RVing is a wonderful way to explore America, but there are some challenges that can make life on the road difficult. Some of these challenges are obvious, while others you may not have considered.
Having the freedom to take off on a whim and live life in an RV is not for everyone. In fact, many people have found themselves regretting their decision to go mobile. But before you decide that it’s too late to turn back, read this post about the biggest challenges of living in an RV.
Downsizing
For every full-time RV dweller, downsizing their belongings for the lifestyle is a huge challenge. After living in your own house for years and collecting many pieces of furniture, you have to figure out what stays and what goes when you’re traveling in an RV. Almost all of it doesn’t come with you! It can seem like a huge problem when you are downsizing and going from your large walk-in closet to living out of two drawers and a closet that is only the width of an average refrigerator. For others, they may not even notice their clothes as being a big issue because they have so many tools in their workshop or garage which could be taking up space.
Ensuring that you have a minimalist lifestyle when living in an RV is not as daunting as it may seem at first. It’s actually quite common for people who are serious about full-time RVing to find that they don’t need many of the things they previously thought were essential. For example, if you spend some time looking through your drawers or cupboards and realize that something has never been used once since leaving home, then now’s the time to get rid of it!
As a RV owner, you’ll find that there are a lot of things to consider when downsizing from your home. One thing to think about is the food that you choose and how often you need to visit the grocery store for fresh produce like vegetables or meat.
While most RVs don’t have refrigerators as big as ones in homes, it doesn’t mean that people can’t still enjoy these items once they’ve been cooked or freeze them before they eat them. I suggest looking into different ways of storing food so you can stay on top of cooking for yourself and your family!
Lack of space
There are many things that one will have to let go of when considering making the switch to the RV life. The lack of space becomes a concern quickly and can be quite eye-opening. Many who have downsized from homes with over 1,000 square feet of living space tend to find the transition into RV life very eye-opening and quite constricting when they first start out. The lack of space becomes a concern pretty quickly as most RVs are 500 or less square feet and some are even much smaller than that!
Weather
It’s not always sunny in the RV-ing world. There are a lot of challenges when it comes to keeping your truck warm and cozy, but we’ve got some suggestions for you! Warm coffee is always a good idea, because nothing helps beat that morning chill better than a hot beverage. Layering clothes with sweaters and blankets can help too; just make sure to keep them close by so you don’t have to go back inside every time you need something new on your body. And hey – if all else fails, there’s always an escape plan: head home before things get too bad!
Missing Family and Friends
Being away from family and friends for weeks on end can be difficult. It’s hard to stay in touch with everyone, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on everything happening back home. But there are some simple ways to keep up your relationships with people while RVing across the country!
For now, there are no easy answers to this issue. However, we live in a time where modern day technology allows us to connect with our loved ones using facetime via platforms such as Skype or even Microsoft Windows. Certainly, this is no substitution to being with your loved ones in person but it does allow them a chance to “visit” and be involved in the adventures you are having from afar!
Expenses may not be what people expect
Living in an RV can be a great cost-saving option for full-time nomads, but it’s not as easy as many people think. Campsite fees may apply, site fees too, and of course maintenance will cost you money. These expenses are often less than the combined costs of living in a home with mortgage or rent payments plus utilities, but that doesn’t mean they’re always cheaper! You’ll need to keep your internet bill up to date with high-speed access so you can work from anywhere; cell phone bills will also need to be paid monthly. And don’t forget insurance because accidents happen…
Maintenance Issues
We’ve all had our fair share of maintenance issues with our RVs. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, an engine problem or a broken window seal, you can be sure to expect something to happen eventually. For example, the motorhome, not only do you have to worry about normal camper issues, but now you have to maintain an engine and a transmission as well.
Motorhomes and campers are great for the outdoorsy-types who want to travel into nature. The only downside is that manufacturers will use the cheapest components possible, which means you might have to spend a little more on repairs later down the road. Driving down highways exposes your RV to strong winds, while rough roads also contribute to maintenance issues.
Mental fatigue
It is important to keep an eye on the road and your surroundings when driving or towing a recreational vehicle. These vehicles are significantly different from what one would usually drive, so it can be exhausting for drivers. This is because they are typically longer and slower than most cars, making constant mental calculations necessary in order to navigate properly. In addition, because of their size, you must pay close attention to anything that may happen on either side of the vehicle as well as how far away objects may be behind it.
The mental exhaustion of driving in a windy storm is all the more real when you’re trying to maneuver your RV. Trying to find parking can also add to that anxiety.
Crowded Campgrounds and Parks
It’s important to be aware of the size and location of campgrounds, as not all are created equal. For example, if you’re planning on just staying at a campground for a day or two, then it probably won’t matter that much where you stay. But if you plan on staying for a week or more, then choosing the right place can make your time there much more enjoyable.
Be prepared to encounter large crowds when you visit your favorite national park or a campground. If you have ever visited Yellowstone in July or Key West in January, then you know what it feels like to be surrounded by people.
Unless you plan on boondocking all the time, which is unlikely, most of the time you will find yourself at a state and national parks. And if you have ever been to Yellowstone National Park in July or Key West, Florida in January, then you understand what it means to be crowded by people.
Due to the fact that most RVers use their RV as a vacation spot and not for living in it full time, you are likely to be sandwiched into tight little spots with other campers and motor homes. If you are like us and don’t like being around people, then you have to plan ahead by doing some research on where those hidden gems might be.
Caring for Your Pets
Animals can be the best friends a person has, and in some cases, they’re better than humans! A sudden emergency or illness to a beloved cat or dog can cause a lot of anxiety. Plan ahead for your pet by calling the campground or looking online to see what their policy is on pets.
Keeping in mind that just like some campgrounds are age restricted, there are also parks and campsites that prohibit pets. Additionally, you should research your destination to see where the nearest vet or animal care facility is located and have that information on hand just in case.
Internet and Communication
Some people embrace the opportunity to remove themselves from such things for a little while, but if you work online or have family in your life that you communicate with often you’ll quickly find yourself out of luck. The first thing to remember is that many campgrounds claim they have high speed internet, but the truth of the matter is you often find these speeds vary depending on how many people are accessing their signal. During peak hours in the evening or morning, you may experience slow connectivity.
Conclusion
There are many challenges that come with living in an RV. For example, the space is limited and can feel claustrophobic for those who live there on a daily basis. It’s also difficult to cook meals because of how small the kitchen space is or lack thereof. The constant need to be packing up and moving your home around can be exhausting as well, not to mention expensive when you’re paying for campsites all over the country.