I Lived in an RV Full-Time for 5 Years — Here’s What I’d Do Differently.

Five years ago, I thought I had it all figured out.

I sold most of what I owned, packed my life into an RV, and hit the road full-time convinced I was escaping stress, bills, and “normal life.” I imagined freedom, flexibility, and endless adventure.

And I got those things — just not in the way I expected.

Living in an RV full-time for five years taught me more than any job, house, or routine ever did. It also taught me what not to do.

If I could rewind and start again, here’s exactly what I’d do differently.

I’d Slow Down Way Earlier

My biggest mistake was rushing.

In the beginning, I moved constantly. New state, new campground, new view — every few days. I thought that was the whole point of RV living.

What I didn’t realize was how exhausting that pace really is.

Travel days are work. Setup and teardown are work. Driving a big rig isn’t relaxing. After a while, I was tired all the time and barely enjoying the places I worked so hard to reach.

If I could do it again, I’d stay longer from day one. Monthly stays. Seasonal travel. Fewer miles, deeper experiences.

Slowing down didn’t limit my freedom — it actually gave it back.

I’d Buy Less Stuff (And Trust That I Don’t Need It)

I massively overpacked.

I brought tools “just in case,” kitchen gadgets I never used, clothes for every possible scenario, and gear I thought full-time RVers were supposed to have.

Most of it became dead weight.

Every extra item took up space, added stress, and made organization harder. Over time, I realized RV living works best when you let go — not when you prepare for every hypothetical.

If I started over, I’d bring the basics and let real needs guide what I add later.

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I’d Learn RV Systems Before Something Broke

I avoided learning the technical stuff at first.

Water systems. Electrical hookups. Propane. Sewer connections. I relied on campground neighbors, quick fixes, and panic Googling when something went wrong.

That worked — until it didn’t.

Once I finally learned how my RV actually worked, everything got easier. Problems became manageable instead of terrifying.

If I could go back, I’d invest time early in understanding my rig. Knowledge is peace of mind on wheels.

I’d Budget for Repairs Without Being Optimistic

I assumed I’d be “one of the lucky ones.”

Spoiler: I wasn’t.

Things broke. Often. Sometimes expensively. RVs vibrate, shift, and live outdoors — problems are inevitable.

In the early years, repairs felt like failures. Later, they just felt like maintenance.

If I started again, I’d budget realistically from day one and stop hoping nothing would go wrong. That mindset alone would have saved me stress.

I’d Stop Chasing the “Perfect RV Life” Online

Social media messed with my expectations.

I compared my rainy days, broken appliances, and cramped workspaces to curated photos of spotless rigs and endless sunsets. It made me feel like I was doing RV life wrong.

The truth? Everyone struggles. They just don’t post it.

Once I stopped comparing, I enjoyed my own version of RV living a lot more — imperfections included.

I’d Prioritize Comfort Over Aesthetics

I chose things because they looked good instead of how they functioned.

Furniture. Layout. Storage solutions. Even campgrounds.

After years on the road, I learned comfort matters more than style. A good mattress beats a trendy dinette. Shade beats a great view in summer. Quiet beats “Instagram-worthy.”

If I did it again, I’d design my RV for daily living — not photos.

I’d Be More Intentional With Money

RV living didn’t automatically make me better with money.

In fact, it was easy to overspend on convenience: eating out, premium campgrounds, moving too often, upgrading gear impulsively.

Over time, I learned RV life rewards intentional choices, not spontaneity everywhere.

If I started again, I’d track expenses earlier and design my travel style around sustainability, not impulse.

I’d Invest in Better Internet From the Start

I underestimated how important reliable internet would be.

Campground Wi-Fi failed constantly. Meetings dropped. Uploads stalled. Stress followed.

Once I invested in my own setup, my quality of life improved immediately.

If I did it again, I’d treat internet like electricity — not optional, not an afterthought.

I’d Ask for Help Sooner

RV communities are incredibly generous.

But early on, I tried to figure everything out myself. Pride, maybe. Or fear of looking inexperienced.

Every time I finally asked for help, someone had advice, tools, or a story that saved me time and money.

If I could rewind, I’d ask more questions and connect faster.

I’d Accept That RV Living Is Still Just Life

This was the hardest lesson.

RV living isn’t a permanent vacation. You still have bad days. You still get tired. You still deal with stress — just in different ways.

Once I stopped expecting RV life to fix everything, I enjoyed it much more.

It’s not an escape. It’s a lifestyle.

The One Thing I Wouldn’t Change

Despite everything I’d do differently, I wouldn’t trade those five years for anything.

Living full-time in an RV taught me adaptability, patience, and how little I actually need to be happy. It reshaped how I think about home, time, and freedom.

If you’re considering full-time RV living, don’t wait until you feel ready. You won’t be.

You’ll learn on the road — just like the rest of us did.

And if you’re already living it?

You’re doing better than you think.

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