[jetsnoc]

I don't full-time or even part-time RV. I own a class-a 36' diesel pusher. During the summer, I spend one month on the Oregon coast, and during the winter, I go to Twenty-Nine Palms or Palm Springs for one or two months. This allows me to fully immerse myself in an area and explore national parks and new places for an extended period.

I wish I would have known how stressful it can be. For me, It feels like there is always a drag of stress - maybe a 30% overhead of stress. If you suddenly don't have hot water, it is on you to fix it because when you are "living" in it for that period, someone won't be able to come to help you repair it for several weeks. You can't even throw money at it, they just are too busy and can't come out.

Driving can be stressful too. You get experienced to it after a while but driving at night down a two-lane highway with diesel trucks behind you, in front of you (another lane), and directly to your left where the vortex pulls you in all while you're trying to keep it in the lane can be stressful. Pulling into a truck stop to fuel can be stressful.

I like to stick to around < 300 miles per day. I prefer to arrive before it's dark. This means a 12-hour drive I would make in my car can end up taking 2-3 days in the RV. I don't mind taking the time now. I relax, unplug and enjoy it. It now relaxes me. I would rather it take time than to worry about driving at night or pulling into a spot at night.

The last few times we went we had two older dogs. One was having seizures. We didn't know it yet but she had kidney failure and had quit eating as much. We didn't notice her feeding habits at home since the other dog was a jerk, eating her portions without us knowing. The trip was fortunate because we got to see everything up close and in person. I have a slight deficiency in object permanence and for them to be right there in my face, we were able to see it. The other dog -- nicknamed Pigbert now -- was having serious issues with his arthritis. He would randomly screech due to pain. A steroid for two weeks solved it quickly.

If you combine those things with the 30% constant drag of stress it can be very unpleasant. No hot water, caring for dogs in crisis, and stressful drives all lead to something that is quite unmanageable.

My advice is to just be aware of managing stressors and ensuring you have as few as possible on travel days. My other advice is - if it sounds like it is for you - DO IT. I have backpacked Europe and traveled to very nice resorts. None of them top the amazing experiences I have had on the road. I won't personally live in that small of a space full-time or part-time but I admire those that do it.

[stopnamingnuts]

This is a pretty good summary of how I feel and why I dig my heels in every time my wife starts talking about a new camper, a boat or whatever. I suspect she envisions it like a magazine cover: better, carefree versions of ourselves enjoying the sunshine with friends (who are ideally green with envy).

I see myself disassembling the toilet.

[stewarts]

Boats are just holes in the water you throw money into.

Campers, I actually agree with you and that's as someone on his second purchase. But, my agreement comes in the form that I believe everyone should baby step their way in. Tent camp at an improved campground (meaning, at least a toilet onsite. Plumbing very optional and probably not happening). If your crew enjoy it, then it makes sense to step up but I'd still go small. Small towable/travel trailer. By that point, you'll know what you want/need.

[prawn]

For a couple, might be worth considering putting a roof top tent on a 4x4, and put a kitchen set up in the back of the vehicle. Can be an affordable and efficient combo.

[prawn]

You need to be the sorts of people for whom the highs make it worthwhile. For me, that's what I live for - adventuring around, seeing things, getting away. So I tolerate the stress, the costs, trying to find somewhere safe to sleep in a random forest after midnight, etc. Otherwise, it's a lot more hassle and getting the new camper doesn't just make it all easy. You're still vying for popular camping spots, still trying to get time off work when you want it, etc.

[iancmceachern]

Me too. If I didn't do this stuff I don't know what I'd do with myself, with my energy, focus, etc.

[jetsnoc]

This isn't a stressor, just an observation. Another thing I would share is that most of the people on the road are twice my age. This can be a pleasure when you meet unique people who like you because you remind them of their grandkids which means they spoil you with meals and stories. This can also be a nightmare where they are retired, have nothing to do but complain and there is a major generational difference in how they understand and respect your same-sex marriage.

[bombcar]

There's an entire association around the stressors involved - https://www.goodsam.com

And always remember that if it gets too bad for a while there's no shame in stopping at a hotel for a night or two.

[93po]

Are you joking about object permanence or is that a real thing? Can you provide more details if you’re comfortable?

[varelse]

I drive a class B up to 400 miles a day. You really don't want to drive more than 8 hours daily no more than you want to work more than 8 hours daily. And I say that as someone who went from San Diego to Seattle in a single crazy marathon drive once in a sports car during the very dar.kest days of the pandemic. I will eventually trade mine in for an EV option because my limitation isn't hot water or gasoline but rather electricity. I have both a generator and lithium batteries but on a 100° day I like to be polite. So the idea of charging the silly thing at an electrify America is really appealing. Cue someone ranting about the environmental toll of EVs.