We bought our first RV in 2016 and hit the road only a few weeks after picking ity up. Of course, after our walkthrough with the salesman, we thought we knew everything we needed about RV living. It is safe to say that after eight years, we are still learning lessons that no one has taught us about RVing. Knowing the truth about RVing camping is essential before borrowing large sums of money to get your dream RV.
Buying our first RV and traveling the country is one of the best decisions we have ever made. However, when we started, we knew little to nothing regarding the truth about RV camping. Most of our inspiration was from thousands of great social media posts and groups regarding the RV lifestyle. However, needless to say, social media doesn’t always show the behind-the-scenes of RV travel.
Here, we share some lessons we have learned along our journey that weren’t shared on social media.
Making Campground Reservations May Be Difficult
Securing a reservation at popular RV campgrounds, especially during peak seasons, can be difficult. Many campgrounds book up months in advance, leaving limited availability for last-minute plans. Popular locations, like national parks, often have high demand, making it hard to find a spot. Additionally, some campgrounds have size restrictions or limited full-hookup sites. Overcrowding and the rise of RV travel have increased competition for desirable spots, requiring planning and flexibility with travel dates.
You Will Be Living in Tight Quarters
Regardless of the size of the RV, you will quickly learn you are living in tight quarters. This is the first truth about RV camping you will learn. Granted, the bigger you go, the more slide-outs there are and the more available space. However, unlike your home, privacy can be difficult to come by.
It’s hard to get away from others, especially when they sleep 2 feet away from you. Therefore, there are no secrets if you’re staying in an RV. Any conversation can be heard within the earshot of others.
Although we believe you will grow closer as a family, it can sometimes be a struggle in tight quarters.
The Chores Must Go On…Even on Vacation
One thing about RV travel is that the ordinary chores must go on. You should expect that the chores will follow you if you are traveling in a home on wheels.
You will find that using the full-size kitchen in the RV will certainly help cut costs. However, this means that meals need to be prepared, and dishes need to be cleaned.
If you go on a weekend getaway, laundry won’t be a huge issue. However, we spend a month every summer traveling in the RV. Therefore, laundry is a chore that can’t be ignored. Knowing this, it is important to ensure you stay at parks that offer laundry along the way. Of course, not all do, so check when making your reservations.
You Will Need to Empty The Septic Tank
Emptying the septic tank is the least glamorous part of RV traveling. When we went through our walk-through, the sales team discussed the truth about RV camping.
However, nothing predisposes you fully to the chore. You will need to connect your septic tank from the Rv to the dumbo site and empty all the contents. If done correctly, this chore has no risk other than getting a whiff of the contents as the drain from the RV. If you need a septic hose and supplies, check out our post regarding must-have RV accessories.
The Bathroom Doesn’t Offer Much Space
Using an RV bathroom brings to mind images of Chris Farley as Tommy Boy struggling in an airplane bathroom. For example, our bathroom offers a toilet, vanity, medicine cabinet, and stand-up shower. All of this is stuffed in the back corner of the RV.
Although we are certainly happy to have our private bathroom, it is not uncommon to use the campground shower. Many campgrounds offer large, clean bathrooms. For those that don’t? Well, we make do with the small RV bathroom.
The Weather Is Not Always Perfect
Most RV-related social media content shows beautiful sunsets, sunny blue skies, and all-around awesome vacation weather. However, don’t be fooled. If you spend much time RVing, you will inevitably get caught in bad weather.
In today’s RVing environment, making reservations months ahead of time is often necessary. Unfortunately, when the time comes to go camping, the weather may not cooperate.
The key is to be prepared ahead of time and have alternative things to do.
Keeping the RV Clean and Tidy Can Be Challenging
Keeping an RV clean is challenging, especially during travel. Dust, dirt, and debris easily get inside, especially in campgrounds. Limited space means clutter builds up quickly, and small messes feel bigger. RV bathrooms and kitchens require frequent cleaning due to daily use in tight quarters. Weather conditions like rain or mud can quickly turn a clean RV dirty. Regular upkeep is crucial to maintaining a tidy living space on the road.
There Will Be Unexpected Expenses
One truth about RV camping is that unexpected costs can quickly add up. Routine maintenance is essential, from oil changes to tire replacements, but repairs often arise out of the blue, especially with aging parts. Fuel consumption is another significant expense, particularly for longer trips.
The more miles you travel across the road, the higher the probability of unexpected problems arising. Planning for these hidden expenses is key to a successful RV ownership experience.
Social Media Can Share The Important Memories
The one thing that social media does is capture special moments that become memories. It offers you the ability to share your adventures with thousands of people. Of course, you and your family captured those photos being shared on social media. Therefore, you can go back and enjoy those special moments.
Even though there are some challenges to RV travel, the benefits far outweigh them. We have created memories with our children that will last a lifetime. In addition, the benefits and challenges of RV travel have made us a closer family.
Of course, since we are talking about social media and sharing adventures, be sure to view our social media pages. Most of our adventures laugh, and memories are shared on our Instagram page.
We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below.
Feel free to leave your social media pages. Do you have any tips on sharing RV adventures through social media?
