Useful advice for long term RV living

[norfla71]

Everyone,

I'm still a few years off from hitting the road. When the nest emptys, we're hitting the road for months on end; a whole lot of hemisphere left to explore. I have a few years of weekend camping experience, but this is wholy next level, and need some advice on where to start (we have time 😉 )as there are a ton of options out there; I'm trying to pair this down to what's really needed, and what can be left on the camp store shelves or dealer lot.

Our rig has a ton of storage, so we can pack quite a bit. However, I'm not so sure we need to pack the house up every time we hit the road. Experiences vary, but what (as a general rule) does everyone find is most needed, and what can be left at home? We plan on spending more time outside, so a nice grille and residential fridge are comming, once we get the garage electrical fixed and upgraded.

[bound4fl]

Dog Folks wrote:
Don't over pack or worry about forgetting something.

There is a WalMart in almost every town to fill in with any forgotten items.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Soon you will realize it ALL is small stuff.

Have a good attitude and have fun.

X2

[Dog_Folks]

Don't over pack or worry about forgetting something.

There is a WalMart in almost every town to fill in with any forgotten items.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Soon you will realize it ALL is small stuff.

Have a good attitude and have fun.

[norfla71]

Forgot to mention this will be our first trip longer than a weekend, though we did live out of a 27' TT for a few months about 6 years ago. We stayed on a military base, so everything was right there.

[norfla71]

sdianel wrote:
comfortable chairs for outside and a small fan to keep the bugs away, citronella candles. We went to the dollar store and Wally World and bought stuff to leave in the RV until we started full timing. Didn't have to pack anything but the food and beverages. Clothing layers for changes in weather so you don't have to pack so many clothes. Less is more. Remember the weight. Remember you can buy stuff on your travels as you see what you really need.

Speaking of bugs; we camped in GA last summer, and were swamped with gnats. Even gnat repellant didn't phase them they were so thick.

We do that now, though always forget something and have to swing into the local Wally or other shop and spend too much for what we already have at the house. Great thing about a TH, though, is the storage room I have, and can keep extras if needed, as we don't haul toys.

[norfla71]

BarbaraOK wrote:
Sounds like you are going to snowbird not fulltime. You might want to also post your question in the snowbird section, better answers from people who go for shorter periods of time. For fulltimers there is no discussion of what do you leave behind, because the rig is your home so everything goes with you.

Barb

Snowbird or fulltime; a lot of requirements cross over. Since I've already posted, I think it will stay just where it is, thanks. 🙂

[sdianel_-acct_c]

comfortable chairs for outside and a small fan to keep the bugs away, citronella candles. We went to the dollar store and Wally World and bought stuff to leave in the RV until we started full timing. Didn't have to pack anything but the food and beverages. Clothing layers for changes in weather so you don't have to pack so many clothes. Less is more. Remember the weight. Remember you can buy stuff on your travels as you see what you really need.

[Wingnusa]

BarbaraOK wrote:
Sounds like you are going to snowbird not fulltime. You might want to also post your question in the snowbird section, better answers from people who go for shorter periods of time. For fulltimers there is no discussion of what do you leave behind, because the rig is your home so everything goes with you.

Barb

Ditto...

[amandasgramma]

Concentrate for a few months (each season) on what you USE at home that you NEED. Unless you make smoothies/drinks, you don't NEED a blender. See what I mean? Yes, 9 pairs of shoes is an overkill.....one pair for rain and one pair for sun is my motto. Clothes.....a few more. I can pack a carry-on for the airport for 12 days of traveling........:) 🙂 the 5th wheel for full-time is a piece of cake.

[BarbaraOK]

Sounds like you are going to snowbird not fulltime. You might want to also post your question in the snowbird section, better answers from people who go for shorter periods of time. For fulltimers there is no discussion of what do you leave behind, because the rig is your home so everything goes with you.

Barb

[norfla71]

Great replies so far.

[Barbilou_and_Fu]

Duct tape, WD-40, battery charger, shovel and cat litter or salt, spare or extra "parts", tarps, tools, bungies and come-a-longs. Because s#!@ happens.
Books (Kindle) or hobby supplies for bad weather.
Generator.
You only need 2 sets of sheets, but more towels than you think. (leaks, spills)
TP that dissolves.
Convection/Toaster oven is more versatile than a toaster, and electric frying pan for when you run out of propane. And a Crock-Pot is nice.

If you want to go to Mexico, I have more...

[tjfogelberg]

My Class C has as much storage as we need to pack for 2 for 2 months at a time. I'm not sure what people stow in those huge basements I see below many Class As. I've noticed that I do the same thing in the RV as I do at home, I buy too much stuff I don't need.

We pack 3 outdoor chairs, a small grill, a screen house, a BOSS vacuum cleaner, basic tools, 2 bikes (packed in the back of the CRV), all my computer equipment fits under 1 dinette bench, and all the other usual stuff.

I don't miss anything from home when we're gone.

[Kidsgone]

I just had a great laugh reading your post...when we first started out in our Airstream, I took 9 pairs of shoes...9!! My hubby still laughs. We now have a Class C and actually carry less than we did in the TT! Due to experience and a lot of teasing...I now travel with 3 pair.
I believe its going to be an experience thing as we all have different wants/needs as to what we take. Last year we took a 3 month trip and for the first time, we felt we hadn't overpacked...until hubby walked into Home Depot one day...boys and their toys!
Dog Folks is pretty spot on!
Safe travels.

[Dog_Folks]

Pack 1/2 the clothes you think you will need.

Allow twice the time to explore.

Take twice the amount of money you think you will need.

This sounds trite, but I kid you not.