The Housewife’s Guide to RVing

If you’re like me, a lucky housewife (which I guess would really be an RVwife if your house is an RV)…
If you’re like me, a lucky RVwife (which really, just like housewives, RVwives do so much more)…
If you’re like me, a lucky RVwife (oh you know what I mean), then this post is for you.

The Housewife’s Guide to RVing
by Margie Lundy

1. Once the RV is parked, happily announce you’re off to “do the inside.” Inside is your domain; outside is his. I call this arrangement pink jobs and blue jobs.

2. Always look busy inside. Keep a book or nail polish close just in case. If your man walks by, just reach into a cupboard or closet.

3. Whatever he does outside sometimes takes a lot of time. Never complain or offer to help. That might hurt his feelings or worse, be really gross.

4. The outside of an RV has wires, hoses, and switches, I think, but don’t be curious and look. Your man knows what to do and likes to be needed, so think of him and stay inside.

5. Drag out a breadmaker or crockpot (both are even better). Never let your man see how these devices work. Let him continue to think they’re complicated. He’ll appreciate dinner more and it’s really about making him happy.

6. Set up a table or chairs. Better yet, recruit your children for this task. They’ll feel more useful and it’s really about making them happy too.

7. Always appear to be finished just after your man. Get out a bowl, pillow, or blanket to put away at the last second and use comments like “Aw, you just beat me!” or “Man, I almost beat you this time!” He’ll appreciate winning and also how long it takes you to do the inside.

8. Sometimes you have to go to a place called a dump station. I don’t know what happens there, but it can’t be good. Always have a very important task to do inside, such as sending an email, checking the bread, making a call, starting dinner, etc. Really, anything works here, just be sure to have it in mind and use it casually. For example, “Oh great, I’ll just go send that email while we have a few minutes” or “Since you won’t need me, I’ll just go start dinner.” Say anything, but say something, because no RVwife should have to help with that.


I hope this guide is helpful to you. This is how I’ve managed fulltime RVing with my family for three years (note: 9 years now!) without knowing what happens on the outside. And I hope to never find out!
My husband thinks I should share how he does half of my inside (pink) jobs as well, but I respectfully disagree. That’s an advanced technique I’ve developed over time that maybe I’ll share later.