I’ve been getting a lot of messages from lots of different people asking for more details about living full time in an RV and the workamper lifestyle so I decided to write about it.
Just a year ago, we were living a traditional life — sticks and bricks house, 2 cars, small business owners, same old weekly routine, and all the expectations that came with it. But after facing (and beating) a life-changing stage 3 cancer diagnosis, we decided it was time to start really living. It all started on an early morning in May 2024. I was in the kitchen making carrot juice and Keith walked up behind me and said “if you could be doing anything, what would it be?” Without hesitation I turned to him and said “not this”!!
And that’s how it all started - in that moment our life as we knew it was about to change forever. So, as most of you know, we sold our house, our business and nearly everything we had, bought a new truck and an RV, and hit the road to explore God’s creation, finding workamping jobs along the way that allow us to live simply, intentionally, and joyfully.
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| Buckskin Mountain State Park - AZ |
So, for those of you who have been watching us, if you’re feeling the nudge to pursue a life of freedom, travel, and purpose, here’s how to get started on your own full-time RV and workamping journey.
1. Start with Your “Why”
This part I’m stealing from our nephew Nolan: Know Your Why! He was such a wise kid! He lived by these 3 simple words - I sure do miss him 🕊️🫶🏼❤️….I think he would approve of this lifestyle.
Before diving into the logistics, ask yourself: Why do I want to live on the road? Whether it’s to see the country, simplify life, heal emotionally or spiritually, or gain more flexibility, having a clear purpose will keep you grounded when things get tough (and they will get tough at times). For us, our “why” was healing and fully embracing life after cancer. Yours might be adventure, freedom, or a spiritual reset.
2. Choose the Right RV for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some people thrive in a small van or a truck camper setup; others need a fifth wheel or motorhome with a bit more space.
Ask yourself:
• Do I want to move often or stay parked for months?
• Will I work inside the RV?
• Am I traveling alone, with a partner, or with pets?
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| Brooklyn has adjusted well to life on the road! |
We chose a 32’ travel trailer that gave us enough room to feel at home but was still nimble enough to tow. We have opposing slide outs in our kitchen/living room area which makes the space feel like a small apartment. Take your time researching, tour different brands and models. The perfect rig for you is out there!
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| We chose the Grand Design Image 2670 MK And a Chevy Silverado 2500 as our tow vehicle |
What ever rig you decide on you will absolutely want to make sure your tow vehicle has the appropriate GVWR to safely move you and your rig from place to place!! 3. Downsize and Prepare to Simplify |
Living full-time in an RV means radically simplifying your life — and it’s liberating. We sold furniture, donated clothing, and kept only the essentials. Everything you own needs to have a purpose and a place - and that feels great! No room for clutter or unnecessary junk.
Start with:
• Digitizing documents
• Choosing multipurpose kitchen tools
• Minimizing clothing to what you actually wear…sorry ladies, you’ll have to cut back on shoes and handbags 😂
• Let go of “just in case” items…..let’s face it - you probably haven’t used it yet and probably never will 🤷🏼♀️
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| “Everything must go” garage sale |
4. Learn the Basics of RV Life
Before hitting the road, take some time to learn:
• How to dump your tanks
• Towing and parking your rig
• Electrical and water hookups
• Basic maintenance and safety checks, etc.
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| Stopped to dump our tanks after 7 days of boondocking |
There is so much to learn but there are tons of YouTube videos to help you! You’ll also have to decide if you want to boondock, if so you’ll need to look into adding solar to your rig so you can live off grid for a period of time, but that’s not needed right away, you can add that later - we did!
Once you purchase your rig take a test run or “shake down” trip as it’s called - go to a nearby campground for a couple of nights. This can give you confidence and reveal things you didn’t think of. Just don’t do what we did - don’t take your shake down trip in the blazing heat like we did - August in Las Vegas 🥵😂
5. Find Workamping Jobs
Workamping is simply working while camping — typically jobs at campgrounds, national parks, farms, or resorts in exchange for a free RV site and lots of those jobs come with pay….and often a bonus too!!
Great places to find workamping jobs:
• Delaware North (they run the Yellowstone gift shops)
• Facebook groups like “Workamping Jobs with Wages”, “Work/Camp Jobs” or “Workampers”
There are so many resources when it comes to workamp jobs…..and the jobs are plentiful! We chose the Jackson WY area as our first choice but we had 2 other offers, WA state at the base of Mount St. Helen and Silverton Lake, CO. All 3 incredible opportunities - we definitely made the right choice tho! The place we are working and the people we work for are amazing❣️ Our next gig will have a tough time measuring up to this place.
6. Budgeting for Life on the Road
Living in an RV can be more affordable than traditional living, but it’s not free. Costs include:
• Campground fees (many jobs offset this)- our site in WY is completely free but that’s not always the case. Some workamp jobs highly discount your site but will require a monthly “rent”, this varies from job to job. The rent is usually paid by hours worked. There will be also be occasional campground stays when you travel from job to job. Boondocking can help offset these “in between job”campground fees that you will run into as you travel.
• Fuel (budget more for long travel days)
• RV maintenance
• Insurance and registration
• Groceries, phone/data plans, and most important- adventures!
Create a flexible monthly budget and keep some emergency funds for unexpected repairs.
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| We learn as we go! |
7. Embrace the Mindset Shift
Living full-time in an RV isn’t just a change in location — it’s a change in mindset. You’ll experience things breaking, plans shifting, weather challenges, and campground quirks. But you’ll also witness sunrises over mountain lakes, strangers becoming friends, and a deeper connection to nature and simplicity.
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| Layla is loving the outdoor experiences! |
For us, it’s been a spiritual journey — trading stress and fear for peace and wonder. Every morning our epic Teton Mountain view reminds me that #ICouldHaveMissedThis❣️. This is the life we almost missed.
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| My rock and biggest supporter❣️ |
Final Thoughts:
If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to start your RV journey, let me gently say — it doesn’t exist. Life is short. Start small if you have to, but just start. Whether you want to travel for a year or make this your forever lifestyle, there’s room for your story on the road.
And remember: no matter where you park your RV, the best views often come when you follow your heart and trust the One who made the path.
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| Mountain top cross at Parker Strip - signs are everywhere |
Happy trails - we hope to see you on the road one day 🫶🏼✌🏼
I’ll close with a verse that God has been putting on my heart.
Mark 16:15 (NKJV)
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Until next time…..keep joy in your mind and in your heart❣️
Much love and many blessings,
Ali 🩷
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