More things to consider before you decide to live in an RV long term.
5. How well do you get along with your spouse?
Most of the workamping couples we've met seem to get along pretty well. I think if you didn't, you wouldn't last very long on the road. All those things I listed before---small space, unexpected delays, expenses and changes in plans---can put a strain on your relationship. Plus, most of the time, you're going to arrive in a town and the only person you know will be your spouse. Sure, you get to know people at the campground or job, but it's not like home where you have a circle of friends or co-workers that are separate from your spouse.
In addition, if you're workamping, you and your spouse will likely be working together. Maybe not side by side, but you'll have the same boss, the same coworkers and the same work hours.
If you have a good relationship and you both want to go full time, I think that can make your relationship better. However, I don't think the converse is true---if you have a bad relationship, packing up everything in a MH and taking off down the road probably isn't going to work miracles. Unless you're in a movie about a troubled teen and his dad, because it seems that getting away together always mends those relationships.
6. How much privacy do you need?
There isn't much in our MH, even the bathroom doors (due to the slides) don't reach the floor. Other RVs (particularly 5th wheels) might offer more private space with rooms with doors, but the only real door we have is the one between us and the outside.
If you're having a bad day and just need some time to yourself...you might need to take a walk or drive. Or sit outside in the lawn chairs.
I suppose if we had a big time shouting match with the windows open, quite a few people could hear. Maybe we'll try that our last night here.
Like any other neighborhood, a campground can have its share of nosy people. When the weather was nice a couple weeks ago we left every afternoon to drive to a nearby park. One "friendly" neighbor felt the need to ask us where we kept going.
7. How do you feel about flying without a net?
Back in Ada, I had a wonderful group of friends, reliable mechanic, doctor, veterinarian and dentist I liked and I knew which restaurants to avoid. On the road, you're much more on your own. We only have one car (unless you count the MH) so if that breaks down, who can we call for a ride? Who can we trust to fix it?
If one of us needs to see a doctor---I guess we'll go to one of those walk-in clinics.
Think about all the service providers you have and how long it might have taken you to find them: a hairdresser, church, dog kennel, babysitter (not an issue for us), yoga class.
It's like moving to a new town, but before you get everything figured out, you move again.
Of all the things listed so far, I think this is the one that makes me feel the most unsettled (and explains my overgrown hair).
That's seven factors to consider. How are you doing so far? Do you think you could be a full time RVer?
I think No. 5 would be key. That one will make or break you. - Robin
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