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Things People Think Are Hard About Living in an RV VS What We Actually Struggle With

Writer's picture: Emily RichardsEmily Richards

We’ve been living on the road full-time for two years in a 22ft Tioga, sharing much of our journey on social media. We’re constantly getting comments from people who dream of doing the same but are overwhelmed with worries about the lifestyle. While I’m a big believer in jumping in headfirst without overthinking it too much (that’s what we did, and it worked out great!), I thought it’d be fun to address some of the most common concerns people have versus what truly challenges us on the road.


Here’s a breakdown:



Parking in the Lot At Steamboat for Some Skiing!
Parking in the Lot At Steamboat for Some Skiing!


What People Think Is Hard About RV Living

  1. "Living in such a small space must be tough."Nope, not at all! We’ve learned to love our cozy quarters. It forces us to prioritize what’s truly important, and the lack of clutter is liberating. Yes, it gets dirty quickly, but it cleans up ridiculously fast as well. We have learned to live with fewer things and instead enjoy our living room being nature. Being close to your loved ones isn’t as claustrophobic as it sounds when you’re all focused on exploring the great outdoors.


  1. "Spending that much time with your partner must make you hate each other."Quite the opposite! Living in an RV has strengthened our relationship. Sure, it’s a team effort, but shared goals and experiences bring us closer. Besides, when your backyard is ever-changing, it’s hard to stay mad at anyone. We think of life in a tiny space as a kind of  dance, always moving out of the way of each other can get a little annoying, but it also gives us ample opportunities to smooch.


  1. "Finding places to stay must be tough."Not really. Between campgrounds, boondocking spots, and apps like iOverlander or Campendium, finding a place to park is easier than ever. We’ve even stumbled upon some incredible hidden gems we’d never have found otherwise. We love the exploration of life, it wouldn't be fun without a few failures along the way as well.


  1. "How do you even make money?" Remote work has made this lifestyle more accessible than ever. From freelancing to content creation and remote jobs, there are endless ways to earn an income on the road. And let’s not forget about the cost savings compared to a traditional home. We use a starlink satellite, and with the exception of some spots in the PNW with too many trees it works amazingly well everywhere!


  1. "It must get so dirty being in nature all the time."Surprisingly, no! Cleaning a small space takes a fraction of the time compared to a house. A quick sweep, a wipe-down, and we’re good to go. But to be honest our standards may be lower than yours for personal hygiene, I am perfectly ok going a week without a shower - instead we park near rivers and take a quick dip when we feel grimy. We also have a shower in our camper that we use when we have enough water, and we bathe our toddler in the sink!




On the Go
On the Go


What’s Actually Hard About RV Living


  1. Sticking to an exercise routine Without a regular gym or fitness class to attend, staying active can be challenging. Sure, hiking and outdoor activities help, but maintaining a consistent routine requires extra effort and planning. There isn't always a great spot to lay out my yoga mat and we dont bring much of a gym setup on the road with us because of space.


  1. Having zero childcare For families with kids, being on the road means you’re the sole caregiver 24/7. There’s no dropping them off at Grandma’s or signing them up for after-school activities. Finding time for yourself can be a struggle. The endless changing scenery and learning opportunities are 100% worth it, but a date night would be pretty cool once and while.


  1. Replenishing resources frequently Small storage tanks for water, propane, and food mean frequent trips to restock. It’s a constant cycle of filling up and emptying out, which can feel tedious at times. We find the most epic boondocking spots and then have to leave them in a week or so because we are running low (of filling up - black tank). There are loads of ways to be more conservative, but we find ourselves enjoying the RV comforts a bit too much sometimes.


  1. Not always being near your community While the RV community is wonderful and welcoming, it’s not the same as being close to friends and family. At times, the lack of a consistent local support system can feel isolating. This was one reason I started my social media account on instagram (@adventurefamdam) to try and reach other nomadic people and families and feel more of a sense of community while travelling.


  1. Things always breaking RVs are tiny homes on wheels, and they’re constantly in motion. That means wear and tear is inevitable. From leaky faucets to malfunctioning appliances, there’s always something that needs fixing. We travel with all the tools and supplies we think we need to fix things and luckily we are pretty handy. But home depot / Lowes are like a second home for us, there is just always something needing fixing (or upgrading!).



Final Thoughts

Living in an RV isn’t without its challenges, but most of the struggles are manageable with a little creativity and resilience. The benefits—freedom, adventure, and simplicity—far outweigh the occasional inconvenience. And as for those common misconceptions? Let’s just say this lifestyle is far more rewarding than people give it credit for.

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