All About the RV Lifestyle: Boondocking, Comfort Camping and More

Written by Michaela Jackson

As a favorite pastime or vacation activity for millions of people around the world, camping has become a lifestyle for many of these outdoor enthusiasts. In just 2017, 41.8 million people participated in car, backyard, or RV camping inthe United States. However, you do not have to camp completely outdoors or in a tent to enjoy the activity, which is pursued by both outdoor enthusiasts and those simply looking for an escape from the stress of everyday life alike. An increasing number of people are embracing the use of RVs, or Recreational Vehicles, to bring the comforts of their home into the outdoors for an experience that so many enjoy.

People who are interested in a mobile, traveling lifestyle are drawn to RVs because of the convenience and comfort they provide – a home away from home – while still allowing them to travel and experience things they otherwise never could.

Because RVs are such a treasured way to enable people to travel and experience the world, there is a large community of people who live the “RV lifestyle” or use their RVs for camping and vacation purposes. RVs are a great way to make new memories and escape the boring nine-to-five cycle many people find themselves trapped in.

Why People Love Camping and Travelling in RVs

There are lots of benefits and appeals to camping in RVs. The first thing people think of is the convenience. While it is great to spend time in the outdoors, it is also nice to be able to retreat into an air-conditioned, closed, cozy space where you can enjoy the same comforts of your own home. The flexibility of choosing the outdoors when you want and the indoors when you want is something that appeals to a lot of people, especially with RVs and the modern comforts they provide. Some of these comforts that can come in an RV include:

• A Bathroom and Shower: Many people are opposed to or grossed out by the idea of using public or campground bathrooms and showers or having to use the bathroom the old-fashioned way - in a bush. Just because you want to have a nice camping trip and spend time outdoors does not mean you need to sacrifice the use of a clean, private bathroom and easy showering ability. Most RVs come with some sort of bathroom amenity, and lots include showering devices as well.
• Modern Appliances: An important part of RV amenities is the presence of modern appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and freezers, microwaves, sinks, and even washers and dryers. These amenities are a huge part of the appeal of camping and traveling in an RV because they offer a level of comfort that cannot be obtained through traditional camping or traveling methods.
• Air Conditioning/Heating: No matter the time of year, whether hot or cold, the safety of an RV offers temperature control on par with that of a normal house. This ability to retreat into a comfortable, temperature-regulated environment is a huge draw for RV owners.
• Electrical Outlets: Oftentimes RVs offer a plentitude of electrical outlets for all you and your traveling or camping partners’ charging needs – phones, laptops, tablets, and more can be charged at the same time. Obviously, this is a luxury not afforded with traditional tent-camping or car-traveling.
• Wi-Fi and Television: Although some people go camping to get off-grid and disconnect from the rest of the world for a little bit, “unplug” if you will, some people do not want that. If you want to stay connected while camping and traveling, for work or personal reasons, RVs can offer both Wi-fi and TV capabilities to keep you online and entertained during your trips.
• Storage and Space: While cars and tents can leave you cramped and limiting the supplies you bring with you, a spacious RV has plenty of storage and space for you to bring everything you and your traveling partners need, plus a little more. In an RV you will never have to sacrifice bringing something you need or want on your adventures with you again.

Because using an RV offers so much comfort-from-home, many people take advantage of this to go off-grid in a type of camping called “boondocking”. This is a popular practice for those who want to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and unplug from social media. With the stresses of modern life and the constant connection to our phones and computers, many people with RVs take advantage of the opportunity to comfortably take a break and connect with their loved ones in nature or relax in peaceful solitude.

While all these benefits apply to almost every RV and makes RVs great for short-term travel, there are many people who use RVs as a long-term home as well. These people live what is referred to as the “RV lifestyle” and have created a community of their own around living in RVs.

Why People Love Living in RVs

If your dream is to travel extensively, explore new and unique places, and create special memories with your loved ones while doing so, the RV lifestyle could easily be for you. There are lots of appeals that the RV lifestyle offers that cannot be found elsewhere, such as:

• Travel opportunities are endless. Wherever you can drive a set of four wheels, you can travel to in an RV. Road trips can be great bonding experiences with friends and family alike, and seeing new destinations at your own leisure is a dream that many Americans have. There are so many places to see and experiences to have, and an RV is one of the best options for doing so.
• Living in an RV is generally cheaper than living in an apartment or house. The money you can save by not having to pay utility bills (like power, water, sewage, AC, garbage removal, or natural gas), mortgage or rent, home upkeep costs, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance while living in an RV means you could have more money in your bank account to use on new experiences, making new memories, and doing things you love or never had the chance to do before.
• RV life gives you a level of freedom that living in one place never can. If you are tired of the place you are in, or simply are ready to see new things, you can easily pick up and leave in an RV motorhome. There are no contractual obligations like leases to hold you back. When you are ready to settle down somewhere, selling your RV is relatively easy, and you will have a bunch of memories and experiences to remember your time in it by.

Although, the RV life may not be for everyone. There are a few drawbacks such as repairs and maintenance on the RV could be expensive, gas money depending on how much you travel, finding areas to park your RV that fits your budget, an increase on money spent dining out, and the inability to be close to family and friends who aren’t traveling with you. However, the RV lifestyle can be a temporary phase in your life, and you can find a place to settle once you’ve satisfied your need to explore and experience life to the fullest in the way an RV can provide.

Types of RVs and Motorhomes

Motorhomes and RVs fall into three major classes: class A, class B, and class C. There are also towable RVs which can come in a range of sizes from sport utility RVs, or “toy haulers”, to larger and more grandiose trailers. There are even campers made to fit in the back of heavy-duty pickup trucks called “truck campers”. Each type of motorhome RV has its perks and its pitfalls, but there are so many options and customizations you can make to your RV that there will always be a choice out there that fits your needs and your budget.

For extensive information on the types of RVs out there and specifications for each type, see KOA’s blog called What is an RV? | Different Types of RVs & Motorhomes. They also have published a guide to buying an RV with tips and essentials on what you need to know, found here.

OZ-USA LED Lights: The Essential Upgrade for Your RV

If you are thinking of purchasing an RV, or already own one, there is one important tip you need to know: LED lights are an essential upgrade for your RV, especially if you plan on extensively traveling, taking many road trips, or boondocking. The number-one market provider for LED lights, light bars, switches and other accessories for all kinds of vehicles is OZ-USA, a US-based company that ships internationally straight from their San Diego warehouse. They are best known for their high-quality, affordable, versatile LED lights that are an easy andinexpensive upgrade for any vehicle, especially RVs.

LED lights are important for your RV because incandescent bulbs that are traditionally found in many RVs are old-fashioned, provide inadequate light, and consume too much power. LED lights are proven to be much more efficient and give off a much brighter, illuminating, clear light. OZ-USA makes sure to offer the best in LED lights for both the interior and exterior of your RV, which are affordable and easy to install.

For more information on OZ-USA, their LED lights and other accessories, or deals on their products, visit their website oz-usa.com or call them at 619-618-0444.