Editor’s Note: This article is inspired by insights from RVLifestyle.com’s Mike Wendlend. He shares practical New Year’s resolutions for a successful RV journey.
Every January, social media is flooded with RV enthusiasts declaring their goals: “Explore more! Adventure is calling! Embrace life fully!”
Sure, that’s inspiring. But not exactly practical.
After 15 years of living on the road and engaging with countless RVers through my podcast and community, I’ve learned that the resolutions that truly matter aren’t about capturing perfect sunset photos. They focus on the essential, often overlooked aspects that distinguish thriving RVers from those who give up within a year and a half.
Here are the resolutions seasoned RVers wish they’d embraced from the start, and why 2026 could be the year you finally stick to them.
Commitment 1: Monthly Tire Pressure Checks
Yes, it sounds mundane. But here’s the truth: tire failures are the leading cause of RV breakdowns, and they’re almost always avoidable.
Linda from Oregon shared her experience on I-90 in Montana. “We were six months into RV life, enjoying every moment. Then a tire blew at 65 mph. The damage was extensive: it wrecked the fender, damaged the battery compartment, and cracked the frame. $8,000 in repairs because I assumed ‘it looks fine’ was sufficient.”
The resolution that works: Invest in a reliable tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and use it diligently. Set a monthly reminder. Check pressures when tires are cold and record the readings.
Is it thrilling? No. But it could save you thousands and possibly your life.
Commitment 2: Track Spending for Three Months
Many new RVers are unaware of their actual expenses. They have an optimistic budget in mind (often underestimated) or hope for the best.
Here’s the truth: Over time, I’ve seen RVers gain clarity about their finances. Those who tracked their spending knew exactly where their money went. Those who didn’t? They faced stress, surprises, and sometimes had to cut their adventures short, abandoning RV life altogether.
Mark and Susan from Texas began their full-time RV journey in 2024. They shared their experience with us around a campfire in Tennessee last summer: “We thought we could manage on $3,000 a month. After tracking for 90 days, we realized it was actually $4,800. That’s a significant difference. But knowing the reality allowed us to make informed choices instead of constantly worrying.”
The resolution that works: Use an app, spreadsheet, or notebook. Track every expense for three months. Every campground fee, fuel purchase, grocery trip, and those “quick stops” at Walmart that end up costing $200.
After three months, you’ll understand your true spending habits. Then you can decide where to cut back, where to indulge, and whether your RV lifestyle is sustainable.
