Part 6 – Introduction to the Series

The RV lifestyle isn’t just about hitting the road—it’s about creating a life of freedom, adventure, and intention. But before you can make that dream a reality, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want your RV life to look like. In this article we will explore your RV life vision.

In this series, “RV Life Without the RV: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Full Time RV Living,” we’ve explored whether RV life is right for you (Part 1), the mindset shifts needed for the transition (Part 2), ways to explore RV life without owning an RV (Part 3), financial preparation (Part 4), and downsizing (Part 5).

Now, in Part 6, we’ll focus on building your RV life vision. By defining your goals, priorities, and plans, you’ll be one step closer to making your RV dream a reality.

Building Your RV Life Vision: Planning for Success

A clear vision is the foundation of any successful journey. By identifying your “why,” setting goals, and planning for your first adventure, you’ll not only stay motivated but also ensure that your RV lifestyle aligns with your values and aspirations.

Define Your “Why”

Before you dive into the logistics of RV life, take some time to reflect on your motivations. Why do you want to embrace this lifestyle?

Common Reasons for RV Living:

• A desire for freedom and flexibility. You want to go where you want to go, when you want to go, and with whom you want to go.
• A love of travel and adventure. You’ve had a taste and want more – a lot more.
• A chance to downsize and live more simply without all the ‘stuff’ piled in a garage.
• The opportunity to spend more time in nature. Breathe in the scent of the trees and calm yourself by a stream’s edge.

How to Clarify Your “Why”:

• Write down your top five reasons for wanting to live the RV lifestyle.
• Imagine your ideal day as a full-time RVer. What does it look like? How do you feel?
• Reflect on how RV life aligns with your values and long-term goals.

Actionable Tip: Create a vision board or journal entry about your dream RV lifestyle. Use images, words, and phrases that inspire you.

Set Short- and Long-Term Goals

Once you’ve defined your “why,” it’s time to turn your dream into actionable goals. Think of these as means goals that lead to your real end goal, which is more about a feeling than a thing.

Examples of Goals:

• Short-Term Goals:
  • Research and decide on the type of RV you want. We talked a little about this in an earlier article. Going to an RV show is a great way to see all types of options.
  • Start decluttering your home and downsizing belongings. Which room or closet will you start with? It could even be a single drawer.
  • Save a specific amount of money for your RV purchase or emergency fund.
• Long-Term Goals:
  • Travel to all 50 states or visit a specific number of national parks. But ask yourself, why? What is it about the national parks that makes you feel good?
  • Transition to remote work or build a location-independent income stream. Are there skills you need to acquire or people you need to meet?
  • Build a sustainable RV lifestyle that balances travel, work, and relaxation.

Actionable Tip: Write down one short-term goal and one long-term goal for your RV life. Break each goal into smaller, actionable steps.

Research Destinations and Create a Bucket List

One of the most exciting parts of planning your RV life is choosing where to go! Start building a travel bucket list that reflects your interests and priorities.

Things to Consider:

• Scenic Destinations: National parks, mountains, beaches, deserts, etc.
• Activities: Hiking, kayaking, fishing, sightseeing, or attending festivals. Every month has a special festival or event to explore, such as the Albuquerque balloon festival or the Fiesta in San Antonio.
• Seasonal Travel: Plan for milder climates during extreme seasons (e.g., heading south in the winter). Or follow the farmer’s markets so you can have fresh organic produce year-round.
• Hidden Gems: Look for lesser-known places to avoid crowds and discover unique experiences. There are still plenty of those around!

Actionable Tip: Create a list of at least five destinations you want to visit during your first year of RV living. Research campgrounds or boondocking options nearby.

Map Out Your Ideal RV Lifestyle

RV living looks different for everyone. Some people prefer staying in one place for weeks, while others love constant travel. Take time to map out what your ideal RV lifestyle looks like.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Travel Pace: Do you want to move every few days, weeks, or months? We live a little of all three. Although I do love traveling across the country the most.
• Lifestyle Priorities: Will you focus on work, relaxation, adventure, or a mix of all three?
• Community: Do you want to connect with other RVers through meetups, clubs, or caravans?
• Budget: Will you focus on boondocking (free camping) or staying at RV parks?

Actionable Tip: Write a sample itinerary for one month of RV living, considering your travel pace, activities, and budget.

Plan for Challenges and Solutions

The RV lifestyle comes with its share of challenges. Thinking ahead and planning for potential obstacles can help you adapt more easily. There will be breakdowns.

We recently had to replace our refrigerator. However, it would not fit through the door. I guess they built around it. Anyway, we had to have the back window taken out so the old one could go out and the new one could come in, over our bed. Luckily, we were in a city that had an RV shop that could do this for us. If we had been boondocking, we would have had to drive into a city and figure it all out.

Just know that these things happen, but don’t let them discourage you from exploring everywhere!

Common Challenges:

• Breakdowns: RVs require maintenance and repairs, so it’s important to budget for these expenses. If your rig has to go into the shop for a few days, you will also need a place to stay.
• Connectivity: Reliable internet can be a challenge, especially in remote areas. Luckily, there are satellite options now that are somewhat affordable. Do not rely on RV parks to have good internet. Most don’t.
• Loneliness: While RV life can be social, it can also feel isolating at times.

Solutions:

• Create an emergency fund for unexpected repairs.
• Research mobile internet solutions, such as hotspots and boosters.
• Join RV clubs or attend meetups to build a sense of community.

Actionable Tip: Identify one potential challenge you’re worried about and research solutions or strategies to address it.

Stay Flexible and Open-Minded

While it’s important to plan, RV life is unpredictable, and flexibility is key. Your vision should serve as a guide, not a rigid set of rules. Be open to adjusting your plans as you learn and grow on the road.

Actionable Tip: Write this mantra somewhere visible: “Be prepared, but stay flexible.” Use it as a reminder to embrace the unexpected.

Closing: Turn Your Vision into Reality

Building your RV life vision is an exciting and empowering step in your journey. By defining your “why,” setting goals, and planning for success, you’ll create a roadmap that keeps you motivated and on track.

In the next article, “Learning the Logistics of RV Life,” we’ll dive into the practical skills and knowledge you need to thrive on the road. From RV maintenance to finding campgrounds, we’ll help you prepare for the day-to-day realities of RV living.

Stay tuned, and take the next step toward your RV dream today!