Embrace the Adventure: Essential Tips for Beginners Starting the Full-Time RV Life!

Starting your RV life is one of the most exciting adventures you can embark on—it’s a ticket to freedom, endless exploration, and breathtaking landscapes. But let’s be real: it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. When we first hit the road, we had no idea how much we didn’t know! Whether you’re just daydreaming about long-term travel or you’ve already quit your 9-to-5 and found the perfect rig, these tips—based on our personal experience—will help you transition into this incredible lifestyle with confidence.

Choosing the Right RV: It’s Your Home on Wheels!

The right RV is the absolute foundation of your journey. It impacts everything else — your budget, where you can go, how comfortable you’ll feel, and what kind of experiences you'll have. So, let’s break it down:

Size Matters: We love our 38' Class A motorhome (she’s like an apartment on wheels), but we’ve had to do some serious research and planning to make sure we can fit in the places we want to go. For instance, we can’t always get into smaller boondocking spots or remote areas because our rig is just too long. If you’re someone who loves the idea of reaching wild, secluded spots, a van or travel trailer might give you more flexibility to sneak into remote places that big rigs can’t access.
Storage & Space Matter, Too: Full-time RVing requires creative storage. We've customized our space with shelves, storage bins, and what we lovingly call our “apothecary” (a set of storage cubbies where chairs used to be). If renovations aren’t an option, look for built-in storage solutions that maximize every inch.
Make It Feel Like Home: Small touches make a big difference. We swapped out bulky furniture, added floating shelves for baskets and to create more open space, and even brought our couch from home. Installing a composting toilet suited our off-grid lifestyle, and these changes turned our RV into a cozy, functional home on wheels.

Where to find an RV? We found ours on RVTrader.com. Whether buying from a private seller or dealer, research is key. Some campgrounds have a “20-year rule” (restricting older rigs), so consider your travel plans when purchasing. And don’t be afraid to travel to get the right RV! Sometimes, the perfect rig isn’t available nearby—especially if you're in an area with fewer sellers. We’ve noticed there tend to be more RVs for sale out west, so if you find the right one in another state, it may be worth the trip rather than settling for a dealership option just because it’s close.

Organization is Key

Small-space living means staying organized is non-negotiable:

Baskets, bins, and boxes keep everything in place (and prevent flying objects on travel days!). You can never have too many.
Secure everything before travel—even when we think we’ve strapped everything down, something inevitably falls or a cabinet flies open. Keep a pre-departure checklist: Are your cabinets latched? Loose items stowed?
Function meets comfort—A well-organized setup allows for décor without clutter, making your RV feel like home without sacrificing functionality.
Less chaos, more ease—When everything has a place, breaking down camp and setting up again is quicker and less stressful. Arriving at a new spot feels like coming home, not starting from scratch.

Tools of the Trade

Campgrounds can get pricey, and honestly, the idea of squeezing into a crowded RV park with kids running around and late-night parties isn’t my idea of fun. I’d much rather wake up to nothing but nature, with wide-open landscapes as my backyard. That’s why we rely solely on boondocking—but it does come with its own challenges. To make it work, you need to be fully set up for off-grid living: solar panels, a composting toilet, and all that jazz. James had to teach himself everything about solar, and honestly, I’m so glad he did. It was an upfront investment, but it’s paid for itself in the thousands we’ve saved—not to mention the total freedom it gives us on the road.

Campsite Apps – We rely on IOverlander and Campendium to find the best boondocking spots, but we always double-check with Google’s satellite view to make sure there’s enough space for our rig. Reading reviews from other travelers with similar-sized setups is also key—we want to know if they made it in (and out) without trouble.
- Pro Tip #1: Check elevation! We once drove to a spot without realizing how high we’d be climbing and ended up stuck on a mountain for 17 days, waiting for the snow to melt. Lesson learned.
- Pro Tip #2: Scout ahead to ensure the road to your campsite is accessible and that your rig will fit. Even with thorough research, we’ve arrived at spots only to realize—after unhooking the Jeep and checking the area—that our RV wouldn’t make it. Now, we always have a Plan B (and even a Plan C) in place, just in case our original spot doesn’t pan out.
We also love Harvest Hosts for one-night stays, especially near cities where boondocking isn’t an option. It’s let us camp at some truly unique places—wineries, golf courses, and an alpaca farm! One winery even had emus! We’ve also stayed at an antique mall and a lavender field. It’s been an incredible way to experience places we never would have found otherwise.
Water Management – Our 60-gallon water bladder* and extra jugs allow us to extend our time off-grid, but water conservation is key. You don’t realize how much water everyday tasks like washing dishes or showering use until it becomes a limited resource. Since we don’t stay in campgrounds, we don’t have access to their showers, so we rely on disposable “towel bath cloths”* to stay fresh while on the move. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done!
Power Sources – We run on two battery systems: one for driving and another solar-powered setup for our living essentials. A trickle charger* keeps our chassis battery topped up, and our onboard generator is a lifesaver on cloudy days. When running on solar, energy management is key—we’re mindful of our usage to make the most of every charge.
Diesel Heater* – To save on propane, we installed a diesel heater. It barely uses any gas and keeps our space nice and toasty without draining much electricity. This has been a game-changer and one of our best investments.
Extra Propane Tanks – When you’re boondocking in remote areas, it’s not always easy to find a propane refill station, so having multiple tanks has come in handy many times.
12-Volt/Propane Freezer* – We love to cook, and this allows us to stock up on groceries without daily shopping trips. The most important function is being able to prep meals for travel days. Since we can’t access all of our kitchen and pantry items during travel, having ready-to-go meals is a lifesaver.

Life with Pets on the Road

Another key factor in our transition to RV life was making sure our pitbull pup, Bishop, could adjust to life on the road. He’s not just along for the ride—he’s a huge part of our journey, and we couldn’t imagine this lifestyle without him. Thankfully, he’s embraced the adventure and loves exploring new places, but we always prioritize his comfort and safety at every stop.

Climate Control – We use a cooling mat* in summer and heated blankets in winter to keep him comfortable. The diesel heater also helps with this.
Space Considerations – He’s a 60-pound cuddle bug, so making sure he has space to stretch out and get comfy is important. Our rig is also big enough for him to roam and play; we can even play fetch in our living room with him.
Safety When Left Alone – We always monitor the RV’s temperature and make sure he’s comfortable if we step out.

Make Your Travels Work for You

One of the biggest things to consider before hitting the road is how you’ll make money while traveling. Some people work remotely, others take on gig work, and many opt for workamping (check out my post on that if you’re interested!). No matter which route you choose, planning ahead is key, especially if you’re considering workamping.

Workamping jobs often require applications months in advance, so knowing where you’re headed—and what opportunities are available—will help you secure a spot.
Many workamping jobs prefer couples because they can share a single RV site while covering multiple roles. Solo workamping positions exist, but they’re often harder to find.
Workamping as a family can be hit or miss—some places are family-friendly and even allow teens to work with parental consent, while others strictly hire adults or couples. Flexibility and research will go a long way in finding the right fit for your situation.

Whatever your approach, having a solid plan (and a backup plan) will make the transition to full-time travel much smoother!

Staying Connected & Building Community

While RV life offers a sense of freedom, it can also feel a bit lonely at times. That’s why, when we settle in one place for a few months, I make an effort to get involved in the local community. Whether it's a dance class, book club, or meetup group, forming connections wherever we go has made the journey more fulfilling.

Embrace the local community: Check out community boards in town to find any classes, groups, or events happening while you're there. You never know what you'll discover!
Look for volunteer opportunities: Helping out locally not only allows you to give back, but it’s also a great way to meet people.
Join local Facebook groups: Every city has them, and they’re a goldmine for information. From holiday events to new openings, markets, and local happenings, these groups keep you in the loop about things you might otherwise miss.
Be social with workamping coworkers: This is a great way to build community, and we’ve made lifelong friends this way. Shared experiences and adventures make the journey all the more memorable.

Research, Research, Research

This is a big one. To make RV life smoother, you have to stay ahead of the game and plan your routes carefully:

Avoid rush hour: Whenever possible, we try to leave early to dodge the stress of rush hour traffic. If you’re boondocking, aim to arrive mid-week to beat the weekend crowds and score the best spots.
Use trucker apps: If a trucker can handle a road, so can you! We use Hammer for real-time insights on road conditions, weight limits, and clearance heights—essential for navigating in a bigger rig. We also signed up for Open Roads, which gives us discounted diesel at truck stops, helping us save on fuel while staying road-ready.
Google satellite view: James uses Google Maps' satellite feature to preview the actual road ahead. This helps us check for tight turns, gravel roads, and any obstacles we might face. We also make sure to check whether side roads are paved or not—getting stuck on a washboard road is the last thing we need!
Stay ahead of the weather: Weather can be your biggest enemy on the road. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can turn a trip into a nightmare, so it’s crucial to monitor weather conditions. If we see foul weather ahead, we’ll delay or take a detour. When traveling through mountains or high elevations, we’ve learned to take it slow and steady. Trust me—safety is worth the extra time.

Final Thoughts: The Ups and Downs of RV Life

Here’s the truth: RV life isn’t always smooth sailing, and every experience is unique. Expect some stressful moments—breakdowns, flat tires, and situations that don’t go according to plan. We’ve spent countless hours on repairs and, honestly, a lot of time in the garage! That’s why having reliable roadside assistance is a must. Trust me, you’ll appreciate having it when you need it. But here’s the thing: you learn as you go, and over time, things do get easier.

Even with the challenges, the adventure is 100% worth it. You’ll have moments when you question why you’re doing it, and that’s totally normal. But keep your “why” front and center. You’re living a life of freedom and exploration—one that’s truly yours. A carefully curated adventure, just for you.

I hope these tips help make your RV journey a little smoother. You’ve got this! Don’t forget to enjoy the ride—it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the experience along the way. ✨

Are you starting your RV journey? Got questions? Drop them in the comments–I’d love to help!

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