20 Things We’ve Learned After RVing Full-Time for 5 Years

Five years ago, we didn’t have all the answers.

We had questions, nerves, a lot of excitement, and a pretty big leap of faith. We packed up our lives, picked up our home on wheels, and set off to see what full-time RV living would really look like for our family.

What we’ve learned since then didn’t come from manuals or highlight reels. It came from breakdowns on the side of the road, rainy campground days, incredible sunsets, trial and error, and figuring things out as we went.

These lessons aren’t just for full-timers, either. Whether you RV on weekends, take a few trips a year, or dream about longer adventures, these are the things that actually matter once you’re out there living it.

Here are 20 real lessons we’ve learned after RVing full-time for five years.

1 – RV Life Is 20% Travel and 80% Problem-Solving

Travel days are exciting, but the reality of RV life is that things constantly need attention. Something will break, need adjusting, or require troubleshooting. The good news is that you become incredibly resourceful over time. What once felt overwhelming eventually becomes routine, and confidence grows with every problem you solve.

2 – The Layout Matters More Than You Think

Once you start living in an RV, you quickly realize that RV layouts matter more than looks or brand names. The way the space flows affects everything from sleep and meals to work, school, and downtime. A layout that works well for your daily routine can make RV life feel easy, while the wrong one can make even the nicest RV feel uncomfortable.

3 – Weight Numbers Matter

Payload, GVWR, pin weight, tongue weight – these aren’t just numbers on a sticker. They affect safety, stress levels, and how enjoyable travel days feel. We’ve learned that having the right tow vehicle and staying within safe limits makes everything easier, calmer, and far more enjoyable.

4 – Campgrounds Are All About Timing

The same campground can feel completely different depending on when you arrive. Peak season means crowds and higher prices, while off seasons often bring quieter stays and better availability.

However, depending on the campground, amenities, such as as a pool, may be closed for the season. Learning when to travel has been just as important as where to travel.

5 – You Don’t Need Nearly as Much Stuff as You Think

Every year on the road has taught us to simplify more. What you think you need before RVing and what you actually use are two very different things. Letting go of excess stuff creates more space, less clutter, and a calmer living environment.

There are always lists of must have products when buying a new RV and you may feel the need to go and purchase all of them, but take it slow and figure out which ones you actually really need.

6 – Internet Is the Most Important Utility

Reliable internet quickly becomes non-negotiable, especially if you work remotely or homeschool. Campground Wi-Fi is rarely dependable, so having a backup plan like hotspots, Starlink, or both can make or break your day.

You may be asking yourself, why do I need internet when I’m camping, I want to escape. That’s a fair point, however, rainy days might force you inside to watch a movie or catch a big game on the road!

7 – Slower Travel Makes Everything Better

Trying to cover too much ground leads to burnout. Slower travel means fewer stressful days, more time to enjoy each place, and less wear and tear on your RV and yourself. Arriving earlier and staying longer has been one of the best changes we’ve made.

We stay at a location, on average, for 7 days. Two weeks is a long time for us. We try to fit as much into our schedule as possible, but also be sure to leave a few days for just relaxing and enjoying the slow moments.

8 – The RV Community Is Special

One of the biggest surprises has been the people. Campgrounds create instant communities, and it doesn’t take long to bond over shared experiences, stories, and troubleshooting tips. The RV world is full of helpful, generous people.

Any time that we have ever had any issue with our RV or a neighbor saw us struggling with something, people come over and ask if they can help with something. You don’t always see that in a sticks and bricks community or neighborhood. When in a campground, everybody has at least one thing in common and that’s the love for the great outdoors!

9 – Not All Camping Is Created Equal

Every style of camping has its place. State and National parks offer beauty, private campgrounds offer convenience, and boondocking offers freedom. Over time, you learn which environments fit your travel style best and when to mix things up.

We personally love to have full hook-ups, so boondocking is not something we do often. We enjoy doing it for a night or two when the time is right, however, long hot showers is a luxury we love to have!

10 – RV Life Teaches Patience

Weather delays, repairs, reroutes, and unexpected issues are part of the deal. RV life has a way of slowing you down whether you want it to or not. Learning to adapt instead of fighting it makes the experience far more enjoyable.

Before hitting the road full-time, we were a very structured and organized family. We’ve learned to live with the chaos and adapt to any changes and just go with the flow.

11 – Basic Maintenance Saves Time and Stress

Knowing how to handle simple maintenance tasks like checking seals, managing batteries, understanding RV water systems and slide mechanisms can save you from unnecessary service appointments. Even a little knowledge goes a long way on the road.

When you do need a little more help, it’s important to have a service like RV Fix which lets you FaceTime with a certified RV Technician who can help you not only diagnose the problem but also walk you through step by step on how to fix it. We use this all the time since we are not the most handy of people!

12 – Weather Shapes Everything

Where you go, when you go, and how long you stay is often dictated by weather. Extreme heat, cold, wind, and storms all influence travel decisions. Paying attention to weather patterns has become second nature for us.

We prefer warmer weather, so we follow the mild temperatures. We are a little like Goldilocks and her porridge, we don’t like it too hot and we don’t like it too cold, we like it just right!

13 – Kids Adapt Faster Than Adults

Kids are incredibly resilient. New places, new routines, and constant change become normal for them quickly. Watching them grow through travel has been one of the most rewarding parts of this lifestyle.

Watching our kids make new friends from all over the country has been amazing to watch. They are learning how to communicate with people from all walks of life and not be stuck in their own little clique.

14 – Outdoor Storage Is Worth Its Weight in Gold

Bikes, scooters, helmets, chairs, sports gear – it adds up fast. RVs with good outdoor storage make life easier and keep living spaces from feeling overwhelmed.

For us now, we have a toyhauler which usually doesn’t come with as much outdoor storage, so we have to get creative. Finding places for items and purchasing items that have more than one use is something we are always trying to accomplish!

15 – Organization Is an Ongoing Process

No storage system stays perfect forever. You’re constantly adjusting, rethinking, and improving how things are stored. Organization in an RV is about flexibility, not perfection.

We are ripping out everything in our basement storage area about once a month. Things change, the outdoor toys the kids are playing with changes, the environment changes, so we are always switching and swapping things around in those storage areas.

16 – Travel Fatigue Is Real……and Normal

Even dream lifestyles need rest. There are times when staying put feels better than moving. Giving yourself permission to pause is key to avoiding burnout.

Just because you are in a beautiful area, doesn’t mean you need to explore every single day. Some times just sitting inside the RV on the couch with the fireplace on and watching a movie is all you need! Don’t feel pressured to always be doing something.

17 – Small Places Often Leave the Biggest Impression

Some of our favorite memories come from quiet towns, unexpected stops, and places we hadn’t planned to love. Not every destination needs to be a bucket-list landmark to be meaningful.

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Even if you are just weekend camping, find a new spot. Find a place you have visited before and add it to your travel list. The hidden gems, “locals only” type of places that we have found have become some of our top favorites!

18 – The Best Memories Are Rarely Planned

Breakdowns, detours, and weather changes often lead to the most memorable stories. Some of our favorite moments came from plans falling apart. Embrace the journey and make the best of every situation.

19 – Your First RV Probably Won’t Be Your Last

As your lifestyle evolves, so do your needs. What works in year one may not work in year five. That’s okay. RVing is a learning process, and your setup will likely change along the way.

We always recommend that people “buy your second RV first.” Meaning, think about the growth and where you may be. If you know you plan to do more extensive camping and boondocking, then make sure you get the RV that will prepare you for that. On the other hand, it’s also important to get out there with what you have.

20 -RV Life Changes How You See Time, Space, and Priorities

Living on the road has reshaped how we think about success, routine, and what really matters. Experiences replace possessions, time together becomes more valuable, and memories outweigh schedules.

This lifestyle has created a lasting effect on not only us, but also our children, which is exactly what we set out to do!

Five years on the road has taught us that RV life isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about learning, adapting, and enjoying the journey, mistakes and all. Whether you’re just getting started or years into your own RV adventure, every trip adds another layer of confidence and experience.

We’re grateful for everything this lifestyle has given our family, and we love sharing what we’ve learned along the way.

If you’re curious, learning, or dreaming about your own RV journey, we invite you to follow along and ask questions. RV life looks different for everyone and that’s exactly what makes it so special.