Five ways to ruin a full-time RV life

By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, our favorite RV inspector, Duane from the RV Inspection and Care YouTube channel (one of the nominees of our 2024 RV video awards) talks about full-time RV life and specifically five things that can ruin the experience. Knowledge is power, so check it out.

Duane and his wife have been full-time RVing for a little more than five years now. They love the lifestyle but acknowledge it can have its challenges. He says that full-time RVing is not always the fun lifestyle that many internet content creators portray it to be. However, it’s also not the opposite of that, as other clickbait content creators would have you believe. There is not constant drama, problems and issues.

RV inspector shares 5 things that can ruin full-time RV life

None of these things necessarily HAVE to ruin full-time RV life. Duane rightly says if you are prepared for these factors, they aren’t such a big deal. It’s when new RVers are hit with big, expensive surprises that things can get rough. So consider these factors carefully before embarking on full-time RV life.

#1 RVs 

• RVs need constant maintenance and repair. Not only that, but service techs can be hard to find. The more you know about RV repair and maintenance, the better. Duane says most people can handle about 80% of RV repairs themselves.
• RVs depreciate fast. An RV is not like real estate. With rare brand exceptions, most RVs will depreciate in value quickly once they leave the dealer’s lot.
• Small space living. Duane says you need to realistically ask yourself if you can live in the small space of an RV day in and day out. It’s not for everyone.

#2 Relationships

It’s harder to develop and maintain relationships when living on the road. Sure you may meet a lot of people on the road, but you are usually like ships passing in the night. I have found this to be true, even with people who I hung out with for days at camp. It might have been fun, but it is rarely followed up on later. If you are a solitary type of person, no problem. Otherwise, road life can be lonely. Duane recommends doing research before starting a full-time RV lifestyle on how to develop and maintain personal relationships.

#3 Time management

Most of your time is spent on everyday living and the same chores and work you need to do while at home. Full-time RV life does not mean you are always on vacation. You might have more or less time for fun, depending on your circumstances.

#4 Inconvenience

This is a HUGE part of full-time RVing. Things like groceries, laundry, and other day-to-day living are not as close and accessible in most cases. Especially if you like boondocking.

#5 Overcrowding

More RVers and more new RVers often ignorant of RV etiquette are on the road now than ever. When at state and national parks, boondocking, or in commercial campgrounds, you are bound to encounter some of them. The cost of campsites has also gone up. Duane recommends camping memberships to save on costs.

Who is full-time RV life best suited for?

According to Duane, full-time RV life is best suited for:

#1 People who can afford it: It is not always the most economical option and you need to carefully evaluate your budget and finances.

#2 Those who are flexible in the face of change: Duane says full-time RVing is about nothing but change. If you can’t roll with it, you are going to be unhappy.

#3 Problem solvers: This goes along with change and the RV’s constant need for maintenance and repairs. Almost every day brings issues that need to be solved, big and small.

#4 Those who are patient: All of the inconvenience can wear on you, and if you lack patience it can frustrate you.

#5 People who are persistent: If you are persistent enough to plow through the challenges, Duane says you can find the full-time RV lifestyle enjoyable and rewarding.

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