RV Living 101: Not for the Faint of Heart

As we recently relocated to the West, I noticed a larger population of RV dwellers. I wondered about "those" people and how they managed. I had the mistaken idea that RV dwellers were either old or poor. I believed that all RVs were tacky, inside and out. I had no idea what was involved in living in an RV full-time.

Then my husband bought a fifth-wheel and said we were moving in. I've learned quite a bit in just a short time in the RV.

RV living certainly isn't for the faint of heart. It's not for those who tend to be packrats either.

Prior to moving into and RV, a person or family must downsize significantly. It goes without saying that the amount of downsizing necessary depends on the size of the RV. Most RVs do have a great deal of storage space. There are nooks and crannies everywhere that are perfect for storing those must-have items.

It's imperative that when moving into the RV, the necessities are moved in first. That allows for optimal use of the spaces available. How horrible would it be to move in a bunch of non-essential items only to have to relocate them later because there was no room for things like dishes and food.

RVs aren't known for being very well insulated, so if you plan on living in an RV during winter months, then space heaters, added window insulation and down comforters are a must.

Most RVs are heated with propane. With gas prices as high as they are these days, and because electricity is cheaper than gas, electric space heaters help reduce the cost of heating and RV.

Then, there are the tanks... the water tanks. The black water tank holds the sewage. The grey water tank holds dirty water from the sinks and shower. The fresh water tank holds drinking and cleaning water. Depending on the size of the RV, you may find either a five or ten gallon hot-water heater. With such small hot water heaters, you learn to shower quickly, especially in winter months.

The water tanks need to be emptied regularly. That's usually just a simple pull of a lever.

Larger RVs usually have a holding tank for water that can be preserved for instances when the water goes out at the RV park or for when you are travelling and don't have access to water. It's wise to keep these tanks filled, lest you end up with shampoo stuck in your hair and no way to rinse it out. Just a simple flick of a switch to turn the water pump on and you are good to go; IF you have the water tank filled.

RVs don't have to be decorated poorly inside either. You could purchase the somewhat tacky RV furniture sold in RV catalogs, but furniture sold at the local home furnishings store can also be used. Often times it's cheaper than "RV furniture". Just make sure that you measure your space well and don't end up purchasing something that won't fit in your new home.

While it's true that there isn't an abundance of wall space in most RVs, there is still room to hang pictures of loved ones or to hang a clock in the kitchen area. Also, cabinet doors can be used to display various pictures or children's drawings. It's all a matter of what you are comfortable with.

Now that I've experienced RV living first-hand, I no longer have to wonder how "those" people manage. I am one of "those" people and I kinda like it.