By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Mike and Jennifer Wendland, two full-time senior RVers from RV Lifestyle, share their most essential senior RV tips. Mike and Jen firmly believe that with proper preparation, seniors can live their best lives ever in an RV. They believe this because they themselves are living proof.
Mike and Jen’s essential RV tips for seniors
#1 Try before you buy: RVing is not for everyone. There’s no better way to find out if it is for you than by trying it out before making the full and expensive commitment of buying an RV. Rent an RV for a trip or two to see if you even like RV life.
#2 Ease into it: Many seniors sell their homes, get rid of all of their possessions, and dive headfirst into RV life. A better idea is to give yourself time to adjust. RV life is very different, and full-time RVing is quite different than the occasional vacation RV trip. Consider renting your home instead of selling as, eventually, most RVers return to sticks-and-bricks homes.
#3 Embrace it: Once you have determined that RV life is for you, then it’s time to fully embrace it.
#4 Invest in a good night’s sleep: The proper mattress is essential to your happiness and well-being in your RV.
#5 Make driving more comfortable: Discomfort leads to irritability, which leads to a bad camping experience. Make drive time as comfortable as possible for both driver and passenger(s).
#6 Follow the 330 rule: Pushing yourself too hard can also cause physical discomfort. Mike and Jen follow the 330 rule, which means they stop after 3½ hours of driving or after 3:30 p.m.
#7 Install additional safety features: Being proactive with safety features, such as a handle to your front door, can help prevent injuries that might otherwise quash your travel dreams.
#8 Travel with a dog: The couple highly recommends traveling with a dog, as the dog’s energy and enthusiasm will encourage you to stay active. However, I must say I disagree with this as an overall tip. Dogs are not for everyone. Only follow this tip if you are a dog lover who truly wants to care for a dog on the road. Dogs are big responsibilities and can be a lot of work.
#9 Post the information about your current campground on your RV’s fridge: Emergencies happen, and it’s good to have this information handy, should you ever need it.
#10 Plan your budget carefully: RVing is more expensive than many people realize. Planning and sticking to a budget will help you avoid financial difficulties.
#11 Save money with membership clubs: Membership clubs save you money on campground fees, fuel, and more. The couple highly recommend them.
#12 Get an “America the Beautiful” senior pass: I concur that every senior should have this federal government pass. For an $80 lifetime fee, you and everyone in your vehicle can enter any national park for free, and you can camp at half-price at national parks, national forests, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, and more.
#13 Try a work camping job: Not only can a job at a campground help offset your travel expenses, but it also keeps you active and helps you meet more people.
Do you have other RV tips for seniors? Be sure to share them in the comments below.
RELATED
- 3 essential self-defense tips for seniors
- Senior RVers: The one very important exercise every senior needs
- How senior adventurer deals with solo camping fears
- Why RVing seniors should go back to ‘school’
RVDT2837
Seems to me, these are tips for anyone thinking about full timing it.