Your First Month of Van Life: 5 Actionable Tips to Get You Started
So you’ve bought the van, packed your bags, and you’re ready to hit the road. That first month can be a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and new experiences. Based on my own “learn-as-you-go” adventure, here are five pieces of advice that will make your first month of van life much smoother. And while I originally wrote this post when I was a #VanLifer, I can tell you now that I am in an RV living full time, same rules apply!
Also, this Post is meant to be read in conjunction with my post “The First Month of Van Life: 5 Things They Don’t Tell You (The Hilarious Truth)”. So make sure to check that out by clicking on the link!
Table of Contents
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1. Stay Close to Home (Seriously).
I know you want to drive across the country on day one. Resist the urge. For your first few trips, stay close to your home base, your dealer, or a trusted mechanic. Things will break. You will make mistakes. It’s just easier to handle these problems when you’re near friends, family, or people who can help.
This isn’t about being a wimp; it’s about being smart. Think of it as a low-stakes training period.
Get used to your rig, your systems, and the rhythm of life on the road. If something happens, you won’t be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a rig full of anxiety. Plus, there is just something comforting about being in your home state. You know the lay of the land. You have friends who can come get you. And you might get to see something that is local to you that you’ve never seen! Some states still use their own reservation system, others use ReserveAmerica.com and Federal land usually uses Recreation.gov. Use these resources to find a campground fairly close to home!
2. Keep a Journal (Of Everything).
You will think you’ll remember every amazing sunset and hilarious mishap. You won’t. Your memories will fade. This may be one of the coolest things you ever do in your life, so journal it! Keep track of the places you’ve been, the miles you’ve driven, and the people you’ve met.
But also, journal the practical stuff. I have a journal entry for Birmingham, Alabama, that reads, “Great Planet Fitness next to a laundromat within a half-mile of a Publix.” You can bet your bottom dollar that if I ever go through Birmingham again, I’m stopping there. These little discoveries are gold, and your future self will thank you. Here’s an example of my daily journal! But sometimes its literally 2 sentences “Woke up. Went and read book on beach.”
If you are like me and chasing good mountain biking – consider using an app like Trailforks or MTB Project to save your rides so you have a great record! Another advantage to these apps – they let you download maps for use without cell service – which is critical in many parts of the country where there is good mountain biking!
3. Do a Few Weekend Dry Runs.
Before you launch into a multi-month trip, take your rig out for a few weekends. Get used to the tanks, the electrical system, and how everything operates. Learn what the systems do, because sometimes what the manual says is not what actually happens.
Plus, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most friendly and helpful people in the world: other RVers.
On my second day on the road, something happened, and the RVers around me were instantly there to help. They’ll break out their tools, share their knowledge, and lend a hand to get you back on the road. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of. As someone who is not mechanically inclined, I cannot begin to tell you the sheer terror that immediately overwhelmed me when I thought my rig was broken down — and the relief that came from my fellow RVers jumping to the ready to help. Have that support network and pay it forward when you can!
4. Stay In Established Campgrounds.
Okay so this sorta works in tandem with the “stay close to home”. But for your first few stays – stay in established campgrounds. It gives you time to get used to your systems and for any defects to float to the surface.
Quite candidly. If your RV is going to break its much better for it to break when and where there are a bunch of people around and where a tow vehicle can get you easily. Those people will serve as a great resource in your time of need! Do you really want to break down 200 miles from the nearest service station? You’ll have thousands in tow fees alone. And that’s assuming you can get help.
5. Don’t Make Things More Complicated Than They Need to Be.
The biggest rookie mistake is overthinking every problem. I know it’s easy to panic when the water pump stops working or you run out of power. But remember, there’s always a solution. If you need a shower, Planet Fitness has you covered. And if you have a mechanical problem, you can always find a community of van lifers and RVers to help you out.
My first electrical issue had me tearing out fuses from the wrong fuse box (turns out, there are several, one of which is completely hidden under the floorboard). I was convinced it was some major, complicated problem.
Turns out, I had simply tripped a GFI circuit.
Yep. That simple. The lesson here is to relax, take a breath, and think things through. The simplest solution is usually the best. Don’t panic and start ripping things apart. Van or RV life is all about problem-solving, and with a cool head, you’ll figure out most anything.
Chasing great mountain biking, camping smart, and living full-time in an RV. Hard-won wisdom. Zero fluff. Live Free. Adventure Often
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Other Van Life Newbie Advice.
Starting Van Life can be intimidating. Learn from my mistakes and save yourself the headache and stress. Check out my other posts on Van Life for Newbies!!! And be sure to check out My Main Van Life Hub Page by Clicking here for trip reports, advice, campground reviews and so much more!
🚐 6 Months of Van Life: The Cost, The Reality, The Reflections
Six months on the road taught me that life’s true seasons are phases lasting days or decades, and you have the power to set their tone. This van life reflection reveals the surprising reality of costs, the logistical trap of buying into the “off-grid fantasy,” and the genuine kindness of Americans. Ultimately, the road changes how you see yourself.
Before You Buy a Van or RV: The Questions Nobody Tells You to Ask
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The First Month of Van Life: 5 Things They Don’t Tell You (The Hilarious Truth)
Thinking about starting van life? Get the unfiltered, funny, and sometimes panic-inducing truth about the first month on the road. From broken vans to unexpected lessons, this is the real talk you need.
The $5,000 Mistakes: RV Purchases I Regret (and How to Avoid Them)
I made these costly mistakes so you don’t have to! Learn which RV accessories to skip, why staying close to home saves money, and the top financial blunders of the first month of van life
Van Life Expectations vs. Reality: The Things Nobody Tells You
The real journey of van life is mental. Read my honest take on the identity crisis, why your fitness goals will change, and why embracing your fears is the key to happiness on the road.
How to Prepare for RV Life: What to Do 6–12 Months Before You Go (Part 2)
Before you buy a rig, prepare your life. The planning to do 6–12 months before van or RV life — campsites, mail, insurance, budget, fears, and route.
A Little Bit About Me.
I started writing this blog as a way to capture the adventurous and free lifestyle I’m privileged to live. I’ve traveled to over 28 countries and 35 U.S States. I’ve lived aboard in multiple countries and averaged over 100 days a year of travel for work. I’ve skied and hiked all over the world – and my new obsession is mountain biking.
What I bring to you isn’t AI generated. It’s based on my feet on the ground – or sometimes conversations with locals. Click here to read more about me! And, for a State-By-State guide of Where I’ve been and Where I’m headed, make sure to check out my Itinerary and Destination Page by clicking here!!!