Last Updated on November 25, 2024
Embarking on the full-time RV lifestyle can be an exhilarating adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. Barry and Darlene Nicholson, seasoned RVers who have been on the road for over two years, have made their fair share of mistakes. Luckily for us, they've shared their experiences to help others avoid the same costly errors. Here are the top 7 to avoid:
1. Overfilling the Black Tank
One of the most memorable mistakes Barry and Darlene made was overfilling their black tank. Barry recalls, "I kind of forgot exactly the order and exactly how you're supposed to do it." This resulted in a messy and unpleasant situation. The lesson? Always double-check your procedures, especially when dealing with waste tanks.
"We don't make mistakes; we have happy accidents," Barry jokes, but it's a mistake you definitely want to avoid.
2. Ignoring Relationship Stress
Living in an RV can put a strain on relationships. Barry and Darlene admit, "It's really easy to take it out on the other person in some way." They emphasize the importance of communication and understanding during stressful times.
"I kind of wondered after a while if we were going to make it to 31 years," Barry quips, highlighting the tension that can arise.
3. Not Listening to Your Gut
When they first started, Barry and Darlene ignored their instincts and ended up damaging their truck. Barry recalls, "My brand new F350 2022 truck just scrapes along the left side tire." Always trust your gut and don't be afraid to ask for a different spot if something doesn't feel right.
"We should have just gone up and asked for a different spot," Barry laments, a lesson learned the hard way.
4. Traveling During Tornado Season
Barry and Darlene found out the hard way that traveling to Southern Indiana during tornado season was a bad idea. "We had two tornadoes in one day," Darlene recalls. Always check the weather and seasonal conditions before planning your trip.
"Apparently there's also such a thing as a tornado season in Southern Indiana, and that's when we decided to go visit home," Darlene laughs.
5. Leaving Equipment Behind
One costly mistake was leaving behind their power equipment. Barry explains, "We left our cable there and I think we left our power Watchdog there." Always do a thorough check before leaving a campsite.
"We got about 25 minutes down the road and realized we left $500 worth of equipment," Barry says, shaking his head.
6. Breaking Tank Valves
Barry and Darlene have broken two black tank valves due to improper handling. "We broke two, of course, it's the black ones," Barry says. Be gentle and precise when handling tank valves to avoid costly repairs.
"It's always the black ones," Barry groans, adding a touch of humor to an otherwise frustrating situation.
7. Not Investing in Solar and Batteries
Initially, Barry and Darlene didn't invest in solar panels and batteries, limiting their boondocking options. "We had no idea what we didn't know," Darlene admits. Investing in these can save you money and give you more freedom.
"We just didn't even pay attention to the solar and the batteries," Darlene says, a mistake they now regret.
