Last Updated on October 8, 2024
Embarking on the journey of RVing can be an exhilarating and educational experience. Over the course of seven years, one couple has traversed all 48 contiguous states, owned and rented multiple RVs, and toured countless others. Their adventures have been filled with ups and downs, providing them with a wealth of knowledge that they wish they had from the start. We found a great video from the video channel that captures their seven-year journey and condenses their insights into a 20-minute segment. Below are the highlights from the video, and make sure to watch the entire video at the bottom of the article for a more in-depth look.
1. Year One: The Importance of Spare Fuses
In their first year, they quickly learned the value of carrying spare fuses. They faced several situations where blown fuses left them powerless, stranded in remote locations without immediate access to replacements. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere and realizing you have no power because of a tiny fuse—it's like finding out your phone battery died right before you hit the high score in Candy Crush.
2. Year Two: Awning Awareness and Internet Woes
Year two brought a couple of hard lessons. First, never leave your awning out overnight or when you leave the RV. A sudden storm in Oklahoma nearly turned their awning into a sail, which would have been a hilarious sight if it weren't so terrifying. They also learned that campground Wi-Fi is often more of a myth than a reality, leading them to invest in their own internet solutions. Trusting campground Wi-Fi is like expecting a cat to fetch—possible, but highly unlikely.
3. Year Three: Slow Down and Improvise
By the third year, they realized the folly of traveling too fast. Trying to see everything at once can be exhausting and expensive. It's like trying to binge-watch an entire season of a show in one night—eventually, you just fall asleep on the couch. They also got creative with Command hooks and curtains to give their kids some privacy, proving that RVers are the MacGyvers of the road.
4. Year Four: Pandemic Perks and Inflatable Fun
The fourth year coincided with the pandemic, which surprisingly turned out to be their best year of RVing. With fewer people on the road, they enjoyed less crowded campgrounds and more serene experiences. They also discovered the joy of inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, which are as easy to store as they are to use. It's like having a pool floatie that doubles as a mini yacht—pure genius.
5. Year Five: Moochdocking and Soft Start ACs
In their fifth year, they learned the art of moochdocking—parking their RV at a friend’s or family member’s house and hooking up to their utilities. To make this feasible, they installed soft start ACs, allowing them to run their air conditioning without tripping household circuits. It’s like crashing at a friend's place but bringing your own bedroom with you—talk about convenience!
6. Year Six: Ultimate Internet and Campground Etiquette
Year six was all about upgrading their internet setup to the ultimate solution, ensuring they could stay connected no matter where they were. They also learned the hard way that not everyone follows campground etiquette, prompting them to create a video on the subject that became their most viewed content. It's like realizing not everyone knows how to use a turn signal—frustrating but fixable with a little education.
7. Year Seven: Solar Power and Social Plans
In their seventh year, they added solar panels and lithium batteries, making boondocking (camping without hookups) much easier. They also discovered the joy of planning trips with other people, which made their adventures even more enjoyable. It turns out that RVing is a lot like a potluck dinner—the more people you have, the better the experience.
To dive deeper into their experiences and learn more about the nuances of RV life, be sure to watch the entire video below. Their insights could save you from making some of the same mistakes and help you make the most of your own RV adventures.
