It’s been one year since we bought our RV, and after a full season of travel and learning, here’s what we’ve discovered. There are plenty of lessons to share, so I’ll highlight the most useful ones.
Was it what we expected? Is RV life difficult? Are we glad we did it? Would we change anything? I’ll answer those questions and cover the important things we learned along the way.
Whether you camp part-time or live in an RV full-time, the lifestyle requires research, patience, and a willingness to learn by doing. Spoiler: it’s absolutely worth it.
We had almost a year of research before we bought our trailer. Originally we planned to wait another year, but after a health scare in January 2020 and then the pandemic, we realized time is unpredictable and chose to move forward.
Despite all our preparation, there was still a steep learning curve and we continue to learn new things even after twelve months on the road.
For every picture-perfect moment there is plenty of behind-the-scenes work: driving long distances, setting up camp, and packing and unpacking. I actually enjoy much of that process, but it’s important to acknowledge that RVing isn’t effortless.
Being prepared for emergencies — flat tires, bad weather, mechanical issues — saves time and stress. Having the right tools and knowledge makes a big difference.
RV Expectation vs Reality
Social media shows polished photos and idealized scenes, and that’s part of the story. We’ve had many flawless, memorable moments—especially out West—but they coexist with practical tasks and occasional hassles.
Expect photo-worthy scenery and real effort. Embrace both: planning and preparation let you enjoy the beautiful parts without being overwhelmed by the work.
Is Buying an RV Hard?
Buying an RV felt like buying a car and a house at the same time — there’s a lot to learn. From weight calculations to financing and warranties, the process has many layers.
Towing an RV
We tow our trailer with a truck, so we had to learn towing vocabulary—payload, GVWR, weight distribution hitch—and do the math before choosing a floor plan. Don’t skip that step; it’s essential for safety and compatibility.
RV Financing
Financing rules for RVs can differ from auto loans. If you’re not paying cash, do thorough homework before visiting dealerships and verify any claims a salesperson makes. Knowledge protects you from surprises.
Lifetime Warranty
Be cautious with lifetime warranties. If your deal includes one, read the fine print. Our warranty requires an annual inspection to remain valid—miss the inspection and the warranty is void. Book inspections ahead to stay compliant.
Is RVing Worth It?
After a year, we would absolutely do it again. The learning curve was steep, but the freedom, experiences, and adventures made it more than worthwhile—especially during a pandemic when travel options were limited.
RVing is different from traditional camping: you can choose rugged or luxurious experiences. We’ve boondocked off-grid and stayed at well-appointed RV resorts—both have unique benefits. Not having to fully unpack and repack between destinations helps me relax more on trips.
What Would We Change?
Overall the year was about 90% fantastic. We were fortunate to research beforehand and to be able to park our trailer at home. Our trailer has suited our needs well, but there’s one change I might consider.
Worried about length, we chose a trailer with bunks in the living area. After towing across the country, we realized we could have managed a longer rig with a separate bunk room for the kids. It’s a minor issue for part-time use, but a dedicated bunk space with a door and more storage would be nice.
My husband is already considering a fifth wheel upgrade, which is part of the fun—upgrading as you learn what you want and need.
Always Be Learning
We keep learning—different models, new repairs, and smarter ways to maintain the trailer. While insurance and warranty coverage are great, handling minor repairs yourself can save days at a dealership.
For example, we read about frozen pipes before traveling to colder regions and brought a hair dryer. It saved us in Colorado when pipes started to slush. Small preparations like that matter.
Favorite RV Resources in Year One
After testing many apps and sites, a few tools became indispensable for planning, navigating, and booking campgrounds.
Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers helped plan our long trip from NC to Arizona and back. It shows drive times, stops, points of interest, and works on desktop or mobile. We use the paid version for unlimited stops and find it well worth the annual fee.
Allstays
Allstays is useful for route planning when low-clearance bridges or tunnels could be a concern. It’s not our daily planner, but it provides valuable peace of mind when traveling off the beaten path.
Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts has been great for quick overnight stops at farms, vineyards, breweries, and other unique locations. For an annual fee, you can park overnight at participating hosts and support them with a purchase—an economical and fun way to explore.
Reserve America
Reserve America is my go-to for booking state parks and outdoors-focused campgrounds. It helped us discover some lesser-known parks and secure reliable lakeside sites.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
KOA remains a dependable option when you want amenities like laundry, clean bathrooms, and a pool. Quality varies by franchise, but membership perks and consistent services make KOA a convenient choice for family trips.
RV Facebook Groups
Facebook RV groups are an invaluable resource for troubleshooting, gear recommendations, and campground reviews. Join groups specific to your rig type and your RV’s make and model for targeted help. They were a lifeline when we were new and remain useful for research and quick advice.
Favorite RV Gear
Beyond essential equipment, we’ve added gadgets and comforts that improved our trips. Small upgrades make RV life more enjoyable, from kayaks to clever organization tools.
In short, we love our travel trailer and have no regrets. If you have specific questions I didn’t cover, leave a comment and I’ll answer. What else would you like to know?