“You want it all, but do you really need it?

Remember that Queen song “I Want It All”—and yes, the Dr. Pepper commercial that stuck in your head for days? If you’re a fellow Gen-Xer, it’s probably playing in your head right now. You’re welcome.

That same feeling kicks in the moment you buy your first RV. You’re excited, inspired, and just a few YouTube videos away from wanting every upgrade known to the RV universe:

• Lithium batteries

• Solar setups

• Inverters

• Wi-Fi gear

• Recliners and upgraded furniture

• Suspension kits

• Water filtration systems

• Campsite gadgets galore

But here’s the question: Do you actually need it all? It Depends on How YOU Camp

The truth is, every upgrade depends on your camping style. Here's a quick rundown:

• Want to drink clean water straight from the spigot?  You'll need a solid water filtration system.

• Planning to climb mountains or haul heavy loads?  Upgrade your braking system.

• Going off-grid or boondocking regularly?  Solar, lithium, and an inverter will be your best friends.

• Craving that cozy, homelike feel?  Swap out that RV furniture.

• Just love tinkering?  Knock yourself out—make that rig yours!

Every one of these upgrades can enhance your RV experience, but they all cost time, money, and energy. And that’s where the “want it all” trap gets tricky.

Take It Easy – Yes, Like the Song

One word (or phrase) of advice—straight from the legends of the '70s: “Take It Easy.”

It’s tempting to dive headfirst into a sea of mods, but slow your roll. Here’s a better approach:

1. Make a plan – Outline what’s important to you based on how and where you travel.

2. Set a timeline – Not everything has to happen before your next trip.

3. Create a budget – Seriously. These upgrades aren’t cheap, and resale rarely returns what you put in.

RVing Is Personal—So Upgrade With Purpose

After years on the road and camping from coast to coast, we’ve seen every kind of RVer:

• The minimalist with a mattress and a toolbox

• The tech-lover with Starlink and smart everything

• The glampers with custom lighting, wine coolers, and smart toilets

  
  

Guess what? They’re all doing it right—because they’re doing it their way. So don’t fall for the hype, the influencers, or the flashy new releases being marketed out of big corporate buildings in Indiana. Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s needed. Research. Prioritize. Upgrade only what truly improves your experience—not what racks up the most likes. And whatever you save? Use it for adventures, memories, or the next chapter of your journey.

We’ll be sharing the upgrades we’ve done in future posts—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what we wish we’d skipped. Until then… Camp on, friends. Take it easy. And remember: you don’t need it all to have it all.