The RV lifestyle is not as hard or out of reach as people think. It's more than worth it to get an exciting opportunity for simpler, slower travel. You will be on your way with a little planning, some elbow grease, and willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. Don't start out like me.

We knew we wanted an Airstream when we started looking for an RV. We decided to buy a cheap vintage model. The decision was influenced by the desire to start a new adventure. It can be difficult to arrive at clear-cut answers when you are just starting out.

We came to the conclusion that time was more important than money. We didn't want to do the restoration work because we didn't want to tackle the challenges of a fixerupper. We found a company that specialized in pre-owned Airstreams after the trailer was sold. The seller joked that this sort of thing happened a lot. People would wander onto his lot with different stories.

People who have always wanted to have an RV or take a road trip in one stop us when we are on the road. We hope the tips we share with them will make buying and traveling with an RV easier for people.

1. Do your homework.

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It's important that you take your time. Honesty is a must when it comes to your budget, goals, and level of commitment.

There are different types of camper vans and Class A motorhomes. If you are considering a tow-behind travel trailer, make sure you know what works best for your car. There is a suitable option for every towing capacity.

You can talk to people who own RV's. Floor plans and layout can be seen at a dealership. You can rent one for the weekend to find out what works for you.

How much do you want to spend on something? There will be many people using the RV. When it isn't in use, where will you keep it? Who is going to fix it?

2. Consider how you want to travel.

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When it comes to RVing, the how is just as important as the location. If you are realistic about your level of experience and expectations, you will save yourself a lot of time, money and heartache.

Are you more likely to go to campgrounds with full hook ups? If you enjoy overlanding in rugged, remote places, you should go for a well-equipped van.

Do you need a lot of room for an office setup? Will you be carrying more than one vehicle on your trip? The decision of which RV is right for you needs to be made with all of these factors in mind.

3. Get to know (and love) your owner’s manual.

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Keeping up with the reality of black water tanks, propane, and electrical panels is a lot harder than you think.

You don't know how to fix your thermostat on a hot summer day if you pour over technical jargon. It's a good idea to get acquainted with your setup and how to maintain it.

You need to know what you need to carry. You can find out where to buy replacements. The internet has a lot of how to videos and resources. It will serve you well if you keep your rig in top shape.

4. Pack, repack, and unpack your belongings.

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This is the most difficult step for a lot of people. If you are going to live in a small space for a long period of time, you need to keep it organized. The impact of weight on fuel economy is direct. Less time spent on things means more time for exploration.

The process should be worked on in steps. You won't know what you need until you've traveled a few times. Take something out of rotation and leave it at home if you haven't used it in awhile.

5. Hit the road.

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Trial and error is the best way to learn about the RV lifestyle. Practice driving in different road conditions when you bring your RV home. Work on reversing, turning, and parking is done in urban environments.

It's a good idea to perfect your routine for setting up camp so that you don't have to do things in bad weather. If you are traveling with someone else, it is helpful to divide the duties to make sure nothing is overlooked.

6. Find your people.

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Entire communities can be a wealth of knowledge, experience, and rewarding social connection because they are doing the same things that you are. Join clubs or find online groups with similar interests at festivals, rallies, and other events.

The anticipation of the next trip will take care of the rest once you are on the road. You will be a pro before you know it.