Thomas Haug: A Jayco Family of Companies Pathfinder Embracing the RV Lifestyle

For Thomas and Caitlin Haug, the road isn’t just a path to new destinations—it’s home. Along with their daughters, Serafina and Sorley, and their beloved dog, Cipriani, the Haugs have embraced full-time RV living in their 2024 Jayco Eagle Travel Trailer 312BHOK. What started as a solution to a long and exhausting co-parenting commute has evolved into a lifestyle filled with adventure, simplicity, and unforgettable memories.

A Lifestyle Born from Necessity and a Love for Adventure

Before transitioning to full-time RV living, the Haugs spent three years making a demanding 66-mile journey—sometimes up to eight times a week—to co-parent their daughters. The travel time, often ranging from one to two and a half hours each way, was taxing. Relying on restaurants, libraries, and the homes of friends and family to create meaningful experiences for their girls was exhausting.

While they once lived in a traditional home filled with “things,” their decision to move into an RV wasn’t about sacrificing comfort—it was about prioritizing experiences over possessions. Though they still have a family vacation home in South Florida and a storage unit, their RV has become their true home, offering both stability and the freedom to travel.

With spring on the horizon, they’re eager to make the beaches of Long Island their home base while taking trips to some of their favorite Northeast destinations, including Yogi Bear resorts, Lake George, Hershey Park, the Poconos, and the North Fork of Long Island.

Their goal? To create lasting memories, expose their daughters to new experiences, and foster friendships along the way—all while carrying the comforts of home wherever they go.

Balancing Planning with Spontaneity

When it comes to travel, Thomas and Cait bring complementary styles to the table. Thomas is the meticulous planner, while Cait prefers to go with the flow. Their compromise? A paper calendar to keep track of their many moving parts while leaving room for spontaneity.

Currently, with their daughters in school, they stay in one place for extended periods. However, they’ve secured a beachfront seasonal site for the summer and have mapped out weekend and week-long trips to keep their sense of adventure alive.

For them, the beauty of RV life lies in its flexibility—whether you’re a full-time traveler or a “weekend warrior,” the ability to hit the road with all the comforts of home is an experience like no other.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Future RVers

If there’s one thing the Haugs wish they had known sooner, it’s how truly freeing this lifestyle is. Their advice to those thinking about RVing?

• Choose what works best for your family’s needs and lifestyle.
• Spend time in the RV you’re considering and envision it filled with your essentials.
• Consider climate, travel destinations, and storage space.
• Learn from other RVers in the regions you plan to visit.
• Build a relationship with your RV manufacturer—they’re the best resource for understanding your rig.

Ultimately, for the Haugs, one word sums up the full-time RV experience: Freedom. Freedom to explore, to spend time together as a family, and to create a life filled with adventure.

Follow their journey and see where the road takes them next!

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