We often get asked for advice on how to get started RVing.
Here we list our top ten “to do’s” for those thinking about the RV lifestyle or just starting out.

These are easy to accomplish items that will help avoid costly mistakes or lousy RV experiences. Enjoy this great lifestyle by starting with adequate (and fun!) preparation.

The tips here are important for every new or wannabe RVer…and are especially important for those considering living fulltime in an RV.

RVing Tips

1. Read a few
   books about RVing.
   If you are pondering a fulltime RV lifestyle, there are some great books about fulltiming.
   These are typically written by fulltime RVers, and it is worth it to
   get a few different perspectives. Reading an assortment of these books
   was one of our first activities when we started dreaming about the
   lifestyle, and it has proven to be an invaluable activity. If you are in an RV-buying
   mode, there are a number of relevant books, such as the RV Comparison
   Guide and books that cover what to look out for when buying a used RV.
2. Attend RV shows and dealers…spend the time needed to check out an
   assortment of RV types and brands. We did this for years, sitting in
   the rigs, mentally going through the motions of doing everyday
   activities, talking to people, listening to comments of others as they
   did their own looking around. It is actually a lot of fun, and helps
   you become an informed consumer.
3. Go RVing – try it out.
   Before
   making a major RV purchase or a decision to go fulltime, have at least
   some experience RVing. Many people who upgrade their RV, or go
   fulltiming, already have had years of RVing experience. But if, like
   us, this is not the case, then rent an RV or buy a used RV… for
   vacations, weekend getaways and/or on a long trip where you can envision
   how it would be to live on a fulltime or “most-of-the-time” basis.
4. Join a few RV clubs (such as Good Sam, FMCA and Escapees) and read their magazines. Even
   if you aren’t currently RVing, these clubs and their publications
   provide a lot of good information, services, and food for thought. We
   continue to learn from the magazines, and the various clubs hold rallies
   and local chapter events, which are also great learning opportunities.
5. Be diligent and informed when you buy an RV.
   Quality, storage space, carrying capacity, towing limits, operating
   systems (plumbing, electrical, cooling/heating) and floor plan are all
   important. Think about how you will spend time in the RV day-to-day
   and make a list of things that are important to you.

   It pays to know something about how to use an RV before you make a
   purchase decision. How many times have we heard, “if I had only known
   about… “Don’t know what you don’t know? Become informed — one of the best ways to learn is from the popular RV Education DVDs and videos. The box sets offer a great value.

6. Evaluate
   your expectations and motives. Take a few minutes to jot down what you
   hope to get out of your RV experience. This is a good first step, but it is also a
   good exercise after you have done some of the above items. Once you
   start learning about the RV lifestyle via books, videos, shows and
   experiences, it is worth it to revisit what you hope to get out of
   RVing. You may validate your initial thoughts. Or you may discover
   that the RV experience you desire is a bit different than what you
   initially envisioned.
7. Share the dream. If you
   are planning to RV with others (spouse, family, whoever), make sure they
   are part of the planning and learning process. Discuss expectations.
   Consider compromises. If you are going to spend time in close quarters
   with others, things will go much better if everyone is on the same team.
8. Prepare a written budget – estimate your expenses,
   think about how you will spend your time, get it down on paper. Plan
   for recreation, insurance, emergency and maintenance costs. If you are considering the fulltime lifestyle, working on the road may be an important consideration.
9. Consider
   connections. Depending on your circumstances, this might include
   keeping in contact with family and friends, having
   internet access, cell phone connectivity in different geographic areas
   and use of email. For a short vacation, this may be a minor subject.
   For fulltimers or those traveling for extended periods, it is a big
   consideration.
10. Enjoy
    the journey. And we don’t just mean the RV journey once you are on the
    road. Also enjoy the “getting ready”, the learning phase. Have fun
    and take your time as you get to “know your stuff” about the
    lifestyle.

More about the RV Lifestyle

More on RV internet access

Additional thoughts on RVing fulltime