Last Updated on October 8, 2024
Downsizing from a 42-foot fifth wheel to a 31-foot Class C RV might sound like a breeze, but as many RV enthusiasts will tell you, it’s far from easy. The process is filled with unexpected challenges, from figuring out what to bring to managing the limited space in a smaller RV. In this article, we dive into the top eight struggles faced by John and Mercedes, full-time RVers from the popular YouTube channel "RV Odd Couple," as they transitioned to a smaller RV for a seasonal trip. Below, we highlight their experiences and tips for overcoming these hurdles. Be sure to watch the entire video at the bottom of this article for more detailed insights and a few laughs along the way.
1. Lack of a Launch Date
One of the first challenges John and Mercedes faced was the absence of a concrete launch date. They kept planning to leave "next week," but "next week" never seemed to arrive. This lack of a firm date made it difficult to get organized and turn their dream trip into a reality. Eventually, setting a specific date helped them focus and get things done. It’s like trying to herd cats—without a set date, everything is just chaos.
2. Lack of a Plan
Even though John and Mercedes are seasoned planners, creating a detailed, organized plan for downsizing was a major hurdle. They had to figure out what to bring, what would fit, and how to make the most of their limited space. Imagine trying to fit an elephant into a Mini Cooper; it’s a tight squeeze, and something’s got to give. Their solution was to make detailed lists and categorize items, which helped them prioritize and stay organized.
3. Physically Packing the RV
Physically packing the smaller RV was another significant struggle. They had to make multiple trips back and forth, realizing only half of what they initially thought could fit actually could. John joked about bringing a truckload of stuff only to have Mercedes send half of it back. It’s like a never-ending game of Tetris, but with your entire life’s belongings.
4. Having Too Much Stuff
Despite already being full-time RVers, John and Mercedes found they still had too much stuff. Downsizing meant another level of decluttering, which was no small feat. They had to part with items they hadn’t used in months and prioritize what was truly essential. It’s like trying to decide which of your children to leave behind—okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point.
5. Still Having to Buy Things
Even while downsizing, they found themselves needing to buy new items that fit their smaller space better. For example, they invested in a super thick mattress topper to make the uncomfortable RV mattress more bearable. It’s like going on a diet but still needing to buy bigger pants because the smaller ones just don’t fit right.
6. Disagreements and Stress
Downsizing also led to disagreements and stress between John and Mercedes. They had different ideas about what to bring and how to do things, which led to some tension. John likes to move fast, while Mercedes prefers to be thorough, making the process even more challenging. It’s like a tortoise and a hare trying to run a three-legged race—hilarious but frustrating.
7. Forgetting Something
No matter how well they planned, John and Mercedes inevitably forgot a few things. But they learned that forgetting something isn’t the end of the world. Walmart is everywhere, and RV neighbors are usually willing to help out. It’s like the RV version of Murphy’s Law: whatever can be forgotten, will be forgotten.
8. Different Storage Compartments
The Class C RV had plenty of storage, but the compartments were a different size and shape compared to their fifth wheel. This meant they had to rethink how to store their belongings. John found himself frustrated with the small compartments, likening it to trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. It’s a puzzle that doesn’t always have a clear solution.
If you want to see all these struggles and the humor that comes with them, make sure to watch the entire video from RV Odd Couple at the bottom of this article. Their journey is filled with valuable lessons and a lot of laughs.
