Switch It Up: Full-Time RV Living and What it's Really Like to Call The Road Home

Embrace the RV Lifestyle with Confidence

Living full-time in an RV isn’t just a vacation stretched out indefinitely. It’s a lifestyle shift that changes how you think about space, community, money, and even your daily coffee routine. Whether you’re dreaming of life on wheels or already testing the waters, it helps to know what you’re getting into. Todd and Sheila from Switch It Up have all the tips and tricks for a life out on the road. 

It Starts with the Why

Most people don’t wake up one day and decide to live in an RV on a whim. There’s often a driving purpose: the desire for more freedom, traveling post-retirement, or embracing minimalism. Knowing your why matters. It keeps you grounded during those not-so-glamorous moments you experience RVing, like emptying your black tank in the rain. Switch It Up’s Todd and Sheila started RVing in 2021 after both losing a parent. “We realized life was short and we thought venturing out to explore the United States would allow us time to see things we always desired. No longer were we going to say ‘one day, we will go.’ Instead we switched things up and made our one day, a today.” 

Downsizing Is More Than Letting Go of Stuff

Before you hit the road, you’ll need to declutter. But downsizing isn’t just about physical space; it’s a mindset shift. Surprisingly, many full-timers say they don’t miss the space as much as they expected and it becomes something you’re used to. Switch It Up agrees that “downsizing is one of the hardest processes to go through but also is very rewarding.” 

Community Comes from the Campfire

Living in an RV doesn’t mean living in isolation. From online forums to in-person meetups and campground friendships, there’s a strong sense of community. Todd and Sheila say that “the RV community is a very special place that allows for different engagement. There’s always someone willing to help.” You just have to be willing to introduce yourself now and then. Switch It Up’s Huddle events and Crew Campouts “help others foster some amazing friendships.”   

   

Budgeting for Life on the Road

Living in an RV can be more affordable than a mortgage, but it’s not free. Fuel, maintenance, campground fees, insurance, and mobile internet add up. Some full-timers boondock to save money, while others invest in memberships that offer discounted stays. There’s lots of resources out there for RVers to help you save while still enjoying the RV lifestyle including Open Roads which is a fuel discount program perfect for life on the road. Todd and Sheila note that one of their favorite ways to save is through “moochdocking” which means you use someone’s yard or land as a campsite. From moochdocking, Switch It Up gets to experience amazing places across the country while also reconnecting with friends. 

Wi-Fi Isn't Always Wonderful

Internet access can be one of the biggest challenges. While many RV parks offer Wi-Fi, it's often slow or unreliable. Most full-timers invest in hotspot plans or cellular boosters. If you work remotely, having a backup plan (or two) is essential. Some RVers even plan their routes based on signal maps. Todd and Sheila know a thing or two when it comes to Wifi out on the road. “We have discovered signal boosters do provide additional help when we are in remote places,” they say. They use Starlink which allows them to remain connected with family and friends while out on the road. It also has a feature where you can turn the service on and off when you need it. There’s a variety of options that can fit the goals of each traveler. 

Routine Still Exists, It Just Looks Different

It might seem like every day is spontaneous when you live in an RV, but routines are still important. You may start your mornings with coffee overlooking a lake, but you’ll still need to balance that with laundry days, tank dumps, and virtual calls. Many full-timers say creating a loose routine helps them feel more grounded. Todd and Sheila note that a great way they stay connected with their home state is “to watch the local news in that area. This keeps conversations current with our family still living there.” Being able to add or take away things from your routine that makes your RV feel more like home is crucial. 

Weather Becomes a Bigger Deal

Without a foundation and insulated walls, you're more vulnerable to extreme weather. That means planning routes to avoid snowstorms or hurricanes and knowing when to find shelter in times of emergency. 

Maintenance Is Inevitable

Things break often in RVs. Units endure bumpy roads, changing climates, and near-constant use. Being prepared for maintenance while on the road is critical to having a successful full-timing experience.

Surprising Perks and Tough Truths

Full-time RV living comes with trade-offs. You might miss having a bathtub or a dishwasher, but gain a front-row seat to the Grand Canyon. You give up space but gain freedom. 

Final Thought: It’s Not for Everyone, But It Might Be for You

RV living isn’t a one-size-fits-all dream. For some, it becomes a lifelong adventure; for others, it’s a chapter. Either way, the lifestyle offers perspective, flexibility, and stories you won’t find otherwise. If you're curious, talk to people who are doing it. Ask the questions that blogs don't always answer. In the wise words of Todd and Sheila, “attend a Rally or an event with other RVers that may be on the road and ask their thoughts. We have found the absolute key to finding a solid path is building relationships with others. The RV lifestyle is a very special place that may be full of some challenges but always has great support if we simply reach out to those around us.”

Check out more about Switch It Up here!

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