RV & Camping
Exploring the open road via RV or enjoying the outdoors through camping offers unique travel experiences. These stories cover the practicalities, joys, and challenges of this lifestyle, particularly for older adults.
Is Buying an RV Really Cheaper Than Other Travel? A Realistic Breakdown
We romanticized RV travel saving us money. We bought a used Class C for1,500/year), maintenance (100/month), fuel (ouch!), and campground fees (80/night). While we saved on hotels/restaurants during trips, the high ownership costs meant it only became cheaper than traditional travel because we used it frequently (4+ months/year) for extended periods. For occasional vacationers, renting is likely more cost-effective. Owning is a lifestyle investment, not just a travel budget hack.
Renting an RV for the First Time: Our Beginner Mistakes (And Tips)
Our first RV rental trip was an adventure… and a comedy of errors. We rented a huge Class A, bigger than we needed, making navigating gas stations terrifying. We underestimated setup time, arriving at campgrounds after dark, fumbling with hookups. We didn’t realize how quickly the freshwater tank emptied! Tips: Start with a smaller RV (Class C or large B). Arrive at campgrounds with daylight. Watch online tutorials on hookups before you go. Allow extra travel time. It was fun, but that first trip taught us valuable lessons!
Choosing the Right RV Class for Seniors (A, B, C, Trailer?)
Deciding on an RV type felt overwhelming. Class A motorhomes offer spacious living but can be intimidating to drive and park. Class B vans are nimble and easy to drive but compact inside. Class C models (with the cab-over bunk) felt like a good compromise – decent living space, more familiar driving feel than Class A. Travel trailers require a capable tow vehicle and backing skills. We ultimately chose a modest Class C (25 feet), finding it the best balance of comfort, storage, and maneuverability for our retirement travels.
RV Maintenance Basics Every Owner Should Know
Owning an RV means becoming a part-time mechanic! We learned essential maintenance basics quickly. Regularly checking tire pressure (including spares!) is crucial for safety. Inspecting roof seals and seams annually prevents costly water damage. Sanitizing the freshwater tank periodically keeps water safe. Checking battery levels and propane tanks before trips avoids surprises. Learning to perform these simple checks ourselves saves money and helps prevent bigger problems down the road. Ignoring basic maintenance is asking for trouble.
Finding Senior-Friendly Campgrounds with Good Amenities
Not all campgrounds are created equal, especially as we’ve gotten older. We now prioritize campgrounds with specific amenities. Level, paved RV sites make setup easier. Full hookups (water, electric, sewer) offer maximum convenience. Reliable Wi-Fi and good cell service are important for staying connected. Clean, accessible bathhouses and laundry facilities are must-haves. We use apps like Campendium and RV Parky, filtering for these features and reading recent reviews from other seniors to find comfortable, well-suited campgrounds.
Full-Time RVing in Retirement: The Reality vs. the Dream
We dreamed of selling the house and hitting the road full-time in our RV. The reality involved adjustments. Freedom is amazing, but constant planning (routes, campgrounds, mail forwarding, doctor appointments) takes effort. RV living means smaller spaces and dealing with inevitable repairs in unfamiliar places. Healthcare access requires careful coordination. While we love the travel, it’s not a permanent vacation; it’s a different lifestyle with unique challenges alongside the incredible experiences. Thorough research and maybe a long trial trip first are essential.
Essential Gear for Comfortable RV Camping After 50
Beyond the RV basics, certain gear makes camping much more comfortable for us. Good quality, comfortable camp chairs are essential for relaxing outside. A portable propane fire pit provides ambiance without campfire smoke hassles. Leveling blocks are crucial for stabilizing the RV on uneven sites. An outdoor rug helps keep dirt out. We also invested in a comfortable mattress topper for the RV bed. Focusing on items that enhance comfort and convenience makes RV life much more enjoyable.
Planning RV Road Trips: Apps and Resources We Use
Spontaneity in RVing is nice, but planning is essential, especially for longer trips. We rely heavily on apps like RV Parky or Campendium to find campgrounds, check reviews, and see amenities. Roadtrippers helps plan routes with interesting stops along the way. GasBuddy helps find fuel stations with competitive prices and RV-friendly access. We also use Google Maps satellite view to check campground layouts or potential overnight parking spots. These digital tools make planning routes, finding resources, and navigating much easier.
Boondocking (Dry Camping) for Beginners: Is It Right for You?
We were intrigued by boondocking – camping free on public lands without hookups. Our first attempt taught us valuable lessons. Conserving water became critical (navy showers!). Monitoring battery power usage was essential (solar panels help immensely). We needed ways to manage waste tanks until reaching a dump station. While it offers solitude, amazing scenery, and saves money, boondocking requires self-sufficiency and careful resource management. We enjoy it occasionally but still appreciate the convenience of campgrounds with hookups for longer stays.
Staying Connected (Internet/Cell) While RVing
Reliable internet is crucial for planning, communication, and sometimes remote work. We found campground Wi-Fi notoriously unreliable. Our solution involves multiple layers: We use a cell phone plan with a large hotspot data allowance (checking coverage maps like Opensignal is key). We also invested in a cellular booster (like WeBoost) which significantly improves weak signals in remote areas. For critical needs, satellite internet options (like Starlink RV) are becoming more viable, though costly. Redundancy is key to staying connected on the road.
Cooking Easy and Delicious Meals in an RV Kitchen
RV kitchens are compact, so simple meals are best. We rely on our slow cooker or Instant Pot for easy one-pot dinners – set it up in the morning, delicious meal ready after exploring. Grilling outside is frequent. We pre-chop veggies at home or do simple prep. Stocking versatile staples (pasta, canned goods, spices) helps. Utilizing the small oven for baked potatoes or casseroles works well. Keeping meals simple minimizes cleanup in the small sink and lets us spend more time enjoying our travels.
Joining RV Clubs for Community and Discounts (Good Sam, FMCA)
Joining RV clubs like Good Sam and FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) offered tangible benefits. The annual fees (around
60) quickly paid for themselves through campground discounts (often 10 percent off). Club magazines provide helpful tips and destination ideas. Rallies offer opportunities to socialize with fellow RVers and attend seminars. Access to roadside assistance plans tailored for RVs provides peace of mind. For us, the discounts and sense of community make club memberships worthwhile investments.
Winterizing Your RV: A Step-by-Step Guide
Living in a cold climate means winterizing our RV is essential to prevent plumbing damage from freezing temperatures. The process involves draining all water tanks (fresh, gray, black), bypassing the water heater, then pumping non-toxic RV antifreeze through all the pipes, faucets, shower, and toilet until pink fluid emerges. Pouring antifreeze into drains protects P-traps. While intimidating at first, following a checklist carefully makes it manageable. It’s a crucial fall chore, costing about
20 in antifreeze, saving potentially thousands in repairs.
Towing a Trailer Safely: Tips for Senior Drivers
Towing our travel trailer required learning new skills. Ensuring the tow vehicle is properly rated for the trailer’s weight is paramount. Using a weight-distribution hitch with sway control makes towing much more stable and safe. Practicing backing up in an empty parking lot built confidence. Allowing extra stopping distance, making wider turns, and being mindful of height restrictions are crucial. Regular checks of tire pressure (on both trailer and tow vehicle) and trailer brakes are essential safety habits. Patience and vigilance are key.
Glamping: Comfortable Camping Without Roughing It
We love nature but aren’t keen on sleeping on the ground anymore. Discovering “glamping” (glamorous camping) was perfect! We stayed in a large safari-style tent equipped with a real bed, electricity, heating, and even an ensuite bathroom. We enjoyed hikes and evenings by the fire pit, but retreated to comfort at night. It offered the outdoor experience – stars, fresh air, nature sounds – without sacrificing basic comforts like a good night’s sleep and a private toilet. It’s a fantastic option for comfortable nature immersion.
National Park Camping Reservations: How to Score a Spot
Getting a campsite reservation in popular National Parks like Yosemite or Zion requires planning and speed. We learned reservations often open exactly six months in advance on Recreation.gov, usually at a specific time (e.g., 10 AM Eastern). We research preferred campgrounds and sites beforehand. Being logged in and ready to click “book” the moment reservations open is crucial, as popular spots vanish in seconds. Flexibility with dates or campgrounds increases chances. Persistence pays off for securing those coveted park campsites.
RV Storage Solutions When You’re Not Traveling
Our HOA doesn’t allow RV parking, so finding storage was necessary. Options varied: Outdoor uncovered storage was cheapest but offered no protection. Covered storage cost more but shielded the RV from sun and rain. Indoor climate-controlled storage was most expensive but ideal for protecting against extreme temperatures and humidity. We chose a secure, covered storage facility nearby, costing about $130 per month. Factoring storage costs into the overall RV ownership budget is essential if you can’t park it at home.
Dealing with RV Breakdowns on the Road
Getting a flat tire on our RV miles from the nearest town was stressful. Having a good RV-specific roadside assistance plan (like Coach-Net or AAA RV) was invaluable. They dispatched a truck capable of handling the RV’s size and weight. We also learned to carry basic tools, spare fluids, and know how to perform simple troubleshooting (like checking fuses). Having an emergency fund specifically for unexpected repairs is crucial, as RV repairs can be costly and happen unexpectedly far from home.
Budgeting for RV Travel: Fuel, Campgrounds, Maintenance
RV travel costs fluctuate. Fuel is the biggest variable; we use apps like GasBuddy and plan routes efficiently, budgeting based on current prices and our RV’s MPG (around 8-10 mpg). Campground fees vary widely ($20 for basic state parks to $80+ for resort parks); we budget an average of $50/night. Maintenance is ongoing; setting aside 100-200 per month helps cover routine upkeep and unexpected repairs. Food costs are similar to home if we cook often. Accurately budgeting these major categories prevents financial stress on the road.
Making Your RV Feel Like Home (Decorating & Comfort Tips)
Our RV initially felt sterile. Simple touches made it cozy. We replaced the standard RV mattress with a comfortable memory foam one. Adding colorful throw pillows and a soft blanket made the dinette inviting. We put up lightweight framed photos using removable adhesive strips. Small battery-operated LED candles added ambiance. Having familiar bedding and comfortable seating transformed the functional space into our comfortable home-on-wheels, making extended trips much more pleasant.
Traveling with Pets in an RV
Bringing our small dog RVing adds joy but requires planning. We ensure campgrounds are pet-friendly (most are, but check rules). We never leave him unattended in the RV, especially in warm weather, due to temperature risks. We secure him safely while driving. Having vaccination records handy is important. We plan stops for potty breaks and exercise. Finding pet-friendly trails or attractions sometimes takes extra research. Traveling with him is wonderful, but his safety and comfort always come first.
Workamping: Earning Money While RVing in Retirement
To supplement our retirement income and reduce campground fees, we tried workamping. We worked part-time at a National Park campground for a summer season. Duties included checking in guests and light maintenance, typically 20 hours/week per person, in exchange for a free campsite with full hookups plus modest hourly wages. It requires commitment and physical ability, but it allowed us to stay in a beautiful location affordably while earning extra cash. Websites like Workamper News list numerous opportunities across the country.
Safety Tips for RVers (Security, Weather)
RV safety involves awareness. We always lock storage bays and entry doors, even when at the campsite briefly. We use wheel chocks religiously. Being aware of surroundings, especially when parking overnight in non-campground locations, is important. We monitor weather forecasts closely, especially for high winds or severe storms, and have a plan (like moving to a safer location if needed). Having a weather radio is helpful in areas with poor cell service. Basic precautions enhance security and preparedness on the road.
Finding Accessible Campsites and RV Parks
When traveling with my father who uses a walker, finding accessible RV sites became important. We look for campgrounds specifically advertising accessible sites, often located near restrooms and featuring paved surfaces and wider spaces. We call campgrounds directly to confirm site specifics – surface type, proximity to facilities, path conditions. Websites like Recreation.gov sometimes allow filtering for accessibility. Ensuring the site itself and pathways to amenities are manageable makes the camping experience enjoyable for travelers with mobility limitations.
The Best Apps for Finding Dump Stations and Overnight Parking
Finding RV dump stations or safe, free overnight spots (like certain Walmarts or Cabela’s, where permitted) can be tricky. Apps are lifesavers! RV Parky, Campendium, and AllStays often include user-reported locations for dump stations (sometimes free, sometimes fee-based) and potential overnight parking spots, along with crucial reviews about safety, noise levels, and whether permission is required. Using these apps saves time and stress when needing essential services or a quick overnight stop between destinations.