If you’ve ever dreamed of living the van life or the nomadic lifestyle—but thought, “I need way more space, more storage, and definitely a bathroom that doesn’t require you to do yoga to get in and out of it” — then owning a motorhome might be your ticket to the ultimate road trip life. Specifically, let’s talk about the joys, shenanigans, and heartbreaks of traveling in a vintage (and by “vintage,” I mean ‘old enough to have witnessed the birth of Wi-Fi’) 34-foot motorhome. Yes, folks, this motorhome lifestyle is about to take family vacations to a whole new level, in the most hilarious and adventurous ways possible. Are you and your family dreaming about purchasing an RV to explore the highways of America? Don’t even consider it without these motorhome travel tips!

The “Adventure” of Owning a 34-Foot Rig

Let’s start with the obvious: buying a motorhome means you’ve embraced a new reality. Every vacation is an expedition that might involve minor repairs and a few (Thousand) expletives. You will definitely need an emergency kit that’s way larger than you thought it’d need to be.

I’ll be the first to tell you that, yes, it is incredibly beautiful to travel cross-country in a massive rolling RV with your family, your smelly pets, and your hopes and dreams of a smooth, peaceful journey. There’s something magical about pulling into a campsite surrounded by a forest of pine trees, sipping Baileys and coffee while watching an afternoon thunderstorm. Bonus: You know your bed is only five feet away in the back. It’s perfect.

…Until it’s not.

Motorhome shenanigans are just part of the charm. Like, oh, say the water pump breaking on Day 3 of your 14-day trip. It’s always at the worst possible moment, naturally, like when you’re trying to make coffee because nothing says “I’m ready for today’s adventure” like waking up to no caffeine.

Or how about the time you forgot to set the parking brake, and you’re sitting at a picturesque dump station, only to realize your motorhome is rolling away from you like a runaway train? Don’t worry, it’s totally fine.

 The family adventure dog is just running alongside, barking to let you know that your beloved 34-foot mobile home is making a break for freedom. These are the family memories you will never forget.

But wait, it gets better! Picture this: you’re finally relaxing during happy hour, drinking your crisp and cold white wine because this trip is about living your best life, and the next thing you know, you’re experiencing what can only be described as the black tank apocalypse. Yes, the entire black tank backs up, floods the RV, and you’re dealing with a situation that is, in no uncertain terms, not cute. And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, the dog runs through everything and jumps on the couch.

It’s at moments like these when you’ll wonder why you even considered trading your sensible sedan for a giant rolling home of broken dreams. But then you wake up to a sunrise like this somewhere in Montana and realize the great outdoors is your backyard for the entire summer.

The exciting and terrifying world of motorhome adventures.

Eight years ago, when we entered the exciting world of motor-homing, we had no idea what we were getting into. We had this trip to Yellowstone planned. Our family had looked into borrowing a friend’s falling-apart apart extremely vintage motorhome or possibly renting a motorhome. We decided to just purchase an older motorhome, cross our fingers and hit the highways of America! If it didn’t work out, we would sell it after the Yellowstone trip. But then we fell in love. With outdoor adventures? With this beautiful country we live in? No, with a 1999 Fleetwood motorhome named Stormy.

It started with that first RV cross-country travel vacation we had planned. I literally caused unneeded vacation stress on day one, when I booked the wrong night for the campsite in Arizona. We showed up a day early and the elderly camp host was extremely rude and grouchy to us. That was right before our elderly dog took a shit all over the parking area. (Which I cleaned up at once while apologizing profusely) Obviously, they would not let us villagers fill up on water even though I had paid for the campsite for the next night. Looking back now, as a seasoned RVer, I would not have put up with this literal horse shit. I paid for a campsite, I should have taken my 80 gallons of water, and moved on with our vacation. Thanks to Grumpy Old Camp Host Joe Biden (“Get off my dump station!”) our whole family were smelly campers in the Arizona summer heat for two whole days. During our first few days as RVer’s, we definitely were very smelly campers. But we were thrilled to be out and about on the backroads of America. Until we woke up the next morning and my boyfriend, the driver of our coach, was extremely ill. But we still decided to leave the buffalo-studded meadows and gorgeous sunsets at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and head towards Lake Powell, even though my boyfriend’s 82-year-old mother was extremely upset about being smelly like we had just come from India. (She is from Bombay, so she knows!)

As we awoke in Arizona and drove to Lake Powell to dump the tanks before camping along the shores of Lake Powell, my boyfriend just happened to have the flu from hell. He had thrown the motorhome in park and run for the restroom at the dump station. Ironically, I was standing outside trying to assess if we were in the correct spot and I noticed the motorhome was rolling backwards towards me down the hill. I screamed like a motherf***** I’m not kidding. There’s no other way to explain that feeling as a 34-ft motorhome is rolling backwards towards you with no driver in the driver’s seat. I don’t know how he pulled up his pants and squeezed his sphincter and ran from the RV restroom. He somehow put on the emergency brake. And did I almost shit myself as I saw our new vacation vehicle heading towards a watery Lake Powell grave? I’m not saying no… But here we are ten years later and our Fleetwood motorhome is still here and not in a ditch in Utah.

So that happened and then our support towing system for our Suzuki tow car came unattached somewhere in the middle of BFE Arizona, basically, the Toad went walkabout. Imagine towing a tow car (A Toad) with your 34-ft motorhome and all a sudden your tow car is no longer attached. What the actual fuck? This was all in one morning of new motorhome ownership!

Then the trifecta of the whole situation was when we finally, finally pulled into the beautiful Colorado town of Rosemead. I was driving the Toad separately due to the towing situation and the serpentine belt broke on the Toad! We lost the power steering. We had been on our way to AutoZone to buy a pin to fix the whole towing system. All of a sudden, I had no power steering. The motorhome Gods must have been looking out for us because this could have happened in the mountains near Telluride on winding mountain roads with sheer drop-offs. I could have had no cell phone reception, and possibly no life! We were so blessed to have this happen in the amazing town of Rosemead, Colorado, where I just happened to literally push the Toad into the first auto shop we came into. The mechanic offered to fix it on his lunch break!

On that first cross-country four-week road trip, we had more adventures than most people have in a lifetime of motorhome ownership! All these crazy stories don’t really have to do with us being newbie motorhome owners; Shit just happens when you travel cross-country in a vintage motorhome!

The “Before You Buy” RV Reality Check

Okay, I get it—people rent motorhomes all the time to test the waters before committing to an entire used rig. It’s a smart move, I swear. You’ll find out quickly if you have the chops to drive a 34-foot Road Beast across the country through summertime road construction, rain and hail from thunderstorms, and even snowstorms. You’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to dump your own sewage.  Check out a few of these motorhome travel tips ahead of time and trust me, you’ll thank me later when you don’t impulsively buy a motorhome after watching a few Instagram influencers turn old RVs into Pinterest-perfect mobile homes.

Motorhome travel tips, DIY  edition

Let’s talk about that, too. Everyone on Instagram seems to think they’re the next Bob Vila of motorhome restoration, throwing up cute little DIY videos of reupholstering cushions and installing solar panels. Here’s the hard truth: It’s not that easy, friends. You want Flex plumbing that won’t freeze in Montana winters? You’re gonna have to install it yourself. You want solar panels? Hope you’re handy with a power drill and I hope you are not afraid of heights. Working on the ten-foot-tall roof of a motorhome is not for one with acrophobia.

As for those smelly old dog-piss-stained carpets? You’re not living your best life if you don’t rip that out immediately. Go ahead, throw down some laminate vinyl flooring. You can thank me later when your friend’s dumb-dumb labradoodle can’t mark their territory on it.

The vintage 90’s upholstery? Don’t even get me started. You know that cushy seating your motorhome came with that looks like it’s been through a natural disaster? Yeah, that needs to go. I’m not saying take it to Mexico for reupholstery (okay, maybe I am), but seriously, it’ll be way cheaper, and you’ll end up with a fabric that makes you feel like you’re not sitting on a patchwork of Grandma’s old couch and a questionable velvet blanket from the ‘80s.

When we bought the motorhome eight years ago, we didn’t even know it had airbags when we brought it home! We had no idea that these years of motorhome shenanigans would lead us to change out both air conditioners. We had no idea that rewelding and replacing the entire tow system would be in our future. One huge motorhome travel tip: YouTube videos are your best friend! And thank God for Amazon, sending us parts so fast!

Amazing motorhome Travel tips

• Did you know that through the beauty of Amazon, you can have your Amazon deliveries sent to most campgrounds? Keep this in mind when the toilet bidet explodes or the dog chews through the screen door.

Motorhoming adventures are not for everyone. They’re definitely not for anyone over the age of sixty-five. You just never know what you will have to fix every damn day as you travel the pothole-filled backroads of America. Especially if you were in Minnesota, up near Duluth, where they have the worst roads in the entire country. Expect to change a big ass tire, or three. Motorhome tires tend to weigh between 65 and 100 pounds.

Our motorhome adventures have led us to some truly majestic and unique places. We’ve had unbelievable adventures. Like that time I walked into a dhaba in the middle of Texas in a romper that was way too short. And I ate way too much carrot curry.

In eight years, we have had enough motorhome shenanigans to last a lifetime.  And we are just getting started. But this motorhome lifestyle has taken us cross-country to Yellowstone, all over Colorado, and even to Canada, eh! And now we spend 4-6 weeks every year traveling in our oh-so-comfortable home away from home!

After eight years, we have changed the transmission fluid. We have changed the brakes. We have replaced the airbags. We have replaced the shower. We installed PEX Plumbing throughout. We installed ten 1,000-watt solar panels. We replaced the batteries. We replaced all three awnings. We installed a full-sized toilet. We have totally redone the kitchen. We basically no longer have a 1999 motorhome because we have replaced so many different parts in the last ten years. Stormy has had a definite facelift. She’s looking way better than Nancy Pelosi for one-fifth the cost of all those plastic surgeries.

Pro Tips for Surviving a Motorhome Road Trip

Now that you’ve fully embraced the chaos, let’s get into some practical motorhome travel tips for surviving the journey—without ending up as a meme.

1. Always carry extra parts: This is a must. If you’re going cross-country in your motorhome, you’d better have an entire toolbox that would make Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor proud. I’m talking tire-changing tools, high-impact torque drills for the wheels, replacement parts for that ever-annoying water pump, and anything else you might need to MacGyver your way out of a disaster. You will need them. When you are road-tripping through the middle of nowhere with no Walmart or Auto-Zone to be found for a hundred miles, you’d better hope you packed extra bungees, extra tire stems and multiple hoses for your black tank system.

2. Pack all the cleaning supplies: Not just for the inevitable black tank overflow, but for the dirt your family and pets will track in every. single. time. you. stop. A tiny travel vacuum is a must. A Swiffer mop to help keep the rig somewhat clean is essential. Pack puppy shampoo wipes because I guarantee the dog is going to smell like she needs a bath before you even cross the state border. Don’t forget the puppy fart spray! Puppy farts; They happen. Especially on road trips. Definitely pack a few Febreeze plug-ins with refills. You will get tired of that motorhome vacation smell on day three, I guarantee it.

3. Know when to stop: Yes, those 12-hour stretches across Utah sound like an adventure, but when your kids are screaming, your dog is car-sick, and you’re halfway to nowhere, it’s okay to stop for the night. Trust me. This isn’t an episode of Road Warrior. Your sanity is worth more than finishing that final stretch. One amazing motorhome travel tip is to pay for a Harvest Host membership. Pay the yearly dues, then you can stop at any winery, golf club, church or brewery around the United States or Canada and stay for free for one night. These Harvest Hosts, you can usually book the same day, also.

4. Go slow: You’re not racing across the country in a sports car. You’re driving a rolling hotel. So take it easy. Trust me, the RV will thank you with fewer mechanical issues. Also, the slower you go, the more likely you are to spot the scenic spots you’d otherwise miss. Like that guy who just hit a moose in a sports car two minutes before you came along; True story!

5. Flexibility is your best friend: Plans? Who needs them? Flexibility in your schedule is crucial. That way, when something inevitably breaks, you can just laugh it off and make a pit stop at an actual mechanic instead of attempting to fix it yourself (even though you’ve already watched four YouTube tutorials on how to fix the air conditioner unit)

How to Travel Cross-Country in a Motorhome and Still Have Fun

If you’re not scared off by now, you’ve probably realized that owning a 34-foot motorhome is a mix of beautiful moments and complete fun chaos. It’s about learning to roll with the punches (and broken water pumps) while taking in the beauty of the country and making memories with your family (and your pets).

And no, it won’t always be glamorous, but it will be worth it. Just remember—never underestimate the power of extra parts, and keep a sense of humor. After all, what’s an RV road trip without a few minor catastrophes and a whole lot of laughs? Safe travels, my fellow road warriors!

Pro Tip: If you ever see an Instagram influencer posting a cute picture with their new RV makeover, don’t forget to ask them how many times they’ve had to replace the water pump… or dump the sewage… because that’s when the real adventure begins.

Happy trails!

🚐 Motorhome Travel FAQ (Vintage RV Life & Road Trip Tips)

Is owning a motorhome worth it for travel?

Yes—but only if you’re ready for both the adventure and the chaos. Traveling in a motorhome offers incredible freedom, scenic campsites, and the comfort of having your own space on the road. However, it also comes with maintenance issues, unexpected repairs, and a learning curve—especially with older rigs.

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What should I know before buying a motorhome?

Before purchasing a motorhome, consider:

• Ongoing maintenance and repair costs
• Driving a large 30+ foot vehicle
• Learning how to manage water, power, and waste systems
• The reality of breakdowns and roadside fixes

Renting a motorhome first is highly recommended to see if the lifestyle is right for you.

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Are older (vintage) motorhomes reliable?

Vintage motorhomes can be reliable—but only if you’re prepared to maintain and upgrade them. Expect to replace or repair things like:

• Water pumps
• Air conditioning units
• Plumbing systems
• Tires and towing equipment

Owning an older RV means embracing DIY fixes and being prepared for surprises.

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What are the biggest challenges of RV travel?

Some of the most common challenges include:

• Mechanical breakdowns during trips
• Managing water and waste systems
• Driving and parking large vehicles
• Unexpected repairs in remote areas

Flexibility and a sense of humor are essential for enjoying the experience.

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What should you pack for a motorhome road trip?

Must-have items include:

• A full toolbox and spare parts, including an impact torque wrench, so you can change your tires in case of flats
• An RV jack, not a regular passenger car jack
• Cleaning supplies (trust me on this)
• Extra hoses and tank equipment
• Portable vacuum and wipes
• Emergency repair items

Being overprepared is better than being stranded without supplies.

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How do you handle repairs while traveling in an RV?

Most RV owners rely on a mix of:

• DIY fixes (YouTube is your best friend)
• Ordering parts online (Amazon delivers to many campgrounds)
• Local mechanics for major repairs, but these can be hard to find in rural ares for oversized vehicles

Expect to troubleshoot issues regularly, especially on long road trips.

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Is RV travel good for families?

Yes—motorhome travel can be an amazing family experience. It allows for:

• Flexible travel schedules
• Unique outdoor experiences
• Quality time together

Just be prepared for occasional chaos (and very memorable stories).

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How far should you drive in a motorhome each day?

It’s best to avoid long 10–12-hour driving days. Plan on driving less than 6 hours a day. Slower travel allows you to:

• Reduce stress
• Avoid fatigue
• Enjoy scenic stops

Taking your time is part of the motorhome lifestyle.

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What are the best tips for first-time RV travelers?

• Go slow—this is not a race
• Plan loosely and stay flexible
• Expect things to break (they will)
• Stop early when needed
• Stay somewhere safe and convenient

And most importantly: keep your sense of humor.

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Is the motorhome lifestyle right for everyone?

No—motorhome travel isn’t for everyone. It requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to deal with daily challenges. But for those who embrace it, it offers unforgettable adventures and access to incredible places.

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What are the benefits of traveling in a motorhome?

• You always have your own bed and kitchen
• You can stay in beautiful, remote locations
• Travel becomes more flexible and spontaneous
• You experience the journey—not just the destination

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Can you receive packages while traveling in an RV?

Yes! Many campgrounds allow deliveries, making it easy to receive parts, supplies, or anything you forgot to pack.