Are you thinking about living on the open road? Before you go and splurge on this new lifestyle, make sure you read these 4 things about living in an RV.

Nearly 80 percent of people in the US believe that the most important component of the American dream is having the freedom to choose how to live.

Why not make the dream a reality by opting for a more liberating lifestyle? Imagine living in an RV, driving across the country from park to park on a perpetual camping trip.

Maybe you're among the 22% of Americans who have a remote job and enjoy the luxury of working from anywhere.



Perhaps you love meeting new people and engaging in outdoor activities. However, regardless of why this way of living appeals to you, it's important to know that calling an RV home comes with its own set of challenges.

Read on to find out what you should keep in mind before ditching your current home and moving into a camper!

1. Fuel Costs May Surprise You
If you drive a car, you're probably used to getting well over 20 miles per gallon (MPG).

However, consider this: The average RV gets just 11 MPG. And if you go with a larger RV, you might end up averaging a meager 7-8 MPG.

Do you plan to cover more ground during your road trips? In that case, you should choose a smaller RV and pack fewer items. A discount gas card could also come in handy.

2. Privacy Is Hard to Come By
Some RV resorts, such as Stella Mare (www.stellamarervresort.com), have large RV campsites and offer countless amenities.

That said, it's rare to find privacy at the typical RV park unless it's empty. So get ready to run into your fair share of loud neighbors. Their awning may touch the side of your camper.

3. You May Need a Mail Forwarding Service
These days, you pay most of your bills online, and your email inbox is typically fuller than your mailbox. But you still need to do something about snail mail while you're on the road.

Investing in a mail forwarding service is the best way to prevent your mailbox from overflowing. Some service providers scan your mail and allow you to view them in PDF format, while others ship your mail to a new address.

However, note that there will be several fees involved. So if you're worried about costs, see if a friend or family member is willing to pick up your mail instead.

4. Preparation Makes RV Living Easier
First things first, familiarize yourself with your RV's manual. Read it from cover to cover, and do some online research to learn basic RV repair skills.

Before you hit the road, make sure you have a spare tire available and set aside an emergency fund. You'll also need a plan of action in case you experience flooding, tornados, or medical emergencies.

Put together a checklist and go through it each time you exit a campsite. This way, you won't leave anything important behind.

Final Thoughts on Living in an RV
Adapting to some of the changes mentioned above might be tough in the beginning. That said, if you value freedom over everything else, you won't find a more rewarding lifestyle than full-time RV living.

Still haven't decided whether living in an RV is right for you? If you need some convincing, feel free to check out our post on why you need to get an RV!