Getting Started in RV Life

Camping has changed for us over the years, and everyone’s journey will look different

Ah, the RV life! For many, it conjures images of freedom, relaxation, peace, nature, friendship, reconnecting–and so much more. But is it really that easy to get started?

What type of RV should we get? How much does it cost? Will we use it? So many things to think about, and it can cause you to abandon the idea even before you even get started.

In the summer of 2016, my husband, youngest son and I decided to take off on a 3 week long camping trip while our oldest was visiting his dad. We aimed for the northern end of US1 since we had seen the southern end in a trip to Key West the summer prior. We tossed the tent and some supplies in the back of the jeep, roughly plotted a route and took off without any reservations, including that first night. It was a grand adventure, and an amazing story for another day.

When we returned, though, we realized we wanted more, and we wanted it without having to set up and take down a tent and all the cooking supplies every day, and without worrying too much about weather.

We decided to get a small RV. We wanted something the Jeep could tow and that was little more than a glorified tent on wheels. We had no clue what we were doing and did little to no research, just went to a dealership, found something in our price range with our needs, signed for it, and they handed us the key. I’m not even kidding when I tell you we were clueless. When they left us with our 16′ wolf pup in the parking lot with little to no walkthrough (neither of us remember one), we realized we didn’t even have the right size hitch and had to go inside and buy one.

We laugh so much about those early days. We had some amazing adventures in it until our youngest outgrew the dinette bed in about a year and a half, forcing us to sell it much sooner than we expected.

It gave us a taste of a life we wanted to live, and didn’t want to wait until we retired.

Fast forward through life with our oldest graduating college, parents living with us, job changes and a pandemic, and we became really motivated to become RVers, but swiveled between weekenders or full-timers.

Our motivation meant we made some very rookie mistakes that we repeatedly hear others have made, too. We searched for the “perfect” RV, we didn’t think long term, we financed a new RV from a dealership, we didn’t know what to look for, and so many others. It has inspired me to help others so they don’t repeat those mistakes. So let’s talk some basics to get you started, and where to go from there.

WHO do you plan to RV with? Will it be just you? A partner? The family? Will it be the same people all the time, or will it vary?

WHAT kind of RVing do you plan to do? Will it be in resorts or near busy areas or popular destinations? Will it be campgrounds with some activities? Will it be parks or off grid with little to no hookups? Do you want to tow it so you have a separate vehicle to drive, or do you not plan to leave once you park somewhere?

WHEN do you plan to use your RV? Will it be weekends, occasional vacations? Will it be for hunting trips? What seasons and weather will you camp in? If it will be winter, will you be facing freezing temperatures or snow? If it is in summer, will it be extremely hot, or cooler weather?

WHERE will you store the RV when you aren’t using it? Your yard or driveway, or a storage facility? Or will you rent it out as an Airbnb or on an RV rental site when you are not using it? What kind of gear will you bring with you for your adventures?

HOW do you plan to pay for it? Will you finance or pay cash? Do you want to deal with a dealership or manufacturer and purchase new, or even used? Would you prefer a private sale? Will it replace something you currently tow or drive, or be in addition to? Also, how long do you plan to keep this vehicle? Will it fit your needs for many years, or just a few? Will this be a starter RV to test the lifestyle, then you upgrade to something else?

WHY do you want to RV? This is probably the bigger one, and maybe should be the one to start.

You can use this link to find a printable RV Life Brainstorming Worksheet to make notes, and it also has some places to note other information when you begin the shopping process.

When you have thought through each of these, it will help you narrow down what type of rig you are looking for, your budget for the RV life (RV loans, insurance, maintenance, and camping fees), and when you will be able to get started. You will also want to look at borrowing or renting an RV before committing to a purchase, even if just for a few days. It doesn’t take long to figure out if something won’t work like you envisioned.

I am working on a workbook with a step by step guide and activities for transitioning into and through the RV life, including this step and beyond. Be sure you follow us and subscribe to our blog and website so when it comes out, you can order your copy, or purchase for someone you know that wants to RV!