8 Unexpected Realities of Full-Time RV Living

Featuring YouTube's Keep Your Daydream

For every full-time RVer out there, there are five more dreaming about life on the road. Many talk themselves out of it or put it off for a future "someday." How do you know when it's the right time? Where do you even begin?

Whether you're a long-time RV owner thinking about taking the plunge into full-timing or a newbie who's eager to know what RV life is really like, a good place to start is talking to someone who's been there, done that—the trials, the victories, the fears, the excitement. We sat down with YouTube talent and veteran RVer, Marc from YouTube's "Keep Your Daydream," for a deeper insight into full-time RV life.

In 2015, Marc and Tricia embarked on the adventure of a lifetime with their family after years of daydreaming. Since then, their 80,000+ mile adventure has taken them through 38 states and 3 countries. Their escapades have also given rise to their successful YouTube channel, "Keep Your Daydream," now in its 7th season.

Below, we'll talk about some unexpected realities of RV life as well as offer up some practical advice from one of the community's most dedicated RVers in order to get you one step closer to living your dream.

Reality #1: There's No Good Time To Go Full-Time

"There's never a good time . . . it's better to start small now than start big later." -Marc, Keep Your Daydream

You can spend years daydreaming about the day you buy your RV and take off. But the reality is that life is never going to be perfect. Maybe your "someday" is when you're debt-free, or when the kids are older, or when you're retired, or when the planets align.

To be sure, full-time RVing is a big decision, but that doesn't mean it's out of the question for the time being.

"There's never a good time," says Marc. "Our philosophy from the very beginning is it's better to start small now than start big later."

Better now than never. Though that doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan. "You do need to be prepared," Marc advises.

This may mean making plans to work from home, talking to your employer about taking a sabbatical, or arranging online schooling for your kids on the road. Again, says Marc, it's all about the preparation. For him, this meant taking his medical marketing company on the road and enrolling his kids in an online school program. He and wife Tricia sold their house (though renting your house out is another option), loaded most of their furniture in a storage unit, and downsized.

He and Tricia stress that there are many ways to RV, and starting now means living within your means today, rather than holding onto a fantasy you may never get to live out. And if during your planning stage, you realize that jumping in 100% just isn't feasible at the present time?

As Marc reminds us: "Memories are not reserved for the full-time. You can have an amazing three-day RV trip with your family that people are going to remember for a very long time."

Reality #2: You Don't Need to be Rich, But You Do Need a Finance Plan

"Rather than fantasizing over an RV that we couldn't afford or are never going to buy, we have an F-150, let's go get a travel trailer...and get going." -Marc, Keep Your Daydream

"Start now" doesn't mean "worry about finances later." Focus on what you can afford now. Just like with any major financial decision, you'll need to outline a budget. There's no one way to RV—it can be as expensive or affordable as you make it, just like traditional living.

In Marc and Tricia's case, RVing has actually helped them save money and reduce spending by about a third. Here's a breakdown of their average monthly spending, as broken down in their video, RV Living Q&A: Our Top 5 Questions:

Storage Unit: $100
RV Campgrounds/Resorts: $1,000 ($25-$100/night, plus avg. 2 free nights/week at Walmart when traveling)
Fuel: $750
Utilities: None

Also consider costs such as food (which remained comparable for their family after hitting the road) and your cell phone plan (WiFi isn't always available, so you may want to opt for an unlimited data plan if you don't already have one).

Health insurance can be another tricky issue—for Marc and Tricia's family, the best option was private health insurance, even though this meant a significant increase in their monthly premium. It's a good idea to shop around and see what health care plans are available to you and if they provide nationwide coverage. Healthshare groups are another option for some RVers as an alternative to traditional insurance. Telehealth services (which allow you to remotely contact a licensed physician and receive medical advice and even prescriptions over the phone) are also becoming popular among RVers.

Again, the cost of RV life depends heavily on your RV lifestyle. Check out the campground locations available at your destination. How affordable are they? Are free locations available? Would a campground membership save you money in the long run? Do you plan on boondocking away from campground hookups, or do you prefer utilities like unlimited water and included electricity? If you'll be boondocking a lot, do you plan to purchase additions like a generator or solar power?

If RV life is truly what you want, sit down and make a budget, then focus on what you can make happen today rather than fantasizing about what life could be like with unlimited finances.

Reality #3: With RVs, There's No Such Thing As "The One"

"None of them are right. There are no perfect rigs." - Marc, Keep Your Daydream

Purchasing an RV is similar to purchasing a house in some ways. It's important to do your research and prepare beforehand, and there are a lot of considerations to weigh as you shop. But ultimately, there is no such thing as the "perfect" RV.

"It can be overwhelming," Marc acknowledges. "Like what kind of truck should I buy, and what kind of trailer should I buy? And this isn't right and this isn't right...the fact of the matter is, none of them are right. There are no perfect rigs...and if you go down that rabbit hole...you can get in paralysis and not end up buying anything."

The fact is, you're likely to change your mind about what you want in your RV after you spend some time in it. Some RVers suggest renting a model similar to one you want to buy in order to try it out short-term.

Below are a few major questions and considerations to keep in mind as you shop. Your RV may not be perfect, but answering these questions ahead of time can spare you buyer's remorse down the road.

DO YOU WANT A MOTORHOME TO DRIVE, OR A TRAILER/FIFTH WHEEL TO TOW?

Travel trailers are generally more affordable than motorhomes, but if you don't have a vehicle to tow the trailer, you may end up spending just as much, if not more, on a truck/trailer combo.

Just like with houses, many RV shoppers find that the rig they end up falling in love with is very different from the one they set out to buy. Take some time at the RV dealership to check out rigs you never thought you'd go for. Maybe you're set on a class A motorhome, but you find that a fifth wheel actually checks all your boxes. It never hurts to look!

WILL YOU BUY NEW OR USED?

A common recommendation among RVers is to stick with used rigs. Unlike a house, an RV depreciates, so unless you're set on a brand-new RV, it's usually more financially beneficial to let someone else take that initial value hit. Also keep in mind that travel trailers tend to depreciate slower than motorhomes.

WHAT KIND OF FLOOR PLAN DO YOU WANT?

You may have to make some compromises (again, there are no perfect rigs), but floor plans are one thing that can't be changed or upgraded later, so make sure it's a layout you can live with!

HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR RIG, AND WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?

If you'll be camping in cold climates or seasons, you'll likely need a four-seasons RV. If you plan to store it in the winter, consider where you'll do so.

Of course, you want to make sure there is enough space for you, your family, and any pets you bring along. On the other hand, consider whether there may be too much space, to the point where you're paying more to purchase and maintain a rig that's larger than you need.

Many RVers end up trading their rig in for something more suitable down the road, once they have some experience under their belt. Some end up upsizing, but many also end up downsizing once they realize they don't need as much stuff as they thought. Remember that larger RVs have more space, but they are more expensive, more limited on parking options, and harder to handle.

WILL LITTLE ANNOYANCES ADD UP TO BIG REGRET?

Consider comfort/convenience factors like the noise level of the AC (which can cost big bucks to replace later), the number of slideouts, closet size, etc. These things may seem minor, but they can become a big deal when you're living with them full-time.

As Marc stated, there's no such thing as a perfect RV. There are always going to be minor issues you'll have to fix or learn to live with. But it's better to know ahead of time which annoyances you can shrug off, which you can easily (and cost effectively) fix, and which are complete dealbreakers.

Reality #4: You'll Become BFFs with the RV Community

"Collectively, people are geniuses. You put a hundred people together and ask a question, you're going to get the right answer, and it's going to be accurate to like, the tenth degree." - Marc, Keep Your Daydream

If you've never been around RVers before, you may feel quite isolated at first. When you tell family and friends you want to pack up and live your dream in an RV, you may be met with a genuine, "why?" from non-RVers. This can leave you not only wondering if you're making the right decision, but also wondering where to turn when inevitable issues arise.

Fortunately, the RV community is nothing if not helpful. If anything, you may find yourself overwhelmed with tips and advice. There are hundreds of forums, blogs, videos (and of course, no shortage of content from yours truly here at etrailer). If you've got a question, there's a 100% guarantee you're not the first to ask it. If you've got a problem, someone out there has already figured it out. Need an opinion or product recommendation? Most RVers are happy to share.

Even experienced RVer Marc turns to the RV community for advice from time to time—including the division of the community he helped cultivate.

"What's interesting about KYD...is that we now have such a strong community. Our community who came to us for either inspiration and/or advice is now the same community we go to for advice...We go into our insider group and ask a question, and within minutes we have an answer."

Whether you're trying to find the right truck to tow your fifth wheel or trying to prevent a poop pyramid in your black waste tank, someone has the information you need.

As Marc puts it: "Collectively, people are geniuses." The RV community in particular he describes as "so helpful...you put a hundred people together and ask a question, you're going to get the right answer and it's going to be accurate to like, the tenth degree. It's crazy how smart people are collectively. "

Reality #5: Your Must-Have Product May Surprise You

"Memories are going to be made with anything. But then, when you're on the road longer, you're saying, 'what can I invest in to make it just a little bit easier?'" - Marc, Keep Your Daydream

Ask a hundred RVers what product they can't live without, and you'll get a hundred different answers. Some recommend a good sewer tank rinser, while others suggest picking up a power cord adapter before your first trip. Then there are those products less frequently thought of, like RV-specific toilet paper.

It's good to be prepared, but that doesn't mean you need to run out and load up on every last RV upgrade available right away. Your must-have product may even turn out to be unrelated to RVing at all.

"Anyone that's been watching KYD for a long time, they know that Trish wouldn't go anywhere without her molcajete," says Marc. "For some reason the molcajete has always gone with us everywhere." Who doesn't love some guacamole?

No one really knows what they'll come to rely on most and what they can do without on the road. Although Marc is now quite fond of upgrades like hyrdaulic brakes and tailgate assist, he recalls a time not long ago when even something as simple as magnetized lights elevated his RV experience:

"In season one I was in love with motion-sensored magnet lights. Because when you start out small, and you start out with a starter rig...when you open your cabinets it's just going to be dark. And so I found little magnetized lights so when you open up your cabinet, you can see."

Aside from a few essentials (again—RV toilet paper), it's usually best to just go out and explore, and in the process you'll discover what you need and what you don't. Don't feel the need to throw a ton of money at upgrades right off the bat.

"It's just getting started and then making tiny improvements," says Marc. "Finding out where you're inconvenienced and then saying, alright, I think I'm ready to just spend money to help convenience...none of it's necessary...memories are going to be made with anything. But then when you're on the road longer, you're saying, what can I invest in to make it just a little bit easier?"

In the end, it's important to remember that upgrades are fun, but in the end, an RV is a means to accomplish a goal.

"Sometime's it's easy to kind of like, romanticize the RV, and get all into the RV, and talk about everything you could do to upgrade," says Marc. "And really it's a vehicle to go make memories. It's a means for us to spend time with our family and go see and explore."

Reality #6: It's Not a Vacation

"When you're on the road it's not a vacation, it's travel, and there's a difference. " - Marc, Keep Your Daydream

During the intial planning stages, it's easy to get swept up in the romantic idea of exploring the country in an RV, enjoying beautiful scenery and places you've only dreamed about visiting.

While this isn't exactly false, it is a misrepresentation of what life is like on the road.

"I think the surprising thing when you go full-time...is that you can have what's called decision fatigue set in. It's a lot of fun when you're at home when you're planning your trip. Where am I going to stay, where am I going to go, what am I going to do? Because you're planning your vacation. But when you're on the road it's not a vacation, it's travel, and there's a difference."

And no matter how airtight you think your plan is, you will run into issues. The campground may be booked up. You may end up arriving late and having to back your RV in at night. Unfortunately, some things are just out of our control. That's why it's important to remember that full-time RVing is a lifestyle, not a vacation. RVing is rewarding, to be certain, but it's rarely without bumps in the road.

"It's something you adjust to like anything," says Marc. "We've learned to just relax and whatever happens, happens."

It helps to do some research on the locale when camping so you have an idea where you can turn if things go wrong. If the park is full, is there a local business that allows free overnight parking for RVs? (Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabellas are a few—although it's always best to call ahead and arrange things with the individual business and make yourself aware of any rules or regulations.) Is there a trusted, well-reviewed RV dealership nearby if you need a part or a tune up? Become familiar with membership programs like Harvest Host, which provides a directory of locations such as wineries, museums, and other attractions open for RV parking in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Says Marc, "I think you just to have confidence that you'll figure it out...maybe you're going to be driving somewhere, you have no idea where you're going to stay, you'll get there and figure it out." And, of course, "There is always Walmart."

Reality #7: Family Dynamics Will Change

"When you're in an RV, you kind of have to say 'excuse me' a lot...in an RV, you're always this close." - Marc, Keep Your Daydream

If you're hoping to bring your family closer together, there's hardly a more literal way to do it then to pack them into an RV. For many parents, the prospect of RVing with children is at once exciting and nerve-racking. On one hand, RVing with your kids can open the world to them and leave them with amazing memories they'll carry for life. On the other hand, as every parent knows, road trips can be the backdrop of endless bickering from the backseat.

"Initially we were super nervous about it," recounts Marc. "How are the kids going to react being in the back seat this close to each other for long times?"

Eventually, however, he and wife Tricia decided the benefits for their family outweighed the risk of domestic drama. "You only get 18 summers with your kids. And that kind of puts it in persepctive on how few summers there is...And we thought, 'it's now or never.'" And things did change. "When you're in an RV, you kind of have to say excuse me a lot. In a big house with different bedrooms and a kitchen, you don't really have to bump into each other if someone's in a bad mood or whatnot. But in an RV, you're always this close. "

So what did happen with the kids once they hit the road? "Something crazy happened after six months to a year. They actually learned to get along and actually stopped fighting...In many ways we've grown closer."

Even if you're not traveling with children but a partner, it's likely the dynamic will change. Some couples, for instance, find that the division of labor changes after they transition from a house to an RV. It may help to work out expectations and responsibilities beforehand for everyone involved. Who will take care of which tasks? Who will set up and pack up the RV? Who will empty the tanks, perform maintenance tasks, keep the interior clean, etc?

And if you're traveling solo? Well, even then you may be surprised at how things change. When it's just you and the road, your relationship with the world around you changes, as does your relationship with yourself. With the freedom to go anywhere you choose, do whatever you please, and live on your own timetable, solo RVing can be a freeing experience. However, it's also important that you don't become too isolated—it can get lonely on the road! Make sure to keep in regular contact with friends or family when you can. You'll certainly have adventures to share with them. You can also check out these safety tips for solo RVers for advice on staying safe out there.

Reality #8: You Will Make Mistakes...And That's Okay

"At all cost, remind yourself that you're not in a hurry" - Marc, Keep Your Daydream

Mistakes are inevitable no matter how thoroughly you plan your trip. You'll forget to close your black tank valve at the campground (if you didn't just cringe at the thought, read more here to learn why this is a bad idea). You'll get lost. You'll forget to make a reservation.

Mistakes happen, and you'll learn to deal with them along the way. The best way to avoid costly mistakes is to simply take it slow.

"At all cost, remind yourself that you're not in a hurry," says Marc. "You get in a hurry, you miss a step. You miss a step when you're hitching, and you break something. You're in a trailer and you speed, and you have a blowout."

Print or make a checklist for pre-trip, trip, and post-trip tasks. It can be stressful when you have a reservation to make before nightfall, or someone is in line behind you at the dump station, but you're more likely to make mistakes when you're rushing it, which can lead to expensive repairs and even more time spent fixing whatever problem it creates.

Ultimately, just slow down and don't forget to enjoy the journey. That is, after all, what RV life is all about. For Marc, it helps to take a step back and remember one thing: "I remind myself that I've got nowhere to go and all day to get there."

Full time RVing can be an extremely beneficial and rewarding experience, but comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks. To see our thoughts about the best RVs to full-time in, check out our video Best RV for Full Timers.

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