Most people would invest in a house the first chance they get. Their ultimate goal is to be able to buy a place they can call their home sweet home. But for others, they would rather skip marrying homeownership in exchange for the modern nomadic life. For most people, this usually translates to embracing living on the roads.
Why Many Are into RV Living
The freedom of RV living is usually the main reason why more men are trying out this kind of lifestyle. This way, they can travel anytime they want to virtually any location. Since there are already living in an RV or have a trailer hitch installed, they no longer have to worry about renting a place to sleep or forgetting any essentials back home.
Meeting new people, visiting new places, and experiencing new experiences, especially in the countryside, is more fun with an RV in tow. You don’t have to worry about staying somewhere where nosy neighbors will make your life miserable. If you decide to settle in a particular place for good, you can always place your RV in the market.
There’s also the fact that you no longer have to worry about mortgages, property taxes, and recurring utility bills. Unless you have a real estate property under your name while you live the RV lifestyle, you can forget about these things. You can save more money in the process and use your cash for other endeavors.
The Other Side of RV Living
Like all great things, RV living has its downsides. One may already know that RV living may not be convenient for many people. While traveling any time you want may seem like an amazing perk, there are also a number of risks and challenges associated with living the RV life.
Here are the usual cons of RV living.
Expensive Repair Costs
Like with any vehicle, RV requires regular maintenance and repair. Since you are living on the road, you can double or triple the miles traveled. This means there is a bigger chance of your RV needing regular preventive maintenance and necessary repairs while you’re out on the roads.
This becomes an even bigger issue when you have an older RV model. Usually, the older the model, the more miles traveled, and the harsher the terrain or weather you travel in, the greater the need for regular preventive maintenance. This also translates to a higher maintenance cost.
Privacy
There can be little privacy when living in an RV. The same goes when you wish to enjoy some time outside your RV. If you often stay at campgrounds, you will have to share the view and the space with other park goers.
Limited Space
Not everyone can afford spacious RVs that give you all the essential rooms and storage space. This usually means you will need to share the space with your family, cook in a tiny kitchen, settle for regular grocery shopping sprees due to your small fridge, or dine at restaurants or fast-food joints. Not many people would be comfortable squeezing themselves and their belongings and family members in an RV.
Challenging Parking
Note that you are not allowed to park your RV wherever you wish to park it. Sure, campgrounds often offer parking fees for RV owners. But some require you to pay for their membership packages to enjoy parking privileges.
Health and Safety Risks
Being a modern nomad living in an RV can post different health and safety risks. For one, living away from people can mean driving yourself away from first responders who can help you in case of emergencies. You might need medical assistance or vehicular repair down the road, and traveling in remote areas in your RV can make getting help tricky.
You are also more exposed to critters on the road. Most RV slides have holes where different insects can creep in. No one wants to welcome pests into their home, be it a stationary house or an RV. You might also deal with different contaminants, making it a must that you invest in a portable Walter filtration system.
There’s also the danger that comes with staying somewhere you are not familiar with. Accidents and bad guys can knock you out of your sleep. Some RV dwellers reported getting robbed in campgrounds even after practicing safety precautions.
RV living has its perks and cons. Knowing what you are getting yourself up to will help you determine if the RV lifestyle is for you. Remember that keeping yourself educated is the best way to protect your safety, finances, and sanity, no matter the kind of lifestyle you choose.
