RV Lifestyle - How to Get Started

If you happen to see one of those ads or RV shows on television, it may seem like a great way to travel or even to live fulltime. We think so, and so do many seasonal, occasional and fulltime RVers.

But if it not something you are familiar with, then you may become overwhelmed as to how to get started. And without some consideration and planning, initial RVing experiences can turn out to be less than ideal.

A simple way for the RV wannabee to get started is to first ask themselves what they want. This boils down to spending a little time thinking about what you want out of RVing. Create a mental picture of your RV experience and then try the drill of "Who, What, When, Where, How & Why?"

The specific questions you ask yourself will depend on your circumstances, but some things to consider include the following:

• Don't forget the Who ... get them engaged in this brainstorming exercise. If you plan to RV with other people, their viewpoints, likes and dislikes will be very important.

• What are you going to use an RV for? How often? To go where? For how long? Will you stay in one place awhile or move every few days?

• When do you want to do this? What time of year? At what point in the future?

• Where are you going to keep the RV? Where do you want to go?

• How does this fit with other hobbies and interests you have or want to explore? How are you going to afford it?

• Why are you thinking of RVing? As your everyday lifestyle, or a family vacation, or a way to winter in warmer climates? Is this for retirement, for now, or a bit of both? Is it to try something new and see if you like it?

This is not a test. There are no right and wrong answers. But asking yourself some questions starts momentum. It gets ideas rolling around in your brain. It triggers conversations with the people who are in this with you.

This is a basic and very important step. There are some good books based on personal experience and insights that will help the new RVer develop realistic expectations. Then prepared with a general foundation, the next steps include checking things out with some research and actually trying out the RV experience.

About The Author
Jose and Jill are the editors of Your RV Lifestyle, where you can find more advice for choosing, affording and enjoying your RV lifestyle. Copyright 2007-2009 Your RV Lifestyle, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Go to Home Page