Myths about RV Full Timing – And the Truth
07-21-2016
Author: in RV Tips & Education
When we first embarked on our full timing adventure we were pretty green. There was a lot we didn’t know – and a lot we’ve learned along the way. Thanks to helpful neighbors, RV forums, and of course good old faithful YouTube, we’ve figured out a lot.
We’ve debunked some common RV full timing myths and learned about some new ones. I thought I would share some of our favorites with you. Whether you are a seasoned full timer or you’re just thinking about it, I’m sure you will find these interesting – or entertaining at the very least.
Myth: You can’t put residential appliances in an RV.
Fact: You can. In fact, several manufacturers are now installing residential appliances in their RVs right from the factory. Many RV owners are restoring their rigs by adding residential refrigerator, stove, oven, and even washer and dryer.
Myth: RV parks have a rule that they do not allow any travel trailer or motor home that is older than ten years.
Fact: While a few RV parks may have such a rule, the majority of them do not. In fact, those that do have the rule are extremely rare. If you plan to stay at a park and are feeling a little nervous, all you have to do is ask.
Myth: Buying a brand new RV is always the better option.
Fact: Not necessarily. As a rule of thumb, if you purchase a new RV, at least for the first few months you need to stay close to the factory. When you buy used, many of the bugs have been worked out. This doesn’t mean that you won’t make repairs, but there is a big push in the RV community that advocates buying used.
Myth: RVing is a totally carefree lifestyle.
Fact: This is partially true. Yes, you have more freedom in an RV, on the road, but there are certain considerations. Most RVers will tell you that the RV life means almost constant maintenance or repair of the rig. It may be very small things here and there, but there are things that need to be done on a pretty much ongoing basis.
Myth: Only retired people choose the full timing life.
Fact: People of all ages are choosing to live in RVs full time. In our park alone we have a twenty-something couple with a little baby, several middle aged couples, a family of four, and then there’s us. We aren’t retired and aren’t senior citizens, but we are loving the full time life. My point is, the RV life is quickly appealing to all ages and family structures.
Myth: If you are an RV full timer you either have to have a sizeable savings or be willing to do odd jobs here and there.
Fact: Many people are finding that they can earn a nice living on the road. You don’t need a huge savings (although some savings always helps) and you don’t need to take odd jobs unless you want. Check out these non-phone work from home jobs. You can also check out how to make money while traveling or how I make a living on the road.
Myth: Living full time in an RV is nice and “cozy.”
Fact: Well, most of the time it is really nice and cozy – until “cozy” turns into confining or tomblike. We have a 33’ travel trailer so we do have quite a bit of room. After all, it’s just the two of us. However, when we spent a week stuck inside during the days of intense flooding in South Carolina last year. See, under normal circumstances you can pull out the awning and create an extra “room” of sorts. Well, our whole campsite was a lake (we had happened to set up on a built up area so our rig stayed high and dry). There was no going out for several days. It was lovely.
My advice to people considering to go full time: before you go, before you even buy an RV, cordon off a small area in your home, just a couple hundred square feet, and live there for about a month. If you do well living that way and you can live together without killing each other, then you may be somewhat ready. There’s nothing like actually living it, but that is a fairly decent simulation.
We’ve debunked some common RV full timing myths and learned about some new ones. I thought I would share some of our favorites with you. Whether you are a seasoned full timer or you’re just thinking about it, I’m sure you will find these interesting – or entertaining at the very least.
Myth: You can’t put residential appliances in an RV.
Fact: You can. In fact, several manufacturers are now installing residential appliances in their RVs right from the factory. Many RV owners are restoring their rigs by adding residential refrigerator, stove, oven, and even washer and dryer.
Myth: RV parks have a rule that they do not allow any travel trailer or motor home that is older than ten years.
Fact: While a few RV parks may have such a rule, the majority of them do not. In fact, those that do have the rule are extremely rare. If you plan to stay at a park and are feeling a little nervous, all you have to do is ask.
Myth: Buying a brand new RV is always the better option.
Fact: Not necessarily. As a rule of thumb, if you purchase a new RV, at least for the first few months you need to stay close to the factory. When you buy used, many of the bugs have been worked out. This doesn’t mean that you won’t make repairs, but there is a big push in the RV community that advocates buying used.
Myth: RVing is a totally carefree lifestyle.
Fact: This is partially true. Yes, you have more freedom in an RV, on the road, but there are certain considerations. Most RVers will tell you that the RV life means almost constant maintenance or repair of the rig. It may be very small things here and there, but there are things that need to be done on a pretty much ongoing basis.
Myth: Only retired people choose the full timing life.
Fact: People of all ages are choosing to live in RVs full time. In our park alone we have a twenty-something couple with a little baby, several middle aged couples, a family of four, and then there’s us. We aren’t retired and aren’t senior citizens, but we are loving the full time life. My point is, the RV life is quickly appealing to all ages and family structures.
Myth: If you are an RV full timer you either have to have a sizeable savings or be willing to do odd jobs here and there.
Fact: Many people are finding that they can earn a nice living on the road. You don’t need a huge savings (although some savings always helps) and you don’t need to take odd jobs unless you want. Check out these non-phone work from home jobs. You can also check out how to make money while traveling or how I make a living on the road.
Myth: Living full time in an RV is nice and “cozy.”
Fact: Well, most of the time it is really nice and cozy – until “cozy” turns into confining or tomblike. We have a 33’ travel trailer so we do have quite a bit of room. After all, it’s just the two of us. However, when we spent a week stuck inside during the days of intense flooding in South Carolina last year. See, under normal circumstances you can pull out the awning and create an extra “room” of sorts. Well, our whole campsite was a lake (we had happened to set up on a built up area so our rig stayed high and dry). There was no going out for several days. It was lovely.
My advice to people considering to go full time: before you go, before you even buy an RV, cordon off a small area in your home, just a couple hundred square feet, and live there for about a month. If you do well living that way and you can live together without killing each other, then you may be somewhat ready. There’s nothing like actually living it, but that is a fairly decent simulation.
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Author: Stephanie A. Mayberry
