introduced, saying issues like, “I’ve been on the lookout for this!” It was an amazing reminder that packing gentle and staying organized could make RV life way more satisfying.
Spring cleansing can also be the proper time to reorganize and optimize your RV’s storage. After we decluttered, most of our cabinets, drawers, and storage bays have been half empty—and that’s once we realized we might comfortably downsize to a smaller RV. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or a number of months into your journey, revisiting what you’re carrying could make a world of distinction in how you reside on the street.
5. Share the Drive
Trying again on the miles we coated in our first yr on the street, we are able to’t think about doing it solo. Until you propose to remain in a single place for lengthy stretches or solely transfer quick distances, it’s a good suggestion to share the driving obligations.
It’s not unusual for campground neighbors to cease by once we pull in and say to Joe, “I want my spouse drove.” However the fact is, studying to drive an RV isn’t as intimidating because it may appear. For those who’re not comfy behind the wheel but, there are driving courses accessible that can assist you construct confidence and grasp the fundamentals.
The extra you drive, the better it will get. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll be pondering, “It is a piece of cake!” You would possibly even begin wanting ahead to your flip behind the wheel. Sharing the drive not solely lightens the load but additionally makes the journey extra satisfying for everybody.
6. Develop a Guidelines
After coping with objects flying off counters and drawers coming unlatched on corners one too many instances, we realized we would have liked a pre-departure guidelines. Identical to pilots depend on a pre-flight guidelines, having a routine guidelines to your RV is important to make sure all the pieces is safe earlier than you hit the street.
Each guidelines will look a bit completely different relying in your RV kind and kit, however the secret’s to make it as complete as doable—and to make use of it each single time you journey. Complacency can creep in, and belief us, the instances we skipped the guidelines have been the instances one thing was forgotten.
Save your self the headache and stress by making this part of your routine. For inspiration, take a look at our Pre-Departure Guidelines.
7. Every part Has A Place
In an RV, identical to in a home, all the pieces ought to have a delegated place—however the stakes are greater once you’re on the street. A misplaced bottle of vinegar may not look like a giant deal till it comes unfastened on a bumpy street and leaves you with a sticky mess to wash up.
Having a set spot for all the pieces not solely prevents spills and accidents but additionally makes packing up and unpacking a lot quicker and simpler. When precisely the place all of the items of the puzzle go, you’ll spend much less time looking for objects and extra time having fun with your journey.
Examine Out Instruments We Carry in Our RV
8. One In, One Out
The “one in, one out” rule is a sport changer for anybody trying to keep away from a buildup of pointless “stuff” of their RV. This mindset utterly modified the way in which we shopped. A visit to Costco grew to become about shopping for solely what we would have liked on the time, not what we thought we would want six months down the street. Simply because there’s space for storing doesn’t imply it needs to be stuffed.
We do attempt to retailer not less than one months value of meals in our camper always. For consuming water, we are able to use our Berkey water filter for clear water with out having to purchase and retailer bottled water.
That stated, once we have been on the street full-time, we made it a precedence to retailer not less than a month’s value of meals in our camper always. For consuming water, our gravity water filtration system has been a lifesaver, offering clear water with out the necessity to purchase and retailer bottled water.
A minimalist method to RV residing labored greatest for us. As soon as we embraced it, life on the street grew to become way more satisfying. No extra “explosions” of muddle once we stayed someplace for per week or longer. Over time, our rule naturally developed right into a “one in, two out” coverage, and the bonus? We saved cash within the course of.
Now that we’ve transitioned to part-time RV journey, we’ve barely modified this rule. For every journey, we pack solely what we’d like for the particular journey we’ve got deliberate. Having a house base provides us the luxurious of leaving pointless objects behind—a comfort we didn’t have throughout our full-time RVing days.
9. Count on the Sudden
Once you’re residing or touring in an RV, sudden challenges are certain to occur—whether or not it’s extreme climate, a flat tire, or a cracked windshield. Being ready for the unpredictable could make all of the distinction.
Listed below are some methods to remain prepared for no matter comes your manner:
- Have an RV Restore Fund: Put aside cash particularly for sudden repairs or emergencies. Figuring out you’ll be able to cowl a pricey repair takes among the stress out of the state of affairs.
- Carry a Spare Tire: A flat tire can occur wherever, so having a spare and realizing find out how to change it could prevent time and frustration. For tips about how we carried a spare tire on our Class A RV, take a look at this put up. Questioning if you actually need a spare tire? Watch our video: Do You Actually Want a Spare Tire?
- Develop an emergency plan: Assume by means of situations and have a plan for find out how to deal with them.
- If it is advisable to evacuate the RV, are your necessities in a single simply accessible place?
- What’s your plan if a flash flood threatens the river you’re camped subsequent to?
- How will you deal with a medical emergency if there’s no mobile phone sign?
- If the campground or space you’re in is being evacuated or locked down, are you aware the place to go?
Being proactive may help you navigate these conditions calmly and safely.
For a glimpse of the sudden, take a look at this video of the extreme thunderstorm and twister warning we skilled throughout our first yr on the street.
However there’s extra to the sudden than simply challenges—it could additionally carry sudden joys. Fellow River, Melanie Garrido places it greatest:
“You must at all times anticipate the sudden… to offer your self the time and the area to permit these sudden issues to enter into your discipline… that’s the place the actual magnificence is available in, is once you enable it to search out its option to you.”
For extra on discovering the sweetness in sudden moments, take a look at our podcast with Melanie, the place she shares her ideas for RVers.
10. Be Versatile
Flexibility is vital to having fun with RV life. Give your self the choice to remain a number of additional nights or go away early if wanted. It’s nice to have a common thought of the place you’re going, what you need to do, and the way lengthy you propose to remain, however inflexible schedules can take the enjoyable out of exploring.
Each city we drive into gives a brand new expertise. Generally we completely love the vibe, and different instances it’s simply not our cup of tea. By maintaining our schedule versatile, we are able to linger longer in locations we get pleasure from and transfer on rapidly once we’re prepared for one thing new.
Flexibility lets you embrace the sudden, make spontaneous discoveries, and really benefit from the freedom that RV journey gives.
11. Enjoyable Fund
Put aside a “enjoyable fund” for these spur-of-the-moment adventures that make RV journey unforgettable. Whether or not it’s a sizzling air balloon trip, a zip-lining tour, or tickets to a particular occasion, having cash earmarked for these experiences can add an entire new layer of enjoyment to your RV travels.
Whereas we love searching for out free and cheap actions alongside the way in which, there are particular experiences which are definitely worth the splurge. For us, a kind of was RV tenting at Fort Wilderness and spending time at Walt Disney World. We loved the expertise a lot that we’ve made it a convention, planning a return journey in every camper we’ve owned.
- Fort Wilderness in our Class A Motorhome
- Fort Wilderness in our Truck Camper
- Fort Wilderness in our Transit Camper Van
12. Benefit from the Journey
Above all else, bear in mind to benefit from the journey. RV residing, like all life-style, has its share of challenges—flat tires, sudden repairs, and the occasional “what have been we pondering?” moments. Belief us, we’ve been there. However these frustrations are simply tiny blips on the radar in comparison with the wealthy experiences and recollections that include life on the street.
Embrace the little moments, giggle on the mishaps, and savor the alternatives to discover the world at your individual tempo. And don’t neglect to create space for the magic that life on the street can carry. You by no means know what wonderful experiences are simply across the subsequent bend.
