Everything You Need To Know About An RVing Lifestyle
I’m so excited to be writing about how YOU can start RVing! Camping and RVing have been an important part of my life for over 30 years! I’m experienced in tent camping, camping in a pop-up, travel trailer camping, and my newest RV part-time home on the road is my Class C motorhome, named “CeeCee!”
In this post I will be helping YOU to learn more about what RVing is and why you should do it, different ways to RV that will meet YOUR GOALS in RVing, the benefits and drawbacks to RVing, and some RV basic tips to a successful experience! Over the years, my husband and I have introduced many people to the world of camping, and decades later, they are still enjoying time in nature, time with family, time to disconnect, and time to heal! I want the same for you!
So, get ready to learn some RVing basics to help you get out on the road and start living YOUR adventures!
What is RVing and why should I do it?
RVing has changed over the years. In the past an RV, or recreational vehicle, pretty much only included motorhomes, and didn’t include pop-up campers or travel trailers. Things have changed, and now an RV is considered to be any accommodation designed for living quarters. It includes campervans, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up campers, truck campers and of course, motorhomes. Now, don’t be overwhelmed! Chances are good that you have seen each of these rolling down the highway as you have driven around. I’ll describe each of the different RVs in just a little bit. The point is that now RVing is much more inclusive, which makes it more accessible and easier for you to do!
You SAVE MONEY While RVing!
Have you ever gone on a long road trip and had to stay in hotels along the way? After a long day of driving you unload your vehicle and bring everything into your hotel room for the night only to repack your vehicle the next morning and head out again. Once you reach your destination, you have already spent a lot of money getting there, and you still have the expense of hotels during your vacation AND on your return trip home. RVing to specific destination vacations SAVES MONEY! Yes, you often end up paying a lot more for gas, especially if you have a large trailer or motorhome, but you are essentially bringing your vacation home WITH YOU! You don’t have to lug suitcases up flights of stairs, unpack and repack every morning or find something edible and healthy at the continental breakfast. You bring it all with you! This also means that stopping along the way for lunches is much cheaper and healthier as you simply eat the food that you brought with you. Food your family likes and meets YOUR needs!
RVing Improves Your Health!
Yes! RVing can improve your health! Research has shown that once you are at your destination, the increased time outdoors can improve your blood pressure, improve digestion and give your immune system an extra boost!
There is also increased physical activity. Even walking around the campground, or taking the kids fishing will get your body moving and benefit your health! Finally, the time outdoors has been shown to even out the levels of melatonin in a person’s body. People often feel much happier after returning home from a few days of camping, so RVing can improve overall moods by spending time camping in the great outdoors!
Here are a couple of links to posts about my recent RV excursions!
Must See Series of my 83 day 13,800 mile RVing trip!
You Spend More Time Together as a Family!
People who have found RVing as a family have noticed that they enjoy the closeness of time spent together. Family ties become stronger when you sit around a bonfire, make treats, play games, go on hikes, go swimming, or just hang out together at the campsite. Brothers and sisters spend more time together, especially if they unplug from electronics. Families often return home from a camping trip feeling much stronger as a group.
Important Terms to Know in the RV Industry
Different Types of RVs
If you are new to RVing, I mentioned earlier that there are many different types of campers available. There are two basic RV groups, the first group being those with built-in engines. These are the class A, class B, and class C RVs. The second group of RVs are those that can be towed behind another vehicle. These include pop-ups, travel trailers, toy haulers, hybrids, fifth wheels, and tear-drops.
The list can be overwhelming! This beginner’s guide to buying an RV gives a good description of the different types of RVs.
To help you learn the basics of RVing, I will briefly give a list of pros and cons for each type, starting with the built-in engines. These models are a home in one, meaning that all of your driving and all of your living are in the same space. If you do not have another vehicle available, either by towing a vehicle behind the RV, or renting a vehicle to use at your destination, you will be moving the rig on a regular basis. Towable RVs require a separate towing vehicle which can then be used at your destination, but the trailer itself is not accessible while driving down the road.
Class A Motorhome
Pros
- Class A motorhomes are by far the largest RV option.
- They generally have a smooth ride, and because the driver is seated up high, offer a good view of the road.
- Because they are an “all in one” style, the living area can be used while travelling on the road.
- They can range in length anywhere from 21 feet to 45 feet!
- With all of this space, they offer a ton of storage and typically have more space inside for living.
Cons
- Also because of the size, they consume a lot of gas.
- They can be difficult to get into tight spaces, making them hard to use in larger cities so alternate forms of transportation are needed.
- Due to the height of the RV, owners need to be aware of clearance on certain roads and have to plan trips accordingly, which may require driving more miles to get to the destination.
- Many state and national campgrounds do not allow class A RVs due to length restrictions.
Class B Motorhome
Pros
- Easy to drive on the highway and in cities
- Living and driving space are all accessible while on the road.
- Fits in standard driveways, making it easy to store when not in use.
- Can fight into all campgrounds where others may not go due to length restrictions.
Cons
- Limited storage
- Limited living space
- Can be very expensive for the size
Class C Motorhome
Pros
- Easier to drive than a class A, feels more like driving a large truck.
- Family friendly floorplans. Class C motorhomes often have more sleeping capacity than other motorhomes.
- With a Ford chassis, repair and servicing locations are easier to find, even while on the road!
- You can tow a vehicle behind this motorhome with the right hitch and towing system.
- The models with beds above the cab offer another dedicated sleeping space. No need to convert a couch or dinette every day.
Cons
- Because of their size, they use a lot of gas.
- Larger units can be difficult to get into tighter locations.
- The drive may not always be as smooth, or as quiet as other motorhomes.
- Storage can be more limited.
Fifth Wheel Travel Trailers
Pros
- Because you are towing this behind your own towing vehicle, the motorhome can be parked and left on a site, allowing you to use your towing vehicle to get around at your destination.
- These typically have the most storage space of all of the travel trailers models.
- Easier to back up because of the hitchpoint.
- Spacious floorplans, often resembling an apartment.
Cons
- Because of the size, you may be limited by the campgrounds you are able to find. State parks and national parks often have length restrictions.
- The fifth-wheel hitch takes up most of the space in the truck bed, limiting storage of other things like bicycles.
- Height clearances need to be considered when planning routes so as not to damage your trailer.
- You cannot access the trailer while driving.
Travel Trailer
I am including typical travel trailers and hybrid travel trailers in this category. Hybrid travel trailers offer fold out beds at one or more ends or sides of the RV, making the entire interior of the trailer become living space when the fold out beds are being used. The hybrid trailers can often also be used when the beds are folded up.
Pros
- Cost is lower, making this a common entry level RV.
- Offers a lot of interior living space, especially the hybrid models.
- Towing vehicle can be used to drive around at the destination.
- Many models can be towed by smaller towing vehicles, such as SUVs.
Cons
- Difficult to back up.
- Cannot access trailer while on the road. Some models may not be accessible until setting up on a campsite due to interior slides.
- May require two people to hitch and unhitch.
Pop-Up Campers
Pros
- Least expensive
- There are models that can be towed by practically any sized vehicle, including sedans.
- Tow vehicle is available to use at your destination.
- Can access almost any campsite.
- When it is folded down, you can still access the interior of the trailer.
Cons
- Limited interior space
- Set up and tear down can be labor intensive.
- Few luxuries inside
- Extra maintenance is required to keep the canvas bunks in good shape.
Take your time when considering an RV purchase. Learn about the different models and go to a local RV dealership to spend time in each model that you are considering. I have owned and used several different models, and each served it’s purpose at the time I used it. After tent camping, my family started with a variety of pop-up campers, moving into larger pop-up models as our family grew. We then purchased a hybrid travel trailer to be able to take more extended road trips with less labor needed to set up and tear down. Finally, I purchased a class C motorhome to allow my husband full access while driving, due to his physical needs at the time. As an only parent travelling extensively with my two youngest daughters, this model is the perfect fit for us right now. Take the time to find your perfect fit and you will find that you love RVing!
Other Terms Related to Campgrounds and RVing
DryCamping
Camping without any hook-ups. You will use your RVs alternate power and water sources.
Boondocking
Dry camping at a location that is free.
Toad
This is not referring to the animal! It is a term to refer to a vehicle you tow behind your RV.
Basement
A storage area at the back of the RV, typically under a master bed.
Black Water
A holding tank for waste from your toilet.
Proper maintenance is a MUST or you will end up with some real problems! Read about my frozen black tank experience!
Operation Black Friday Black Tank Poopsicle Thaw
Grey Tank
A holding tank for water from sinks and showers.
Fresh Tank
A tank that holds potable water that can be used when you are not connected to a water hook up.
Holding Tanks
This is all of the tanks, fresh water, grey and black tanks.
FHU or Full Hook-Ups
When you are RVing at a campground and you have hookups for water, electric, and sewer.
LP
Liquid Petroleum, or propane, often used for cooking, heating, and to run other appliances.
Full-Timing
A person or family that lives in their RV year-round.
Part-Timing
A person or family who stays in their RV for extended periods of time, but not year-round.
Different Destinations for RVing
RV Resorts and RV Parks
RV resorts are one of the most luxurious of all RVing destinations. These are high-end parks with all of the frills to go with it. They can seem like a luxury hotel, complete with clubhouses, fitness centers, convenience stores, and restaurants, as well as the more common perks like onsite laundry and Wi-Fi. Pretty standard options like swimming pools and tennis courts are found in most RV resorts. RV resorts are designed for the long term or seasonal resident, and some offer sites for sale. Although the price tag is higher than other options, once you experience the resort lifestyle, you may never want to leave.
RV Parks are less luxurious when compared to an RV resort. They have some of the more common perks of a resort but with a more reduced price tag. They typically have full hook ups, on-site laundry, free Wi-Fi, and occasionally cable television hookups. They may offer seasonal sites, but also cater to families wanting a shorter or even an overnight stay.
Here are some resources for finding the right RV resort or RV park for your family!
A great platform to help you find your RV campground and lots more.
A free online search engine for RV resorts, RV parks, state and national parks, and free overnight camping.
Leading online provider of campsite reservations for campgrounds across the USA.
Find US campgrounds by state.
KOA campgrounds, found across the USA, are known for their high quality standards.
State and National Parks
If you want to go RVing to enjoy great views, be in nature, and enjoy some relaxation, these are often located in more rustic areas such as national parks and national forests and state parks.They are usually priced much lower than RV resorts or RV parks. Because you get what you pay for, there are limited amenities. Some provide a picnic table and fire-ring or grill, public bathrooms, and communal showers.Some offer electric hookups and may also include water. It is rare to find one with sewer connections on site, but many have fresh water and dumping stations.When RVing in a state or national park, it is a good idea to arrive with your fresh water filled and your waste tanks empty.
Here are some resources to find the perfect RVing site at a state or national park.
America’s State Parks also have beautiful campgrounds, similar to those in the National Parks.
America’s National Parks boast some of the finest campgrounds in the country.
Boondocking
Boondocking is camping without hookups. It may also be called ‘dry camping’. Often, dry camping means staying in a campground without hookups, whereas, boondocking typically means staying in a completely undeveloped area. Here are some links to help you find the perfect boondocking location!
You can simply use your smart phone’s GPS to find free camping near you or even use the trip planner to plan your route from coast to coast.
For bargain-hunters, a list of places where you can camp for free or nearly free ($10 or less).
Overnight Camping While On the Road
Many times, travelling to your destination will require more than one day of driving. The real convenience, and the main reason that my family purchased our first travel trailer, was to be able to find an overnight spot to sleep with minimal effort required in transitioning from driving to resting. Yes, it is true that WalMart parking lots offer free overnight parking to get your rest before continuing on the road, but be careful, not every WalMart will allow this, so do your research ahead of time. Calling or going into the store and asking the manager for permission (I find that having a full cart of merchandise that I’m planning to buy helps) is also a good idea.
Other options for overnight parking are Cracker Barrel Restaurants, Cabella’s, truck stops and rest areas. Always make sure that it is OK for you to be parking overnight at these locations. RVing etiquette should be followed. Try to look as though you are just parked in the lot and not camping. Keep your slides in and stabilizers up. Awnings should not be set up. You should have no tables or chairs outside, remember, you are only at these spots to get a few hours of sleep and then continue on your trip.
A guide I wrote with several different free apps that you can use to find free overnight parking.
The number one camping app for iOS. From resorts to hike-in spots. Amenities, maps, truck stops, rest areas, Wal-mart and casino parking, road grades and much more.
A free online search engine for RV resorts, RV parks, state and national parks, and free overnight camping.
How to Get Started RVing
- Find your RV. Maybe you know someone with an RV who would be willing to loan it to you for a weekend so that you can get started! We often loaned our pop-up to others and most of the people we loaned it to ended up buying their own RV because they enjoyed it so much !You can also contact a local RV dealer to rent an RV or there are some national RV rental companies.
- Select a RV campground near home. Use one of the tools listed above to help you find the perfect destination close to your home. If you are close to home on your first trip, you can always go home early if things don’t work out well. Typically, we would start and end every camping season with a “close to home” trip to test everything out.
- Practice backing up in a parking lot! If you are able to get the RV with some time before you leave for your trip, find a large parking lot after hours and practice backing up. You won’t have to worry about hitting anything in an open parking lot!
- Try not to overpack! I’ve seen many people explode onto their campsites with so much stuff that it takes hours to pack up at home and hours to pack up at the campsite on leaving day. You need a lot less than you think. You can refer to my freebie on what to store in your RV to be ready for a trip at a moment’s notice!
- Enjoy your RVing experience!
RVING FREEBIE!
I’d love to hear about your trips! Send me an email and include some pictures of your adventures!
Happy RVing!
Weather Apps Costs of National Parks
How to Be Brave and Plan Your Adventure
Closing
Hopefully you are feeling excited and reading to begin RVing! You should now be familiar with the different types of RVs, the benefits or RVing. You should know some terminology for RVing, know different types of RVing destinations, and have the tools to get started on your own RVing adventure! I can’t wait to see you at the campground!
