12 RV Living Tips for New and Seasoned RVers

Residing in an RV or any small house 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 mirror 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 personal RV journey.

12 RV Residing Ideas

In case you’d fairly watch than learn, check out our RV Living Tips video here. Choose 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 sweet communication. With restricted house 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 house can really feel even smaller. Positive, you’ll be able to step exterior, go for a stroll, or take a drive (in case you have a tow vehicle), however we’ve discovered that creating momentary 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 it, life on the street turned far more gratifying—and it in the end made our relationship stronger. Communication isn’t one thing you determine as soon as and transfer on; it’s a every day observe that continues to be simply as essential now, at the same time as part-time vacationers.

In case you’d wish to dive deeper into our first yr of RV residing, you’ll want to take a look at Joe’s second guide, Tales From the Open Road.

2. Have the Proper Gear

Having the appropriate gear can prevent numerous complications whereas on the street, however determining what’s actually “best for you” takes time and expertise. Earlier than we began RV residing, we did intensive analysis to search out the very 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 selections got here after we had extra expertise on the street.

It’s essential to do not forget that what works for us could not be just right for you. Each RVer’s wants are completely different, relying on components like your RV setup, journey fashion, and private preferences. Don’t really feel like it is advisable purchase every little thing earlier than you hit the street. Actually, some gear is value ready on till you get a greater sense of the way you RV and what you actually have to make your journey gratifying.

In case you’re in search of concepts, we’ve put collectively just a few useful lists of our favourite gear. Try these posts or visit our store for inspiration:

3. Know Your RV

Each camper we’ve owned has include a stack of person manuals—overlaying every little thing from how one can clear and keep the RV and awning to guides for the hearth extinguisher, home equipment, and even the tires.

We learn by each handbook and downloaded the net variations as a backup. Having a PDF model will make looking for a particular subject sooner and simpler. There are additionally construct sheets, diagrams for every fuse field and knowledge on correct tire inflation. We’ve referenced all the knowledge many occasions 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 examine. In our first RV, there have been 4 fuse and breaker containers—two of which had been exterior. Belief us, working round within the pouring rain making an attempt to determine which one to open isn’t enjoyable. Figuring out your rig’s format forward of time could make conditions like this far much less worrying.

For extra ideas, take a look at our put up on RV Safety & Preparedness

4. Spring Cleansing

Determining what to pack for RV life—whether or not it’s a brief weekend journey or full-time residing—is usually 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 simple 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.

Just a few months in, we did a radical spring cleansing, re-evaluating every little thing 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 gadgets we’d forgotten we introduced, saying issues like, “I’ve been in search of this!” It was an amazing reminder that packing gentle and staying organized could make RV life far more gratifying.

Spring cleansing can be the right time to reorganize and optimize your RV’s storage. After we decluttered, most of our cabinets, drawers, and storage bays had been half empty—and that’s once we realized we may comfortably downsize to a smaller RV. Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or just a few 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 lined in our first yr on the street, we will’t think about doing it solo. Except you intend to remain in a single place for lengthy stretches or solely transfer brief distances, it’s a good suggestion to share the driving duties.

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 might sound. In case you’re not comfy behind the wheel but, there are driving courses obtainable that will help you construct confidence and grasp the fundamentals.

The extra you drive, the simpler it will get. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll be considering, “It is a piece of cake!” You would possibly even begin trying ahead to your flip behind the wheel. Sharing the drive not solely lightens the load but additionally makes the journey extra gratifying for everybody.

6. Develop a Guidelines

After coping with gadgets flying off counters and drawers coming unlatched on corners one too many occasions, we realized we would have liked a pre-departure checklist. Identical to pilots depend on a pre-flight guidelines, having a routine guidelines on your RV is crucial to make sure every little thing is safe earlier than you hit the street.

Each guidelines will look somewhat completely different relying in your RV sort and kit, however the secret’s to make it as complete as attainable—and to make use of it each single time you journey. Complacency can creep in, and belief us, the occasions we skipped the guidelines had been the occasions one thing was forgotten.

Save your self the headache and stress by making this part of your routine. For inspiration, check out our Pre-Departure Checklist.

7. Every part Has A Place

In an RV, similar to in a home, every little thing ought to have a delegated place—however the stakes are larger once you’re on the street. A misplaced bottle of vinegar won’t look like a giant deal till it comes unfastened on a bumpy street and leaves you with a sticky mess to scrub up.

Having a set spot for every little thing not solely prevents spills and accidents but additionally makes packing up and unpacking a lot sooner and simpler. When you realize precisely the place all of the items of the puzzle go, you’ll spend much less time trying to find gadgets and extra time having fun with your journey.

Check Out Tools We Carry in Our RV

8. One In, One Out

The “one in, one out” rule is a recreation changer for anybody seeking to keep away from a buildup of pointless “stuff” of their RV. This mindset fully modified the way in which we shopped. A visit to Costco turned about shopping for solely what we would have liked on the time, not what we thought we’d 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 no less than one months value of meals in our camper always. For consuming water, we will use our Berkey water filter for clear with out having to purchase and retailer bottle water.

That mentioned, we do make it a precedence to retailer no 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 turned far more gratifying. No extra “explosions” of muddle once we stayed someplace for every 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 precise journey now we have deliberate. Having a house base offers us the posh of leaving pointless gadgets behind—a comfort we didn’t have throughout our full-time RVing days.

9. Count on the Sudden

If you’re residing or touring in an RV, surprising 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 here are some methods to remain prepared for no matter comes your manner:

• Have an RV Restore Fund: Put aside cash particularly for surprising repairs or emergencies. Figuring out you’ll be able to cowl a expensive 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 how one can change it could prevent time and frustration. For tips on how we carried a spare tire on our Class A RV, check out this post. Questioning if you really want a spare tire? Watch our video: Do You Really Need a Spare Tire?
• Develop an emergency plan: Assume by eventualities and have a plan for how one can deal with them.
  • If it is advisable 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 cellphone sign?
  • If the campground or space you’re in is being evacuated or locked down, have you learnt the place to go?

Being proactive can assist you navigate these conditions calmly and safely.

For a glimpse of the surprising, 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 surprising than simply challenges—it could additionally deliver surprising joys. Fellow River, Melanie Garrido places it greatest:

“It is best to all the time count on the surprising… to provide your self the time and the house to permit these surprising issues to enter into your subject… that’s the place the true magnificence is available in, is once you enable it to search out its technique to you.”

For extra on discovering the sweetness in surprising moments, check out our podcast with Melanie, where she shares her tips for RVers.

10. Be Versatile

Flexibility is essential to having fun with RV life. Give your self the choice to remain just a few additional nights or go away early if wanted. It’s nice to have a basic thought of the place you’re going, what you need to do, and the way lengthy you intend 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 occasions it’s simply not our cup of tea. By conserving our schedule versatile, we will linger longer in locations we get pleasure from and transfer on shortly once we’re prepared for one thing new.

Flexibility lets you embrace the surprising, make spontaneous discoveries, and actually 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 journey, 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 looking for out free and inexpensive activities alongside the way in which, there are particular experiences which can be well worth the splurge. For us, a type of was RV camping at Fort Wilderness and spending time at Walt Disney World. We loved the expertise a lot that we’ve made it a practice, planning a return journey in every camper we’ve owned.

12. Benefit from the Journey

Above all else, keep in mind to benefit from the journey. RV residing, like several life-style, has its share of challenges—flat tires, surprising repairs, and the occasional “what had been we considering?” moments. Belief us, we’ve been there. However these frustrations are simply tiny blips on the radar in comparison with the wealthy experiences and reminiscences that include life on the street.

Embrace the little moments, chuckle on the mishaps, and savor the alternatives to discover the world at your personal tempo. And don’t neglect to create space for the magic that life on the street can deliver. You by no means know what superb experiences are simply across the subsequent bend.