Living In An RV: What To Expect In The New Normal

Living In An RV: What To Expect In The New Normal

Have you ever pictured yourself living in an RV? Is it really what everyone claims? Can living in an RV keep me safe from getting sick?

Here’s some good news: Living in an RV can possibly keep you from getting sick. But it takes more than just being inside your RV for that to happen. Taking a few precautions, a little discipline, a little social distancing, and a lot of careful planning is what it takes to make living in an RV a fun and safe experience.

Living The RV Lifestyle
Living The RV Lifestyle

Haven’t tried living in an RV yet? Do you want to know what it’s like? Read on. We’ll try to cover as much of the RV lifestyle and how to live life to the fullest during these trying times!

Why Would You Want To Live In An RV?

So why would you want to live in an RV?

Why not? It’s cool. It’s fashionable. And it’s the most practical choice anyone can make these days.

But it wasn’t like that all the time.

There was a time when living in an RV was looked down upon by society. RV owners were treated as second-class citizens, and no one wanted to be associated with anyone known to be living in an RV.

Things have changed.

It started with the recession. People were forced to sell their houses and downsize.

And then it became fashionable to live in a tiny house.

Naturally, some people who started living in a tiny house and needed to expand looked at RVs as a logical choice.

RVs used to be these ugly, large, and noisy contraptions. Not anymore. A lot of effort has been put into improving the exterior aesthetics of RVs. There’s no more need to feel embarrassed about living in one when what you have is a shiny house on wheels that everyone wants to have.

There’s Always An RV For Everyone  

RVs come in all shapes and sizes. This is a good thing because some people like Class A RVs for the size and luxury it affords while some prefer a more discreet Class B or C. Whatever you may be looking for in an RV is always available in the market somewhere.

There's Always An RV For Everyone
There’s Always An RV For Everyone

Before plunking your hard-earned money down for one, it’s best to do your research. You’ll also want to consider your lifestyle. Are you single and living alone, or do you have a family? These are things you need to consider before buying one.

So let’s have a look at what’s out there:

Different Types And Classes Of RVs

Where do we even start with this one? Living in an RV starts with buying one or at least having access to one. But which one is right for you?

Like we already mentioned, you should do your research and consider your lifestyle before getting one. What’s the difference between a Class A and a Class C RV? Why is a Class B RV lower than a Class C?

To begin with, RVs are separated into two main categories: motorcoaches and towable rigs. What’s the difference between these two?

Motorcoaches are RVs that have their own engine and driving chassis. Towables, on the other hand, are separate from the main vehicle and need to be towed around.

It’s important to note the difference between these two because the driving experience and living standards in an RV are unique to each category. For example, a towable RV may rival the size of Class B or C RVs, but the inhabitants won’t have access to your basic amenities until you’re safely parked.

On the other hand, an oversized motorcoach may require additional license requirements simply because of the special driving conditions attached to it. You can’t always drive your RV everywhere because of the space it takes on the road and parking.

So, each type and class of RV comes with its own pros and cons. There is no such thing as a perfect RV. This is subjective as most people would say they have the best RV based on their lifestyle.

So let’s start looking at the different classes of RVs. After that, you can decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

Class A RV

Think of a bus. Now take out all of the seats and replace that with furniture you’ll normally find in a small home, and you have a basic idea of what a Class A RV is. Class A RVs are the largest of this niche and can be anywhere between 20 to 45 feet in length. Some are even longer.

This type of RV can house eight to ten passengers comfortably, which is perfect for a good-sized family or a rock band. Either way, everyone will have a great time inside one of these RVs.

Class A RV
Class A RV

Class A RVs are the crème de la crème of the RV world. You’ll find all the latest and most sophisticated gadgets inside one. These RVs are equipped with complete kitchens, full-size bathrooms, king-size beds, top of the line appliances, and everything you could ever dream of. Not satisfied? You can always order what you want from the manufacturer, and they’ll install it for you.

Outside, it is painted to look luxurious. Everything about its exterior screams pure luxury. You have oversized panoramic windows tinted for privacy, highly reflective paint with radical swashes, electric awnings, a streamlined profile, and all the lights needed to brighten the desert sky.

For those who want the ultimate in living in an RV, this is the one to get.

The downside to these RVs is it comes with a huge sticker price. You have to shell out a lot of money for that type of luxury. Another disadvantage of owning a Class A RV is the price to keep it running. This is an extremely heavy vehicle, and your mileage will definitely suffer. Six miles to a gallon is downright dismal in terms of fuel-efficiency!

If you want to save more money, pick a smaller RV.

Class B RV

You might find yourself scratching your head, wondering why there’s such a huge jump in size difference between a Class A RV and a Class B because these are significantly smaller. They’re even smaller than Class C RVs, which will come after this section.

Class B RV
Class B RV

Class B RVs are also called sleeper vans or campervans. Their small size allows for more agile maneuvers in and around town despite it literally being your home on wheels. The tradeoff for this agility is the small living space you’ll have to live in. don’t worry, you’ll still have a working toilet, kitchen, enough space for your bed, and storage for your stuff inside, albeit in a more cramped manner.

Class B RVs are built on a van chassis with a raised roof for additional space and comfort inside. These types of RVs are better suited for adventurous individuals or a small family of three. Anything more than that and you’re looking at a very cramped and miserable experience.

Despite its size, Class B RVs are among the more popular choices for people living in an RV lifestyle. You’ll never have to worry about back up or entering tight roads again with this RV when you’re looking for cool campsites to spend the night in!

Class C RV

Did someone mess up the sizing, or are Class C RVs an afterthought? Class C RVs are midway in size to Class A and B RV types. These are built onto a truck platform and offer more amenities than a sleeper van yet prove to be more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts.

Class C RV
Class C RV

Class C RVs have an instantly recognizable silhouette. If you see an RV with a cab-over section, that’s a Class C RV. This extra space above the cab is where most people sleep or store their stuff. Need more space? There are Class C RVs that have slide-outs to increase the livable space inside. This is perfect for small families living inside it.

Classes of RV Trailers

Don’t want to live in a motocoach but still want to experience living in an RV lifestyle? Then maybe it’s time for you to look at RV trailers or towables.

Before you fall for that line that you’ll be able to save more with a towable instead of getting a motorcoach, think again. On its own, a towable is significantly priced lower than a motorcoach. But if you take into account the need for a vehicle to tow it with, then you’re looking at a price tag that’s comparable to a Class B or Class C RV.

Usually, you’d need a powerful tow vehicle to lug around your house on wheels. That’s an initial investment of $30,000 to $100,000 for a half-ton or a one-ton truck right off the bat. Add the trailer’s price, and a Class B RV may not be that far off pricewise.

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Still, there’s an advantage to choosing a towable over a motorcoach. With a towable, you can park your home in an RV park, unhitch your tow vehicle, and drive off without taking too much space on the road. Another advantage is: you’ll still have a regular truck to drive with during winter when it’s time to store your RV trailer.

Getting a towable is a good way to start living in an RV. It has most of the things you can find in a regular RV, and it lets you have the freedom to travel from one point to another.

Here Are The Types Of Travel Trailers You Can Buy:

You could say having a towable as your living space when you’re out on the road is the best way to start a life living in an RV. Most small towables come at a low price, so you should easily find one within your budget. The only thing you have to consider is: will it fit your lifestyle?

So, have a look at some of the best towable examples in the market today.

Pop-up Or Foldable Trailers

These are the smallest towables in this list. Pop-up trailers are also known as tent trailers or fold-up campers. This is a step up from bringing a tent along when you go for a short vacation. It’s basically a tent on wheels! No more sleeping on soggy ground. No more crouching to your knees to get in.

Pop Up RV Trailer
Pop Up RV Trailer

And definitely, no more need to get into your trunk to haul your tent out to a suitable spot and going through the process of pitching it, so you have a place to sleep at night.

All you basically have to do with your pop-up trailer is to back it into a secure spot. Put wheel stoppers to keep it from rolling and unfold it. Some even have a quick-release option that opens up the tent in one smooth move. When you’re ready to go, all you have to do is just fold it up and leave the camp site.

You’ll find everything you need inside the tent, from a bed to a small kitchen sink with a stove for cooking. Just in case you think you’ll miss out on some conveniences found in larger RVs, some pop-up trailers even have slide outs and bathrooms. When it comes to options you can add on to pop-up trailers, the sky’s the limit.

Because most pop-up trailers are small, you can use a sedan to tow it around. Ideally, a large pickup truck is the best choice. And when you’re done, you can just park your pop-up trailer in your garage and still have a working vehicle to tool around in the city.

Travel Trailer

Did you know that the number 1 selling RV isn’t a motorcoach but a towable instead? Yeah, it seems like the majority of RV sales owe it to the popularity of travel trailers.

Why is that?

The main reason is the customization level you can get from having a travel trailer made to your exact specifications. You can have a fully stacked 10-foot travel trailer or a barebones 35 footer and fill it up with the components you want to include.

Travel Trailer
Travel Trailer

So you can have one only for yourself or a larger one made for your family. These trailers are complete with bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Just like pop-up trailers, the sky’s the limit with the options you can choose.

Now all you need to do is discuss what you want and look at the floor plans offered by the various manufacturers out there.

Take note that some travel trailers feature a garage large enough for an ATV or a dirt bike. These are called toy haulers. You’ll still have enough living space in the forward section of the travel trailer, albeit smaller than what a regular travel trailer offers.

Fifth Wheel Trailers

Fifth Wheel Trailers are the largest and heaviest RVs available in the market today. Because of that, you’ll need a special in-bed truck tow hitch to lug this around.

Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth Wheel Trailer

Fifth wheel trailers can range from 25 to 45 feet with various floor plans to choose from. This size affords people the space needed to make living in an RV a truly outstanding experience. The great thing about fifth-wheel trailers is the bi-level floor plan, which breaks up the monotony of just having a single floor layout.

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With the amount of space afforded by fifth wheel trailers, you can position the partitions exactly how you want and still have enough space for people to walk around unencumbered by the furniture installed. Just make sure you contact the manufacturers to get exactly what you want.

Towables are perfect for people who plan on living in an RV alone or with a family. Just make sure you pick the right one for your specific needs.

Other Types Of “RVs”

Other types of “RVs” will still let you experience what it’s like living in an RV. These are unconventional alternatives to the more common options in the market but will still let you have most of the features you’d expect in a mobile home. Let’s start with truck campers.

Truck Campers

Truck campers were never initially designed to provide a living space for people who want to experience living in an RV.

Basic truck campers are mounted on the top of a pickup truck bed to protect the open area from the elements. Early adapters simply put a bed inside for sleeping and did everything else outside. The limited space is fit for one to two persons max.

Camper Truck
Camper Truck

When pickup accessories companies discovered that truck campers were used for this purpose, they scrambled to create larger variants that allowed more options. Nowadays, truck campers can stand up in, have miniaturized toilets, kitchens and eating areas, and a separate sleeping area nestled on the hump above the cabin.

If you’re the adventurous type, a truck camper can serve your basic needs. You can attach a trailer behind your main vehicle for more space and bring along a smaller trailer for storage or lugging your adventure vehicles around.

The mobility this setup affords will open up a lot of wondrous experiences for you on and off-road.

Park Models

Is it possible to enjoy living in an RV when the living space barely leaves the campsite? RV parks offer Park models which stay on the lot for the majority of its life. You can have access to these park models when you rent a space and want a larger living area for the duration of your stay.

RV Park Model
RV Park Model

Park models look more like a house than an RV with their 8-foot ceilings, cabinets, bay windows, and patio doors. You’ll also find full-sized appliances, washers, and dryers to make your stay more comfortable.

You’ll find park models in campgrounds, RV resorts, or private property and used as weekend retreats or vacation cottages. These park models can be moved around with a crane for repositioning if the need for expansion arises.

Cottager

Finally, there’s the cottager, which is a slightly smaller version of the park model. You’ll find most of the features park models have in a cottager, albeit in a more budget-friendly package.

RV Cottager
RV Cottager

Mobile Tiny House Or Homes

Tiny homes come in all shapes and sizes. There are variants that serve as full-time living spaces, while others are installed on a trailer or the back of a large size pick-up bed. We’ll cover mobile tiny homes because they offer more of what it feels like living in an RV.

The main difference between mobile tiny homes and conventional RVs is how it looks. A tiny home literally looks like a house with its triangular roof, wooden walls, and patios. Inside, you’ll find features in a normal house like a sleeping area, a kitchen, a living room area, and others, although presented in an RV layout.

Tiny Home
Tiny Home

Tiny houses can range from 10 feet to 45, depending on your needs. The only thing it can’t break is the 8-foot width and 13-foot maximum height.

Tiny homes give off a warmer experience because of all the wood and insulation found in the building materials. It is also more familiar to those just starting out living in an RV because the layout is typically the same as that of a house, although miniaturized for convenience and mobility.

Whichever one you choose, whether it’s a full-size motorcoach, a towable, or one of the unconventional RV options we’ve listed, is a good way to start living in an RV lifestyle. Choose wisely and base your decision on your budget, your lifestyle, and other practical applications and you’ll have a grand ole time when you hit the road in your home on wheels! 

Buying An RV: Should I Buy It In Cash Or Seek Financing? 

Ok, now on to the more important part: how to buy an RV. Should you buy it outright or seek financing? If you have the money, buying an RV outright is a good way to cut down on the final price at the end of a financing term. The downside to this is you’ll take out a sizeable chunk of your finances, which you could have otherwise used for other things.

On the other hand, seeking financing to buy an RV isn’t as easy as it sounds. This is still regarded as a vehicle. Financial institutions will want to check your capability to pay your loan. Some may even ask for you to put up collateral.

You can pay off this loan regularly whether you choose to pay it monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, or annually. The good thing about taking this route is you’ll still have enough money now to finance your trips, improvements, and other things.

At the end of the day, the decision is entirely up to you. What’s most important is that you factor in your capability to pay, inflation, and the total price of the RV at the end of the loan term.

Here’s another thing you’ll want to think about: is living in an RV really what you want? What if you lose interest in it after six months? Will you be able to sell it? Will the sale price cover your initial purchase price?

Living in an RV is a huge commitment. Will you be able to handle it?

Here’s an alternative: you can rent an RV and see if you really want to live in one.

Ok, now on to the fun part: living in an RV!

A Romanticized Version Of The RV Lifestyle: Setting Expectations

Living the life. That’s what most RV owners say. Or at least the ones who have the option to come back to a comfortable home after a short trip in their big shiny toy.

Like I said, living in an RV is a huge commitment.

It’s true, you’ll be able to save a lot of money when you get an RV—a median home costs between 200 to 400 thousand dollars. The most expensive Class A RV costs nearly $380,000. So is the price difference justified? You’re better off buying a Class C RV, which costs half that price but at the cost of sacrificing space.

This Is What It's Like Living An RV Lifestyle
This Is What It’s Like Living An RV Lifestyle

Maintenance costs are pretty much the same whether you own a house or an RV. The only clear advantage an RV has over a standard home is the ability to move wherever and whenever you want to.

We’re debunking the notion that you can save a lot of money right off the bat.

Myth 1: The RV Lifestyle Is The Key To An Easy Life

Nothing could be farther from the truth. The truth is, it’s easier to live in an RV than in a conventional home. Because the living space is smaller, you won’t have to spend your entire day cleaning it. In fact, you only need to clean the places you regularly frequent or show signs of mud and dust, and you’re good to go.

Living an easy life is relative. Your RV will require constant maintenance in and around it. You’ll also need to make sure it is always in running condition. You’ll have to check that all the electrical components are serviceable and that your propane tanks always have fuel for your basic needs.

Myth 2: You’ll Never Need To Work For The Rest Of Your Life If You Live In An RV

Wouldn’t that be amazing? To live a life where you’re free from all financial constraints. Is it possible when you start living in an RV? Well, unless you’re one of those trust fund babies who never really needed to work a day in their life or came upon a massive windfall of money, you’ll still need to find a way to fund your travels.

No one’s going to give you free fuel, and you can’t expect to walk out of a grocery with a bagful of goods without paying a single cent.

Living In An RV: What To Expect In The New Normal
Living In An RV: What To Expect In The New Normal

Parking in an RV lot requires rental fees. You’ll need to pay for using the utilities provided in the area, and if you haven’t paid for your RV in full, keep up with the monthly bills.

The good thing about this is that your monthly expenses won’t be as large as when you lived in a regular home.

Ok, so now that you know all of these things, let’s go into what your daily life living in an RV will be realistically.

What Your Real Daily Life Will Be

Living in an RV is a full-time job. You might have a romanticized view of what it’s like to just driving anywhere you want to go and stopping only to rest.

In reality, you’ll be spending a lot of your time parked somewhere and performing little maintenance chores to keep your RV in tiptop shape. Add the basic things you have to do like cooking and cleaning, and you’ll see that it takes a lot of commitment to living in an RV.

But don’t let that deter you. The pay-off is well worth all the work you have to do. The simple fact that you can change your scenery whenever you get tired or bored is a major factor in choosing this kind of life.

What’s It Like Driving An RV?

You can’t drive your RV the way you would drive a regular car. The weight of your RV, whether you’re driving a motor coach or driving with a towable, is going to throw you off your regular driving senses.

So how do you drive one?

Thankfully, power steering is installed in most vehicles these days. That includes trucks and motorcoach RVs.

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With power steering, it’s easier to maneuver in and out of a parking spot. Granted, there’s a wide berth between RVs in an RV park, so this shouldn’t be a problem. Outside, on the road, without a designated parking area, this can be a harrowing effect, especially if you don’t have anyone to guide you when you put the RV in reverse.

One solution to this is installing aftermarket side mirrors and a dashcam system with parking assist.

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Driving your RV in a straight line is easy. It’s designed to be driven on the open road with the cruise control engaged. You’re lucky if that highway you’re on never ends. It can be a nightmare in stop-and-go traffic. Tight turns is another bane to an RV’s existence.

You’ll want to plan your trips because swerving with a loaded RV is an experience you won’t want to repeat.

As much as possible, you’ll want to drive when the weather’s fair. A little patch of snow or wet road can send you skidding if you don’t know how to control your vehicle.

The key to driving an RV like a pro is to always keep your eyes on the road and your hands glued to the steering wheel, and you’ll be fine. It also helps if you drive defensively and always test your brakes.

Always Prepare For The Worst

Living in an RV will never be a boring experience. There’s always something that will pop up for you to deal with. So have a doomsday prepper’s mindset and always prepare for the worst. Never let a situation dictate your state of survival. Learn how to adapt quickly and bring these items along:

Always Be Prepared
Always Be Prepared
  • 5 to 10 gallons of drinking water kept in a heated storage space
  • A rechargeable radio or one you can operate by a hand crank
  • A small gasoline-powered generator
  • Antifreeze
  • Basic survival kit
  • Blow dryer for defrosting frozen pipes
  • Carpentry tools
  • Cash
  • Extra blankets and warm clothing
  • Extra batteries for your mobile device
  • Emergency RV battery
  • Extra propane tanks
  • Floor Jacks
  • Food
  • GPS
  • Insulated sleeping bags
  • Photocopies of your important documents (keep the original copies safe)
  • Plumbing tools
  • Portable toilet
  • Rope
  • Shovel
  • Snow tires or tire chains
  • Solar panels
  • Strike anywhere matches stored in a waterproof canister
  • White gas camping stove
  • Wood ax

Last but not least, you’ll need a special license to be able to drive a Class A RV, fifth-wheel trailer, or overly large trailer. If your total GVWR is less than 26,000, you’re safe to drive with a regular driver’s license.

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Next, let’s talk about the preventive maintenance measures you’ll have to perform on your RV to keep it running smoothly.

Perform These Preventive Maintenance Measures On Your RV

Purchasing an RV is a huge investment. You’d want to protect that investment by performing regular preventive maintenance to ensure everything is in optimal condition. It’ll be hard at first, especially if you’re new to living an RV lifestyle, but with constant practice, these will come as second nature for you.

Clean Your RV Every Chance You Get

Most RV parks have a cleaning area where you can use a power washer to spray your vehicle with. You can efficiently wash away dust, dirt, and other stubborn contaminants clinging to your exterior with a power washer. You should also find the time to clean your interior. Get the vacuum out and suck out all the pollutants hanging around in your living space.

As an extra touch, you can strategically place coal, baking soda, or small plants inside to improve the air quality.

Replace the covers with fresh, new ones to avoid that musty smell. You should do this every quarter.

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The new normal has also changed the way we live and interact with our environment. To keep yourself safe, supply several bottles of hand cleansers around your RV. By doing this, you’ll be sure that there is always one nearby.

Keep Your Paint Looking Spiffy

A massive vehicle requires a massive amount of paint. And like all painted surfaces, the sun, chemicals, and natural acids are its weaknesses. One quick way to ruin an RV is letting the paint go to waste. Remember, this is your home. You wouldn’t want it to look unappealing, right?

You can purchase surface protectants from any hardware store to keep your paint in good condition.

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If you find any chipping, peeling, or bubbling, deal with it immediately by taking it to a professional paint shop. If you’re handy with an airbrush, you can do these repairs yourself.

Check Your Plumbing And Flush It Regularly

How well your plumbing works can spell the difference between an enjoyable trip and a disaster. Add antifreeze regularly to ensure the water inside your pipes doesn’t expand when the temperature takes a sudden drop below freezing.

Flush your system regularly. This can be done every three to six months for maximum efficiency. You should also replace corroded plugs immediately.

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You should also empty your holding tanks for fresh, grey, and black water when you get the chance. Keeping these holding tanks empty allows you to go for longer trips without any worries.

Check Your Electrical System/ Batteries/ Solar Panels (Optional)

Have you ever taken a look at the wiring harness on an RV? All of those wires and cables serve a specific purpose. A damaged or faulty wire can lead to a malfunction, which can ruin your vacation.

Most RVs nowadays have a solar panel installed on top to take advantage of the sun’s energy. These panels require very minimal upkeep. Wiping them off is a good way to remove dust, dirt, and grime and ensure that the entire surface can efficiently absorb solar energy.

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You’ll also want to check your batteries if you have a grid for storing solar energy. Ensure all of these have adequate battery fluid and no acid build up on the terminals.

The worst thing that can happen when you don’t check your electrical system is an electrical fire. This can totally put a stop to your dreams of living in an RV.

Make Your Tires A High-Priority

If you want to enjoy the road more, spend some time looking after your tires. You’ll want sturdy tires to handle all the pounding as you rack up the miles between travels. You’ll also want to make sure those same tires offer grip in different types of terrain. Since there is no such thing as a perfect tire, you can opt to bring along specialized tires to adapt to the situations present when you reach your destination. Just remember, tires are heavy.

Always Make Your RV Tires A High Prio
Always Make Your RV Tires A High Prio

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To cut down on the weight, use regular, all-terrain tires for everyday use and bring along tire chains if you’re expecting some snow or ice on the road.

Make sure you bring along a floor jack rated for your RV and keep your spare inflated for emergency purposes.

Last but not least, protect your tires with RV tire covers to keep them in good condition when you’re parked.

Clean Your Heating and Airconditioning Systems

Driving with a busted airconditioning or heater system is not a fun way to experience living in an RV. This is still a metal box, and it can get pretty hot or cold depending on the weather outside. You can request the manufacturer to add more insulation or do it yourself if you’re handy enough. This will help you keep the temperature stable inside your RV when you park for the night.

Expect To Do Some RV Repairs
Expect To Do Some RV Repairs

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Clean your heating and airconditioning systems every quarter to ensure they work efficiently when you’re in your RV.

Don’t Forget All Your Other Accessories

What would living in an RV be without all the different accessories attached to make life more comfortable? For example, your RV awning is considered a major accessory. Checking it for rips, tearing, or damaged parts is a good way to ensure you’ll have a working accessory when you want to keep out of the sun when you’re parked.

Your RV tire covers are also considered essential accessories. Are they still covering your tires efficiently? Are there minute rips that allow the sun to penetrate? If you find any damage, repair it immediately.

Everyone Should Have RV Tires Protecting Their Precious Wheels
Everyone Should Have RV Tires Protecting Their Precious Wheels

Is your tint still in good condition? Is it still effectively blocking UV rays from penetrating your living space? Do a walk around and mark the accessories you’ve added that have reached the end of their half-life. Replace them immediately by going to your local hardware store or RV specialty shop.

Last But Not Least, Maintain Your Engine’s Working Condition

We’ve put the engine last because not all RVs have one or need one (as in RV trailers). But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about your engine’s condition. Without a working engine, you won’t be able to reach new places you’ve marked on the map to visit.

Driving with a faulty engine is just as bad. What if it suddenly gives out in the middle of the road? Will you be able to call Triple-A services when there’s no signal in desert? Worse, what if you are dependent on your engine to keep your furnace running?

Regularly checking under the hood even when you’re parked is a good practice. This can be as short as 5 to 10 minutes per day. Things to look out for are leaks, pitting, or condensation. Take action immediately if you see any of these.

Change your oil based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Replace brittle hoses and broken or damaged parts. Turn the engine on and listen for sounds that tell you something’s wrong. You should do this even if you’re not planning on going anywhere. This helps keep the system in running condition.

There are still a lot more that you should check. This is what living in an RV is like. To make sure you don’t forget anything, log the preventive maintenance measures you took and refer to it constantly to see if there are any changes or need to bring it into a servicing center.

Now for the most important part: keeping yourself safe during the pandemic.

How To Keep Yourself Safe During The Pandemic

One of the ways you can get COVID is when you come in contact with an infected person. Now, the most worrying aspect of this pandemic is that people who have it don’t necessarily show signs that they’re sick. So, avoiding people at all costs is your primary priority.

This isn’t a realistic solution, though, because no man is an island. We are social beings, and we need others for survival. Therefore wearing protective gear is your next best option. If you have to come in contact with other people, wear a mask and a face shield. This includes family members you don’t live with.

Stay Safe. Wear A Mask.
Stay Safe. Wear A Mask.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. If you don’t have access to a sink, bring a small spray bottle filled with alcohol. You can also use wet wipes for more convenience.

Wash Your Hands
Wash Your Hands

If you can find the time and space, exercise. A short jog will help strengthen your cardio, which is important for physical fitness. Eat healthy and stay away from fatty food. Additionally, you can drink vitamins to bolster your immune system further.

Don’t neglect your mental health. Reading a book, practicing yoga, or meditating is a good way to keep your mind clear when you’re out on the road.

Don't Neglect Your Mental Health And Do Some Yoga
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health And Do Some Yoga

Doing small chores around your RV is also a good way to keep yourself active. You’ll find that living in an RV is a full-time job, and most of your day will be spent doing little maintenance work here and there.

By keeping yourself busy, you’ll find that you won’t need to interact with others unless you really want to, which is important for keeping yourself safe during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Living in an RV is becoming a popular choice for most people these days. The ability to keep to yourself while being out on the road is definitely one of the most attractive aspects of living in an RV. This self-imposed isolation keeps you safe from coming in contact with infected people.

But the best part about living in an RV is that you can change your scenery anytime you want to. If you get bored staying in one place for too long, you can always just pack everything up and head on out the road.

But living in an RV isn’t a surefire way to keep yourself safe, though. As long as you practice social distancing, wearing protective equipment, and being vigilant about your hygiene, you’re good.

That’s it! Time to hit the road and start the life of living in an RV to the fullest!

Related Questions

Is It Dangerous To Live In An RV Park During The Pandemic?

It depends. Most RV parks have developed a system to filter out individuals who may be sick. Sign in and subject yourself to their preliminary checks to abide by the rules and regulations. If the RV trailer park you intend to park in looks dirty or unkempt, drive away as fast as you can and find somewhere else to stay for the night.

Is It Safe To Host A Party Outside My RV?

If you take the necessary precautions, sure. As long as everyone practices social distancing and proper hygiene, you can have a small party. Just make sure you only invite a few people and don’t break any rules, and you’ll be fine. After all, social interaction is still very much a part of living in an RV lifestyle. 

I Don’t Have An RV. Can I Live In My Van Instead?

Sure, you can. The only downside to this is that you’ll be living in a minimal space. The question is: will you be able to handle it? Transforming a van into a mini RV is possible, you just have to be a little imaginative with how you’re going to install the components inside. Or you could just get a Class B RV and get it over with.

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