Frequently Asked Questions
A short list of FAQs. Search our blog and connect with us on social media for more information and videos!
How can we help you?
First, do your homework! There are lots of videos to watch, blogs to read, and RV models to research. Social media is a huge help. If you go to a dealer or RV show, definitely resist the urge to buy, but DO take note of what you like and don’t like about the different models.
When you are ready to purchase, insist on a third party RV inspector. Don’t trust what the dealers or show sales crews tell you, get an inspector to climb all over the RV for you and find problems. It’s well worth the investment, and helps you protect your RV investment.
Absolutely! Start with your area, to see what’s near you that you can check out.
Tips:
Search Google or Apple maps
Check websites like RVLife, Campendium, Recreation.gov, CampSpot, HipCamp, and national/state/county parks.
One of our favorite sources is Harvest Hosts, where you can camp for free!
Well, that depends on the type of RV and the type of camping you will be doing, but here’s a short list:
- Towing style – what type of RV are you using? Some need to be towed, some are carried, some drive themselves.
- Towing capability – know your tow vehicle and RV inside and out. Know your weight limits, braking ability, and turning clearance.
- You’ll need to know how to back that thang up! Practice, practice, and practice.
- Know how to care for your RV. Suspension, seals, cleaners, etc. If you aren’t going to do your own maintenance, there are plenty of certified RV techs available, and they are worth the expense!
- Know your limits – Towing RVs is a different experience than regular driving. SLOW DOWN. RVs bounce and swing when being towed, and at times get difficult to control. Understand the concept of “rolling earthquake”, meaning that the RV gets vibrated and bounced a LOT, and things inside need to be prepped for that.
- Know when to ask for help – there’s no shame in this, at all! We all have to have help. We’ve found that many campers are happy to help if you get in a pickle, and if necessary call that RV tech!
- Insurance – get the right insurance for your style of RV camping. Your dealer can help, or you can do some research and find a insurer on your own. We highly recommend tire coverage.
Practice.
Practice.
Practice.
Learn your RV! If you are able, open it up in your driveway and crawl all over it. Sleep in it. Learn every button, switch, lock, etc. Practice hitching it up, and pull it around the block or to an empty parking lot, so you can get a good feel of that RV behind your vehicle. Celebrate the small successes! (“I didn’t hit a curb/trash can/dumpster this time!“)
To be honest, it’s hard to pick a favorite! For example, our first Harvest Host stay was at a small farm with animal rescues, and the horses and donkeys would come wake us up in the morning (begging for treats, of course!). Backing up to the Suwannee River, the Gulf of Mexico, a huge lake in Texas, even camping in the front yard of a friend’s place…so many amazing places to stay!
HAWAII! But then, you can rent RVs and camp there too 🙂
Facebook groups shine here. There are general RV groups, and many groups based on the brand of your RV, and even the specific model Are you a Veteran, first responder, medical professional, single, family, etc? There are groups for every imaginable style. Which also means that whatever questions or issues you may have, there are people who have been there and can help.
Mainly:
- NOTES! We have notes and lists for everything
- Harvest Hosts
- Google and Apple Maps
- RVLife
- AllStays
- Recreation.gov app
- National Park Service
- The Dyrt
- Hipcamp
- Lippert
- Gas apps!
Start with the basics: Whatever gear you need for your style of connection.
- Wrenches – need to keep those nuts and bolts tight! If you can, pick up a torque wrench so you can tighten to manufacturer specs.
- Tire tools (from pressure gauges to lug wrenches).
- Protective equipment like safety glasses and gloves (this is non-negotiable!)
- Cleaners – what is safe to use depends on your RV build, the manufacturer will tell you.
- Blocks and chocks – blocks to help you level the RV, and chocks for safety.
- Spare parts – extra fuses, water filters, tires, etc.
- A list of contacts and account numbers – you may need to call for help after a blowout, or if you find a problem (like a leak) that is covered under warranty. Make a list of this info to ease the stress you’ll feel when you need to make one of these calls.
SO many acronyms! So much jargon! Here’s a quick list, check our blog here for more:
- RV – recreational vehicle
- Poop pyramid – listen, this one is avoidable, let’s make sure this doesn’t happen!
- toad – AKA “towed”, the vehicle you pull behind your motorhome
- GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GTW, GAWR, UVW, GCCC (or CCC), TW, FL/RE/BH, BTW, DH, TPMS…
Ok, you get it – there are a TON! Read here for more.x
Well, we’ve always been adventurous! We love travelling, exploring and camping. We almost went to Italy (more on that here) and instead decided to jump fully into RV life. It’s been an amazing journey.
In modern times there are many ways you can make a living remotely. Depends on your skill set, or what you’re willing to learn, and, a bit of luck! Some work examples: call center, accounting, software development, web technicians
In most cases, you will need a decent internet connection. Here are some suggestions.
Some places to check for remote jobs:
- Indeed
- USAJobs (.gov site, for government contract work)
- ZipRecruiter
- FlexJobs
- WeWorkRemotely
Work camping: This is when you can coordinate with campgrounds, and take on a job there in exchange for a camping agreement and often a paycheck too. Jobs vary, but most are general like groundskeeping and helping at the camp office or store. This is a very popular way to cut costs while camping, as most work camping situations include a site with hookups.
- WorkKampingJobs.com
- KampingJobs.com