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EYEMLOST's avatar
EYEMLOST
Explorer
Mar 21, 2021

Tips/Tricks/info on Full-time RV'ing For Beginners

I've been tent camping and truck camping for 45+ years.

I'm currently planning on becoming a full-time RV'er in approx 4 years.


In the mean time I started this thread in order to collect valuable info/insight/tips/tricks on the FIRST EIGHTEEN MONTHS of that transition.

Meaning; what to expect the first year and a half of being a full-time RV'er.

It's going to be a life-changing transition to say the least, for me.

One tip I already found:
"To be a full-time RV'er; don't live like a tourist."


I currently rent an apartment and am in the process of serious downsizing/getting rid of stuff; post divorce.


I'm going to W.A.G. that there will be challenges even for the most prepared enthusiast dealing with said transition.


Thank you! :B

19 Replies

  • 45 years! You must be pretty old :-) How's your health? Full-timing or even vacationing by yourself is tough like owning a moving house. Are you sure you are up to it?
    Just sign me `wet blanket'.
  • Lwiddis wrote:
    An adequate solar system...panels, wire, controller and batteries...will mostly take electricity out of your concern. The key is adequate.


    This is only important if you plan to boondock a lot.

    Full time may include boondocking but doesn't presume it. Many full timers rarely if ever boondock.
  • An adequate solar system...panels, wire, controller and batteries...will mostly take electricity out of your concern. The key is adequate.
  • EYEMLOST wrote:

    One tip I already found:
    "To be a full-time RV'er; don't live like a tourist."


    This or a variation on it is easily the biggest reason people give up full timing in the first year or so.

    It get's tiring going full on every day. Then it becomes no fun.
  • Depending on the size and type of RV, you will find that many thing "need fixin' !" Make sure you have a tool box and include a good clamp on amp meter !
  • LESS is MORE (you only need the basics and 1 week of change of clothes)

    Be Debit Free

    Slow down...you are not on vacation. (it'll still be there when you get there)

    CGs are NOT the destination...they are for parking RV/Sleeping. The AREA is the destination. Take the time to enjoy the locale

    Travel Days....limit distance between CGs
    Put more miles on exploring, adventuring then on travel between spots

    CGs, State/National, City Parks, C.O.E.s, Fairgrounds, Boondocking.....ALL are great to park/sleep

    If you haven't seen it/use it in 6 months YOU do NOT need it.
    1 bag IN=2 bags OUT

    Get Rig weighed before hitting the road...know what actual weights are VS Ratings
    Get Weighed each year so you KNOW

    Travel Secondary/Backroads and see/experience Small Town USA
    *Interstates are for working folks/vacationers

    Most importantly----Enjoy the new Life Style!
  • Start reading blogs of people who post in RV forums and see what they think was important enough to write about - especially people who have been full timing for a long time. And notice how things change for them as they get to use to the ups and downs of full timing.
  • While there is quite a lot of information available, there are basics that will apply to most people.
    One of the first things I learned from this forum 6-7 years ago is that the "transition" is going to be different for each person. Many variables contribute to the success or failure of a Full Time venture.

    After full timing almost 6 years, I believe one of the most important aspects people need to address well before the nuts and bolts of the process is if Full Time RVing is what you really and truly what you want. Read as much as you can, positive and negative on every aspect of how this will affect your life and future. Not everyone comes into this with eyes wide open.
  • Do a GOOGLE search of full-time RVing and you will find a plethora of websites and blogs about just that. You will get much better information there than on here when very few are full-time RVers and you will find lots of TROLLS who just start arguments and have no idea what they are talking about.

    I know that a family who have full-timed for 3-4 years have a blog called LEARN TO RV. He works in tech and does that on the road.