Maybe you’re retired or getting tired of the daily grind. Maybe living in an RV full-time has been a lifelong dream for you – or a spontaneous decision!
Regardless of why you’ve made the decision or how you’ve ended up in the adventurous RV life, we are excited to share some of the best tips for full-time RV living that we’ve heard from those who have been down that road. What would you add to the list? We’d love to hear.
1. Be proactive
Ahead of travel days, check your routes, tire pressure, and the condition of your RV and vehicle. Take advantage of Google Map satellite view to check out any of the stops you may have planned. Then have a plan for your vehicle’s entrances and exits.
With Google Maps Street View, you can peruse the entire property to ensure you have enough space for your RV. Checking these details in advance will help you avoid expensive mistakes and eliminate unnecessary stress on travel days.
2. Learn how to fix things
If you’re pretty handy, you might take those skills for granted and not realize just how much your mechanical-minded nature can help you out in your RV. But if you’re not a fixer by nature, living in an RV full-time is a good time to expand your skillset. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish after watching some YouTube videos and a little trial and error.
Fixing things yourself on the go will help you save time and money, whether you just need to fix your bicycles or have a bigger mechanical issue to tackle. For more significant problems, we highly recommend having a trustworthy roadside assistance program.
At the very least, make sure to read your RV’s owner’s manual and be as familiar with your vehicle as possible. Doing so will help you follow the proper maintenance protocols and better equip you to handle potential emergencies.
3. Practice open communication
Strong communication is always important, but it’s especially critical when you’re living with a loved one or as a family in an RV. The close living quarters and extra together time have pros and cons, but communicating openly with everyone will help you experience the positives more than the negatives.
Extending empathy will take you farther than letting negative thoughts take hold and fester. Set aside time to connect.
4. Invest in a trustworthy GPS
Navigation errors are an easy and common way to create unnecessary stress between couples who RV full-time. Be sure to research and purchase an RV or trucker’s GPS that will serve you well as you hit the open road.
Unless you don’t mind being led to bridges your vehicle can’t fit under or dangerous roads that aren’t meant for your vehicle, this is not something to skimp on. Go all out!
5. Have a checklist for packing up and setting up camp
For families who RV full-time, a checklist that designates everyone’s responsibilities while setting up or tearing down camp will make for smoother days and nights. Before leaving a site, make sure that everyone double-checks that their jobs were completed.
6. Get Health Insurance for Full-Time RVers
Once you’ve decided to try full-time RV living, make sure that your health insurance fully covers you and your family. Perhaps you still have benefits through your employer or a retirement plan. You may also qualify for a subsidy through the Affordable Care Act.
If none of those fit your situation, meet with an independent insurance broker to help you find coverage based on your needs. Whatever you land on insurance-wise, review your level of coverage so you’re familiar with the details in case an emergency pops up on the road.
7. Prepare for Emergencies
Having survival essentials on-hand is absolutely imperative for full-time RVers. While no one wants to think about it, you need to be prepared for a variety of roadside or medical emergencies in case something happens on the road.
Here are just a few items we’d recommend:
- Spare tire
- Wheel wrench and jack
- Jumper cables
- Tool set
- Reflective triangles or flares
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Extra batteries
- Emergency water and food
- Solar charger
- Hand crank flashlight
8. Organize Your Pet’s Needs
If a pet is accompanying you on the road, make sure that they are microchipped and properly tagged. It is also an excellent idea to digitize your animal’s veterinary records and save them in an app so they will be available anywhere you go. This way, you’ll be prepared if you need to visit a vet in a new location.
Bring your pet’s usual accessories, bed, and extra towels for unexpected baths. A canine first-aid kit and app on your phone are also great ways to be prepared for any emergencies that could arise on the go.
RV Dealers Near Me in Maryland
Whether you plan to embark on a full-time RV lifestyle or not, at Economy RVS we have a vast selection of travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and expandable trailers for you to explore.
If you’re looking for camper dealers near me while you’re on the move throughout Maryland, we also offer quality services for all of your RV needs, including plumbing, heating, electrical, appliance repair, hitches and tow bars, and other types of mechanical assistance.
Economy RVS of Mechanicsville, MD has been happily serving our customers in southern Maryland for more than 25 years. We would be thrilled to help you find your next new or used recreational vehicle and answer any questions you have as you make your selection.