20 Brutally Honest Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
Have you ever dreamed of living a life of adventure, traveling the country, and exploring new places on your own terms?
That’s exactly what my husband Jake and I have been doing since 2019, when we decided to embrace full-time RV living.
It all started with a tiny 16-foot cargo trailer we converted into a cozy home on wheels, and in 2021, we upgraded to a spacious 28-foot Outdoors RV that gives us even more creature comforts.
But let’s not sugarcoat things—this lifestyle is not all sunshine and rainbows… there are definitely some downsides to living in an RV full-time.
In this post, I’ll give you an honest rundown of the pros and cons of full-time RV living based on our own hilarious and sometimes harrowing experiences.
What Is Full-Time RV Living?
Full time RV living refers to a lifestyle where an individual or a family lives in a recreational vehicle (RV) as their primary residence. This means that they travel and stay in the RV for an extended period, usually for months or even years, instead of living in a traditional house or apartment.
Pros of Full-Time RV Living
Let’s start with the good news, shall we? Full-time RV living offers a range of benefits that make it a truly rewarding lifestyle. Here’s a few of the benefits we’ve experienced by living this way:
Freedom to travel
One of the greatest perks of full-time RV living is the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want. It’s an incredibly liberating feeling to know that you can pack up and hit the road at a moment’s notice.
Drive to Glacier tomorrow? No problem. Olympic National Park next week? Let’s do it. Getting to go wherever you want, whenever you want is so much fun.
Plus, the flexibility to choose your own adventure and travel at your own pace is truly priceless.
No more waiting for vacation days or saving up for expensive plane tickets—we have the whole country outside our front door.
The scenery is always changing
Living in an RV full-time means that we are always on the move, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Every two weeks or so, we pack up and hit the road to our next destination, which means we get to experience parts of the country that we never knew existed.
From the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Pacific Northwest, we’ve seen some of the most incredible places in the United States.
We’ve hiked through the lush forests in the Oregon Coast, kayaked through the crystal-clear waters of alpine lakes, and camped in the shadows of towering red rock formations in Utah.
The best part? There’s always a new adventure waiting just around the corner.
Living in an RV gives us the freedom to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of our country, and we’re constantly in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds us.
No matter where We Go, We Are Home
One of the biggest advantages of living in an RV full-time is that your home is always with you, no matter where you go.
This means that you get to have more experiences, more often, without ever having to worry about packing a suitcase or finding a place to stay.
Your RV is not just a mode of transportation, but also your own personal sanctuary. You have your own bed, your own kitchen, your own bathroom, and even your own closet. You never have to worry about forgetting something, because everything you need is always with you.
This level of convenience and comfort is truly unparalleled.
We love being able to cook our own meals and have a hot shower at the end of a long day of hiking or exploring. And when we’re ready to relax, we can curl up on our own couch and watch a movie or read a book.
The feeling of being able to make anywhere our home is truly empowering.
With our RV, we can go anywhere we want and always feel at home.
Now, that’s pretty cool if you ask me.
Relationship Growth
One of the most unexpected rewards we’ve experienced is how much it has strengthened our marriage.
When you live in a space that’s only 300 square feet, you quickly learn that you have to get along with your significant other.
There’s no escaping each other, and you have to learn how to make the most of your time together. But it’s not just about spending more time together—it’s also about learning how to communicate effectively.
It might sound funny, but we have also learned to fight better. Arguments, disagreements, and getting on each other’s nerves will happen, and the better you can figure out how to solve the issue, the happier you will be as a couple.
We’ve learned how to listen to each other more effectively, how to compromise, and how to work through disagreements in a healthy way.
Instead of getting lost in separate rooms or activities, we’re always close to each other, which has created a deeper sense of intimacy and connection.
Sure, there are times when we drive each other crazy, but those moments are far outweighed by the moments of joy, laughter, and love that we share.
We've Made Lifelong Friends
Living in an RV has allowed us to not only see some incredible sights but also to connect with some truly amazing people.
When we first started this lifestyle, I wasn’t sure if we would have much in common with other people who live tiny. But boy, was I wrong!
Everyone we have met on the road has been so welcoming and friendly, and we’ve formed some truly meaningful friendships along the way.
We’ve met families and couples who are doing the exact same thing as us, and it’s been so fun to swap stories and share tips and tricks. We’ve gone on hikes, played games, shared meals, and had some really great conversations with the people we’ve met on the road.
And while it’s always bittersweet when it’s time to say goodbye and hit the road again, we know that we’ve made some lifelong friends.
It’s incredible how this lifestyle has allowed us to connect with people from all walks of life and form such strong bonds in such a short amount of time.
Pictured below is one of my best friends, who is also a nomad! You can check them out on IG @thisisnomadic
We Buy Less Things
Living in a tiny home on wheels has made me realize that less truly is more.
I used to be a hoarder, clinging onto every little trinket and knick-knack that caught my eye. But now, with limited space in my RV, I have to be more selective about what I bring into my home.
Gone are the days of buying things just because they’re on sale or because they’re the latest trend. Now, I have to think about whether something is truly essential or if it will just take up valuable space.
But don’t get me wrong, living with less doesn’t mean I’m living without. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. By eliminating the excess, I’ve made room for the things that truly matter—like spending time with loved ones, pursuing my passions, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
Living in a tiny home on wheels has taught me that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions, but from the moments and experiences that we share with others.
We Get to be with our Dogs 24/7
And let’s not forget the added entertainment that pets bring to your RV lifestyle! From seeing your dog’s excited tail wagging as you hit the open road to their hilarious attempts to catch a moth inside the RV, your furry friends will keep you laughing and on your toes.
Of course, full-time traveling with dogs does come with its challenges, such as finding appropriate places for them to potty and dealing with shedding hair. But with a bit of planning and some handy cleaning tools, these challenges are easily overcome.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love having a loyal companion to snuggle up with on those chilly nights or to go on a long walk with through a scenic trail?
Your pets are a part of your family, and with full-time RV living, they can be a part of your adventures too!
Plus, many RV parks and campgrounds even offer amenities designed specifically for pets, such as dog runs and pet washing stations, so your furry friends can enjoy the outdoors as much as you do. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!
We are more grateful for what We have
Living tiny has made me realize that you don’t NEED material things to make you happy.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with advertisements and social media posts showcasing the latest and greatest products, it’s easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of wanting more.
But when you’re living in an RV, you quickly learn to value the things that truly matter—the people you’re with, the experiences you have, and the memories you create.
You become more mindful of what you bring into your home on wheels, and you start to appreciate the little things in life that you may have overlooked before.
From a beautiful sunset to a cozy night in with your loved ones, you learn to find joy in the simple things. And as you start to shed the excess stuff and simplify your life, you’ll find that you have more time and energy to focus on the things that truly matter.
RV Living Saves Us Money
When we first decided to live in an RV full-time, one of the biggest draws was the potential to save money on rent, utilities, and other expenses.
And let me tell you, we were not disappointed!
Living in an RV can be a fantastic way to cut costs and live more frugally. For starters, we don’t have to worry about a mortgage or rent payment every month.
Instead, we pay a much lower fee for our brand new RV. Plus, we save a ton of money on utilities because our RV is designed to be energy-efficient.
We use solar power to run our lights and appliances, and we have a propane tank for heating and cooking. This means that our electricity and heating bills are virtually nonexistent!
Living in an RV has allowed us to save money while still enjoying all the comforts of home. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
Learn more about the Costs of RV Living.
We Get to Pursue a Debt-Free Life
Living tiny means you get to stick it to the man, and by the man, I mean debt.
Who needs a mansion when you can have a cozy little space that’s completely debt-free? You can finally tell those pesky bills to take a hike and redirect those funds toward achieving your financial goals.
No longer do you have to worry about impressing others with your fancy cars or designer clothes. You can focus on living within your means, saving money, and living your best life.
The best part? You’ll finally have the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. No more debt collectors calling you at all hours of the day and night.
You can relax, knowing that every penny you save is going toward achieving your financial goals and not just toward paying off frivolous expenses.
So, why live in a mansion when you can have a tiny home on wheels and live your best debt-free life?
Cons of Full-Time RV Living
While full-time RV living is undoubtedly an adventurous and rewarding lifestyle, let’s be real here—full-time RV travel isn’t always sunshine and rainbows..
Breaking Down Sucks
As much as we’d all love to avoid them, the reality is that at some point, you’ll experience engine failures, flat tires, water pump malfunctions, and other mechanical issues.
It’s like a rite of passage for all road warriors. But fear not, you can either learn how to fix these things on your own (hello, YouTube tutorials!), or spend a fortune hiring a professional to do it for you. The choice is yours!
Of course, the best defense is a good offense. Keep up with regular maintenance and inspections to minimize the risk of breakdowns. This means getting regular oil changes, rotating your tires, and checking fluid levels—the whole shebang. Think of it as giving your rig a spa day, only this spa day keeps your rig from breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
But even with proper maintenance, breakdowns are still bound to happen. So, have a plan in place for how to handle the situation. Emergency roadside assistance is a must-have, and don’t forget to pack a tool kit for those minor repairs.
Bugs and Mice Also Like RV life
One of the challenges of full-time RV living is dealing with all of nature’s smallest creatures.
When you’re out in nature and boondocking in remote locations, you’re more likely to encounter all kinds of critters, including mosquitoes, flies, ants, frogs, lizards, mice, and more.
While it may be frustrating to deal with the constant presence of bugs, it’s a small sacrifice for the freedom and flexibility that comes with full-time RV living.
However, there are ways to minimize the number of bugs that you encounter while RVing. One effective method is to keep your RV clean and free of food scraps or crumbs that might attract insects. It’s also important to keep your campsite clean, and to dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting bugs.
Another way to deal with bugs is to invest in screens for your RV windows and doors. This allows you to enjoy fresh air while keeping the bugs out. Bug zappers and citronella candles can also be effective in repelling bugs, and there are many natural bug-repellent options available as well.
The Laundromat is Really Inconvienient
And let’s not forget about laundry. Unless you’re planning to rock the same outfit for weeks on end (hey, no judgement), you’ll need to figure out a way to wash your clothes.
While this may not seem like a big deal at first, it can become a time-consuming and mundane task, especially if you have a lot of laundry to do.
Visiting the laundromat every week can take up a couple of hours of your time, which could be spent exploring new places or doing other fun activities. It can also be a hassle to find a laundromat in an unfamiliar area or deal with the crowds of people trying to do their laundry at the same time.
However, I try to make the most of my time at the laundromat. Sometimes I bring my laptop so I can get some work done while waiting for my clothes to wash and dry. Other times I’ll use the time to catch up on reading, watch a movie, or simply relax.
If I am being honest, the best way to minimize the amount of laundry I need to do is by wearing my clothes a few more times before washing them.
Unpredictable Neighbors
Ah, unpredictable neighbors—they’re like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.
As a full-time RVer, I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with these characters. While most fellow RVers are respectful and considerate of each other’s space, some weekend warriors seem to have missed the memo on campground etiquette.
From blasting music at all hours to leaving trash all over the place, these unpredictable neighbors can be a real pain in the you-know-what.
And let’s not forget those inconsiderate souls who think it’s perfectly acceptable to have a roaring bonfire at 3am. Um, hello? Some of us are trying to catch some z’s here!
But fear not, my fellow RVers, there are ways to deal with these unruly characters. First and foremost, keep your cool and approach the situation calmly.
It’s amazing how a friendly conversation can often defuse the tension and lead to a peaceful resolution. Of course, there are always those stubborn individuals who just won’t listen to reason. In those cases, it may be time to move camp.
Now, don’t let the unpredictable neighbors scare you away from the RV lifestyle. For every loudmouth and litterbug, there are ten friendly and considerate RVers just waiting to make your acquaintance.
Missing friends and family you left behind
Being on the road full time means that you have to leave your friends and family behind.
Before we hit the road, I had a very close relationship with my parents. But now, we only see each other a couple of times a year.
Thank goodness for technology, am I right? Video chats have become my lifeline to the outside world. I mean, who needs in-person interactions when you can talk to your loved ones through a screen?
Just kidding, I miss them like crazy. But video chats definitely help bridge the distance.
No bubble baths
Ah, the luxury of a nice, relaxing bubble bath. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? But, unfortunately, as a full-time RVer, bubble baths are nothing but a distant memory.
I know what you’re thinking – “but why can’t you just take a bath in your RV?” Oh, sweet summer child, if only it were that simple. RVs come with tiny bathtubs, if they come with one at all. And let’s be real, after a long day of driving and adventuring, the last thing I want to do is squeeze my body into a cramped, uncomfortable bathtub.
And even if I could fit, there’s the issue of water usage. RVs have limited water tanks, which means every drop counts. A bubble bath would drain my tank faster than you can say “rub-a-dub-dub”.
So, what’s a bubble-bath-loving RVer to do? Well, we have to get creative. I’ve become an expert at finding natural hot springs along my travels.
Spotty Cell Service
Spotty cell service—the bane of every full-time RVer’s existence. You’d think in this day and age, we’d have reliable cell service no matter where we go, but nope, we’re still at the mercy of those darn cell towers.
As full-time RVers, we rely on our phones for everything—staying connected with loved ones, getting work done, and of course, scrolling mindlessly through social media. So, when we find ourselves in an area with little to no cell service, it’s like we’ve been cast into a dark, lonely void.
But, there is a glimmer of hope. We recently upgraded to Starlink, the internet from space, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
Gone are the days of having to scour the internet for hours, looking for places with decent cell signal, like a pack of hungry wolves hunting for prey.
It was exhausting, to say the least.
Now, we can set up camp just about anywhere and still have lightning-fast internet speeds. It’s like the heavens have opened up and bestowed upon us the gift of connectivity.
You can read more about how full-time RVers get internet.
Towing A Long RV is Scary
Let me tell you, towing a long rig is not for the faint of heart. It’s like being the captain of a massive ship, except your ship is on wheels and you have to navigate through narrow roads, winding turns, and low-hanging branches.
And forget about those cute little RV parks that have spaces the size of a postage stamp. We need space, people!
Did I mention we also triple-tow? AKA, the art of hauling not one, but TWO trailers behind your tow vehicle—we’re a train! At 65 feet long, our setup is longer than the average blue whale!
We’re like a traveling circus, with our big rig and two trailers in tow. People stare as we roll into town, wondering if we’re some kind of freak show.
But hey, we like to live on the wild side, and triple-towing is just another adventure to add to our list.
Navigating unfamiliar locations is Hard
We’ve had our fair share of moments where we’ve turned down a road and ended up in a dead-end, or worse, stuck on a narrow road with no way out.
Maneuvering a massive rig through small, narrow streets and dodging low-hanging branches can be a real challenge.
And let’s not forget about trying to navigate through a busy town with lots of traffic and pedestrians. It can be like playing a real-life game of Frogger, but with a giant RV instead of a frog.
And don’t even get me started on finding a parking spot. Trying to find a spot big enough to fit a 65-foot RV can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And if you do manage to find a spot, you have to be careful not to block traffic or take up too much space and piss the locals off.
Unpredictable Weather
From scorching heat waves to unexpected snowstorms, you never know what Mother Nature has in store. It can get hot and humid, or downright freezing, and you need to be ready for both extremes.
But despite the challenges that unexpected weather can bring, there’s also a certain thrill to it all. Watching a lightning storm light up the sky from the safety of your RV can be an unforgettable experience. And there’s something magical about waking up to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground outside.
Dumping The Black Tank is Gross
Let’s face it—dumping the black tank is nobody’s idea of a good time. And that’s probably because it’s gross. I mean, let’s be real here—nobody wakes up in the morning and thinks to themselves, “Gee, I can’t wait to dump my toilet waste today!”
But alas, it’s a necessary evil of RV living. And if you’re not careful, it can turn into a pretty crappy situation. Literally. One wrong move and you could end up covered in…well, you know. So, if you’re not into playing with poop, you might want to think twice about full-time RV living.
Of course, there are ways to make the process less gross—like wearing gloves and a full-blown hazmat suit, for example.
All joking aside, if you’re willing to embrace the grossness of the black tank, then go ahead and dump away. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Beautiful & Ugly of Full Time RV Travel
I feel it is important to be transparent about the pros & cons of full time RV travel. The good, the bad and the ugly.
But let’s be real, the good outweighs the bad by a long shot. Yes, unpredictable weather can throw a wrench in your plans and emptying your black tank might not be the most glamorous task, but those small inconveniences are just a small price to pay for the freedom and adventure that comes with life on the road.
From waking up to stunning mountain views to meeting new friends at a campsite, full-time RV living offers a unique and fulfilling way of life that we love.
So if you’re on the fence about full-time RV living, just remember—the good, the bad, and the ugly all come with the territory. But if you’re willing to embrace it all, you just might find that life on the road is the adventure of a lifetime.
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