If you’d like to live free and without the shackles of mortgage and rent, RV living is surely something you’re familiar with. Though it may sound easy to just pack up all your belongings and hit the road, full-time RV living requires some preparation and research. Here are some things you didn’t know but should have in mind before you take a leap and start RV living.
RV parks and trailer parks aren’t the same
Did you realize that these two parks aren’t synonymous? People that live in RVs full-time use RV parks for short-term use. Maybe they’re just going through the area or they need to use the facilities for a shower and laundry day. When it comes to trailer parks, they’re more permanent. The average nightly rate for an RV park is $35, however, this may rapidly rise. If you want to stay in one spot for a long period of time, you may want to consider seasonal campgrounds. Do your homework before picking where to stay if you’re on a limited budget since luxury RV parks are a thing that’s really hitting off.
You can wake up in a different state every day
One of the better parts about living out of an RV is the mobility factor. When you don’t have a single thing holding you back, you can become a true vagabond. Discovering all of the gorgeous locations this glorious country has to offer is probably the biggest plus of van life. If you’re looking to learn more about the best winter RV road trips you can embark on the next holiday season, make sure to follow the link.
It is not as cheap as it looks
Although RVing allows you to save money on some expenses, it may be difficult to keep your finances in order when you’re on the road. The bulk of your costs, like fuel and meals, are pretty predictable. However, you should also keep an eye out for smaller, ongoing costs, such as periodic maintenance of your RV and camping fees. You may also need to deal with more significant costs, such as unexpected failures, water heater replacements, and plumbing repairs. Unfortunately, these larger expenses are much harder to predict so make sure to always have some money put on the side.
You need to be tidy
When you live out of such a small place and all of your belongings are there, you really need to take care of it and keep it as clean as possible. Maintaining order and cleanliness in your home should become an essential part of your daily routine. When you live in an RV, you’ll have to deal with blackwater and greywater on a regular basis. Both must be disposed of on a regular basis, utilizing campsite dump facilities, and the tanks must be cleaned meticulously. Full-time RVing may not be for you if that idea grosses you out!
You can’t park anywhere you wish
Though one of the more fun parts about RV living is the ability to stay almost anywhere, it’s important to know where you can park. Some parking lots will allow you to boondock. This means you can park there without hooking up your RV. Retailers such as Walmart will let you camp in their parking lot for a day or two. However, not all Walmart’s locations will allow you such luxuries, so make sure to do some research before you set up camp. Whenever you boondock, you’ll have to respect certain etiquette. Firstly, get rid of all of your waste and blackwater. Furthermore, keep in mind the time constraints on your stay – don’t overstay your welcome. Whenever possible, park at known campsites and be courteous to your fellow RVers.