The RV lifestyle has long been romanticized as the ultimate ticket to freedom. Rolling wherever the wind takes you, waking up to serene lake views or stunning mountain vistas, and living life on your terms… what could be better?
For a while, we were all-in.
But eventually, the cracks in the glossy veneer started to show. After much deliberation (and many frustrating experiences), we decided to wave goodbye to the RV lifestyle. Here’s why.
1. The Cost of Gas Was Burning More Than Our Wallets
When we first started RVing, we pictured epic road trips, leisurely drives, and spontaneous detours. What we didn’t picture was the eye-watering gas bills. RVs are notorious gas guzzlers, and as fuel prices rose, every mile felt like an expensive choice.
Compared to traveling with a regular car, RV travel is significantly more costly. We’re not talking about a slight difference, either. A cross-country trip in our RV cost almost four times what it would have in a car. And while some may argue that the RV doubles as both transport and accommodation, we’ll get to why that didn’t save us much money either.
2. RV Spots: The New Hotel Rooms (In Price, Not Luxury)
When we started this journey, RV parks were affordable and abundant. But as demand for RVing has surged, so have the prices. What used to cost $30-$40 per night at a decent RV park has crept up to $70, $80, or even $100… prices that rival or exceed budget hotel rooms.
And let’s talk about value. For $100, you’d expect fresh towels and a continental breakfast. Instead, we were paying for a cramped parking spot with neighbors so close that their barbecue smoke became our personal cologne. The romance of parking under the stars was frequently replaced by the reality of cramped spaces, noisy neighbors, and a view of someone else’s septic hookup.
3. RV Maintenance: Where Dreams Go to Die
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “RV stands for ruined vacation,” you’ll know what we mean. RVs are like toddlers: they constantly need attention, and something is always broken. Leaks, faulty electrics, finicky hydraulic leveling system, failing cabinetry, poor workmanship by the manufacturer… you name it, and we dealt with it.
And the repairs that required a mechanic weren’t cheap. Specialized RV mechanics can charge a premium, and waiting for parts often meant delaying trips or cutting adventures short. After a while, we started spending more time fixing the RV than actually enjoying it. When you’re using your toolbox more than your hiking boots, it’s time to reassess your priorities.
4. The RV Sale Saga: A Lesson in Patience (and Crooks)
Selling the RV was supposed to be our closure, a clean break from the lifestyle. Instead, it turned into a year-long nightmare. We entrusted the sale to a “professional” who spoke like he was the best in the business, only to find ourselves entangled with an unscrupulous crook.
What should have been a straightforward process dragged on for 13 months. Messages went unanswered, lies were told, and our stress levels went through the roof. When we finally got the money owed to us, it felt less like a victory and more like the end of a grueling stress test. If we’d known how much trouble this would be, we might have skipped the RV altogether.
The Takeaway: Why We’re Moving On From The RV Lifestyle
The RV lifestyle isn’t all bad. We’ve made memories we’ll cherish forever… camping under starry skies, meeting fellow travelers, and seeing corners of the world we might have missed otherwise. But for us, the cons started to outweigh the pros. The freedom we sought began to feel more like a financial and logistical burden.
We’re not here to discourage anyone from living their RV dream. For many, it’s a deeply rewarding way of life. But if you’re considering it, go in with your eyes wide open. Understand the costs, the maintenance, and the risks. And maybe—just maybe—have an exit strategy that doesn’t involve a 13-month ordeal.
For now, we’re happy to leave the RV lifestyle in the rearview mirror. The road may still call to us, but next time, we’ll be answering in a trusty car and sleeping in a comfortable cabin or hotel room.
Thanks for sharing the reality!
I thought about doing the RV thing at one point, glad I didn’t give up my house! Just maneuvering that huge piece of metal was intimidating enough, never mind the gas and maintenance.
You’re very welcome. Another “difficulty” I didn’t mention is filling up the RV with gas. Depending on the size of the RV, it can be a challenge to maneuver it close enough to a pump to fill it up. We managed, but it’s not as simple as filling up a car.