The Beginner’s Guide to Full-Time RV Living (From Our Mistakes)

When we hit the road in May of 2024, we had a “new to us” fifth wheel that we purchased from a dealership’s as-is lot. We did our due diligence on the bones of it, but since we couldn’t hook it up to electric before purchase, there were some things we simply couldn’t test.

After the purchase, we parked at my in-laws’ house for a few months to prep. We hooked up, ran through systems, and felt pretty confident that everything was in working order. It was the dead of winter at the time, so when we checked the air conditioning, we only ran it for a few minutes to avoid freezing ourselves out.

Fast forward three months, when we finally left on our adventures and rolled into Texas on the brink of summer… our air conditioning worked, but only for about five minutes at a time. It added some extra excitement to the start of our journey and later planning in the good 100 degree Texas heat (hello, mini split install). Needless to say, we were unprepared, and my goal here is to help you avoid some of the same mistakes we made.

If you’re currently shopping for your first rig, don’t miss this post: https://parkingitwiththepowells.com/what-to-know-before-buying-an-rv-for-full-time-living/

Here are the biggest lessons we’ve learned about full-time RV life — from downsizing to power, cooking, and community.

---

1. Downsizing: You Don’t Need as Much as You Think

Even after hitting the road, we still go through the RV monthly to make sure we’re not collecting clutter (because somehow it sneaks in no matter what you do). We’ve learned that the less we have, the easier life feels.

We each keep about a week’s worth of clothes, plus one “nice outfit” for events where park clothes won’t cut it, two bathing suits, and two or three jackets of various thickness. Now, full disclosure: my clothes may have a slightly higher number than everyone else’s — but that’s top secret information, so don’t tell on me. 😉

All of our clothing fits in the master closet with two exceptions:

• My son keeps his things in cubbies up in the loft.
• My daughter has a cabinet next to the closet for her folded items.

But I should add we have room left in the closet for the cat tree.

👉 Check out my favorites here: closet organizers https://amzn.to/4oLanHp, storage cubes/cubbies https://amzn.to/45wzjLm.

We’re also huge board gamers, and that was one area we weren’t willing to compromise. To make them RV-friendly, we ditched all the bulky boxes and now store our games in zippered bags with labels. Everything fits neatly into a cubby system, and it condenses our collection a ton without losing the fun.

👉 Check out my favorites here: zippered storage bags https://amzn.to/47DjmEv

---

2. Power & Utilities: Expect the Unexpected

One of the biggest lessons we learned the hard way: know the difference between 30-amp and 50-amp power.

• 30-amp power provides up to 3,600 watts and is common at smaller campgrounds.
• 50-amp power provides up to 12,000 watts and is necessary for larger rigs with multiple air conditioners and appliances.

If you show up with a 50-amp rig and the campground only has 30-amp hookups, you can connect with a dogbone adapter ([affiliate link]) — but you’ll be limited in how many things you can run at once. Think one AC and maybe a microwave, but forget about running both ACs, the coffee pot, and the hair dryer at the same time.

Must-have gear we recommend:

• RV surge protector https://amzn.to/47DjmEv
• Water pressure regulator https://amzn.to/3Vjieyp
• Drinking water hose https://amzn.to/4mYzuVQ
• RV water filter https://amzn.to/45tX3zJ
• Sewer hose kit https://amzn.to/4fSmkaq
• RV tank digest https://amzn.to/4fMjeEZ — especially important for used rigs!
• Carbon monoxide detector https://amzn.to/45LE3eS

This setup will save you headaches, damage, and potentially dangerous situations.

---

3. Cooking in a Small Space is Different (and Fun!)

When we downsized, one of the biggest adjustments was cooking. RV kitchens are tiny, ovens heat up the whole space in summer, and storage is limited. But honestly? I’ve come to love it.

I keep one set of dishware per person — that’s it. On the rare occasions we host or BBQ, I grab disposable plates and utensils. My sink thanks me later.

As for appliances, my Ninja Speedi https://amzn.to/45MMJBZ is my go-to. It can cook just about every meal I need, and for anything it can’t do, my Instant Pot https://amzn.to/4lFfOFg has me covered. Between those two, I can feed my family of four (who often eat like ten!).

And then there’s my cast iron skillet https://amzn.to/3HLaMJm. I absolutely love cooking on cast iron, especially directly over the campfire. It brings an entirely different flavor to meals. If you’re new to cast iron, check out this post: https://parkingitwiththepowells.com/how-to-properly-care-for-and-season-cast-iron/.

👉 Check out my favorites here: Ninja Speedi https://amzn.to/45MMJBZ, Instant Pot https://amzn.to/4lFfOFg, cast iron set https://amzn.to/3HLaMJm.

---

4. Your Outdoor Setup = Extra Living Space

One of the best things we did was focus on making our outdoor setup cozy. Honestly, we spend just as much time outside as inside, so it’s worth the effort.

Here’s what makes a difference:

• Outdoor rug/patio mat https://amzn.to/3HLaMJm
• Comfortable camping chairs https://amzn.to/41iJbG3
• String lights https://amzn.to/4msynh9 for ambiance
• A few potted plants to make it feel like home

The cozier you make your space, the more you’ll want to be out there. And really, that’s what this lifestyle is all about.

---

5. Safety & Maintenance: Don’t Wait Until Something Breaks

With RVs, most problems stay hidden until the damage is already done. That’s why regular checks are so important.

• Inspect your seals and seams often. Here is a link to some rv flex tape to fix and seams that split https://amzn.to/460ntsZ
• Check your tires — the last thing you want is a blowout with your whole home on the road.
• Always carry a spare tire and a jack suitable for your rig.

And if DIY isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Just make sure you have a roadside assistance plan that actually covers your RV. Many don’t unless you add it specifically, especially if your rig doesn’t have its own motor.

---

6. Community is Everything

One of the unexpected blessings of this lifestyle is the community. Join full-time RV Facebook groups, strike up conversations at campgrounds, and don’t be afraid to make friends on the road.

Most full-timers remember exactly what it was like to be a newbie — and are more than willing to help out the next person. This community is incredible, and you’ll be glad you leaned into it.

---

Final Thoughts

When we started out, we were unprepared in more ways than one. From an AC that quit in the Texas heat to clutter that kept sneaking back in, we had to learn a lot through trial and error. But the beauty of full-time RV life is that you really do learn as you go — and you don’t have to figure it out all alone.

If you take anything from our story, let it be this: test everything, downsize more than you think you need to, invest in the right gear, and make your outdoor space feel like home. The rest? That’s where the adventure (and the community) comes in.

So whether you’re preparing for your first trip or already on the road, I hope our experiences give you a head start. And if you’re still in the buying stage, don’t miss our guide: https://parkingitwiththepowells.com/what-to-know-before-buying-an-rv-for-full-time-living/.