3 Reasons Not to Fulltime RV!
At a wildlife refuge, Meeker, Colorado.
Going into this new lifestyle, I did know what I know now. I did not know the challenges I would encounter, the emotions I felt, the helplessness I went through. Living small, and I mean SMALL, has been incredibly hard and definitely a learning curve. Not all things about travel is hunky dory. It can be rather dismal, lonely, frustrating or even boring. Social media does not report everything about fulltime rving, mostly the fluff, pretty photos for IG and smiling faces to show what traveling is not all about. It is my hope that the following words will help you make a good, educated decision of whether or not fulltime rving is for you! These are the top 3 reasons not to fulltime RV:
Internet: OMG!!!! This has been the worst so far. Now I see why other fulltime rvers spent so much money on equipment to get internet or even cell service. It is truly horrible. We have a router with an antennae, 2 sim cards (AT&T and Verizon) that is supposed to pull in the internet. Well, very little it does. We have had to go to the library several times so I could upload anything, or see what my kids are talking about on our IG chat. Unfortunately we live in a time where we need internet to watch tv, communicate with others or even to work from home. Do expect to have no connection, to miss that favorite sports game, binge Netflix and instead, go outside! Nature has helped me realize that life is not all about staying connected, but to disconnect and see what the great outdoors can provide.
Finding a spot to park our huge setup: Since we primarily boondock, we rely on reviews from camping sites to help us find that perfect camping place to park our huge setup. This is not always the case. These reviews are based on someone’s opinion, not ours. Each RV setup is different and should be treated accordingly. The reviews and photos do help, however, I do take each review with a grain of salt. Some of these people do not mind driving their rvs along rough roads, but it is not doable. for us. Depending on your own setup, take caution, look at satellite maps of the area you want to camp in and try to stay away from trees! A website I frequent is Campendium for camping and dump sites. They show free and paid campsites with lots of reviews and photos.
Weather: This is something quite new to me. After living in buildings such as apartments or houses, there is nothing like transitioning to a RV. Think of it this way: put yourself in a cardboard box, bring a fan and stay outside. That is about how much protection you may have. We went through a torrential storm while camping in South Dakota. So much wind, accompanied by hail, lightening and thunder. Our trailer was shaking, but we were not having any fun! I honestly thought the wind would pick up our trailer and throw it in the Badlands (I see how it got that name) as we were camped near there. Other areas have had a lot of wind where you hear a whistling sound that can drive you insane. When weather approaches, be prepared to be a part of it. One thing I have learned is if you are caught in a windy area and cannot leave, pull in your slides.
Now that I have stated the top 3 reasons not to fulltime rv, what can you do to fulfill your dream of travel on the road, seeking amazing destinations, ooohing and aaahhhhing over sights and how to accomplish it, even when it gets hard (and it will!)?
Understand that there will be hardships. Yes, I said hardships. But do not let it define you. If you come across something challenging, find a way around it, an outlet. This is a time to get creative, bring a solution to a problem, something unique to overcome your hardship.
Create your own adventures as only you can create. Do not depend on others to make your dreams come true. Only you can do this! Be spontaneous! Do what you want! Or be a planner and plan a year ahead for those oh-so-hard places to make reservations!
Do not give up! I think this has been the hardest for me to recite. There have been plenty of times I have wanted to give up, to go back to my familiar way of living and say goodbye to this lifestyle. But I did not. I have trudged through this, through the good and the bad, and have not given up yet. Do not give up! You got this!
Fulltime rving is not for everyone. It takes courage, determination and a desire to move forward in this lifestyle. It is not easy, but it can be rewarding. And just think of all the incredible places you can brag to your family and friends about!