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Owning an RV is a dream come true for many people – and I’m one of them! RV Ownership has brought such joy to my life, I can’t imagine being without one. With an RV, you have the freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want, without being tied down to one place or hotel room. And let’s be real, who wants to worry about the when the pillow was last steam cleaned, let alone the mattress! With an RV, and careful camp site selection, you can stay somewhere you want, away from the hustle and bustle without spending hundreds of dollars for a noisy hotel room.

However, owning an RV isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It takes dedication and hard work to keep your home on wheels in top shape – just like caring for another house or car. In this post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of RV ownership so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

The Benefits of RV Ownership

So, what makes owning an RV so awesome? It offers incredible freedom and flexibility. With an RV, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want – no need to plan around specific destinations or hotels. You’ll have the chance to explore new places, try new things, and experience different cultures without breaking the bank.

And let’s not underestimate the magic of having your own home on wheels! With an RV, you can wake up to the sound of birds chirping, fall asleep after sitting around a campfire reconnecting with family and friends. Not to mention the scenic views while driving to your next adventure. It’s all about embracing the freedom to choose your own adventure and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The Challenges of RV Ownership

While we have discussed the postiive sides of RV ownership, that is not to say it always that simple.   You need to be aware of additional tasks that will be added to your life.
 
There are a few things to consider when it comes to maintaining your home on wheels.

 

One thing is electrical systems. You have the motorhome’s built-in system, plus separate 12-volt and 120-volt systems for powering appliances. It can be confusing if you’re not familiar with how they work together. You’ll need to keep track of batteries, converters, and gadgets like inverters that let you use 120-volt appliances when boondocking.

 

Another challenge is appliances themselves. RVs have specialized appliances that require regular maintenance to run smoothly. And then there’s the added complexity of propane-powered appliances – it’s a whole different ball game!

 

Fresh water systems are another issue. How do you get clean drinking water into your RV, and how do you store it safely? It might seem simple, and it is, but you need to think about it periodically.

 

Finally, there’s waste management – something no one likes to talk about, but is essential for keeping your RV clean and healthy. You’ll need to deal with black water tanks, gray water systems, and more to keep your RV running smoothly.

Maintenance and Upkeep: The Key to Success

So, how do you balance the joys of RV ownership with the challenges of maintenance and upkeep? Well, here are a few tips:
Regular Maintenance Requirements
Following your manufacturer suggestions is really not a suggestion.   At least twice a year is typically recommended.   This is particularly true when it comes to roof membranes.   Keeping water out and critical lubrication of slide-outs is critical for long term RV care.
FInd storage containers that fit the spaces you have available.   It is not fun to find yourself needing that socket set, or tool you need.   FInd a place for everything and keep everything in its place.   

I am a big fan of shoe bags.   Just use your favorite online store and search “shoe bag” and you’ll see what I mean.   I keep all of my clothing and linens in them, making the task of reloading between trips a lot less daunting 🙂
Safety inspections before each trip can save your life!

I check both when I get home (or stop for the night) looking at tire wear, air pressure, and abnormal wear.   A wheel bearing or weak spring will sometimes show up as unusual wear.  Trust me, you want to find that at a campground not on the side of US75 heading south.

Other items like brakes and wheel bearings can’t be visually inspected, having a qualified technician look at these components is a must at least once every year, and usually before a long trip.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.   No one knows everything, but I still learn new things and have been doing this for over a decade. 

Find an online forum for your specific make and model of trailer or motorhome.   Online forums are a wealth of community knowledge.   Just be aware they become echo-chambers, so many problems may seem over-stated.   But if you are concerned, have it checked.


IRV2 is not manufacturer-specific but has one of the best general RV sites I’ve ever found.  Plus, you’ll find a great group of people ready to help.  There will often be heated debates about things, be metered and cautious – sometimes, do yo find bad advise, if you want a professional opinion, contact us.  We’re here to help.

In conclusion, owning an RV is not just about freedom and adventure; it’s also about responsibility and maintenance. But with the right mindset and a little bit of know-how, you can enjoy all the benefits of RV ownership while minimizing the challenges. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring – your home on wheels is waiting!

If all of this is a little overwhelming, it can be.   But we’re here to help you.

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Stay Where You Are, We’ll Be Right There

As with all of our work, our team will come to you. There is no need to transport your camper or RV to a facility, leave it for days or weeks, only to have to go pick it up again. Whether it is in your driveway, a camp-site, or in storage, we will do our best to accommodate your needs, schedule, and location.

Just contact us, and we’ll take care of the rest.

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