RV – Living: More to Share (3)

It was another great day in the RV today. Everything went better than expected and the weather was perfect.  I have felt time slow down, allowing me to be more productive.  As a family we are far more engaged with each other, especially with no television.  Sharing

180 square feet pushes our relationships closer, or sometimes to the brink of bickering.  However, we have all gotten along with no issues.

I think most people wonder is, “what’s daily life like versus in an RV versus a full size home?”  There are changes: no yard, no garage, no closets, no dishwasher, minimal hot water, and small space.  On the other hand, everything has a place and efficiency, combined with conservationism, rules the day.  I also find myself outside much more due to the weather and, more importantly, a need for some space.  RVs come in all sizes: from 10 foot scamps, pop-ups, to Class C’s and Fifth-wheels.  Each vehicle has its own mission.  Regardless, RV life is about a lifestyle.

What’s different and the same versus a house?  We have heat and air conditioning.  We have running water, a toilet, and a shower – probably no worse than found in a cheap European motel.  However, I limit my use.  For instance I use the bathroom in the morning to brush my teeth because it’s better to use the public restrooms.  The shower pressure is higher and there is an unlimited supply of hot water.  If it’s raining, I’ll shower in the RV, otherwise a walk in the cool, crisp morning is rewarded with a better shower experience.   The bathroom is somewhat similar; the onboard lav is best for
small, liquid jobs whereas a walk to the public facilities for “the big jobs” is much more rewarding.

RV parks supply water, cable, and internet.  On the downside there can be difficulty picking up wireless internet.  I have solved the problem via a hotspot on my phone.  These are bills eliminated from daily life.  Many RVers have satellite dishes.  However, to us television is a time waster and has no value other than entertainment to watch a family movie or documentary. Thus, we are best served by Hulu+ and Netflix.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the RV lifestyle is being outdoors.  We take walks and James rides his bike.  It is fun to walk the RV Park observing how others live.  What you do see here is a lot of friendly people.  Almost everyone has some lights hung outside, lawn chairs, canopies, and grills.

Yesterday I met our neighbors when asked if we were from Texas (we have Texas tags on our car).  I explained we were relocating.  She then asked how long we planned to stay.  The honest answer was, “I don’t know.”  I did explain we are moving to New Smyrna Beach’s Sugar Mill Ruins on Sunday.  She then shared they sold everything when they retired and went full-time. From Columbus, Ohio they come to Florida for the winters. Several years later they have bought a small house as a home base, but she prefers the RV life.

As I have answered questions from friends this week I have heard both laughter and curiosity. The common question is, “why live in our RV rather than move to a hotel or apartment?” My short answer, “Because we can.”  LeeAnn and I over the last four years have had numerous adventures: selling everything, moving to our cabin in Georgia, living in an apartment in Dallas, and now trying the RV life.  Each adventure is one most people talk about – we are executing.