In a recent poll in our sister publication RVtravel.com, the editors asked readers: Would you recommend RVing to a friend? While 28% responded “yes, absolutely” a much larger 64% chimed in with a more cautious “Yes, but with some warnings.” Meanwhile, 6% said they probably wouldn’t recommend the lifestyle, and 2% gave it a flat-out no.
For aspiring RVers, the comments in the poll are worth reading for some quality insights into the RV lifestyle from those who have lived it.
Hear is a sampling of the comments:
“Jump in—the water’s fine!”
Richard B. might have summed up the RVing lifestyle best: “Jump in, the water’s fine, a few waves every now and then. But you will go places and see things that others dream of. We’ve had problems with our 5th wheel but we’ve had problems with the house also. We’re not selling either.”
It’s not all sunrises and campfires
While the lure of the open road still holds strong for many, longtime RVer Bob W. warns, “Every year, for the past 20 years, things have become less and less fun. It’s not what it used to be… Over-crowding at campgrounds, impossible reservations, constant repairs, waiting months at service centers, heavy traffic, road rage, just to name a few drawbacks.”
J B echoed that sentiment, citing “incessant greed” in the RV industry and saying camping “used to be an adventure… now it’s a nightmare.”
Some can’t imagine life without it
Notch offered a poetic take on why he loves RVing: “I love waking up in a new place, making morning coffee for my wife, sitting in our comfy chairs and watching the sun rise on a new adventure every day. THAT’S why we RV.”
David, fresh off a three-week road trip through Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, had his part-time neighbors asking for advice. His verdict? “Go for it.” He recommends starting with a used rig—and making sure someone knowledgeable checks it out first.
Know before you tow
Some readers were all in… but only if their friends knew what they were getting into. John W. emphasized the importance of preparation: “They need to take their time, and research research research before pulling the trigger.”
Roger V. offered one of the most detailed sets of pre-reqs: “I only recommend it if a) they are handy enough to handle basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry and chassis mechanical jobs themselves, b) they can buy the unit outright, c) they’re fine with having the unit at the dealer’s shop for most of the first year for that vaunted warranty work, and d) they have excellent health insurance and a substantial reserve fund ($10K or more) for on-the-road emergencies.”
Billinois kept it simpler: “I recommend only if they possess some mechanical aptitude and like to fix things. Because it’s never ending.”
Test the waters first
Neal D. said he’d suggest renting an RV first: “I certainly would recommend that they try it by renting one for a long weekend, or a week… I would not encourage so much as make myself available for questions.”
Roy shared a similar story: “We had one set of friends who showed interest so we invited them to go with us for a long weekend. We had them help with each step in setting up and tearing down. They both said, ‘That’s a lot more involved than we thought.’ They did buy a RV and we camped together many times afterwards.”
RVing isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay
Crabcakes wasn’t interested in recruiting new RVers: “RVing isn’t for everyone and I don’t feel the need to sell the experience. The fewer people the better.”
Jim J., a scuba diver and RVer, added that he’s cautious about recommending either activity: “If my friend isn’t willing to do the training (not hard in either case) or the gear maintenance (critical in both cases), I won’t push them into something that can cause more grief than joy.”
Sherry brought up the sobering issue of RV quality: “The quality of both new and used is appalling. The lies spewed forth are dangerous.” Her sister had hoped to travel, but instead settled for a trailer permanently parked on family land.
Pillows, freedom, and North America
Despite the bumps in the road, Sheila W. found a sweet spot: “There is something about having your own pillows with you that makes it worthwhile… North America is a gift to the RV traveler.”
So, would RVers recommend the lifestyle to a friend? Most would—but not without a thoughtful, honest conversation first. As Neal D. put it, “Recommend RVing? It depends. I certainly would recommend that they try it by renting one for a long weekend… RVing certainly is not for everyone.” Still, for those who are prepared and know what they’re getting into, many say the rewards of RV travel are worth every challenge.