Get Ready to Hit the Road: The Ups and Downs of RV Living in Retirement
15 Reasons to Reconsider an RV for Retirement Avoiding Regret
15 Reasons to Avoid RVs in Retirement
If you’re tired of the daily grind and dreaming of retirement, the lure of the open road may be calling your name. Picture yourself adventuring in a recreational vehicle, free from the constraints of the 9-to-5 and with the freedom to explore. It sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Simply sell your house, pack up your belongings, and embark on a new journey. Ah, the RV life is so alluring!
And you’re not alone in this sentiment. According to a 2021 study by the RV Industry Association, RV ownership in the U.S. has surged by a whopping 62% over the past 20 years, with a record-breaking 11.2 million households owning an RV. It seems like more and more people are embracing the call of the open road. Even the folks at Progressive have noticed a steady increase in the number of full-time RV policies sold since 2009. The RV trend is on the rise!
Part of the recent surge in RV sales can be attributed to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. People aren’t just retiring and hitting the road; they’re also seeking a self-contained mobile haven for their vacations, enabling them to bypass hotels, motels, and even other people. Progressive has noticed a significant spike in RV ownership among individuals under the age of 45. It looks like the younger generation is catching on to the RV lifestyle as well!
But here’s the burning question: Is RV living in retirement the right choice for you?
To help answer this question, we’ve consulted with seasoned retirees who have embraced the RV life and spend much of their time on the road. We asked them to share their insights on the downsides of RV living in retirement. Brace yourself for a reality check, because it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
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Geoff Baker, a retired commander with the British Royal Navy, and his wife Laura, a former safety manager at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, have been RVing across America since 2011. As experienced RV dwellers, they’ve highlighted a number of challenges that come with this unique lifestyle. From emptying the dreaded sewer tanks to soaring fuel costs and skyrocketing campground fees, the Bakers have encountered their fair share of obstacles. And let’s not forget about the logistics of managing mail forwarding, dealing with unreliable internet access for email and online banking, and ensuring smooth deliveries from Amazon and prescription refills. It’s not all smooth sailing on the open road.
So, what other downsides do retirees on the road face? Let’s hear it from the Bakers and others who have firsthand experience with the realities of life in an RV.
| Challenge | Retiree’s Perspective |
|---|---|
| Emptying the Sewer Tanks | It’s not glamorous, but it’s a necessary evil. Be prepared for this less-than-desirable task. |
| Fuel Costs | RVs aren’t exactly known for their fuel efficiency. Depending on the size of your rig and distance traveled, fuel costs can quickly add up. |
| Rising Campground Fees | Campground fees have been on the rise, and finding affordable options can be a challenge. |
| Mail Forwarding | Managing mail while being constantly on the move requires planning and coordination. |
| Unreliable Internet Access | Staying connected can be a struggle, as reliable internet access can be hard to come by when you’re constantly changing locations. |
| Managing Deliveries | Coordinating deliveries, whether they’re from Amazon or for prescription refills, can be a logistical puzzle. |
These are just a few of the downsides mentioned by retirees who have embraced the RV life. While it may not be a perfect paradise on wheels, the allure of the open road continues to captivate the hearts of many retirees.
So, if you’re considering RV living in retirement, be prepared for both the joys and challenges that come with it. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and envision yourself navigating the open road in your own mobile adventure capsule. The RV lifestyle may have its hurdles, but for many, the freedom, exploration, and sheer excitement make it all worthwhile.
Have you considered the RV life in retirement? Share your thoughts and let us know if you’re ready to hit the road!
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