Full-Time RVing: Don’t Believe The Hype!

By Sal & Rebecca, The Tin Can Travelers – We use affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link, we may receive a small compensation at no cost to you.

Full-time RVing has exploded in popularity over the past few years. But whatever you think you know about the lifestyle is probably only a fraction of what it encompasses for so many people. The word (or abbreviation) “RV” is no longer just associated with retirees heading to Florida for the winter, but rather a large and diverse population seeking a different way of life. A life associated more with physical, mental and financial freedom, minimalism, travel and experiences. A life that falls outside the boundaries set by society for how we should live. It truly is a movement! But is everything you’re seeing and reading on social media an accurate portrayal of the lifestyle?

The answer to that question isn’t so simple. While there are certainly some social media accounts doing a great job portraying a realistic version of the lifestyle, there are ten times as many feeding you fake and over-exaggerated information and photo-shopped pictures. Additionally, for every person who loves their life on the road, hasn’t suffered financial difficulties, and is actually experiencing what they envisioned, there’s another person for which none of this true.

This post is meant to serve as a reality check for anyone considering full-time RVing, and for those who are using social media as their primary tool to research it. Social media is probably the worst place to seek out the truth about anything, and after reading this post you’ll understand why. Hopefully, you’ll also gain a better understanding of the lifestyle. We’ll first start with what most people fall prey to…

Half-Truths

Much of what you’re seeing about full-time RVing, on social media, is misleading and what I call “half-truths.” A half-truth, by my definition, is what someone chooses to share about his or her life in the form of a photograph or video (since we’re talking social media). It’s usually a photo or video that suggests the person in it (or taking it) is “living the dream,” but it reveals nothing about their life before or after it was taken. In other words, you’re not getting the whole picture! You see only what they want you to see.

When’s the last time you read a post where someone revealed they’ve gone broke and have been sleeping in Walmart parking lots for the last month? When’s the last time you heard about a RVer begging for money because their work-camping check wasn’t coming in soon enough? How about the last time you saw pictures of someone moving all their stuff back INTO a sticks-n-bricks because they hated life on the road?

If you’re considering full-time RVing, wouldn’t you like to know how these people went broke and why they hated the lifestyle? Of course, you would, but chances are you never will. Why? Because people don’t typically announce their failures. Unfortunately, the only way to make a fully-informed decision is to have access to the whole truth, not just a portion of it. But if the lack of information isn’t bad enough, we’re also left to sort through all the trickery…

The Illusion

Since social media (IG, FB, TW, PIN) is mostly visual, lets talk about what you’re seeing. Or I should say… what you’re NOT seeing. Pictures on social media are photo-shopped to such an extreme now-a-days that it’s impossible to know what a place (and sometimes even a person) actually looks like. I have seen photos of locations I’ve visited that are complete misrepresentations of the truth. Why do people do this? Because they want you to think they’re witnessing something you only wish you could. It’s done to “sell you the dream.” To make you interested in their content to either sell themselves (boost their self-esteem) or to sell you something (a product or an idea).

Ever see those pictures of a van parked in some insanely beautiful and exotic location? Its rear doors are wide open exposing the cozy, yet picture-perfect, interior where someone is almost always sprawled across the bed taking in that magnificent view. You know the ones I’m talking about. The ones that make you want to live in a van! The ones that make you believe that locations and views like that are part of the every-day van dwelling life. Ever wonder if that beautiful view in the picture is even real? Or did that person simply incorporate a photo-shopped picture of their van with a photo-shopped location they pulled from an app?

Ever notice a discrepancy between the number of followers on an account and the number of reactions to the posts? That’s most likely because the owner of the account purchased their followers. Why do people do that? Because they want you to think that thousands of people are interested in their content. Afterall, if you scroll across an account with that many followers and you’re not one of them, you might just think you’re missing out on something! Right?

In short, most of what we see on social media is only a version of the truth. How much, or little, we’re privy to is entirely up to whoever’s posting the content. Be very careful about what you’re “buying into”… and I’m not talking about products! I’m talking about ideas, illusions, half-truths. Do you really want to use fake content to help you make an important life decision?

Using Social Media As A Tool

It’s ok to use social media as a source of information, as long as it’s only one of many. You want to steer clear of accounts that focus on beautiful pictures but provide little substance. Follow accounts that offer actual resources and practical advice. We think our social media accounts and website do just that! 😉 And ask questions! But remember, the best resource you have is YOU. Only you have access to the information required to answer certain questions. Such as…

Why are you considering the lifestyle and what are your expectations? Can you afford it? Will you need to work to supplement your income? Are you physically capable of performing the required duties of any job you acquire on the road? Will you be able to maintain medical insurance? Can you live in a smaller space? Are you comfortable with frequently moving? Will you miss friends and family? Only you can answer these questions.

Reality Check

Now that we’ve covered a little about misleading information and images being pushed out on social media, let’s go over a few key points about the reality of full-time RVing.

Everything Costs Money

Anybody can move into a van or RV, but your quality of life and ability to “live out your dreams” depends on the resources you have at your disposal. If your dream is to live on soup and sleep in parking lots with a view no better than a Walmart sign, then sure… you won’t need much money. You just need to cover the basics. But if you want to travel the US, enjoy the luxury of full hookups while spending a few days in a new location, and have a few bucks in your pocket for the occasional indulgence… then it’s going to cost money!

Bills That Can’t Be Side-Stepped

While it’s true full-time RVing can be as cheap or expensive as you like, where you fall on the spectrum, again, depends on how you want to live. And regardless of how frugal or thrifty you think you are, there are certain bills you just simply can’t escape. As a matter of fact, because of your choice to live on the road, you will acquire new bills you didn’t have before and see a significant increase in existing ones.

The Basics

Food – Your appetite doesn’t decrease just because your square footage did. Everybody has to eat!

RV Insurance – You may have previously only paid for insurance on a single vehicle, but depending on what you decide to live in, you may be paying insurance on a second one.

Fuel – Driving anything larger and heavier than your current vehicle is going to consume more fuel and cost more money, and that’s just locally. This is especially true if you choose a class A, B or C, 5^th Wheel or travel trailer.

These are the bare-bone basics. We’re talking surviving – not living (IMO). You will notice I didn’t include a RV and/or tow(ed) vehicle payment, traveling fuel, RV maintenance, RV parks (lodging), or even a little spending money.

Deal Breakers

I feel so strongly about the ability to maintain the following, that I’m not even going to label it as opinion. So, let me be very clear – If full-time RVing means you will lose access to, and/or the ability to pay for or contribute to, any of the below listed items you previously had and could afford, then the lifestyle isn’t for you.

Medical / Health Insurance – If your only source of medical insurance is through your employer, and you can’t afford to pay for it on your own (most people can’t), then you shouldn’t quit your job. Your health and access to medical care should be your number one priority regardless of your lifestyle. Without it…you have nothing!

Medications – Ailments and diseases aren’t miraculously cured just because your living quarters and location has changed. If you’re taking prescription medications, don’t put yourself in a position where you can no longer afford them.

Pets – Pet food and monthly preventative medications are necessary. Pets have to eat, too. And the best way to prevent expensive visits to the vet is to keep them flea, tick and heart-worm free. Aside from monthly preventative medications, however, your pet could be involved in an unfortunate accident or be hiding a condition that may not reveal itself until later on. Click here to read about our furry-friend whose been cursed with multiple hereditary issues, has undergone four surgeries and is on prescription dog food. The point is – if you choose to bring a pet into your life, it’s your responsibility to take care of it. This includes medical care and the costs associated with it.

Cell phone – You need to have the ability to call for help should you find yourself in a situation that requires it.

Emergency Fund – Everyone should maintain an emergency fund regardless of their lifestyle. But living in a RV should give you reason to be even more diligent about it. RV’s are not as well built as sticks-n-bricks, and for the most part, they aren’t even meant to be lived in full-time. You are fooling yourself if you think things won’t malfunction and break. They will. And when they do, they can be very expensive to fix.

Malfunctions aren’t the only thing you need to worry about, though. You’ll need to replace tires, get your oil changed, pay for towing service if you break down, swing for a hotel if your rig ends up in the shop, etc. Neglecting to put aside money for maintenance and emergencies can end your dream as quickly as it started.

Savings – An emergency funds account is there for you to dip into – a savings account is not. Even if you’re not saving as much as you did while living a traditional lifestyle, it’s important to continue to put something away for your future.

The Little Things

Yes, you can easily explore a new city or town without spending a dime, but unless you live in a van, or small-enough RV, you’re going to have to park your rig (5ver , TT, Class A or C) somewhere in order to do it. RV Parks cost money, and the cheaper they are… the sketchier they can get. You can boondock (free or dispersed camping without hookups) but these areas usually aren’t located within close proximity to cities and towns. If you choose this option, you’ll most likely be leaving your rig unattended, in an unfamiliar and sparsely populated area, while you drive a long distance to and from your destination. Sometimes going cheap is not the best option – A safe place to park the rig is worth the extra cost, in my opinion.

A Few Full-Time RV Facts  

-Not every place you spend the night will be beautiful.

-Not all RVers are nice.

-Safety should always be a priority. We’re not suggesting anyone live in fear, but we are suggesting that people be realistic about certain aspects of the lifestyle and have the ability to foresee a situation before it occurs. There is no such thing as a crime-free city or town. Don’t be naive. Life on the road means you’re frequently in unfamiliar territory. Common sense goes a long way in preventing unwanted situations.

-You still need to do laundry, household chores, wash your house and vehicle, walk your dog, grocery shop, do maintenance on your vehicle and RV, go to doctor appointments, and for many, although maybe not as frequently… work!

-Sometimes it’s too hot or cold to go outside, and sometimes it’s raining or snowing and you don’t want to. Occasionally you’re sick and in bed all day, and sometimes it’s just boring.

–Living in a RV is like living in a really, really small version of a stick-n-bricks. Sure, the view from your window changes and you get to visit some awesome places, but when it comes to every-day chores, things are pretty much the same – some just take less time to complete.

Conclusion

Full-time RVing is a great living alternative for many people, and it encompasses much more than just travel. Minimalists appreciate smaller living quarters and less “stuff,” Environmentalists appreciate a smaller footprint, Millennials like the idea of working remotely, “Cold-Weather-Haters” follow the warmer climate, Retirees visit dispersed children and grandchildren, “Boondockers” enjoy living off-grid, “Bucketlisters” chase the next item on the list, “Stationary’s” appreciate cheaper living-quarters, “Adventure Junkies” go where the action is, and yes, some just like to travel. But for many, it’s a combination of things. It is for us.

So, while full-time RVing has provided us with the freedom and life we hoped for, we know this was only made possible because we were honest about how we wanted to live and realistic about what we can afford. We didn’t just jump onboard with everyone else because the lifestyle looks “cool.” There’s more to full-time RVing than the images of beautiful destinations and two-second snapshots of happiness bombarding your social media feed. That’s only half of the truth. The other half can be found in between destinations and before and after those pictures are taken. Do the research, crunch the numbers, have a plan and don’t believe all the hype! Stick to that and you won’t go wrong!

For information on work-camping jobs and how to find them, review our posts on The Sugar Beet Harvest, 2019, Camp Hosting: The Ins and Outs, and Work Camping at Amazon, or use the “Helpful Links” on the sidebar of our home page.

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