The open road beckons – promising freedom. The freedom to live your life – your way.
Before you answer the call, it pays to do some honest self-reflection and see if full-time RV living is the right lifestyle for you.
Handiness: A Necessity, Not Just a Skill
One of the first things you learn as a full-time RVer is the importance of being handy.
Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, troubleshooting electrical issues, or managing the RV’s sewage system, the ability to diagnose and repair minor issues is invaluable.
This skill set not only saves money, it also ensures self-reliance in remote locations.
It’s about more than being mechanically inclined; – it’s about embracing the challenge of solving problems creatively.
Embracing Minimalism: The Art of Living with Less
Living in an RV means space is a luxury. This constraint naturally leads to a minimalist lifestyle, where every item in the RV has a purpose – or even several purposes.
Here’s an example:
This is our Coleman ice chest. We use it primarily for transporting groceries.
It also doubles as a linen closet for extra sheets and towels.
It also gets used as a step stool at times.
We’ve even thrown a beach towel over it and used it as extra seating for visitors.
The RV lifestyle isn’t about giving up possessions; it’s about prioritizing what truly matters.
Do you really need to drag that: miter saw / sewing machine / motorcycle / jet ski / boat, etc. around with you – or can you rent it / borrow it when needed? Many home improvement stores and auto parts stores will let you rent tools by the hour or day.
The minimalist approach extends beyond physical items to life experiences – focusing on creating lasting memories – instead of obtaining more possessions.
Adaptability: The Heartbeat of RV Life
When you live in an RV full-time – plans can change at a moment’s notice.
From dealing with ever-changing road conditions – to being prepared for unpredictable weather.
It could mean rerouting due to a road closure or staying in a motel for a few days because of unexpected repairs.
Different campgrounds / RV Parks / Resorts have different rules and regulations that you’ll need to adapt to. What’s acceptable at one place, may be against the rules at another. Like leaving your dog outside or hanging laundry on a clothesline.
This fluidity in lifestyle demands a mindset that embraces change rather than resisting it.
The Adventurous Spirit: Exploring the Unknown
Adventure is not just about the places you visit; it’s about the journey.
Full-time RVers thrive on the thrill of discovering new locations, experiencing different cultures, and exploring the unseen.
This adventurous spirit drives them to seek out new experiences, be it a hidden hiking trail, a local culinary delight, or a community event.
It’s not just travel; it’s a quest for experiences that broaden horizons and enrich the soul.
Social Connectivity: Building Communities on Wheels
Contrary to the belief that RV life can be isolating, it often presents abundant opportunities to meet new people and form lasting friendships.
Campgrounds and RV parks are hubs for social interaction, where stories and experiences are shared around campfires.
Most campgrounds / RV parks / Resorts – have organized community activities that are open to everyone – many even have a dedicated activities leader.
Full-time RVers often find themselves part of a diverse community of like-minded individuals who are always ready to lend a helping hand or share valuable advice.
Resilience: The Underrated Virtue
Resilience is perhaps the most important trait for full-time RVer’s to have.
Here’s the truth: Problems and setbacks will happen
Here’s the good news: You get to decide how you approach the problem. Having a resiliency mindset will lessen the stress – and may even help you arrive at the best solution.
It’s the ability to bounce back, whether it’s dealing with a breakdown in the middle of nowhere, or finding an emergency vet for your sick cat.
This resilience is built over time, forged by the challenges and triumphs of the road.
The full-time RV lifestyle is more than a way of traveling – it’s a testament to a life lived differently. It’s about handiness, adaptability, adventure, social connectivity, minimalism, and resilience.
These traits don’t just define the full-time RV lifestyle – they enrich it, making every day on the road an opportunity for growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
So, if you’re seriously considering this lifestyle, ask yourself: Do you have the RV spirit in you?