What I Wish I Knew Before Going Full-Time RVing
Lessons Learned After Hitting the Road Full-Time
Full-time RV life is a whole different world compared to living in a sticks-and-bricks home. Your house rolls down the highway, which means repairs are inevitable. You’re navigating tighter spaces (which can crank up the tension), and on top of that, you’re juggling business building, roadschooling, adventuring, cooking, laundry—and let’s not forget the never-ending battle against sand in the camper (when you’re lucky enough to park near a beach).
It’s not always easy, but it’s the life we chose—and the one we’re learning to thrive in.
Over the months, I’ve learned a few things that have helped me keep my sanity and even find joy in the chaos—and I want to share them with you.
Even on the worst days, you won’t regret it
The tough moments—like breakdowns, tantrums, or missed turns—fade, but the memories we’ve made and the time spent with our kids exploring new places will stay with us forever. Watching them experience adventure through fresh eyes? Totally worth it.
Get a washer and dryer in your rig
Seriously—this is one of those upgrades that pays for itself. You’ll save so much time, money, and hassle compared to hunting down laundromats (especially when they’re busy, dirty, or nonexistent).
Always book full hookups
When we first hit the road, I was still in weekend warrior mode—thinking we could just dump on the way out. Once you’re doing laundry, dishes, and showers full-time, that full hookup becomes essential.
You don’t need as much stuff as you think
No matter how much you declutter before hitting the road, you’ll still bring too much. We sure did—extra clothes, kitchen gadgets, blankets, toys… things we thought we’d use but never did. After a few months on the road, take the time to reassess. If it hasn’t been used, it’s probably not worth the space. Donate it, sell it, or pass it along—you’ll feel lighter and your rig will too. Less stuff truly means less stress.
Give yourself (and your family) grace
Tight quarters and unpredictable travel days can test everyone’s patience. Expect messes, moods, and meltdowns—and know that it’s normal.
Community is everything
Whether it’s swapping stories at a campground or chatting online with fellow travelers, finding your people adds so much richness to RV life. That’s exactly why I created the Campfires & Cashflow Club—for those of us living, learning, and earning on the road.
💰 Income on the Road
Our first successful entrepreneurial journey—the one that opened the door to more travel and a life on our own terms—was starting an RV rental business. It gave us the flexibility we craved and eventually allowed my husband to leave his 9-5 corporate job.
Living in a seasonal state meant we could travel during the off-season, making the most of both income and adventure.
Now, I’ve taken everything we learned and created a step-by-step course to help you get started renting out your own RV. Or, if you’re ready to go all in, you can start your own RV rental management franchise with Fireside RV Rental—just like we did.
📝 Roadschool Report
My oldest wrapped up 8th grade this year (seriously, where does the time go?). One of our priorities was teaching him about personal finance and real-world life skills—the kind of things most of us never learned in public school.
We discovered a homeschool program through Ramsey Solutions that offers courses in entrepreneurship, personal finance, and career readiness. This year, he completed the Personal Finance course, and—believe it or not—actually enjoyed it (well, as much as a 13-year-old boy can enjoy school 😉).
It’s been so rewarding to watch him grasp concepts like budgeting, saving, and smart spending—tools he’ll carry for life.
🏕 Campground of the Week
Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, a family-friendly campground, is a favorite of ours! With several playgrounds, large grassy campsites, and paved roads perfect for bike riding, it’s an ideal stop for RVers with kids.
What makes it extra special? It’s combined to a must-visit destination where you can watch live horse shows, tour the barns, and learn all about the history and heritage of horses in Kentucky.
Whether you’re an equestrian fan or just looking for a peaceful, well-maintained campground, this one is definitely worth adding to your travel list.
📚 What I’m Reading or Listening To
This week, I started The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. I am only about a quarter of the way through, but I already highly recommend it—it’s a powerful reminder that wealth isn’t just about money. Bloom dives into the five types of wealth: financial, time, physical, social, and mental—and how true fulfillment comes from building all five. One of my favorite takeaways so far is the idea of a “life razor”—a tool for defining your identity and making decisions in alignment with the person you want to become.
This is exactly the kind of book we dive into in the Road to Growth Book Club, one of the core features inside the Campfires & Cashflow Club. If you’re craving meaningful conversations and mindset growth alongside other road-based entrepreneurs, you’ll love what we’re building in there. Reply to this email that you are interested and I will send you an invite!
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