top of page

Is Full-Time RV Life For You?

Writer's picture: Robert HallRobert Hall

There is no doubt that the dream of downsizing your life and being free of debt is alluring. Add to that, the notion of going wherever you want when you want. If you live in an area with harsh weather seasons then the idea of chasing perfect weather year round is unquestionably attractive.




But is it really worth the risk? 

That is the question and topic of today’s blog. Making the decision to sell up and head out is not for everyone and having done this we can share some of the considerations and sacrifices we made to live out our dream. The first question to ask yourself may seem flippant on the face of it, but believe me it has great merit. 


Can you live in close quarters with your traveling companions?

Nomadic life is exciting, but it is full of unknowns. For instance, bad weather, or an unexpected equipment breakdown can quickly change a carefully planned itinerary which for some would be very distressing. It is wise to discuss with your travel partner(s) that doing life at close quarters can be stressful too, and perhaps new life boundaries will need to be agreed upon. Change is part of the nomadic lifestyle and in our experience something we embrace as part of the adventure.


 



What to do with all your stuff?

Well, the pragmatic answer we hear is sell it, store it, or donate it. It's the store it option that we want to discuss in this segment. Family "treasure" that is too big or heavy to bring along often is earmarked for storage by new full timers. While being sensitive to the attachment value or replaceability factor of an item(s), I can tell you from experience that as the months go by and the storage unit rental bill keeps adding up, you will begin to wonder if its worth it. Our advice is store as little as you can, and preferably with loved ones who will take care of your must keep items. 


Everything you need to do life in a sticks and bricks home is replaceable. Grandma's crystal and your china, and all those special tools in the garage that you might need someday are hard to part with, but believe me, if you can, let them go. A friend told us to treasure the memories not the stuff,  and it has been good advice.


 



Healthcare on the Road:

A big question to address is "How do I get good healthcare on the road". Before you go shopping for a new insurance plan, contact your current provider and see if they provide coverage in other states as you travel. Ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers you across different locations.


Look for a plan that includes coverage for emergencies, as well as routine and preventive care. Some health insurance plans may have networks of preferred providers, so check if there are healthcare facilities along your travel route that accept your insurance.


One of the services you might ask about is Telehealth, which is sometimes called telemedicine. It lets your health care provider care for you without an in-person office visit. Telehealth is done primarily online with internet access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. There are several ways to receive this type of care:

  • Talk to your health care provider live over the phone or video chat.

  • Send and receive messages from your health care provider using secure messaging, email, and secure file exchange.

  • Use remote monitoring so your health care provider can check on you at home. For example, you might use a device to gather vital signs to help your health care provider stay informed on your progress.

Medications: Getting prescriptions filled can be a challenge if you don’t plan ahead. Many healthcare providers have agreements with national pharmacies to fill their prescriptions, but sometimes it can be bothersome to transfer a prescription from one pharmacy to another. However, Walmart and Amazon have pharmacy services and members can order online and have a prescription delivered to your campground or available at a nearby store. With a little forethought and planning, getting healthcare and prescriptions can be a relatively easy task.


Emergency Services: Be aware of the nearest emergency services, hospitals, and medical facilities in the areas you plan to visit. In case of a medical emergency, knowing where to go can be crucial.


Health Records: Keep a copy of your medical records, including information about current medications and any known allergies. This can be helpful in case you need medical attention while away from your regular healthcare provider.


Here are some other big questions to consider that we will look into in later blogs. 


Working on the Road: 

What type of jobs are available to full time RVers?

Homeschooling

How does it work?

Vehicle Maintenance:

Keeping the RV in good working condition during extended use.

Social Interaction:

Finding communities or groups of like-minded individuals.

Technology and Connectivity:

Ensuring reliable internet connectivity on the road.

Family and Community Ties:

Maintaining connections with family and friends while traveling.

Long-Term Planning:

Considering future living arrangements and potential transitions from full time RV life. Estate planning and addressing end-of-life concerns.


Full Time RV life can be a terrific season of your life, but it is not an easy decision to make. We made it and have never regretted it, but many others have not had the same experience we had. Sign up to our blog and we will share more decision making topics to help you make the right one.


More to come:


6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


©2019 by ExploringWith RobnDenese. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page