5 Things to Know About Full Time RV Living (Brutally Honest!) 

After 4 years of full time RV living, we are giving you the real and practical advice that will bring you success on the road in just 20 minutes! If you have any other tips or suggestions, comment below! If this video provided you some value, leave us a like on the video 👍🏼 Follow Us For More Valuable Content Related To RV Living urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/KVJA HappilyEverHanks Amazon Page 📦 urlgeni.us/amazon/HanksStorefront 🎬 THE BEST RV APP urlgeni.us/youtube/ir1d 🎬 EXACTLY How to Dump an RV Black Tank urlgeni.us/youtube/WgT4 🎬 3 AMAZING Things To Do in Moab urlgeni.us/youtube/lPA3

I look around at everything in my home and realize that none of it is important and I won't miss it when it's time to let go. That includes most of my clothes. It's an easy trade to travel and experience the country!

I don’t think y’all are weird, I feel you just have an amazing relationship and you love each other.

You can't just love your partner you have to LIKE them too!

The distraction tip for me is don't distract someone while they are setting up camp or breaking down camp. it is sooo important because dumb dangerous things can happen if you skip or miss something when setting up or unhooking. Almost every time i walk around the camper before we move the camper i find something missed.

This is our first year RVing . My husband retired really early. I'm terminal and with a aneurysem you never know. We live in Texas so this first year we will dedicate to mostly seeing Texas. If you ever come out this way please let us know. So much fun to be had. I wanna ride a balloon, parasailing, zip line and see God's glory. God bless both of you and your family and friends. Live it up! Angel

Thank you soooo much for this!! I took the plunge and just got my 5th wheel after 19yrs of marriage. A newly single, empty nester at 50yrs old and decided to hit the road with my border collie "Daisy". I'm in day 2 of living full time in my new home on wheels and this information is much appreciated!! Keep it up and share all the ins and outs of my new life on the road!!!! BTW, bro, you totally out punted your coverage!!! ;)

You are so encouraging. I am 72 and my sister is 82. We bunk camped in Europe years ago and have felt so stuck waiting in Gods waiting room. Now chapter 3 of our lives is seeing places right here at home. You make me feel brave and so much more prepared. Thank you.

We’ve been part time trailering for about 23 years, so know the basics. Just retired, are selling our house and will take delivery of a Solitude to travel full time in about a month. You are SO RIGHT ON about all these things. I do have to say that I actually appreciate the fact that we’re saving water by taking what we call “Navy showers” 😆,. My mother in law, who was a young woman in the 1940’s, used to say that she and her friends would take what they called “PTA showers”, meaning, “pits, ti*s and a$$” 😆. They were a lot more wild than you might think back then. I never forgot that, and sometimes that applies to RV showers as well. As an aside, she and father in law were definitely part of the Cocktail generation. When we went trailering with them, they had a four hour/250 mile rule when towing. Thus meant that we stopped early, set up camp and then enjoyed happy hour, including epic Manhattans. They taught us birdwatching and bridge. They’ve since passed, but we sure appreciate the memories 😻

i LOVE How you admit to being weird. THATS THE FIRST part of being a person. Accepting who you are. Go both of you

My husband and I have worked together since 1988! We are best friends, and can hardly wait to travel together! You are so right, more communication, more love, and always respect! Enjoyed my first “visit” with you!

I’m so grateful I found your channel. My husband and I are gearing up to live the RV life with our three kids in the coming year, and your videos are so helpful, entertaining, and encouraging. Thank you for this wonderful content!

First I love your channel. I feel a connection with you. I am (was) an RN. I was also an ER nurse. I appreciate what you do. We are working towards getting an rv and getting started. Our situation is different from most I just turned 62 and she is 60. I am retired on disability. I need a walker or a scooter to get around. But we are going for it. We do not own a house and have no friends or family nearby so we don’t have those issues. Keep up the great work.

Agree cooking is a pain at first! But my best friend definitely was the crockpot. Turn that baby on low, and adventure out all day, then come back a warm meal! 👌🏽

So many great points. The separation from those who are used to seeing you, having you nearby to come and see, or come when they need help is a huge thing. We don’t realize how dependent we can become on each other for support, help with projects, and other things until we are forced to adapt and accommodate. We all hate changing what we are used to and our social norms. Even things like getting used to the new noises while sleeping in the RV with those super insulated, walls of tissue paper-like noise reduction. The first time you hear the difference in noise with the wind and heavy rains while watching Tv. Lol. Great video you guys! Can’t wait to find out what you have to offer next!!

Leaving home at 18 is a giant leap for anyone. For me it was the best thing I could do. I've been in my line of work for 4.5 years. Living out of a duffle bag is I'm used to. I'm working on building up the courage to marry my best friend, and researching moving into an RV in the next 2 years. It's finding the right truck/trailer combination for me at the time, as well as what will work for "us". I have an idea how to live because I'm used to it, but it will be a different shock for her. Hey, as long as she has her hot water for showers after a long shift I'll live 😅. Great content, will continue to follow! 😎

I would absolutely LOVE to find someone that I enjoyed being with so much. It sounds as if you have an amazing relationship! The fact that you have good communication and obviously don't take offense when talking is probably the best thing you have going for you. If only we could all have that! Savel travels!

I love that you guys put out a real, practical video that doesn't scare away folks who are considering the life. Thanks!

We’ve always been weird like that. Six weeks into full time Rv adventures and totally loving it. We’ve had a few issues, but expected them from watching great channels like you.

It's hilarious seeing these vids. I'm a truck driver, I've been out 7 months at a time with just enough space for a bed and a fridge. My tip for yall rvers, is utilize the truck stops, especially if you don't have a bathroom. The small campers are more than welcome at the truck stops, park for the night, we got showers, food, bathrooms. Perfect for smaller trips to your family during the holidays.

Love this! It's amazing what you've learned about RV life when you look back. Funny what some people think they'd hate or enjoy. I think of RV life is humbling. Going on my 5th year and 4th RV! Good advice and thanks for being brutally honest about what to expect. More people need to hear the reality of RV living before diving in.

Thank you! I'm putting my house on the market to start my journey in Three weeks! I appreciate you forging the way!

Y’all are NOT weird, your extraordinarily awesome!!! I have such an admiration for both of you. You have a marriage that surpasses all others. Keep doing you because this farmgirl needs this channel for my downtime, which is extremely limited.

Our grandkids are excited to see their Nomad Nana and Papa each time. Unlike the grandparents they see ALL the time. We are special and happily expected when we visit.

I am SO impressed that you brought your Kitchen Aid Mixer with you! I have a super powerful multipurpose blender thingie with dough hook so gave my mixer to my niece. Now wondering if I should have tried to bring it with me 🤔

The tip of the week setup cracks me up every time. You guys are do fun and yet so sincere and we just enjoy watching your videos. Loving the side videos, the is so much fun just sitting here going we thought the same thing. 😉 This was solid advice and we agreed with all of this. ❤️👍👏 Donovan & Jodi #weird We love being together all of the time as well. 😂

My hubby and I recently found your channel, and now we’re going back and watching older videos. We are looking to buy an RV so we need all the tips! Thank you! And no, you are not weird. You are endearing. My hubby and I are the same way; we love being together. Hope to see you in the road one day!

My rule of thumb for clothing is 3, one to wash, one to wear, one for a spare...eg, PJ, pants, short sleeve t shirts, long sleeve T shirts! Safe travels!

Hey guys, just wanted to thank you for all the amazing advice you've given. I am planning on RV living next year if all goes well with 3 of my close friends and discovered your videos today, its been really helpful from things like what takes electricity and RV parks to stuff like the fact we'll be around each other 24/7. I love the fact that you two are #weird its cute. Hope things are going well for you and that you are safe, you've gotten yourself a new subscriber❤️

I feel like I’m washing dishes all day. Just cause it’s a small space and they pile up so much faster. We don’t full time but this time of year we hunt and stay in our camera 4 or the 7 days a week. We also love to be around each other all the time so I don’t think it’s weird haha

I couldn't agree more with the "freedom" statement. Less is more. Great video again, thanks!

A point at the beginning of FULL TIME RV'ING is relatable to GRIEF. At first, there can anxiety about driving, new unfamiliar areas, homesickness, neatness in a small space, etc. Recommendations are: put it up, don't put it down, If you get something new make sure something old is going out, most everything should have more than one function. Separate spaces are important even if it's just closing a door and putting on headsets. Just communicate, "Hey, I need some me time." Outdoor coffee area and workout spaces are helpful as separate spaces or shared spaces.

Hi , I saw you on RV on the wayside, great chat , and very valuable advise thanks for sharing

My husband and I and our 1 year old daughter are going full RV in the next month! Glad I found your channel, we’re so excited for this jump 🥰 we’re also weird people and are always together when we’re home, it won’t be much of a change for us 😂 We’re not traveling just yet but we have 14 acres we’re sticking it on with a septic and water hookup. We’re going to save for a couple years to build!

I just love your channel! We started RVing for work and are now traveling with our 5 cats and 5 people. We plan on going completely full time at the start of 2023. Love your goofiness, the world needs more of it!

You two are wired in the most adorable way. Its an encouraging example of togetherness.

Weird but Awesome. Love watching you guys. Good motto is to never let the sun go down while you're angry. Get it resolved before you go to bed.

I just bought an RV and you guys just slapped me into reality. I'm terrified. I'm supposed to pick it up tomorrow. I don't have anywhere to take it. 😅😅😄😄😄😄🤣🤣🤣🤣. What did I get myself into.

You guys are so relatable. Like the openness and real life sharing. Keep the vids coming. For young 30 something you are living the life that many of us desire. My wife and I are preparing to go do the semi full time RV living. So your vids are a big help as you have a lot of life experience to share. Thanx for it all...

We love watching you guys, I admire how much work you guys put in keeping a weekly channel having just started a channel I know how much work it is.

I remember taking the Navy showers when I was f/t in my R-Pod. It wasn't bad at all. You get used to it.

Tip of the week, "Normal is just a setting on the washing machine.", But seriously, when we spent 5 months on the road in 2015 the cost of doing laundry was one we hadn't planned on. In preparation of going full time we purchased a rig with washer/dryer hookup, and I installed a Spendide combo in it. We see people ask on the forums all the time if having a washer/dryer is worth it. My response is...do you have a washer/dryer in your sticks & bricks...well my RV is my home now, so of course we a washer/dryer in our RV. 👍 Yes, you two are our type of weird. 😎 Everyday has its challenges, When issues happen, we take a breath, look at each other and say, "If this is the worst thing that happens today we are doing all right", roll up our sleeves and figure out the next step. 😁 Great video you two....I do miss long hot showers, but I enjoy not setting an alarm more. 😎 Hope they are getting that turbo fixed!! Take care you two!! 😁👍❤️ Sean & Angie

You two amazing souls are my favorite people. I love how you keep it real and roll with the punches. You don't sweat the small stuff. I love watching your videos. Thanks Hanks I love you both, you inspire me❤

After a year of hand washing all dishes I decided I was over it and started looking for a countertop dishwasher. And boy am I glad I did, it fits perfectly on the counter and the water just drains directly into the sink. It only takes 1 1/2 gallons to run, no hot water needed, and has multiple settings. Pricey but not too bad, $250 to no longer hand wash every single dish was SO worth it!

I love your videos. I’m a travel nurse and I’m wanting to go this route as well. Thanks for the info!

I love watching videos of RV Living couples. You guys are fun! My husband and I are not full time but we go out whenever he has a few days off. He’s an ER doc so maybe someday we can locum tenens like you. We typically go to nearby lakes (haven’t gotten up the guts to boondock yet). We have a new grandbaby so we don’t want to get too far away for too long. Maybe someday when he is old enough to travel with us. In our short term rving, we have learned to have the trailer packed at all times. Clothes, dishes, linens. Everything but the food and I have a ready to go menu and grocery list so I can hit the store in an hour and be ready to go. We keep some cold stuff in a box in an extra fridge in the house that can be moved over quickly. Just want to be ready when hubby hits the GO button. Happy trails and look us up if you ever come to Oklahoma.

30 year’s motorcycle tent camping vacations teaches you to pack two people into 5cf for a week. School bus conversion camper with three kids under 10 yo in the 1990s. Popup camper 10 years in the 2000s teaches to camp minimal. Now as well seasoned campers we learn the ins&outs out of maintaining a self contained couples camper. Thanks Hanks

Great information you guys! Loving the videos...and the maintenance is spot on because you gotta stay on top of it! Love the channel. Thomas and Melissa

My husband and I have been together for almost 21 years. He is my best friend and we spend a lot of time together. Other people think we are weird too

Like the style change up guys! I like that you guys are shedding some light on that minimalist lifestyle!

Hey Hanks. My name is Joe. In North Carolina. I am going on eleven years in an stationary rv. I have an older washer and dryer. They are setup out side. when my black tank clogs up, I use the washer to back flush the black tank. Fill the washer , put it in the spin cycle. Place the washing machine hose in the dump hose. have some one turn the washer on, while holding the hoses about wast high. After a few seconds stop the washer. while holding the hose up in the middle reconnect the end to the dump station. Repeat to clear the clog.

When you hit your head on the slide, did it to, I bought swimming noodles, cut them to the size you need,cut it down the middle, put it on your slide, no more head hitting, love you both, you make me so happy when I watch you

I hope you guys hit 1,000 subscribers by this weekend. I felt like I was sitting on the other side of the table.

My RV tip would be check your tire pressures all the time. Im sure those are always changing pressures every day

Love your videos! My husband and I are looking into full time RV life and your videos are giving us so much helpful information. 😀

Black tank tip. I stole this idea but I THINK it will work. Dump a little dawn dish soap in your black tank with it about 1/3 full. Drive to your next destination and dump and rinse. This cleans all the YUKIES out of the tanks and washes your probes. One thing I didn’t realize; the tank is long and flat. I thought it was more like a cube. At least it’s like that in our model. Try it; let me know! I think it’s a great idea! Thx for the video!

Great points. Bill and I never really worried that we'd have trouble being with each other 24/7, but that's the number 1 thing that people tell us: that they wouldn't be able to be with their spouse in a small space all the time.

Liking the mugs. Personally I don't own an RV but I subscribe to alot of RV channels. The lifestyle looks exciting and I like learning about it. Something to consider in the future. Cheers!

Very helpful tips! Thank you both for sharing your perspective! ☺️

Truly my favorite video. Me and my husband will starting our on the road life as traveling CNA's. your videos are my favorite, because you guys are weird just like us. We will have our 11 yr o;d son with us, plus our 3 dogs. I have learned so much from your videos and from Grateful Glamper. I just want to say thank you.

Regarding less is more, YES!! This is the part I cannot wait for! I have two little kids and our current home it filled with clutter and I am so ready to downsize. We are about 1-2 years away from going full time and I am already throwing stuff out lol

Loved the video! Definitely not the cheapest lifestyle, but so rewarding! RV TIP: ALWAYS HAVE A FLY SWATTER WHEN BOONDOCKING, the flies WILL find their way in!

So sweet that you guys can be around each other so much and still have tons of fun.

Thank you for keeping it so real. Due to my job, We can't do full-time. It is in the future. That being said though, we do like to get out at minimum once a month. Even with going out 12 -20 times a year, all of the items that you spoke of are applicable for us too. One part that we have found very important and you touched on it, is the communication piece. We have a special way about us to know who has what responsibilities and when they are to take place. I could go on and on but your right, these topics are very important to know. If you only go out a couple of times a year, you can afford to splurge on clothing and food and so on, but using the tools that you provided, even some timers can soak this in and make use f it. Good job.

I’m full time with my daughter. We are stationary during the school year. I recommend buying an all weather camper for full time. Also, I wish I had not gotten the big Dish package. I’m happy with the antenna channels and streaming to my TVs. I think the outside kitchen should be optional. Never use mine. I wish the big cargo had a door going into it from the inside and on the outside storage where dirty stuff goes, it doesn’t need to be deep and unusable storage. Wish the side closets were shelves facing the bed on each side so I could put handy things accessible when in bed like books, remotes, a place for drinks, phones, etc. Because with the closed closets by the bed, if I put something on the shelf in front of it, I can not get to the inside of closet without moving everything. So I don’t have anything in my closets. Also, wish the manufacturers would stop using too much formaldehyde in blinds. I loved the dark out blinds but when the sun hits the windows, it activates the formaldehyde smells and we can never sleep past 8-9am. My next camper will definitely have a washer and dryer. I don’t like air coming out of the floor. My allergies are bad. The vents need to be strategically put in to blow where dust doesn’t collect. Example: My heat air vents blow under my bed and that’s where we put out shoes. So I’ve never used the heater because of that. But I do live in the south. Also, don’t like the sink being next to the stove where water splashes and runs down under it. Also, make the hatches more accessible so owners can locate plumbing hoses easy and keep them tightened. My biggest pet peeve is not getting a manual. A 15-20 min walk around is useless. I videoed mine but he didn’t explain how to use the air conditioner or the radio or where the secret hatches were to check plumbing. Also, make water shut offs at the kitchen and bathroom so water can be closed off and used at other places if there’s a plumbing problem. Then there’s the security issue. Why don’t the manufacturers put a good lock inside that we can use when we are sleeping with our kids. My neighbor had a key that fit my front door and my side storage hatches. Wow! I love the two door camper ideas but I’m not so crazy having my child sleeping on the other end and with a door that I have to worry about. Just put locks inside. Also, I put a small safe in my camper which is nice but it would be great if one came installed in an easy to get to but hidden place that doesn’t cost a grand extra on the price. It would be fantastic if there was a place outside camper to put shoes. I hate walking in and always worrying about what to do with shoes. Then there’s weight distribution. Have a list in a cabinet telling RV owners how much weight can go say in kitchen cabinets. Closets. Etc. I had too much canned food in my kitchen cabinets. Put lights in pantry’s that are hard to get too. Put the washer and dryer on the opposite end of the master bedroom. Or put in the kitchen. I have allergies and all that lint is ridiculously hard to keep down in the bedroom. Also, manufacturers need to use a better sealer around the plumbing. There’s no reason it should come loose before I go on my first trip. And for the back up cameras, if it has a place for one, then give it to me and don’t make me pay $200 for it. Also, why not put a water pressure regulator on the RV so we don’t blow out our faucet because we didn’t know because we didn’t get a manual. I think the material used on new campers need to be better so I don’t have to completely recalk and seal my roof within the first two years. Goes for kitchen and bathroom too. And maybe I’m dreaming but there needs to be a way to stabilize the camper so it doesn’t feel like I’m in a boat out at sea during a storm when I’m in the bathroom. It would be great if there was a scale that told us how much the camper weighs as we are bringing stuff in. And please just stop with the black tank sensors. Mine only worked right on the lot at dealership the day they did the walk around. And all campers need a black tank flush. Never buy a light weight for full time living. They are great for traveling around if you only bring yourself and a suitcase. I could write a book but I’m stopping here. I’m in the market to buy a new camper just two years after buying a new RV off the show room floor. The salesman was not experienced and he sold me the floor plan I liked but cost me a fortune by not selling me what would work for me living full time and also by not helping me figure out if my tow vehicle was big enough to move my camper. The experience of the salespeople is key. If they just want to sell you something, but not have you as a repeat customer, which is highly likely, then it could be a huge financial disaster for the customers. And for the salesman in the long term. Thank you for letting me leave a message. Didn’t mean to talk so negatively. There are way more positives than negatives about having an RV. I need to focus on that next time. Ha-ha!

If you haven't looked into it yet, Elks lodges have a lot of lodges west of the Mississippi with partial to full hook ups for minimal or no fees. Yeah, you have to be a member @ an individual lodge & the membership can be pricy, but it works great for us traveling from Michigan to Arizona & back.

Depending what kind of home you had prior will depend if you’re saving money or not. Propane is cheap rv parks are not expensive when you take into account you get cable, WiFi, electric for free. Even if you are metered for electricity you might hit 100 dollars. We save so much money and every 3months we move we are travel nurses and we love it!!

I'm happy to be apart of your channel; it's very educational. I am thinking about becoming a full time RV and this channel just give me the motivation I need.😊 Thank you guys

Convenience is NOT abundant. TRUTH. RV life is a series of learning and adapting opportunities. If you’re not comfortable with change, the unexpected, and the gross side of life (sewage) than RVing isn’t for you. Great video and very helpful for folks just starting out. -Chris & Suzannah

Great video... Lots of new ideas. Love you... I keep u in my thoughts and prayers. You should do an other interview if you haven't already there some of my fave

Phenomenal is the only word I can think of at this time that describes your channel. Your Nameplate “Happily Ever Hank’s” is just right on point. I always count the days until your next upload.

You guys are not weird....your partner is your best friend...you are a team and have each other’s back....you learn when to give each other space...keep up the good work

Great video, you two!! Loved it so much! ❤❤

Aww, this was such a great video!! Loved seeing this side of you guys!! Thanks for sharing all of this great info, guys!! And, don't be knocking his Ramen Noodles!! 😂😂

Thank you for your boondocking references!!! My husband and I watch and follow a LOT of full time rv’ers and they have never mentioned boondockers welcome and all stays. Y’all are our newest of rv hero’s… good luck and God Bless ❤️

Thank you for all this info! We’re seriously looking into full time RVing when the hubby comes back from deployment. Can’t wait! ❤️

Amazing job you two!! It's fun learning your new way of living!

I’m heeeeree!!! Your camper always looks so darn cozy!

I really love this video. The topics you chose to cover are so meaningful. Thank you!

Thank you for this! I'm currently really considering RV living and this was a huge help. Subscribed. :)

If you ain't weird, you ain't living!!

HI KIDS!!!! All this fun!! Hope we really Like each other because we for sure have had a lot of time apart in our 30 year Air Force Career!! He will be my dishwasher too. P.S. YOU are almost at 1K!

You two make this so much fun.

You always leave me stuff to think about. Looking forward to the next video 😀. Lots of video catch up on since I’m a newby to your channel

Interesting things to know. It would like to travel more but probably not full time.

Hey I know those people! Friends and Family often don't get "the lifestyle" so true.

You guys aren’t weird. Your awesome and blessed to have each other.

Storage is also a great point. Everything I try to have will serve 2 purposes (ottoman for my feet also stores my blankets). Since I am a boondocker I have gotten rid of things that use massive amounts of power. I do have solar and an onboard generator. RVTip: Portable battery banks of all sizes are useful. Safe travels Sherry

Definitely #weird haha Sam and I are so used to doing our own thing I think we'd kill each other after a few weeks 🤣 But great video as always! I like the variety of your videos, it keeps it fresh and fun!

Yeah, something I finally became able to articulate after a month of watching RV channels is that it takes a reasonable amount of mental and emotional maturity to full time in an RV and those same maturities are what make for a lasting and successful marriage. Folks who are secure in themself and their partner can make it through just about anything. Any doubts will be magnified on the road. I'm not saying most folks these days are immature but... there's a lot of broken relationships and failed marriages out there and people who feel like the world owes them a living and then tantrum when they don't get it - and they look to place blame everywhere except where it's deserved. Folks who can make mistakes, admit them, and learn from them are folks who will make forward progress in life. Those are the people who will be ok living in an RV full time.

Just found your channel! Love you guys! Thanks for keeping it real, and sharing all of your tips and tricks!

Not weird!! My husband is my best friend. We work well together, complement each others’ strengths and weaknesses while also mirroring each other in other ways. We’ve set a goal to be full time RV living by 2027. We are very excited 🤗 You’re supposed to love being around the person you love! Obviously heads butt, but that doesn’t matter at the end of the day

#WIERD lol Great content. Brian and I took a "maiden tour" to see if we could be around each other in a small moving box for long periods of time. We found out we could. Knowing this was more important than all the places we wanted to visit.

With free electric hook ups I’d suggest using a space heater to save on propane. Also you don’t get as much condensation. My propane is mostly just for cooking and our hot water tank

Great tips, thank you for sharing.

Thank you for the heads up! We as a family are getting ready to start RV living. We are ready for the new adventure.

Really nice job on the video you guys. This is packed full of a lot of information that is valuable. Do you see yourselves continuing to live full time in an RV for awhile?

“That’s marriage. That’s love!” You guys are so dang funny but also present so much good information in a creative engaging way! We were going to try and highlight what our favorite tip was but... they’re all awesome! We’re scared about the shower running out of hot water so we’ve only done the “Army showers”... we’ll have to try actually letting the water run! BTW Carl, we’re all #weird #weirdos! (Nice song choice - sounds familiar 😆)

Just subscribed! I really enjoyed this video and look forward to watching your others. We have been full time for about 20 months now and love it!

Enjoy the snow and great information guys 👍🏼👍🏼 - Ray