The 10 Biggest Mistakes We’ve Made in RV Life (So You Don’t Have To)

38 states. 3 kids. Countless lessons learned.

RV life has brought us freedom, adventure, and unforgettable memories—but it hasn’t been without its missteps. Below are the 10 biggest mistakes we’ve made—real, relatable, and fully avoidable. Consider this your shortcut to a smoother RV journey.

1. Not Investing in Climate-Controlled, Secure Storage

We left sentimental items and business supplies in a non-climate-controlled unit—and that led to ruined furniture, damaged décor, and even a break-in.
✅ What we’d do now: Always choose climate control and security features like cameras and gated access.

2. Buying Cheap RV Tires

Trying to save money on tires ended disastrously—we ended up with a tire that literally ripped through the side of our RV.
✅ What we’d do now: Only use high-quality, properly rated RV tires—and replace them at recommended intervals.

3. Not Being Proactive With Bugs

RVs are small, and bugs invade fast. We’ve had roaches, ants, and other unwanted “guests.”
✅ What we’d do now: Treat early and often, especially in humid areas—don’t wait until it’s too late.

4. Purchasing Cheap Gear

From sewer hoses to leveling blocks, we bought the cheap versions… and quickly had to replace them with better-quality gear.
✅ What we’d do now: Spend a bit more upfront on gear that lasts—and skip the frustration of constant replacements.

5. Not Scouting Boondocking Spots in Advance

We once pulled into what looked like a perfect spot—until we got stuck in soft sand.
✅ What we’d do now: Walk the area before parking, ride in on e-bikes, or even use a drone to check ground conditions first.

6. Skimping on Lithium & Solar Setup

We trusted the wrong installer and ended up paying an extra $10,000 to redo our lithium and solar setup.
✅ What we’d do now: Vet your installer carefully. We chose Lion Energy (Code: PEEPLES) because they answer the phone and stand behind their work.

7. Not Using a Drive-Day Checklist

Locking all doors, securing compartments, closing windows... it’s too easy to miss something vital.
✅ What we’d do now: Use a departure checklist every drive day to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

8. Skipping Tire-Pressure Checks and Not Using TPMS

Under-inflated tires are dangerous. We skipped checks—and ended up with blowouts.
✅ What we’d do now: Install a reliable TPMS and check tire pressure daily before driving.

9. No Dash Cam or Backup Camera

In our big accident 2022, a driver cut us off, causing a chain reaction that totaled our rig. The only reason we got justice was because a witness stopped.
✅ What we’d do now: Always use dash cam and backup camera footage—it can save you in accidents and insurance claims.

10. Not Getting a Thousand Trails Membership Early

Before hitting the road full-time, we spent nearly $2,000/month on campgrounds. We wish we’d known about Thousand Trails sooner—it’s where we met most of our friends and saved thousands.
✅ What we’d do now: Join Thousand Trails at the start to stretch your travel budget and build community.