Where Do I Begin? A Beginner’s Guide to Full-Time RV Living

The very first thing before anything else is a reality check! RV life is not free, and financial planning is key!

What will you do for income? (See our How to Make Money on the Road page).
Have at least $10,000 in savings when you start (if not more) to cover unexpected breakdowns, medical costs, or campground fees.
Build your budget before you hit the road, then do your best to stick to it.
Full-time RV life can be affordable, but without a plan it can also drain your savings fast. Be smart with your money. (Check out our blog on The Real Cost of full-time RV life to set yourself up for success.)

Your home is full of things, but your RV won’t be. That means it’s time to face downsizing.

Storage Unit: Gives you peace of mind but comes with a monthly cost.
Take It All With You? Space is limited—be realistic.
Downsizing Tips:
Start small: one drawer or closet at a time.
Use the “one-year rule”: if you haven’t used it in a year, let it go.
Digitize photos and paperwork.
Sell, donate, or gift instead of paying to store.

Letting go can be emotional, it’s normal to struggle. Remember: you’re not losing things, you’re gaining experiences.

Now the fun (and sometimes stressful) part: choosing your rig.

Budget First: Know your limit and stick to it.
Tow Vehicle or Motorhome? Start with what you already own, if possible. If you don’t have anything you can tow with, usually the most affordable option is a truck and travel trailer.

Pro Tip: If you can buy a truck bigger then you need then when you are ready to upgrade your rig you already have the truck to handle it.
Cash vs. Financing: Cash means freedom, financing means a monthly bill (see our Budget Blog).
Do Your Research:
YouTube channels like Matt’s RV Reviews and Josh the RV Nerd.
Factory tours & direct manufacturer questions.
RV forums & groups for real-world advice.
Hands-On Experience:
Visit dealerships and walk through multiple floorplans.
Rent an RV for a week to test the lifestyle.
First Rig Reality:
Your first RV is rarely your forever RV. As your life shifts, so will your needs.
Make a wish list and prioritize your must-haves. Choose the RV that fits your budget while checking off as many boxes as possible. Remember, you won’t get everything—so decide early what your true deal-breakers are.

One of the hardest parts of this lifestyle? Family who feel like you’re “taking away the grandkids.” Friends who feel like you are abandoning them or making a bad decision for your kids. It will be part of the equation.

Be intentional about family visits, plan your route around them when possible.
Use video calls and consistent communication.
Frame it positively, your kids will bring adventure stories instead of the same backyard routine.
Friendships can be one of the hardest parts of full-time RV life. Some friends will drift away as their lives continue and yours takes a new path. Others you’ll stay connected with, but it’s important to prepare yourself mentally for change, and focus on building community in your new RV world.
Finding an RV community is essential. Attend rallies, join events, and connect in online groups. Go where RVers gather, you’ll be surprised how quickly you find your new people. (Join one of our communities)

This is the not-so-glamorous side of RV life, but it’s essential.

Domicile Choice: Texas, South Dakota, and Florida are the most common (see our Patriot Act Blog).
Mail Forwarding: Services like Escapees, Americas Mailbox or Traveling Mailbox keep you connected (see our Blog about Mail on the Road).
Healthcare, Banking, Insurance:
Full-timer’s insurance is a must. The only two that really offer this is Geico or Progressive. Note: every state is a little different and not every state offers full-timers insurance with these companies.
Some banks won’t accept your domicile address—many RVers find success with credit unions. (Read Patriot Act)
Healthcare requires planning (see Dealora’s blog on healthcare options).
Licenses & Registration: Don’t forget to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.