So You Want To Go RVing

We often get asked for advice on how to get started RVing.
Here is a list of top ten “to dos” for those thinking about the RV lifestyle or just starting out.

These are easy to accomplish items that will help avoid costly mistakes or lousy RV experiences. Enjoy this great lifestyle by starting with adequate (and fun!) preparation.

The tips here are important for every new or wannabe RVer…and are especially important for those considering living fulltime in an RV.

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1. Read a few books about RVing. If you are pondering a fulltime RV lifestyle, there are some great books about fulltiming. These are typically written by fulltime RVers, and it is worth it to get a few different perspectives. Reading an assortment of these books was one of my first activities when I started dreaming about the lifestyle, and it has proven to be an invaluable activity.If you are in an RV-buying mode, there are a number of relevant books, such as the RV Comparison Guide and books that cover what to look out for when buying a used RV.
   
2. Attend RV shows and dealers…spend the time needed to check out an assortment of RV types and brands. I did this for years, sitting in the rigs, mentally going through the motions of doing everyday activities, talking to people, listening to comments of others as they did their own looking around, and then I became an RV sales Consultant. It is actually a lot of fun, and helps you become an informed consumer.
3. Go RVing – try it out.
   

   Before making a major RV purchase or a decision to go fulltime, have at least some experience RVing. Many people who upgrade their RV, or go fulltiming, already have had years of RVing experience. But if, like me, this is not the case, then rent an RV or buy a used RV… for vacations, weekend getaways and/or on a long trip where you can envision how it would be to live on a fulltime or “most-of-the-time” basis.

4. Join a few RV clubs(such as Good Sam, FMCA and Escapees) and read their magazines.Even if you aren’t currently RVing, these clubs and their publications provide a lot of good information, services, and food for thought. We continue to learn from the magazines, and the various clubs hold rallies and local chapter events, which are also great learning opportunities.
5. Be diligent and informed when you buy an RV. Quality, storage space, carrying capacity, towing limits, operating systems (plumbing, electrical, cooling/heating) and floor plan are all important. Think about how you will spend time in the RV day-to-day and make a list of things that are important to you.
   
6. Evaluate your expectations and motives. Take a few minutes to jot down what you hope to get out of RVing. This is a good first step, but it is also a good exercise after you have done some of the above items. Once you start learning about the RV lifestyle via books, videos, shows and experiences, it is worth it to revisit what you hope to get out of RVing. You may validate your initial thoughts. Or you may discover that the RV experience you desire is a bit different than what you initially envisioned.
7. Share the dream. If you are planning to RV with others (spouse, family, whoever), make sure they are part of the planning and learning process. Discuss expectations. Consider compromises. If you are going to spend time in close quarters with others, things will go much better if everyone is on the same team.
   
8. Prepare a written budget – estimate your expenses, think about how you will spend your time, get it down on paper. Plan for recreation, insurance, emergency and maintenance costs.If you are considering the fulltime lifestyle, working on the road may be an important consideration.
9. Consider connections. Depending on your circumstances, this might include keeping in contact with family and friends while RVing, having internet access, cell phone connectivity in different geographic areas and use of email. For a short vacation, this may be a minor subject. For fulltimers or those traveling for extended periods, it is a big consideration.
   
10. Enjoy the journey. And we don’t just mean the RV journey once you are on the road. Also enjoy the “getting ready”, the learning phase. Have fun and take your time as you get to “know your stuff” about the RV lifestyle.  Barbara Andrews 904 458-3000.