Are RVers trading comfort for freedom and adventure?
Many people believe that anyone living in an RV is trading comfort for freedom and adventure. But is that true?
I don't feel like I'm giving up much comfort.
My bed is a Sleep Number Bed (the same one I had when I lived in a sticks-and-bricks apartment). I put it on top of the mattress that came with my motorhome. That makes it higher than a regular bed.
When I sit up and drop my feet off of the side of the bed in the mornings, I'm standing up--just like when I lived in an apartment.
I have central heat and air conditioning, a washer and dryer, a bathroom with a shower, and a bathtub. I have a couch, a recliner, and a large-screen TV.
What comforts am I missing? I can't think of many.
I don't have a dishwasher, but I didn't use the one I had in my apartment. When cooking for one person, it's easier to wash the dishes than to load and unload a dishwasher.
What is the one thing I wish I did have?
Recently a friend asked me what was the one thing I wish I had in my motorhome that I don't have? After giving that question, some serious thought, I told him that when I'm putting gas in my motorhome, I wish I had someone else's credit card.
That's the only thing I can think of that would make my RVing adventure more enjoyable.
Of course, there are some downsides
For example, when there are gusty winds, the motorhome rocks. There's a leak from time to time, and I have to climb up on the roof and add some more chalking. Even though I have double pane windows, the sound insulation is not good. When dogs are barking, or there are loud conversations outside, I can hear them.
When you're living in an RV, you're enjoying freedom and adventure, but it also helps you stay mentally alert and engaged with the world around you.
One final thought:
Growing up on a farm in the hills of Tennessee, I learned that life is easier when you plow around the stumps. I've found that this strategy works great when dealing with the problems I encounter while living in my motorhome.
Bottom line: Not everyone would enjoy living in an RV. Whether you will enjoy the lifestyle or not will mostly depend on your attitude. Henry Ford probably wasn't referring to being happy while living in an RV when he said, "Whether you think you can, or think you can't . . . you're probably right." He traveled and camped a lot in his motorhome, so who knows, maybe he was referring to being happy in an RV when he made that statement.