Full-time RV living is an incredible adventure, but let’s be honest—it’s not always as effortless as the Instagram photos make it seem. We’ve faced space struggles, surprise repairs, and the never-ending battle of keeping things clean in a tiny home on wheels. From realizing we packed too much stuff to dealing with a broken water pump in the middle of nowhere, we’ve learned some lessons the hard way. If you’re considering life on the road, here are three things we wish we knew before hitting the highway!
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Lesson #1: You Don’t Have Enough Space (Even If You Think You Do!)
When we first moved into our RV, we thought, This is plenty of space! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
At first, we were strategic about what we brought—only the essentials, right? But as time went on, we started collecting things. A lot of things. Big things. A 3D printer? Yep. A rebounder for exercise? Why not?! Before we knew it, every nook and cranny was filled, and suddenly, we were out of space again.
Downsizing is hard. It’s one thing to say—We’ll live minimally!—and another to actually get rid of things. At first, we thought we were cutting back to the essentials, but looking back, there were so many things we thought we needed but never used.
The funniest part? We recently got a storage unit to hold things we couldn’t take into Canada, thinking it would be temporary. However, we are now struggling to get rid of it.
Things you probably don’t need
- Fancy kitchen gadgets (a full-size blender? Nope.)
- Extra bedding sets (two sets per bed is plenty!)
- Tons of clothes (you’ll wear the same comfy favorites anyway)
- Complete toolkits (a few essential tools will do)
Meanwhile, the absolute must-haves for full-time RV living turned out to be things we didn’t think much about before:
- A good surge protector
- A water filter (because campground water can be sketchy)
- A compact vacuum or handheld sweeper (dust and dirt get everywhere!)
What we learned
- No matter how much you downsize, you’ll still collect new stuff.
- Be mindful about what you add to your RV—hobbies are great, but space is limited!
- Practice only bringing in things if you are taking something out
- You don’t need as much stuff as you think
The bottom line? Less is more when it comes to full-time RV living. But let’s be honest—you’ll still find yourself cramming in “just one more thing.”
Lesson #2: RV Repairs Will Happen (And Always at the Worst Time!)
Here’s something no one tells you before you start full-time RV living: your RV will break. And it won’t break when you’re parked comfortably at a beautiful campground with a Lowe’s down the road—it’ll break when you’re in the middle of nowhere, miles from civilization, with no cell signal. Ask us how we know. 😅
Our “Oh Crap” RV Repair Moment
One of our favorite repair nightmares happened while boondocking in La Verkin, Utah. We had just packed up to head to a new boondocking spot when we noticed a significant issue—our water pump had completely stopped working.
If you’re new to boondocking, losing your water pump is a huge problem. Without a city water hookup, the pump is the only way to move water from your fresh tank to your faucets, shower, and toilet. No pump means no running water—not ideal when you’re off-grid! Without it? No water. Period.
So, we had to scrap our boondocking plans and find a last-minute campground. We ended up at The Riverside Ranch near Bryce Canyon—which seemed like a great backup plan until we realized it was so cold they had shut off the campground’s water anyway. 😆 Yep, we paid for hookups… with no water.
To make matters worse, we were in a remote area, meaning RV parts weren’t easy to come by. Tony had to drive over a mountain to a different town to find a replacement water pump. Thankfully, he found one, installed it, and got us back up and running—but it was a solid reminder that things will always break when it’s most inconvenient.
Basic DIY Fixes Will Save You a Ton of Time & Money
Early on, we assumed we’d call an RV repair shop if something broke. The reality is harsh—RV repair shops often have weeks-long wait times, and mobile RV techs book up just as fast. That’s not helpful when stuck with a broken slide or a busted water heater in freezing temperatures.
We quickly realized that learning basic DIY repairs could save us hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars and keep us from getting stranded. Things like troubleshooting electrical issues, replacing a water pump, sealing a leaky roof, and fixing broken stairs are all skills that have come in handy more times than we can count. The more you know about your RV, the more confident (and less stressed) you’ll be when things inevitably go wrong!
The Essential RV Repair Toolkit
- Multi-bit screwdriver because everything in an RV uses different screws.
- Adjustable wrench, socket set, Pex tools for plumbing, and mechanical fixes.
- Eternabond tape – a lifesaver for sealing leaks in the roof.
- Multimeter – helps diagnose electrical issues.
- Extra water pump – because you’re out of water when it goes out.
- Spare fuses & electrical connectors – small but crucial.
What We Learned
- Always expect something to break. Not if—but when.
- Having the right tools and spare parts can make a breakdown way less stressful.
- Learning a few DIY fixes (even basic electrical or plumbing) can save you time and money.
- Be patient. RV repairs are part of the adventure—even when it’s not fun!
- You can solve countless RV issues with a quick search on YouTube or Facebook groups!
The bottom line? RV life is fantastic but has its share of “uh-oh” moments. The more prepared you are, the easier those moments are to handle.
Lesson #3: RVs Get Messy Fast (Especially with Kids or Pets!)
If you think keeping a house clean is tough, try living in an RV with kids, pets, or both. 😅 Small spaces get messy fast. One muddy paw, toys, or sand, suddenly your tiny home-on-wheels looks like a disaster zone. The worst part? Since everything is so compact, even a little mess feels enormous.
How to Organize an RV for Full-Time Living
One of the best ways to stay on top of the mess is to get organized from day one. Every item needs a home in such a small space—clutter piles up fast. Here’s what has worked for us:
- Use Vertical Space – Command hooks, wall-mounted baskets, and over-the-door organizers help maximize storage.
- Collapsible & Stackable Items – Nesting bowls, foldable or stackable chairs, and collapsible laundry baskets save tons of space
- Daily Clean-Up Routine – A quick 5-10 minute reset each day prevents the mess from getting overwhelming.
- Outdoor Gear Stays Outside – Using an outdoor rug, pet wipes, and a designated shoe bin keeps dirt from spreading inside.
- Less is More – The fewer items you have out, the easier it is to keep your RV tidy.
What We Learned
- In an RV, a small mess feels like a big mess.
- Daily upkeep is essential to keep the space livable.
- The right cleaning tools (like a compact vacuum) make a big difference.
- If you have kids or pets, embrace the chaos a little. 😆
The bottom line? No matter what, messes will happen—it’s part of RV life. But with the proper organization strategies, you can keep your space clean, functional, and stress-free for full-time living.
