If you’re thinking about hitting the open road full-time, RV living is a great way to see the country and explore your surroundings.
While the concept of living in an RV year round seems romantic, there are also a few drawbacks as well as lots of benefits.
Read on to discover the pros and cons of RV living so you can determine whether or not this lifestyle is right for you.
A Money-Saving Lifestyle
When you weigh the pros and cons of RV living, money and budgeting should always be top of mind. Living in an RV full time means you won’t have to worry about a mortgage, rent, or utility bills.
Without the cost of “normal life,” you’ll reap some pretty significant savings. Not only will you eliminate the expense of a mortgage or rent payment, but you also won’t be beholden to a landlord or a bank. That alone can give you a sense of newfound freedom.
While there are certainly some costs associated with living in an RV, it’s much cheaper than if you lived in an apartment or a single-family home. In order to make sure this is a good option for you, write down your current expenses and compare them to your projected cost of living when you transition to the RV.
You should be able to connect your RV to a national park or nearby campgrounds’ electricity whenever you need it. Water can be obtained from lakes, a water tank, or other sources that eliminate the need for a monthly water bill. These energy savings alone can be significant when you consider living in an RV vs an apartment.
There is certainly a large upfront cost when you make the switch to full-time RV living, mostly the cost of the RV itself. However, you can shop around for the best price and consider a used RV to save even more. Browse online to find an RV at Leisurelandrvcenter.com to help you choose the perfect option for you.
Pros and Cons of RV Living: Less Stuff
When you live in a home or an apartment, it’s easy to accumulate tons of extra stuff over time. From artwork and knick-knacks to clothing, before you know it, you’re overwhelmed with the number of belongings you have in your home.
Whether you’re living in a small RV or a big one, you’ll still need to reduce the volume of things you have. Living in an RV is very close to living in a tiny home where storage and extra space is at a minimum.
By reducing the consumption of stuff, you’ll feel less weight down. Not only does owning less stuff make you feel lighter, but you’ll also save money in this aspect, too.
Think long and hard about the things you currently own and decide what’s really important to you. This downsizing process will help you focus on what matters, and it will also make you a much more aware consumer. Moving forward, you will probably only buy things you truly need.
You Get to Explore and Connect with Nature
Living in an RV full times offers the opportunity to get out and see the world. This lifestyle gives you the freedom to move from one place to another on a whim whenever you want to.
When you experience full-time RV living, you’ll spend more time outdoors. From lakes and streams to mountains and deserts, it opens up the chance to connect more closely to the natural world.
Being outside and getting fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Use this new life as a chance to explore new places, meet new people, and gain new life experiences that can’t be matched.
In addition to exploring and being around nature, you’ll also have a beautiful view right outside your window. And, if you happen to get tired of your current view, you can easily pick up and move until you find a new one.
Easy Cleaning
An RV is much smaller than a typical apartment, which means it’s a whole lot easier to clean. You won’t need to spend hours vacuuming the floors or organizing tons of kitchen cabinets.
Since RVs are easy to clean, it means you’ll have more free time to do the things you enjoy. On average, it should only take you about 30 minutes to clean the entire RV from back to front.
You’ll also have a lot fewer dishes to do when you live in an RV full time. That means you won’t need to fuss with tons of pots and pans and other dishwares since you’re likely going to be down to just a few plates, mugs, and silverware settings to save space.
Come up with an easy way to keep your RV clean on a daily and weekly basis. Once you put that plan into motion, you’ll be surprised at how fast and simple it is to ensure you’re living in a clean and tidy space.
A Downside: Breakdowns and Repairs
RV living is truly mobile, which means there will always be the inevitable instance of breakdowns or repairs. You’ll also need to keep up with regular maintenance like tire checks, oil changes, and tuneups.
Most RVs are designed to be enjoyed seasonally while you’re on vacation. When you live in one full time, however, it requires a whole lot more attention and care.
Whenever your RV breaks down, it puts a hole in your budget and requires you to pay a decent sum of money out of pocket. You’ll need to keep this in mind when you budget for full-time RV living so you can handle any problems that come your way.
Aside from mechanical repairs and maintenance, you’ll need to be diligent about “household” repairs like roof or appliance issues, too. If you’re buying a new RV, make sure it comes with a decent warranty so you have protective measures in place that can save you money.
Wireless Connection Issues
Roaming freely has its perks, but constant connectivity isn’t one of them. If you work from home and plan to continue, you could run into trouble with your Internet.
Depending on how remote you are, you may lose connection quite often. Some campgrounds and national parks offer free WiFi, but the signal might not be as clear and strong as what you’re used to.
You can always go to a parking lot somewhere to get a good INternet connection, but that’s not feasible for the long-term. Consider a wireless booster that can extend your range and give you a more stable connection. These devices are worth the extra cash, but they’re not always foolproof.
Another option you can try is to sign up for more than one 4G service. That way, you can try a few different connections whenever you reach an area with unstable WiFi connections.
The Weather Can Put a Damper on Your Lifestyle
From hurricanes and tornadoes to desert dust storms, mother nature can hamper your full-time RV living. Make sure you’re tracking weather conditions before you head to your next destination.
Not only do you need to be aware of the weather for where you’re going, but you also need to monitor the conditions on the way. Flooded roadways and detours can make your travels a lot less pleasant.
Monitor the forecast in advance whenever you plan to hit the road again. This will help you stay prepared and you can change your plans if you need to.
A Lack of Community Support
When you live in a home or apartment, you get to know your neighbors. This community support can be especially helpful during difficult times, or when you just need a hand.
RV living means you won’t have the reliability of next-door neighbors. While you’ll certainly meet lots of amazing people along the way, everyone eventually moves on.
Choose some special friends or family members to stay in contact with while you’re on the road. That way, you feel a sense of connection to others. You’ll also have a few people you can count on in case of an emergency.
Go online and join a few RV living forums and message boards. It’s a great resource to find advice about RV living and to connect with others who share your passion for the full-time RV living lifestyle.
A pet is another great way to feel a sense of family when you’re on the road. Just make sure they can handle living in an RV – small dogs or a cat is a good option since they won’t need to be outside as often as a large dog might.
RV Living is Possible
Now that you’re aware of some of the pros and cons of RV living, you can decide whether or not this lifestyle is right for you. Think about the reasons why you want to live in an RV, whether it’s to save money, feel free, or downsize.
Once you have a plan in place, you’ll have a great time exploring and gaining new experiences.
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