Have you seen or heard commercials and of how beautiful and peaceful RVing is, with campfires, roasting marshmallows and singing songs while sitting on logs under the stars or trees? Or You've read multiple brochures with beautiful RV's parked in a resort on the immaculate grounds of groomed trees, perfectly manicured lawns, and comforting campfires.
Here we thought, that we were going to be hiking constantly, writing postcards, going out every day sampling local cuisines ( well we did a lot of that), sightseeing, etc. That is what all the other blogs and magazines showed, right?
Before you get to thinking we're going to throw in the towel, let me give you a small idea of what we wished others would have told us. I know that some things are left to find out yourselves but we're all about helping others get to their own adventure. We have told you about the exciting and fun things we have done during our RV adventures but we feel should show you a list of 'KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!' challenges.
City Traffic Nightmares
As full-timers, you are always 'new' to an area unless you’ve been there before and even then, it's still unfamiliar. There is no doubt in our minds that the highway engineers method to designing city highway systems is to throw a string up in the air and wherever it lands, that's the road system. Between arguing with the GPS, each other, drivers racing by you like angry NASCAR drivers while flipping the bird because you're not going the speed they think you should be driving, you feel like you are in a nightmare. Or, how about the tailgaters, drivers wanting to take their half of the road out of the middle, racing up the on-ramp while you're pulling your 35 foot fifth wheel and they 'don't see you'? OH, and add in a little nasty weather, makes you want scream. Trying to even get to our destination can be downright daunting. In fact, the first thing "I" do the minute I get into the passenger seat is bury my nose in my phone and read. Just ask Mark how I like busy, winding or steep roads.
Solution is to pay attention to peak traffic hours and avoid them whether relocating or doing daily errands. If you have to go into the city or navigate a way around it, do everything in one day. Then take the other 6 days to regroup or go where there are no people. :)
GPS miscalculations
Yes they tell you…make a U turn...recalculating...make a U turn...recalculating...take a right turn in 50 yards...only to find you're in the middle of an abandoned construction zone that takes you on one-way streets with dead ends or streets so narrow you could take off any mailbox alongside the road. Or worse yet to a golf course where the people there don’t want you there let alone to have you make a U-turn at the 9th hole pulling a 35 foot 5th wheel. Yikes.
Solution is sort of prepare by mapping out a route on paper, GPS'ing and verifying it with a reliable paper map. It also helps to check the state construction info on the DMV sites.
Campground or RV Park Reviews
Everyone's standards are different as are their opinions. We've parked at campgrounds or parks based on reviews only to find they are so opposite that we either suck it up or pull out losing days we paid for in advance. When possible we check out the campgrounds before we even commit to staying there. Some places have been better than what they say and others are a total disaster.
Solution is to stick with people's opinions that are most like yours. Take stock in others with the same RV size, same interests, and same standards as yours.
Missing Family
It can happen, that when on the other side of the country, something happens that requires going home. Now, on top of having to navigate city traffic and finding the airport, you have to park the big dually in a parking spot made for a VW Bug and hope that it is still without damage upon your return or that you can even get back out of the parking spot.
Solution is to get to a destination that's easy to rent a car and drive home. Or, a major airport and fly home. Other RVer’s will most likely be happy to help you to and from the airport. We've learned that the RV family understands and are ready to help because you would do the same if it were them.
Holidays and families go hand in hand, except when you are living on the road and miles apart. But thanks to technology you can still Skype, call or FaceTime. It’s not quite the same as being there but it is nice to see their faces and hear the voices. If your family is supportive of your new alternate lifestyle, as our is, it is a big bonus. You learn new ways to enjoy the holidays with your partner in a new and wonderful way too.
No Separate Home Office or Workshop
This may not phase others, it does for us at times. You need separate spaces' where you each can go to get a little alone time without leaving your home. Now, any bit of crafting is done on the tiny dining table that has to be cleaned off 3 hours later and Mark to sit outside at the picnic table in 30mph wind to do some maintenance and repairs or stand somewhere else to be on his computer.
If it's nice outside, set up a little crafting, workshop or office table. You get fresh air and really, it's so nice to not work between walls, sometimes.
People assuming you are wealthy
That is SO far off, it's pathetically hilarious. The looks you sometimes get from truckers as you fill up your truck at truck stops or people who meet you giving you the look of "it must be nice to be on a permanent vacation".
Solution is to politely tell them that this is a "lifestyle" and not a "vacation". Once they hear the story, they may to nod and understand. We still have chores, we still have to do maintenances, we still pay bills, we still get sick, etc.
Different State Laws
Seriously, the “United" States is an oxymoron. Each state has their own laws which leave transients like us confused and often pushing the envelopes of what is legal. All the way from buying beer on Sundays, firearms laws, tow length restrictions, etc.
The solution is to be prepared. Before going through or parking in a different state, look up the laws that apply to your needs. It will eliminate a big headache or fine.
Figuring out Roads, Routes and Parking
When we sit down to plan our routes and places we want to go, it looks like we're on a quest to take over the world with paper maps, IPad open to Google Earth, the laptop open to Campground Reviews website, phone open to researching individual campgrounds or parks and our tablets open to campground site maps. Its hilarious. We should videotape it sometime. No...no, not a good idea. hehe
Solution is, know its going to take some time. Pick a rainy day or designate a day to this together. Work together, plain and simple. That way, you both get to be involved in the planning enjoyment.
It is worth the ride
If you're new to RV'ing or thinking about it, keep these in mind. We admit completely that full-time RVing isn't all fun and games but it certainly isn't a deal breaker for us either. While most of the time, it's adventurous and fun, there's still the work-life relationship that we're still working out. You just have to find what works for you and your partner. You'll figure it out by trial and error. After you've been at it for awhile, you'll sit back and say, "now that wasn't so bad”. And then go on and enjoy more of what this wonderful land and life has to offer.
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