How is RVing Different Today?

Change is ever present.  We all know that. But as humans we look for patterns, constants, and tradition to carry us from day to day.  Some groups or communities can be impacted more than others depending on the change.  There may have not been a lot of change in the last decade, but we have certainly seen it for the RV community in the last lustrum.

 What makes the last five years such a change for our community? What are positive aspects of these changes or how can we adapt?  Changes can be positive or negative, but event positive ones can introduce stress. Let’s look at some of the major change areas and how we can make the most of them.

RV Park & Campgrounds 

Stats in the RV Industry let us know, if our own experiences haven’t already, there has been a tremendous increase in RVers on the road.  Some smaller parks have closed.  Larger chain parks have bought out smaller options.  Parks have closed due to staffing issues in the pandemic.  Parks lands have been closed due to overcrowding and misuse or the resources and leaving behind refuse.  

With a little change in our planning, we can adjust to the new environment.  If you plan on visiting one of the most popular destinations in the United States (like Yellowstone National Park), you will need to do a little preparation instead of just showing up.

• You now need to plan reservations more than a year in advance.
• Try staying at parks or campgrounds that are an hour away.  Use the drive-time to get there as part of the experience.
• Go in the off-season.  You can get prime spots and save money.
• Opt for parks or areas with less amenities and use that time to explore more.

It has been our experience that we can still pull up to a park last minute and get in.  Just don’t expect it to be in a high tourist area during peak season and get the top amenities too.  

Being prepared for your next trip can help take off the stresses of travel

Technology

As thoughtco.com put it, “We began the 20th century with the infancy of airplanes, automobiles and radio…we ended the 20th century with spaceships, computers, cell phones and the wireless Internet – all being technologies we take for granted.”  RVers have Starlink now.  We can download, upload, fall into social media and work from anywhere now.  

The advancements have been so intense the last few years that it affects the landscape of our own lives.  We don’t have to wait until retirement to start RVing.  If our companies and our job permit it, we can work full-time from our offices on the road.  I’m writing this article for you right now looking out the window of my RV.  Always in a different location with different inspirations because technology has made it possible.  

We can RV and know that medications, doctors, and face-time office visits are available.  If we need to know how to fix or repair our RV, we can access lots of how-to videos and get the job done.  Better yet, we can stay in touch with all our family and friends with technology, even if we are on the road full-time.

A budget is an easy way to organize RV expenses

Expenses 

We have seen fuel costs reach all-time highs – and stay there.  Resources for parts have been difficult to obtain.  Grocery shelves are not fully stocked.  Yes, it has been difficult.  There are ways to manage RV expenses and we have the flexibility to control our expenses in an RV unlike in rentals or home ownership.  If we have a tight budget or want to simplify our RV lifestyle, there are so many things you can do to adjust your expenses.

• Boondock or moochdock
• Make your RV stays a full week or even monthly for better rates.
• Shop locally for all your resources
• Do your own repairs by watching self-help or how-to videos
• Choose Bureau of Land Management lands and stay for free for a set period
• Barter services, repairs, stays

This list could go on and on.  Do your research.  Make connections in the RV community.  You can find all kinds of ways to control expenses.  You may just have to do a little work and pre-planning to make it happen.

Community Resources

As change increases, being a part of a community can help you not only survive but thrive in the RV environment.  Even if you just RV on the weekends, community resources can help you adjust to changes and be ready for the next trip.  If you plan to or are already full-time RVing, community can be critical.  Ask other RVers what communities or groups they are a part of.  For example, when we had a tremendous cold snap in southern Texas – which was unexpected, we were a part of a group staying together.  Even though we were without electricity for days, it was everyone in the group sharing and pooling resources and information that got us all through.  

You may also be stumped on what to do next to fix something on your RV and have tried everything.  But posting in a RV Facebook group can help you through the issue.  Just be sure not to waste everyone’s time by posting a question when you haven’t even tried to do your own research! 

There are also community groups and websites that help you find campgrounds, get mail service, and even have big parties or gatherings around the world where you can learn and share or just relax with other RVers.  And ones that keep you up-to-date with all the RV events around the U.S. and Canada.  These are great resources for lasting connections and continued information.  Some of the popular ones include:

• Escapees
• Xscapers
• Harvest Hosts
• RV LIFE
• MyRVRadio

The great thing about the RV community is we are a strong, exploratory, adventurous, and ingenious group.  We experience changes all the time and must keep up.  The difference is, we chose this life.  What it yields is far greater than the difficulty of dealing with change.  So, let’s roll up our sleeves and roll on out because that is why we got into this lifestyle in the first place.  Change is inevitable and RVing IS very different today. So, let’s start off the new year with positive goals for change.