Since 2007 my husband and I have lived most of the year in a 24′ fifth wheel.
One of the first questions new friends ask us is, “How do you get along in there?!” It’s easy, I tell them when you live in a RV 24/7 with your partner in a small space, you either learn how to cope or the road trip is over.
Since my husband and I both enjoy full-time RVing so much, we make conscientious choices to commit to a few simple rules of the road for more harmonious trips.
Tips on How to Live in a RV and Keep the Peace
Before you can live in a RV you have to find your destination.
Every RV trip needs a navigator and a driver. One of the best parts about traveling with a partner is that each person only has to play one role.
Pre-determine who will do what, then commit to doing a great job for that role.
For example, a navigator shouldn’t let activities like texting interfere with keeping the driver informed about upcoming road hazards and final destinations.
On the other hand, the driver should ask for directional help when necessary and admit defeat when lost or tired. It also pays to remember that the technology to drive from the passenger seat with passive aggressive comments does not yet exist!
2. Divvy up the camping chores
Setting up and breaking down your RV camp requires specific exterior and interior duties.
When one person is responsible for those exterior chores like utility connections and the other for all indoor tasks such as stashing items for travel, it enables each person to have some breathing room during arrivals and departures.
Separate duties also keep you from bumping into one another or offering unwanted advice about how to do things a certain way.
3. Respect each others space
No, I don’t mean emotional space but rather the storage area inside the rig.
For example, if your partner is only bringing two pairs of shoes along on a journey but you’re bringing six, he might not consider that a fair use of your tiny closet.
Resentment can slowly boil to the surface when one partner sees that his favorite gear is being crowed out by your stuff. For a harmonious trip, ensure each partner has a fair share of storage space.
There are dozens of storage ideas here at DoItYourselfRV to help you live comfortably in your RV.
4. Deal with high emotions before things get bad
When things get rough, you and your partner must convey your thoughts and feelings about the existing circumstances in a calm, civilized manner.
Whether you’re stuck on the side of the freeway or aggravated by an annoying campsite neighbor, calmly express your feelings and try to find a resolution to the situation before things spiral out of control.
Easier said than done, but the “I am sleeping on the couch” only puts them a few feet away!
The decision to live in a RV should come with an effort to exercise restraint.
5. Take a break
Even if you hide in the bedroom after a fight, you’ll eventually need to deal with the situation at hand.
Clear your head before you begin the inevitable conversation with your angry partner by going on a solo walk.
If you just get out for a few minutes, strolling around the RV park or campground will give you fresh air, reduce your stress level and help you make better choices about words you use when you call a truce.
Conclusion
Getting along in a RV isn’t the easiest thing in the world but it sure beats the alternative of staying home!
I hope you find these tips helpful to make the decision to live in a RV much more pleasant for both of you. If you want more ideas on how to get along, check out this article.
