A Quick Beginner’s Guide to RV Living

The recreational vehicle (RV) industry contributed approximately $140 billion to the United States economy in 2022. This large number suggests that many RVs were sold last year.

Most of these sales were to families who plan on enjoying the outdoors more. However, some buyers purchased an RV to begin living on the road full-time.

Living in an RV can be challenging initially, but learning some helpful tips will help you enjoy this new lifestyle.

Continue reading this guide to learn how to make the most of RV living!

Create a Budget

Transferring to a full-time RV lifestyle may sound like you’ll be saving money immediately. However, some expenses will be required to get you started. Therefore, the first step to living on the road is to create a realistic budget.

The biggest expense will be the purchase of the RV. Remember, the price of RVs can extend into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Pick a price you’re comfortable with spending and you can research the options that suit your budget.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of a vehicle to tow your RV if it is not motorized. Your vehicle will need to meet special requirements to tow your RV around.

Parking your RV will also cost money, meaning you’ll need to pay rent at most locations. Usually, these costs are cheap but still need to be within your budget.

You should also include an emergency fund in your budget. Doing so will help you be prepared for any unexpected issues. It’s a good idea to have at least a minimum of $500 in your emergency fund.

Selecting an RV

Once you’ve created a budget for an RV purchase, you can begin looking at options in that price range. Selecting an RV is the most important part of the process because you’ll need to choose one that suits your needs. Remember, there are also a variety of different RVs available including:

• Motorhomes
• Toy Haulers
• Fifth Wheels
• Travel Trailers
• Pop-Up Campers
• Camper Van

Start by making a list of things that you need. For example, a large family will need more space with many rooms.

Most RV options have floorplans you can look up online. Choose an option that will give you the most practicality and comfort. Don’t forget to visit the dealership before purchasing to get a feel for the RV in person.

Before making your final purchase, tell the dealer that you want to plug it into electricity. Doing so will allow you to make sure everything is working properly. Let the dealership know if there are any issues and they should make repairs before purchase.

Choosing a Vehicle

As previously mentioned, you will need to have a vehicle that can tow your RV. Towable RVs vary in weight depending on their size, meaning you’ll need to find the gross weight of your RV. Usually, this information is located near the door of the RV.

Your vehicle will need to be rated to pull this weight. Heavier options usually require a heavy-duty truck for towing. However, lighter options can often be towed with a light-duty truck or SUV.

You’ll also need to make sure your vehicle is prepared to tow. It will need the proper hitch, electric connections, and an emergency braking system.

Transportation

Setting up transportation is a great idea for those who have no experience driving or towing an RV. Hiring a transportation company will allow you to start your journey sooner.

Most companies can transport travel trailers to any location. They can drive, tow, or put your RV on a flatbed for delivery. Doing so will take away any anxiety for first-time RV owners.

Transporting your RV often makes travel times longer. Therefore, hiring an RV transportation company is great for those who don’t have the time to make the trip.

Understand Your RV

Once you’ve made your RV purchase, you should begin getting to know how it functions altogether. Start by studying the manuals to understand what needs to be done.

After reading, you can start exploring your RV’s functions. For example, start familiarizing yourself with the switches and their functions.

You should also get a basic understanding of how everything works so that you will be able to pinpoint any issues. Doing so can save time and money.

Downsize

Most new RV full-timers were living in a standard home before deciding to change their lifestyle. These homeowners usually have many belongings that fill every room of their homes. However, downsizing is one of the biggest issues new RV owners face.

Remember, your RV is probably smaller than your previous home. This means you’ll need to majorly downsize to ensure there is enough room to live comfortably.

Start by packing only the necessities like food, hygiene products, and clothing. Then you can slowly add anything essential to your lifestyle.

RV furniture and appliances won’t be needed since most are already equipped. Remember, the RV lifestyle is about living simply, meaning you shouldn’t need to overload your space.

RV Necessities

Your RV will also need to be equipped with a few necessities for full-time living. A few things you’ll need to buy include:

• Extension cord
• Water hose
• Sewer hose
• Jack stands
• Propane
• Wheel chocks
• Sewer treatment
• Tools

These necessities will make RV living much easier. You should also purchase these things before starting your journey because some items may be hard to find.

A Helpful Guide to RV Living

This guide to RV living should help you better prepare for this new adventure. Remember to always bring all the RV necessities and get regular maintenance.

Don’t forget to visit our site to read similar articles on RV living and camping!