As a full-time RV family, we get a lot of questions from curious friends, family, and fellow travelers. People often wonder how we manage life on the road—how we homeschool, work, and live together in such a small space. Others are curious about the logistics of RV living, from how we handle laundry to staying connected to the internet. In this section, we’re excited to answer the most frequently asked questions and give you an inside look at the joys, challenges, and surprises of our nomadic lifestyle. Whether you’re thinking of hitting the road yourself or just curious, we hope our answers give you a clearer picture of what it’s really like to live full-time in an RV as a family of five.

How do you handle living in such a small space?

Living in a small space like an RV definitely has its challenges, but we've found ways to make it work, especially with our goal of spending as much time as possible outdoors. We focus on getting everyone outside, soaking up the sunshine, and burning off energy—especially for our ADHD kids, who need the extra activity. Inside the RV, we use it mainly for the essentials: sleeping, cooking, eating, and as shelter when the weather isn't cooperating.

Drew works out of the RV too, where we’ve set up a compact office space by converting the TV into a desktop screen and using a collapsible table as his desk. Sometimes, he’ll work from coffee shops or outside, as long as there’s internet access. Living in a motorhome has given us the flexibility to travel while still having the comforts of home when we need them.

How do you get your mail & packages while RVing?

Ah, Amazon—definitely something I’ve had to adjust to while living on the road! Not having next-day delivery at our fingertips has been a bit of a struggle. Many RV sites do allow for deliveries, but we've learned the hard way that timing it can be tricky. More than once, we've thought we nailed the timing, only for Amazon to delay the delivery, and that throws everything off.

Thankfully, Amazon lockers have been lifesavers at some locations, but occasionally, the size or weight of what we need doesn’t meet the locker requirements, which adds another layer of challenge. To keep things simple, we've tried to go as paperless as possible, but of course, there's always some snail mail that follows us—junk mail, medical bills, and other things we can’t completely escape. Fortunately, my mom in Oklahoma, who serves as our "permanent" address, is the first set of eyes on our mail, so she helps us sort through all of it!

Can I just use WiFi at campgrounds to work online?

No, definitely not! Unless you enjoy waiting forever for your email to load while banging your head on the table, campground WiFi is notoriously unreliable. We learned this lesson early on, and now we don’t rely on it at all for a stable internet connection. That’s where our ‘mega-mighty-box,’ aka Peplink, comes in.

Peplink is a game-changer for us. It's a technology company that specializes in multi-WAN VPN bonding and SD-WAN solutions, ensuring rock-solid internet connectivity. With their patented SpeedFusion technology, Peplink bonds multiple internet links—such as DSL, LTE, 5G, and even satellite—to give us high-speed, reliable internet. We use a combination of T-Mobile, AT&T SIM cards, and Starlink to keep things running smoothly.

And then there’s Starlink—our lifesaver in remote places! Developed by SpaceX, Starlink uses a massive constellation of over 6,000 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed, low-latency internet, perfect for remote or underserved areas. The setup is simple: a small, portable satellite dish that connects us to their satellite network. It’s been a blessing in areas where traditional broadband or cell signals are nonexistent. We’ve only had issues when camping in dense tree coverage or boondocking without power.

After a five-day boondocking adventure in Banff, we wised up and picked up a portable solar panel and a Jackery portable power generator. Now, we can even power Starlink when we’re off the grid!

How much do you spend for RV sites?

It definitely varies! Camping fees can fluctuate quite a bit depending on where you are and the type of camping you're doing. When people ask how much it costs to live full-time in an RV, it’s tough to give a single answer. We aim to keep our nightly fees under $60, but sometimes it just isn’t possible.

For example, in inner-city areas where security is needed due to higher crime rates, I will pay more for safety and security. We’ve also stayed at more expensive, family-friendly spots like Jellystone and KOAs for the kids, which are worth the extra cost for their amenities. We try to avoid boondocking (no electricity, water, or sewer) unless it’s our only option. Banff was a recent example—there were no sites with hookups within an hour of the national park, and with Drew needing power to work remotely, that presented a challenge.

If you’re looking for full hookups (water, electric, sewer), private campgrounds are your best bet, and you can expect to pay between $35 and $75 per night. National and state parks are more budget-friendly, often charging $20 to $30 per night, but they usually have fewer amenities. In many national parks, you’ll be dry-camping, which means no hookups at all. State parks typically have water and electric, and most have dump stations, though not all do, so planning ahead is key. It’s also worth noting that many national parks have RV length restrictions, usually limiting vehicles longer than 35 feet.

What is the WHY behind living in an RV full time?

We are embarking on a remarkable journey that beautifully combines family bonding, exploration, and personal growth. Living full-time in an RV gives us the opportunity to experience the vast beauty and diversity of the United States and Canada, from breathtaking national parks to vibrant cities. While we work on the road and homeschool our kids, we live like any normal family of five—except in 350 square feet, with a new front yard every time we stop!

Through ‘travelschooling,’ we ensure that our children are not only learning from books but also from the enriching experiences of travel. By leaving behind our home in Argyle, TX, we've chosen to prioritize adventures that will create lasting memories and shape our family’s values. Our journey is rooted in a desire to explore God's creation and share a message of love and inspiration.

Our love for hiking and exploring promises to lead us to countless educational and exhilarating moments. Ultimately, this journey is not just about seeing new places—it’s about finding deeper connections and understanding the world around us.

What do you do to make money on the road?

This was definitely the BIG question we asked ourselves before we decided to go full-time RVing. At the time, Drew was working a hybrid job—partly remote and partly on-site. We prayed about his job situation and what it would mean for our travels. Thankfully, God provided, and the timing was perfect when a fully remote job came along. Everyone at his company works remotely, and they offer amazing benefits! He usually works from 8 AM to 5 PM, but his job is flexible, so we can take advantage of family activities or travel during the day if needed.

As for me, I’ve been asked quite a few times whether I make money from our travel blog, and the answer is no. Honestly, I don’t really know how to monetize it, and in reality, I don’t have the time to invest in maintaining it the way it would need to be. The blog is more about sharing our family experiences and travels with friends and family. Back in June 2024, I stepped back from my role as a pediatric Physician Assistant in Flower Mound, TX, to focus on homeschooling the kids and embracing my role as a full-time RV wife!

What’s your favorite place that you’ve visited?

This is a tough question to answer with only listing ONE place. We have only been traveling for 4 months and truly have seen some unique and breathtaking places! I am sure this will keep changing as we explore more!

Here is what each person mentioned (primarily only considering our first 4 months of travel):

Drew: Glacier National Park in Montana
Sarah: Grand Tetons in Wyoming, Yoho National Park in British Columbia & Redwoods in California
Hawkins: Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Foster: Palo Duro Canyon in Amarillo, TX
Emmie: Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park

Why did you choose a Class A RV?

We looked at SO many different RV types, models, lengths and styles. We compared pros vs cons across all the ones we felt would fit us properly. Here is what we came up with…

Pros

Designated sleeping area for all 6 of us that did not have to be modified each day.
No carpet under the dinette – kids with carpet equals a mess!
Spacious Living area- Class A motorhomes offer the most space of any RV type, making them ideal for extended stays and families.
Luxury Amenities: Many models come equipped with high-end features like full kitchens, large bathrooms, king-sized beds, washer/dryers, and even fireplaces (ours has all of these!).
Better Road Visibility: Elevated driver’s seat and large windshield provide excellent road visibility, enhancing the driving experience.
Towing Capability: Can tow a secondary vehicle (our Bronco), making it easier to explore once you’ve set up camp.

Built-in Power and Water Systems: Often includes powerful generators, large fresh water tanks, and larger holding tanks for more off-grid time.
Smooth Ride: Due to their larger size and heavier chassis, Class A motorhomes often offer a smoother and more stable ride compared to smaller RVs.
Multiple Slide-Outs: Many models have slide-out sections, significantly increasing living space when parked. Ours is really transformed when the entire driver side slide comes out 2.5 feet!
Year-Round Use: Higher insulation and climate control systems make them suitable for all-season travel.

Cons:

High Cost: Class A motorhomes are typically the most expensive RV option, both for initial purchase and maintenance.
Fuel Consumption: They are less fuel-efficient due to their large size and weight, with average fuel mileage ranging from 6-10 mpg.
Challenging to Drive: Due to their size (up to 45 feet long), they can be intimidating and difficult to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or congested areas.
Limited Parking Options: Not all campgrounds can accommodate Class A motorhomes, limiting some travel destinations.
Expensive Upkeep: Maintenance, insurance, and storage costs are higher compared to smaller RVs.
Restricted Accessibility: Some remote areas and narrow roads are not accessible to Class A motorhomes, limiting travel flexibility.
Difficult for Quick Stops: If you need to make a quick stop for groceries or sightseeing, maneuvering a large Class A can be cumbersome compared to smaller RVs or trailers.

Are camping memberships worthwhile for a full-time RVer?

It really depends on your travel style. If you find yourselves boondocking, dry camping and staying out West a lot…then RV campground memberships may not be all that beneficial for you. However, if you think that at least 50% of the time you want to camp with hook-ups at a campground then yes, some camping memberships will really help you cut down on your expenses.

We went back and forth on Thousand Trails membership and opted out of it. But we did purchase KOA Membership and Good Sam which both offer discounts with stays.

How do you manage to keep enough food in your RV for 5 people for a week?

Well, we don’t always have enough food! Living in an RV full-time provides us with a constant struggle to keep enough food. It’s because we’re living in a tiny space but thankfully with a full fridge. Because of this, we try to do a lot of fresh food with fridge & freezer. With time and experience, I’ve learned how to play a great game of Tetris in our fridge and freezer and we’ve opened up a few more cupboards to house more of our dried goods. We do not have a pantry unless you call a single cabinet a pantry. Sometimes, we store food in random places like under the kitchen table benches, in the microwave, under beds or underneath compartments. Our extra drinks go under the driver and passenger seats.

Meal planning has also been really helpful when trying to determine which ingredients we need. Oh, and we are always working on not wasting any food. That means that yes, we eat all of our leftovers and prioritize our ripe fruit as a snack over a frozen item. That way, we eat the bananas before they are too brown and save our frozen fruit for later in the week.

I think we have our grocery run down to about every 6 days…which I think is pretty good!

How do you go on dates while living in a camper full-time with kids?

We definitely save date nights for when we're back home and have child coverage lined up. There have been a few occasions where we traveled to places where friends volunteered to watch the kids so we could go out, which was such a treat! But most of the time, we enjoy spending quality time together after the kids go to bed. It’s not the traditional date night, but it’s a special way for us to connect amidst our full-time RV lifestyle.

How does homeschooling work on the road?

As Texas residents, homeschooling is incredibly simple, as it’s one of the most ‘hands-off’ states when it comes to regulations. Parents have the freedom to educate their children as they see fit, which makes it ideal for travelschooling. Texas requires no standardized testing, reporting, or particular qualifications for parents, giving us the flexibility to shape our kids’ education.

One of the biggest challenges for many families isn’t necessarily the state laws, but how they choose to approach homeschooling. Some parents may try to replicate a traditional school day at home with strict schedules and long hours, while others (like us) prefer a more flexible approach. We’ve found success in focusing on how our children learn best—through hands-on, real-world experiences. Whether it’s completing a Junior Ranger program at a national park, learning about budgeting during grocery trips, or baking to practice math, our travelschooling approach is rich in experiences that bring lessons to life.

Travelschooling (also known as "roadschooling" or "worldschooling") is an educational approach where families use travel as a central part of their children’s learning experience. This immersive style allows families to explore different cultures, geographies, and histories firsthand, blending traditional academics with real-world, hands-on experiences. Travelschooling connects subjects like history, science, and geography directly to the locations visited, making learning more tangible and engaging.

Key Benefits of Travelschooling:

Hands-On Learning: Visiting historic sites, museums, and natural wonders allows students to interact directly with the material, making lessons more impactful.
Cultural Exposure: Children gain a global perspective, learning about different cultures, languages, and customs, enriching their worldview.
Flexibility: Travelschooling allows families to set their own pace and tailor educational experiences to fit each child's unique interests and learning styles.
Enhanced Social Skills: Kids often interact with diverse groups of people, improving communication and social skills.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Navigating new environments fosters resilience and resourcefulness, equipping children with essential life skills.

Many travelschooling families use a mix of online learning platforms, traditional homeschool curricula, and travel-based experiences to cover core subjects while using travel as a powerful supplement. Resources like virtual schooling programs, local libraries, and educational apps are popular tools. Some families prefer "slow travel" (spending extended time in one place) to allow for deeper dives into the region’s history, culture, and geography.

Travelschooling turns the world into a classroom, offering a unique opportunity for families to foster a lifelong love of learning and a deeper appreciation of global diversity.

We also use The Good and the Beautiful curriculum for our twins’ first-grade year, and it’s been a perfect fit. It offers a comprehensive education, with a strong emphasis on faith-based principles, all wrapped in an easy-to-follow format. At first, I was concerned about only spending 1-1.5 hours on lessons compared to a typical school day, but after talking to other homeschool families, I realized this is common! Our kids continue learning throughout the day through reading, fun educational apps, and, of course, all the real-world skills they’re picking up on our travels.

Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA) offers a faith-based, comprehensive 6th-grade curriculum that supports independent learning while preparing students for future grades. Core subjects include Language Arts, Math, Science, History, and a Bible course, all taught from a Christian perspective. The program incorporates interactive video lessons, hands-on activities, and engaging projects designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, in science, students explore topics like Creation, the Scientific Method, and the universe, while the Bible course teaches about biblical characters and the teachings of Jesus through creative journaling and projects.

How do you stay in touch with family and friends?

I totally understand! It can be challenging to keep up with friends and family, and I’m the first to admit that it’s not my strong suit either. My struggle with consistent communication has even carried over to my kids. For me, it's just hard to remember, and even when Drew and I were dating, we weren’t the type to stay on the phone for hours. Being only children, both of us are very independent, and communication hasn’t always been a top priority.

But we’ve vowed to do better. With FaceTime, texts, calls, and social media like Facebook, it’s easier than ever to stay connected. Technology really has come a long way, and despite the miles between us and our loved ones, it helps us feel close, no matter where we are.

What do you do about laundry on the road and where does it get stored?

Having a washer and dryer in our RV was one of my must-haves when we decided to go full-time on the road, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. I’ve spent countless hours in laundromats during previous trips, and while that wasn’t the worst thing in the world, it’s so much more convenient to be able to do laundry in our own space. I typically do a load every 1-2 days, usually at night after everyone’s settled. I’ve even found the sound of the dryer to be pretty soothing in the evenings! After each load, I fold the clothes and place them in a laundry basket designated for clean clothes, and then every 7-10 days, I organize outfits for the entire family.

For our clothing system, I clip outfits together for each person and hang them on a space-saver hanger in our small closet. We’ve maxed out our tiny single closet with about a week’s worth of outfits, but this system works perfectly to keep us organized. Each night, I’ll pull out the next day’s outfits and lay them on the couch, which helps make our mornings flow smoothly, especially with the kids. Having everything laid out and ready to go has been a huge time-saver in itself.

When it comes to storage, we’ve figured out a system that maximizes the limited space we have. The twins share a single drawer, while Hawkins, Drew, and I each have one drawer of our own. In those drawers, we roll up all the essentials—PJs, socks, underwear, and a few extra pieces like long-sleeve shirts, pants, or sweatshirts that are handy for when the weather changes. We also use space-saver compression bags under our king-size bed to store extra clothes that aren’t needed daily. These bags are a lifesaver for creating more space, and I rotate out the clothes every few weeks or dig out specific items if needed. Each of us has 1-3 bags for off-season clothes, and our winter coats, vests, hats, and other bulkier items are all stored in a larger compression bag.

Even though we have our own laundry setup, there are still times when I’ll need to use campground laundromats, especially for bigger items like rugs, comforters, and even shoes. With all of our outdoor adventures, things can get pretty messy, and those larger items just don’t fit well in our RV washer and dryer. Also, if we’re staying at a site without full hookups (which means no water, sewer, or electricity directly connected), I’ll take advantage of the onsite laundry facilities. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained many campground laundromats are, so it’s not a bad option when we need it.

In the end, having a washer and dryer in the RV has made full-time travel much more manageable. It keeps us from having to search for laundromats all the time and gives us the flexibility to keep up with laundry without it becoming a major task. For a family of five living on the road, having this small luxury makes a big difference!

What type of gas mileage do you get with your Class A Motorhome?

In short….8 MPG every time. Going 55 miles per hour or 70 miles per hour, up a mountain or down, we don’t fluctuate much between 7.5 and 8.5 MPG in our motorhome. What we spend on gas can really fluctuate depending on how often and far we travel. When we were on the west coat and Canada summer of 2024, the price varied between $5-7 a gallon!

What do the kids think about RV living?

Our kids love it! We regularly check in with them to make sure our RV lifestyle still works for them, and they seem to enjoy having both mom and dad around all the time. Even though one of us is often working, we’re always there for the big moments. While RV living with kids has its challenges, they’re usually more adaptable than we are!

Full-time RV living offers several unique benefits for families:

Stronger Family Bonds: Living in close quarters encourages more shared activities and deeper connections. We spend more meaningful time together without the usual distractions.
Experiential Learning: The world becomes their classroom. Visiting national parks, landmarks, and diverse communities brings subjects like history and science to life, enhancing homeschooling.
Adaptability and Life Skills: Constant travel teaches flexibility, problem-solving, and independence, with kids helping out in planning, maintenance, and daily tasks.
Closer Connection to Nature: We spend a lot of time outdoors, exploring, hiking, and enjoying nature, which boosts physical activity and well-being for the whole family.
Minimalism: Living in a small space teaches us to value experiences over possessions, helping our kids appreciate simplicity and focus on making memories.
Flexibility and Freedom: RV life gives us the freedom to travel wherever and whenever we want, creating spontaneous, enriching experiences that shape our family’s adventure-filled life.

How long do you think you’ll be on the road full time?

We originally planned this adventure to last just one year. We leased out our house in Argyle, Texas, for that time, feeling it was our last chance to do this before Hawkins starts 6th grade. We think he’ll thrive in public school for middle school, where he can reconnect with friends—he’s such a social guy. He also wants to focus more on golf, which has been harder to practice consistently on the road.

I also plan to return to clinic work after the year. I love being a Physician Assistant and look forward to getting back into medicine, but for now, I’m really enjoying this time with my family on the road.

Our family has grown so much closer during this journey, and while we’ll likely return to school and our home after this year, the nomadic life feels like it could be part of our future in some way. We’re always craving new adventures, so I can see us continuing to travel, even when we’re back in “real life.”

What Do You Do for Entertainment?

We take advantage of our ever-changing surroundings for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, and exploring local attractions. Additionally, we enjoy reading, playing games, getting dirty, and engaging in arts and crafts. The travel itself offers a new adventure every day, reducing the need for traditional entertainment.

How Do You Manage Space in a Small RV?

Maximizing storage and minimizing clutter are essential for full-time RV life. Many families focus on keeping only essential items and rotate seasonal clothing and gear. We store what we don’t need for the loop in our storage unit and when needed for future travel loops, will go back to Argyle for our items needed. Clever storage solutions, multi-purpose furniture, and creating defined spaces for each family member can make a small space feel more comfortable.

How Do You Plan Your Travel Routes?

LOTS and LOTS of planning! From reading blogs, consulting friends and family (and Facebook!), plotting routes and re-plotting multiple times, the process of figuring out our ‘loops’ takes many hours. We use a variety of tools to plan safe and enjoyable routes. Apps like RVLife and Roadtrippers help identify campgrounds, scenic routes, and potential road hazards (like low-clearance bridges or sharp turns). Some families prefer to travel slowly and spend weeks or months in one place, while others enjoy moving frequently. In our January-June travel, we will get to slow down, stay in one place longer and allow for more relationship-building especially for my social kiddos. We also consider weather patterns, seasonal attractions, and family-friendly destinations when planning routes.

How Do You Maintain Your RV?

RVs require regular maintenance, such as checking tire pressure, inspecting seals for leaks, and servicing mechanical components like brakes and generators. We (I mean Drew!) perform routine upkeep and learn basic RV repair skills. For more complex issues, we have used Camping World. Preventative care is crucial to avoid costly repairs and maintain the longevity of the RV. Every 3 months, Camping World does a thorough check on the RV. We have also relied SO MUCH YouTube tutorials! Living in an RV fulltime comes with lots of lessons.

What Is the Biggest Challenge of Full-Time RV Living?

The biggest challenge of full-time RV living is adjusting to limited space and maintaining a sense of balance in daily routines. With a family of five, living in 350 square feet requires organization and flexibility. Managing personal space, especially when everyone is home at once, can be tricky, and we have to be intentional about creating structure around work, schooling, and relaxation.

Another challenge is staying connected with reliable internet for work and schooling, which requires investing in technology like our Peplink system and Starlink. Additionally, dealing with unpredictable factors like weather, RV maintenance, or campground availability can disrupt plans, forcing us to be adaptable.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of family bonding, flexibility, and the freedom to explore new places make it all worthwhile!

How Do You Manage Your Schedule and Routine?

We manage our schedule and routine by focusing on flexibility while keeping a loose structure to ensure everything gets done. With work, homeschooling, and family time all happening in the same small space, we’ve had to get creative!

For Drew’s remote job, he usually works 8 AM to 5 PM, but his schedule is flexible, allowing us to adjust for family activities or travel during the day if needed. We’ve set up a small workspace in the RV for him, and when possible, he works from coffee shops or outdoors.

As for homeschooling, we follow a flexible approach with The Good and the Beautiful curriculum, usually spending 1-1.5 hours a day on lessons. Hawkins usually spends 3-4 hours with Liberty Online. We supplement this with real-world learning, like budgeting, baking, and National Park programs, which helps us integrate education into our travels.

We’ve found that maintaining a consistent routine for meals, chores, and bedtime helps create stability for the kids, but we also leave room for spontaneity and exploring new places. The key has been staying organized, prioritizing what’s most important, and being open to adjusting plans when needed!

I get the homeschooling thing, but what about socialization?

Socialization is a common concern with homeschooling, but we’ve found that our kids have plenty of opportunities to interact and build social skills on the road. In fact, they often engage with a wider range of people than they would in a traditional school setting.

During our travels, they meet other kids at campgrounds, National Parks, and through organized activities like Junior Ranger programs. They also interact with people of all ages, from fellow travelers to park rangers, and learn to adapt to new social environments.

When we stay in one place for a while, we look for local homeschooling groups, co-ops, or community events where they can connect with other children. And, of course, technology helps them stay in touch with friends and family back home through FaceTime, texts, and social media.

We’ve found that this lifestyle actually helps our kids develop strong social skills—learning to communicate with people of different backgrounds, ages, and experiences has been a huge benefit.

Where does everyone sit while traveling?

Our RV actually has 6 seatbelts: two on the couch, two at the dinette table, and of course, the driver and passenger seats. Hawkins always sits on the couch, and Drew and I are in the front. Sometimes, I shift to the back if we’re doing homeschool on the road! Emmie and Foster sit at the table with their RideSafer Vests.

During our first ‘trial run’ with a Class C RV, I noticed that the highback booster seats weren’t stable enough, which didn’t feel safe. That’s when I discovered the RideSafer Vest, which provides a great alternative to traditional booster seats. The vest is worn by the child and helps position the seatbelt correctly, offering maximum protection. When there’s no shoulder strap, like in the RV, you can attach the vest to installed anchors.

The RideSafer Vest is lightweight, compact, and easy to store when not in use—perfect for RV living. It exceeds U.S. federal motor vehicle safety standards, giving us peace of mind. Plus, it’s simple for the kids to put on themselves, which makes our setup even more convenient. It’s been a game-changer for us!

We hope you have enjoyed our Q & A! And, thanks for following our crazy ‘Rollin’ Roadshow’!

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