This was very helpful to us. We really love tent camping and/or hotels, LOL! We also love to explore and I agree it's not always a viable option w trailer. Plus, I would hate to get stuck on a narrow road, or in a small parking lot, when getting to and from...it'd ruin the adventure and raise my stress level, which is the opposite of why I love to go out into nature. Everyone has their own opinion of course, but I appreciate yours re: rv'ing. Buying one is just one piece of the puzzle, but maintenance and other issues are important to consider, as well. Sometimes we don't realize all that is involved with an idea until we are living it, despite lots of research. Thank you very much!

Spread this far and wide so the rest of us who have no problem RVing can get back to open rv parks and not needing reservations at state parks.

This video....the two minutes I could get through, was hilarious. You did no research before you purchased, ie storage, and then you complain you couldn't take it to a coffee shop due to parking. Priceless.

I always tell everyone who is thinking about buying a RV/Trav Trailer just rent one for the first few times to make sure its something that you really want. I've been fulltime RVing for the last 2 yrs and I love it. I hardly ever go to any RV pay spots . I usually find a nice boondocking spot with the Dyrt app and travel all over the country with my Setup!!! I currently run a 2019 36ft Jayco Jayflight Slx Baja RM edition pulling with my F350 behind my trailer is my Lexus Hybrid and I usually run about 12-13mpg

I put my application in for a 2022 20ft Jayco pull behind today. It’s gonna cost $300 a month for 10 years and $130 a month for storage. But I don’t care because I want it. 😎

Great feedback. Not trying to be negative but all your reasons sound very specific and manageable by most people willing to buy an rv don't mind these issues. Thanks for taking time for the video

My wife and I lived in Airbnb's traveling for a year. We have been "looking at RVs" for 15 years! LOL! We don't buy for the exact reasons you listed. After you pay $250/month payment, $50/month insurance, $200/month storage you are out $500/month before you take it anywhere. That doesn't include repair costs, campground costs, higher fuel bills, goodies you buy for the trailer, yearly registration etc. I can rent a cabin or get a hotel for $100/night and it comes with a huge shower, I don't have to hook it up and tow it home, I don't have to mess with sewer hoses, and the furniture and bed is comfortable. Like you, my wife and I hate planning, we want to just go and when we see something fun we turn in and stop. We spent a month in Europe and never had a reservation anywhere. We prefer small towns and back roads (a hassle when towing). Getting in and our of gas stations and double the gas bill. Yeah......thank you for reminding me why we keep looking and never buying.

I saw numerous comments where people were condescending about what this person was trying to cover in this video. We don't own an RV yet and so watching videos like this is helping us make that decision and the BEST way to learn is to actually try something. You can make fun all you want about him NOT doing the research first, but if you actually watched the video, you would have heard him say that, like many others, he did and like so many others, wanted to try it for himself. From my perspective, I think this video was quite informative and will certainly help us weigh our decision on buying an RV as we get ready to retire. As much as we want one, videos like this show me the negatives in owning one and that maybe renting one using RVShare and other such sources would be the better way to go. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences Steven.

Two things I definitely agree with you about. A lot of people just don't realize how cheaply made they are. And yes, be ready to make your own repairs

I’ve been retired for 5 years and have really been looking into buying a travel trailer, one reason I haven’t yet is because my wife is still working and is looking to retire in the next couple of years. This video was really helpful since I have never owned an RV. Thank you!!!

So as somebody who can store it on my own land easily, with a two child family and a wife that is a superb planner, a 4x4 F150 with a 36 gallon tank, and who doesn't mind tinkering on or even outright improving things... I think I'll be just fine!

I bought my 15 ft Rockwood Geopro last year but this years model after 3 years of consideration and looking at various options. It’s a great trailer with solar power and all the bells and whistles. It’s small enough to park in my driveway (no pesky HOA) and plenty big enough for a confirmed single guy. I paid cash for it so there is no payment and insurance is covered with my liability on my tow vehicle. All of this to say that before one buys an RV a lot of considerations concerning use, size and cost have to be considered and, yes, I too recommend that anyone stay and travel in one before signing any 10 year easy payment plan. I don’t travel much in mine yet but it comes in handy as a second little home in the back yard by the pool where I often camp out!

An RV is a commitment. The real useful message of this video is to think it over carefully. If you have the bug, you have it. Otherwise it’ll just be work.

All of your points are valid. You sound more like the type that would enjoy Air BnB's.

Omg I’m so glad I just watched your video. Everything you said is exactly why I sold my 17 ft tear drop after only 4 months owning it! I got so tired of hooking it up too and it was hard by myself. And so here I am 5 months after selling my trailer, considering it again and you just reminded me not to do it when I already learned my lesson the first time around!!! I was able to park mine on my property but my street was a little busy so instead of backing it in I drove it through to my backyard thinking I should have enough room to move it and turn it around easily since my yard is rather large but the length of the suv and trailer really turned out to be long and I have too many trees so I really created a big damn headache for myself every time I got back. I found that packing for a trip and then unpacking was a whole lot of work and then you must maintenance the trailer too! I got the trailer to make life easier but in reality it made like harder! I took a $5 k loss from a brand new trailer but to me, I felt relief and also no more paying on the headaches and I figured it was only a matter of time before it would break down and then how would I tow it and who’s going to change a blown out tire? Thank you for reminding me not to make this mistake again!!! Tents are the way to go! Get a porta potty, a heater or stove , a cot and a roof rack and do suv camping ! Imagine how easy to get to places and park and just driving without something attached to you is so nice.

Sounds like someone didn’t do enough research before buying a RV. The problem is everyone watches these “great” UKposts videos and think its all easy. I feel this video is very personal to you and not everyone will run into the same problems as you did. Its pretty obvious if you take a Trailer and truck into a city parking and maneuvering will be a problem. As for gas prices and mileage is something that comes with the territory. For any one reading this thinking about buying a RV make sure you do research before buying. Happy Travels!!

I came so close to buying but I’m so glad that I didn’t. Same reasoning… 1). Cost of buying 2) Cost storage 3) Repairs and maintenance, even simple things like washing. It would take all day to wash and clean We rented RV four different times over the course of four years. Throughly enjoyed using it but owning it wasn’t for us.

Parked our 26 foot trailer on my 5 acre lot by the sea. Completely off grid, use it couple of months a years, perfect summer cottage at a fraction of the cost. Much easier to repair and maintain than any house I have ever owned. Trailers are perfect as long as you don't have to drag them all over Hell's half acre.

Hi there, boondocking is the single best reason to get rv, esp if u have dogs, seeing them just running around free

Your reasons are kind of what I had in mind when telling others why I don't want a RV trailer. My young sons race motocross and motels are hard to come by at many remote tracks. We camped last year in a small tent along with our SUV, but it got pretty difficult in bad weather. The race season this year is 22 events so I ordered a Jayco Terrain Campervan but due to supply issues it will be delayed a long time. So we're camping again, but this year with a foldable toilet, Thule rack awning, a much larger tent and a fridge 12 volt cooler, 30 litres of water... Other motocross families have been trying to sell me on the idea of a RV trailer but I definitely don't have a place to park it and packing it at a remote storage location would be a big pain in the butt. Thanks for your honest video.

A Camping Tent is so much better! No worries about backing up too far. No need to get a Tent Licensed and Insured. Easy to put everything in a cople of duffle bags and store it all in a shed or garage.. You can get some big camping tents for around $200. No need to Winterize it every year. No need to find a place to park it. No searching for a Parking Space that accepts Trailers. Camping Tents are a much better deal!

you failed to mention the overall cost. In california, first and foremost, You will never find a campsite available at the spur of the moment. its usually at times a 1 year or longer in advanced reservation. Let alone the cost. you can rent a car and a hotel for a lot less at times. RVs are concepts for back in the day when you could not find a place to lodge at easily. Todays campsites like you mentioned are parking lots. no trees, no grass...You have neighbors right next to you. no privacy or peace and quiet

I get your reasons. We got ours recently, and it's more our thing. We have 2 young boys, and the RV makes it more comfortable for them and my partner to go camping. You probably have more of a carefree lifestyle at this point, and at your age, I was in the same mindset.

We have a small offroad teardrop trailer. It's cramped as hell but can go anywhere. For me the biggest limitation of a full size travel trailer is not being able to go off the beaten path. I can see the joys of RVing in its own right, but I'm not sure they're for people who really want to get out in nature.

I’ve been thinking about getting an RV. My driveway is in the back of my house (I live on a corner) and the driveway is big enough to fit 6 cars I’d say. I have been thinking about ways I could utilize the space in my driveway. Perhaps I could set up a canopy or 2 over the RV to prevent the paint from getting damaged or worn down quicker. When the winter comes, I could add covers to the sides of the canopy to prevent snow from coming in and maybe help raise the temp a little bit. I could possibly add a space heater that has a thermostat that will regulate the heat temp to the desired temp. I don’t know, but these are just my thoughts

Yeah, if you don't have storage then definitely don't get an RV. I am curious how many people use their RV as visitor's house. It would be great when family visits for longer periods.

I can totally see your reasons very real and honest of you. I’m sure your video has helped and confirmed some people’s concerns as well. Lots of people love RVing and have different circumstances that may not have a problem with storage and other issues but you gave your perspective and lots of people will be able to relate. Thank you for your video. 😊

Only buy one of these IF you have your own big yard//storage for it. Storage fees (if you can even find one) in Canada are outrageous. Everyone is price gouging, right now because of "inflation". I jumped the gun and bought one not thinking about storage, but at the memories my family will make, we lucked out and ended up moving to a house with a big lot on it shortly after, lots of trees, so I cover the top with a tarp just incase. Other then that, this thing is awesome we even do winter camping in it sometimes it's a wonderful purchase and will last a life time if maintained properly, my kids, wife and I will always remember this thing.

You make some great points. Thanks! The cheap house on wheels is the most relevant.

Have you looked at Brinkley/Airstream? Have you hired RV inspector before taking delivery?

Valid points and I can attest to the upkeep costs, mechanical failures, etc. They are fun but it's like buying a second home. Be prepared for all the costs other than what you pay for the trailer itself. Perhaps someday down the road a camper will fit your lifestyle better. Until then, have fun, and thanks for sharing your experience.

Does this video apply to people that wish to use their trailer camper full-time? Full-time living

Great info, thank you.

Very good rundown and true, of course some are willing to take on those issues and it works and this is a wonderful perspective that very few in the "bubble" want to discuss or admit. Much of it has to be learned by doing what you did, buy it and try it, test it, get real and make an assessment and go from there. This is a very fair set of observations. I find especially the comments about not being mechanical and relying on service centers to be a real consideration in the final analysis, it cost on average fully loaded about $200 per hour to get service, parts and work done, and you can wait weeks and feel low power in the dynamic. RV parks can really suck with the breakdown in our social contracts, kids turning into monsters and parents worse; weekends are truly nightmare scenarios and very unpredictable in an RV park. Seattle streets are narrow and not designed for RVs, so living in Seattle I myself have been trapped and know that feeling; but accept it and take extra care. I found that if you focus on what you want, for me it is dispersed camping and paying others to do the work and absorbing the high fuel prices as the price to pay, it works; but I believe you have certainly highlighted for others what can be a burden and wow, what a gift for those putting all these factors into a decision. Again, I find most RVers tend to live in a "bubble" or have a "tribal instinct" to band together and just poo poo this stuff, and you broke the bubble. I love my Nash 17K! But it takes a passion to want this lifestyle for sure.

Comments and arguments are valid. My question is a bit different… for those buying them to live in full time, what’s the alternative for long term housing with the outrageous rent and home prices?

I could tell just by the thumbnail pic why this guy wasn't going to like RV'ing. Hearing where he's from, his need for coffee shops, and being scared of the dark on a road.....confirmed I was right.

i have been camping since 1988 and I LOVE RV LIFE. I now have Apex trailer and I spend 5 nights at the campground all summer.

Yes!! Preach!! All this man said is true. Everybody sell your RV’s, is not for you!

thanks! You talked me out of it. I will just do camping using my truck😂

The general rule of thumb I live by is that if you can fly it, fu@k it, or float it, then rent it. I would add RV's to that list.

Huh I didn't really Have any of the same problems, but I dont live in a big city. I can see why it would be hard there! Also I strictly boondocks. Hope you find another hobby you enjoy :)

great honest video. Thanks, I'll stick to tent and car camping

Your video hit the nail on the head, so true.

I’m sorry about your experience! Thou i been RVing for almost ten years I have no problem with it also I do drive a 53 footer for a living across US .so driving a 21 footer is like driving a Mini Cooper also. I do my own restoration on the RV like changing AC unint..

Do you have a leveling kit on your ranger?

Right on video, been there and did the same thing, sold the unit. For me the biggest was the storage fee, wow, as that has really jumped! I have a hard time believing that you have more dislikes then likes when you were open and honest about everything. Thanks for posting!!

2022: even worse RV quality, crowded campgrounds and difficult reservations, rising cost for fuel, inflated cost to purchase a tow vehicle. inflated RV prices, Inflation on everything....affecting cost of food, gas and life making RV'ing less attractive. Even in good times RV's can be a trap. It's not freedom, it's restricted travel. I found this owning 3 sailboats too. You figure you own a boat and spent the money on the slip so you spend lots of time sailing and time at the marina. While very nice... It's a trap holding you back from exploring the world in more ways with flexibility. You will have more money available for travel if you're not maintaining a boat or RV. Better off fair weather tenting, glamping, hoteling or all of this in one vacation....sounds more exciting and interesting.

Thanks for the video. I knew there were good reasons that I never bought an RV.

Thank you Steven for sharing your experience. I cannot criticize you for making an uninformed decision...we all make mistakes. Your video confirmed some suspected assumptions and highlighted other points of consideration. I am considering purchasing an RV. Storage has always been a concern which is why I am also looking to purchase a few acres of land. Thank you for your candor insight.

What if you’re going ton live full time in it?

We used our all the time until 2020 Oregon fires and it burned up. We cannot wait to get back out there. Good luck.

I want an rv to live in permanently. Turns out to be more expensive than living in a house if you can even manage to find a year round campsite. Boondocking does not sound like a good time let alone gas prices driving around

I know this vid is a little old but just wanted to say I gave you a thumbs up. I wanted to say that before I gave my 2 cents worth. Don't know why anyone would give a thumbs down for an honest video. It's not like you are bashing anyone. Anyway, everything you listed should have been examined "BEFORE" buying the RV. Unless that was part of the strategy: "I think I'll buy it and see if I can make it work"? That I could understand. I've been RV'ing for over 50 years. I wish you could have talked with someone like me who could have kept you from making a big mistake. I have friends I talked into and out of buying an RV. Mainly for the reasons you gave. Upkeep, parking, mpg, etc., etc. Oh well. Lesson learned, I hope. You seem like a good person and I hope you didn't get burned too bad when you sold the RV. On another note: Holy crap on storage expenses out there! I'm in Georgia, close to Atlanta and I don't pay anywhere near what you were. Spending thousands a year to park would make me sell my RV too. As an FYI, I pay $935 per year for a spot in a gated, secured, and monitored facility. It's cooler here in the southeast too. 😀

Not sure why your video randomly appeared but it's too bad RVing didn't work out for you. We are avid campers and owned in the past a Class C, Travel trailer, and finally a 2023 Class B. The class B Travato turned out to be the best for use as it goes everywhere and can park almost everywhere too. Maintenance is pretty easy, and it also gets around 17 mpg. We live in California and it's nice to travel up and down the coast from Seattle to San Diego. It stores on the side of the home. RVing is definitely not for everyone.

Live in Canada. Can camp literally anywhere with a yearly 30 dollar permit. Storage is cheap (30.00 dollars a month). So thankful for the wide open unpopulated spaces of my country. Store everything needed in the RV, only thing I grab are staples from the fridge, put them in a box, drive to the storage lot, start the fridge, load the food, and I'm off on my trip. Wouldn't own the RV if storage was as outrageous as it is in Seattle.

I bought an suv and travel and stay in hotels , in my case it’s way better then an rv trailer

Thank you for your video

It isn't for everyone that's for sure. For me though, I love it! #2 is really the only thing that applies to me.

Have to have: 1) Money 2) ability to drive well 3) a woman who isn’t overly diva if a male buying an RV in a relationship. I’ve got 2 out of 3 down but i won’t say which one I don’t have down. Which ones do you all have down lol???? Buying trailer soon.

🙄🙄 I like camping but not camping Camping . Also afraid of narrow roads and scared to back up a trailer and want my avocado toast shop that has tight parking spots. Everyone told me to don’t get it because they know how I am but I wanted to prove them wrong . So I proved them right 👀👀🙄🙄🙄 got you.

…so you’re giving advice to others based on your lack of research & preparation before buying your trailer?….priceless😂

I had a 16 ft casita travel trailer x 5 yrs and loved it but thanks to a tree falling, it was a total loss. It's been several yrs and I still want to get another travel trailer. I do have a long driveway and can easily park it at the house. Once when our area flooded, I lived in my travel trailer while repairs were done on my house. Before owning my TT, I tent camped my entire life. I have done it since but there's nothing like the comfort, convience and safety of sleeping in a camper. Being a hunter and year round fisherman, it's nicer coming back to a warm bed during the middle of the winter.

all your points are valid...however...the main reason is your life style, you are more city explorer and if you wife was not happy at the outdoors...well...that is a powerful reason.

we just got back from our first 6,000 mile trip. It went well, except for that deer in the Texas hill country, seriously. We have a place to store ours, our home is on 4 acres southern AZ. The other ideas were spot on for me. I love the random stopping when you want, but every time I got off the highway, my stress level went up (will I be able to park, will I be able to get out) and ours was only an 18 footer. I am thinking an 18-22 foot class C, would be better. Or Bring a nice tent, and do Air B&Bs intermittently...Anyways really great points...

These are good reasons. We like state parks. They are more wooded and private. We usually check them out ahead of time.

Thanklk for the info

Just bought a brand new 2022 21G Grand Delusion what a mistake 😑 Warranty nightmare Refrigerator didn't work from DAY ONE. Over three weeks now and they can look at it again August 30th. And then order parts MAYBE. There is a lot of good 👍 used ones out there.

RV or camper trailer? However Great info in the video thank you. Luckily for us we have RV storage right at our house! The only thing hard nowadays is having to book camping spots almost a year in advance!!

Questions ? Did you like staying in the rv was it inconvenient , you said you liked boondocking, but your girlfriend didn't like it. Would you have kept it if she did?

Thank you!

I agree with some of that , To each his own on the rest. Personally , I don't live in subdivision, parking and storage not an issue for me.

Thanks for the review. Just ignore the trolls.

I'm hoping lots of people see this video! RV'ing is NOT for everyone, that's for sure. But a lot of people started flooding the campgrounds and wild places when Covid hit who didn't know what they were doing and it was a mess. So maybe they'll sell their rig and stay at home playing video games again. ;) Everything was getting so crowded. Gas prices now are way higher than last year as well! Whew! I'd say to really enjoy an RV experience, you have to do it often enough that you don't forget stuff. If we go out every few months, it's good. If we go out after not being in the rig for nine months, then we're in a remote place camping and we forgot batteries-or to replace the bathroom light, or hot sauce, or an extra gas canister or a towel... Then it can be kind of a drag. Also, people should know, holding tanks are a pain-especially black water! Yuck! We never use our toilet. We just go in the campground toilets. It's just gross to us, having that stuff sloshing around...

I'm in my mid 20s, live nowhere near a big city, and rent is ridiculous. Paying $1700 per month to not own something can't be justified and I can't afford a down payment on a house. I have no problem making repairs myself and I've almost cut my costs in half parking my trailer at a site long term. If you are in the same boat as me, it's absolutely worth it.

Great video. You outlined some of the thoughts and anxieties I am having. I have not bought one yet, and probably won't. Another thing that surprised me was that many parks will not allow you to stay if your rig is older than 10 years. That really put me off as I was looking to buy used. Can you imagine being turned away from somewhere if your car or clothes are too old. Anyways great video thanks for sharing.

All great points. The number one reason for me that you mentioned is mobility. Seems to me that for the price I would pay for an RV, I could get a lot of motel rooms and not be limited in my mobility. Plus I don't have to pay insurance, storage, maintenance or have the stress of hauling a trailer or driving a big rig. For me, the way I travel...my idea of camping is a Holiday Inn.

Is this satire?

you should put attn: city folk.. lol i will agree w you on the fuel price problem. I have to say if a man don’t have a big enough yard to put a lil rv in, he’s not livin..

Sounds like your next move will be a camper shell or tent action

Something smaller like a Tent trailer, teardrop, small cab-over, or a roof top tent would fix a lot of your problems

I'm buying an RV I'm retiring I plan to live in it so therefore all the information I've heard from you doesn't matter for myself. If I was you I wouldn't have one either. Maybe you should have got a smaller one for get aways. The storage issue is insanely Expensive. You have a nice house 🏠

We consider our RV as a portable hotel room rather than a real ‘camping experience,’ where we can take our dogs with us, and after a long day of sight seeing at whatever destination we were at, we can come back to our own space and sit outside around a fire with our dogs rather than in a hotel room sitting on a bed watching tv 🤷🏻‍♀️ If you want a real camping experience, get a tent.

Potential RVers have to have some amount of passion for the actual work and pains involved to make it worthwhile. I believe something like a full sized van conversion would’ve worked better for you and your lady friend.

#1 - Not an issue for me as no HoA or rules in my development. #2 - This is subjective - My Jayco is meant for boon docking / minor off road / regular camping. I mean you either want to go shopping at shops or go camping, you're trying to do both. #3 - I agree with camp grounds. This related to #2 as well. Decide what your trip is, if you want to explore a area then go to a camp ground. If you want to camp, go boon docking. There are apps for boon docking btw that tell you best routes. #4 - They have come down since posted and when towing 10-14 range is standard. #5 - ?? This doesn't seem like a reason. RVs and TTs (for most) are considered "luxurious" purchases. If you got money to play then you have to have money to pay. Either learn to fix things or pay for them to be fixed. Its really str8. Your final statements of "it wasn't for us" is all you had to say at the start because honestly your did a poor job of convincing me to buy an RV/TT. All you told me was you couldn't hack being inconvenienced and you truly don't know what you want out of camping trips. Camping to you is going to a place where you can go to coffee shops 😂.

Why would you buy a trailer or rv if you don't the room at your house?

No matter RVing or boating, you have to be some kind of handy. Especially the travel trailer. If you are not handy or not willing to DYI, you should not bothering these two activities. Stay home or book hotel.

As someone who wants a travel trailer (to be pulled by our '21 Ranger), none of these are surprises. Really interesting you did not know these concerns before you purchased. The biggest, by far, would be lack of storage onsite, especially if your current home does not even allow temporary storage. It's one thing to live in a community with an HOA that limits street parking for more than a day or two (but still allows loading/cleaning/repairs for a short while). It's another to live where you cannot even get an RV, or travel trailer, to your house at all, like in your case. At least resell values are very high now, so you probably sold at a good price.

Thanks for this video! Many things to consider before committing to a trailer and it’s easy to get swept up in the fun stuff. I just rented my first one and man did I learn alot! It was really helpful to hear about the challenges you encountered. For those who are tar and feathering this guy, stfu. We get it, you’ve fully researched everything you’ve done in life and have never had to do a 180. Yay you.

i can rent a full-time spot year round for $250.per month full hook

Thank you for sharing. Changed my mind in buying one

Some of these issues apply to boats!! That why we don’t have either!!!

Putting air in the trailer tires is a big deal breaker for me. I will stay at the Hilton.

We live on my family farm and keep our rv set up at home. We use it for a guest house and an addition to our patio. We like to go to both rv parks and off grid camping. This is our 2nd trailer in the last 10 years.

I think you summed up all 5 points in one statement.. You said “ we don’t like planning”. Just saying maybe plan ahead before your next major purchase. ✌🏽

Do not be discouraged life is about learning experience you have no instructions , and becoming a parent has no instructions good luck in life

Just remember RV is not for everybody.

hei STEVO everything has consiquences even having a home....not just a travel trailer.......maybe travel trailer not for you just rent a moterl room but that also have conciquences when you wake up and your car was stollen

You need a truck box camper lmfao

Literally just do a little research before buying. All of these points just sound like common sense considerations. That RV life is where it’s at for us.

I was so confused by this video. I was expecting RV related issues and not your personal reasons. Everything that you complained about, just involves you not PLANNING, it would have worked out for you if you had. Thanks, Paul