Unfortunately, while living full-time in an RV can be a great experience, it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. On the positive side, you get to go where you want, when you want, and for how long you want, with the comforts of home by your side. But … there are also downsides to the lifestyle that you need to thoroughly evaluate before you decide to leave a traditional lifestyle and commit to living in your RV for good. To help, here are the best and worst things about living full-time in an RV.
First, What’s Full-Time RV Living?
Full-time RV living means residing in your recreational vehicle year-round, including the winter months. One option is to travel from place to place every few days or so while living full-time in your RV. Another option is to rent a camping site (often at a year-round RV park) park your rig, and stay there as long as you like. Also, some full-timers put down roots in one spot and treat the RV like a permanent home. Others remain stationary on one site for days or weeks before moving on to a new place. They also may stay in one spot for part of the year and then travel somewhere with more hospitable weather during the cold winters or hot summers. During the first year of full-time RV living, you’ll likely discover what works best for the lifestyle you want to have.
What’s It Really Like Living in an RV Full-Time?
Put simply, it depends on your goals. If you have the money, energy, and ambition to hit the open road to travel to new places, it can be super fun. Think about traveling in your RV and waking up to gorgeous ocean views, stunning snow-capped mountains, and starry night skies as you wish and on repeat. Not only can you constantly enjoy beautiful scenery, but you can also adopt a simpler way of life with fewer possessions, which can be liberating.
However, if you have a super-tight budget, you may not be able to indulge as much as you would like in fun side of full-time RV living, such as exploring new locations. The lifestyle can bring lots of uncertainty. First, you might have to stay in a hotel if your rig develops a mechanical issue and has to go in for repairs. Also, you won’t always be sure where to park your camper next, where to find RV-accessible gas stations, or what weather you might encounter ahead.
Best Things About Living Full-Time in an RV
To help you understand what the upsides of living full-time in an RV are, here are some of the advantages.
1.Tremendous Freedom
One of the biggest benefits of living full-time in an RV is the freedom, mobility, and flexibility it affords you. You get to set the pace of everything without being tied to a particular location. It’s totally up to you to decide every detail, from what time to get up, which direction to go, where to stop, which activities to partake in, and when to leave.
2. No Rent Or Mortgage
Rent and mortgage are often the biggest expenses in life. And they’re a recurring cost that’s hard to reduce once you have signed on the dotted line. Why not cut yourself loose and choose a more affordable lifestyle? A travel trailer is like your own tiny house on wheels and can cost less than one year of rent in most cities across the country. In fact, there are trailers and fifth wheels that are even larger and nicer than some apartments.
3. RVs Are Easier To Maintain Than Homes
A traditional home comes with a wide range of routine maintenance tasks to do at any given time. From mowing the lawn to cleaning the gutters — and also all of the typical indoor upkeep tasks. In an RV, there is less work to do due to the smaller size. Plus, they sit in a small space at the campsite, so you don’t have to worry about landscaping.
4. Better Control of Your Budget
Living full-time in an RV gives you better control of your finances compared to residing in a brick-and-mortar home. You’ll have fewer monthly bills to pay, and you can save money by staying at free campgrounds or boondocking spots.
5. Unlimited Adventure and Experiences
Another of the best things about full-time RV living is that you’ll get to visit new places, try new experiences, and marvel at different cultures. In fact, road trips are one of the most intimate ways to witness the country in its rawest and purest form. Your best chance to appreciate national parks and state parks.
6. RVing Puts You Closer to the Healing Powers of Nature
A majority of campgrounds are located in natural settings, whether near rivers, forests, mountains, prairies, coastlines, or deserts. Staying in such environments constantly, plus engaging in outdoor activities, will allow you to harvest the restorative benefits of nature. This helps lower stress levels, improve mood, keep weight in check, and get better sleep.
7. It’s an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Leaving a minimal footprint is one of the advantages of permanent RV living. Staying in a camper means you’ll conserve and use less power, water, and propane than the average household, which is good for the environment and your wallet. Also, you’ll buy and own fewer items, which means fewer nonrenewable resources are used up in their production.
8. .Stronger Family Bonds
One more benefit of living in an RV permanently is that you get to spend more time with your partner and kids. Interacting with your loved ones and relying on each other in all aspects, from preparing meals to planning activities, is a great way to nurture relationships and build positive memories.
9. You’ll Make New Friends
When your life revolves around one area, it’s hard to meet new people. The beauty of full-time RVing is that you get to meet a like-minded community of traveling enthusiasts at the RV park or people with whom you share the same hobbies during outdoor activities. And it is easier to make friends with people you have a lot in common with. In fact, many long-term RV parks offer an awesome sense of community that many neighborhoods don’t have.
10. It Gets You Out of Your Comfort Zone
Sure, ditching the life and job you’ve always been used to can be tough. But breaking that monotony can also open up new opportunities. If you’re feeling stuck in your current job, you can easily relocate to a different city and revive your career. RV living offers that flexibility without spending tons of money. Plus, switching jobs when more rewarding roles come up is easier due to the flexibility RV living offers.
11. You Can Still Make Money
Many people imagine that full-time RVing means quitting a job and taking on low-paying temporary gigs. The reality is you can still be successful in your career when residing in your RV. Lots of employers are now allowing their personnel to work from home. There are also plenty of well-paying remote jobs and part-time roles you can explore in your industry.
12. Personal Growth
RVing full-time allows you to permanently pull the plug on the daily grind and focus on more fulfilling things. With more time on your hands, you can do what you have always wanted to do, such as developing your long-forgotten talent, learning a new skill, taking up a hobby, volunteering, meditating, or reading a book.
13. Working with a View
If you have ever longed for an office with a view, full-time RV living will deliver just that. To get your creativity following, you can find a place to park your mobile office at the edge of a gorgeous lake, at the foothills of a snow-capped mountain, or right on a pristine beach.
14. You Can Have 365 Days of Summer
Unlike a traditional home, residing in an RV gives you the luxury of choosing the climate you want to live in each season. If you prefer to follow the sun, moving your wheeled home won’t be a problem. Of course, this nomadic lifestyle means you can chase what you love, be it sunny weather all year long, snow, or fall colors.
15. It Can Be a Nice Way to Enjoy Retirement
Those retiring have a lot to gain by embracing the full-time RV lifestyle. You can rent out or sell your home and buy an RV to travel around the country. You can also put down roots at a 55+ RV park and be part of a close-knit community. Many of these parks have great amenities, such as pools, sports courts, cookouts, community gatherings, classes, and more.
16. You’ll Embrace a Simpler Life
When it comes to square feet, RVs are much smaller than traditional homes. This limits how many possessions you can bring with you and how much stuff you can accumulate. This eventually gives you the discipline to only own stuff that’s essential. And you’ll save a lot of money when you aren’t buying items you don’t really need. Organizing your wheeled home will also be easier.
17. You Still Have the Comforts of Home
Dwelling in an RV full-time doesn’t mean forgoing comforts. Even if you learn to live with less, you will still have the main comforts and amenities of home, including a real bed, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. If you opt for a higher-end rig, you’ll have more conveniences like satellite Internet, Satellite/cable TV, multiple screens, sound systems, a fireplace, a washer and dryer, and a gaming console.
18. RVing Teaches You to Fix Things
Even if you have the money to pay a mechanic for every small issue that crops up, RVing full-time will eventually teach you to tackle problems on your own. When stuck in a remote area, you’ll be glad you have some DIY skills. Many full-time RVers use online resources to troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix issues, eventually becoming amateur mechanics.
19. You’ll Get to Celebrate Small Wins
There are plenty of small perks that also come with RVing full-time. Suddenly, you’ll become a more interesting person as everyone will be eager to hear the details of your unique lifestyle. No more forgetting your wallet or phone at home since you’ll be bringing your house with you everywhere. And did I mention cooking more healthy meals? Also, fewer possessions and a smaller space reduce the likelihood of a pest problem.
Worst Things About Living Full-Time in an RV
Just as there are things to enjoy about living in an RV, there are also drawbacks. Here are some of them.
20. Lack of Privacy
One of the major cons of RV life is the lack of privacy in most RV parks. The walls of your camper are thin, and you can easily pick up noise, whether from people chatting, music, or traffic. Privacy inside the RV is a problem too, and it’s hard to find your own personal space when living with a big family.
21. Limited Storage Space
One of the major drawbacks of dwelling in an RV permanently is that you won’t have enough storage to bring all the belongings you love. Even with a large camper, you’ll still have to pack a limited amount of stuff. You may have to sell or donate most of your items if you don’t have a brick-and-stick home or storage unit where you can keep them.
22. Internet and Cell Service isn’t Reliable
Living on a camper full-time means there are times when you will not have reliable service. That can be a major headache if you need to fulfill your remote work duties, communicate with loved ones, track the weather, or get important news updates.
23. Managing Waste Water Tanks Can Be Messy
Another of the worst things about living full-time in an RV is that managing your gray and black tank can be a dirty job. You’ll have to frequently monitor, dump, clean, and flush them to prevent awful smells and nasty disasters in your rig’s interior. Freshwater tanks also need to be sanitized often, or your drinking water will develop a foul taste or odor.
24. Booking Campgrounds Can Be Tedious
If you’ll be moving frequently from one location to the next, you’ll quickly realize how tedious it can be to book campgrounds. With so many people taking up RVing, there’s limited space in RV parks, so you need to plan everything months in advance. Planning will be a constant chore since many places don’t accept random visits.
25. Travel Days are Stressful
When you are ready to move from one campground to another, you’ll need to do a tremendous amount of preparation. You need to know which routes to use, bridges to avoid, and unique laws to observe. Breaking camp and packing up everything will also take time and require you to be organized, so you will need a detailed checklist.
26. Limited Job Opportunities
While there are seasonal gigs and remote work opportunities to explore, it can be tough to find and hold on to a traditional job role if you’re frequently on the move. If your skill set doesn’t apply to remote work, you may be forced to change careers. This can be a setback, as you may have to start from the bottom of the ladder. Also, future employers might question your commitment if you are constantly changing jobs.
27. You Still Need to Budget
It’s easy to think that once you buy an RV, you’re done with the huge expenses. But the truth of the matter is that there are many costs associated with full-time RV living, such as repairs, campground fees, insurance, fuel, activities, and food. Put together, these expenses can make the monthly bill skyrocket.
28. Finding Local Services isn’t Easy
When you’re moving frequently, you won’t know where to find the best services. Like a reliable RV technician, a quality healthcare provider, a great vet, a store with amazing prices, a favorite restaurant, or even where to find basics like laundry and gas. And when staying in a remote area, some services may be non-existent or too far away.
29. Frequent Grocery Trips
Many RVs don’t have large refrigerators to store perishable food. The limited fridge space means you can’t stock food, forcing you to make constant trips to the grocery store. This can add to the cost of full-timing as buying items in bulk is often more affordable compared to buying small quantities.
30. Ordering Stuff Online isn’t Straightforward
Another of the less-known cons of full-time RV living is buying items online can be tricky. When you’re constantly moving, it can be tough to have something delivered to you. That may mean having to stay in one place longer or having the item delivered to where you’re going and hoping you’ll be there on time.
31. Winters Can Be Rough
Depending on where you live, winters can be pretty brutal. First, many campgrounds close in the cold months, leaving you with fewer options. The few that are open may be crowded. To survive the harsh temps, you’ll either need a rig with a climate package, spend a lot on propane for heating, or drive south to states that experience pleasant weather year-round.
32. Burn Out
Many full-timers make the mistake of taking on too much. Yet, trying to see it all and do it all right away eventually leads to travel burnout. You may eventually miss the bigger picture and discover that you’re not actually taking time to enjoy the things that truly matter. Like sitting back to have quality time with your family and slowing down to know each area well before you move on.
33. Constant Maintenance
When living full-time in your RV, your safety depends on the rig’s structural integrity. Unlike a traditional homeowner, you can’t let some repair slide. Maintenance is an ongoing venture due to the daily wear and tear. That’s not much of a problem until the point you’ll need some complex repair work that will take days at the RV shop, which means you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay.
34. You’ll Have to Upgrade Your Camper After a Few Years
Unfortunately, many private RV parks have a rule against allowing older rigs. Generally, parks with these restrictions only welcome relatively new RVs or those under 10 years old. If you bought a used rig that’s already five or so years old, you might need a newer camper after a few years. RV parks also discriminate based on the RV’s condition, so you need to take good care of its appearance.
35. It Can Get Lonely
Our final con of RV life is that you’ll meet lots of people, but you may not get to spend enough time with them if you don’t stay in one place very long. The constant movement will make it hard to form close friendships or support networks. This can be tough when you need help or a listening ear.
Full-Time RV Living Has Its Pros and Cons
Residing in an RV year-round can be a gateway to fantastic memories, stronger family connections, and a fulfilling life. However, the lifestyle has its shortcomings too. Failure to plan adequately can expose you to unexpected bills, harsh weather, feelings of loneliness, and conflict with your loved ones due to the confined space. To extend the periods of bliss and lower the periods of misery when RVing year-round, go through our blog to get the best RV living tips.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about living full-time in an RV.
Where Can I Live In An RV Full-Time?
The best place to dwell in an RV is in RV parks that allow full-time living. Generally, they have all the basic amenities you need, such as full hookups, restrooms, and a general store, plus conveniences such as pools, sports courts, and planned activities. If you travel often, look for parks that allow monthly and seasonal stays.
Can You Live in an RV on Your Own Land?
Yes, you can park and live in an RV on your own land, as long as you’re in the right location. Not all jurisdictions allow people to stay in an RV permanently, so you’ll need to do some research to find out which state, city, and locality has relaxed zoning laws. States like Texas, South Dakota, Florida, Colorado, and Nevada are accommodative to full-time RVers and tiny house owners.
What’s the Best RV Type for Full-Time Living?
If you want the space, amenities, and feel of a traditional house, a large travel trailer, fifth wheel, destination trailer, or Class A with multiple slide-outs can be a great choice. Class C RVs are perfect for small families, while solo travelers may prefer the mobility of camper vans.
What’s the Cost of Living in an RV Full Time?
Generally, you can expect to spend as low as $1,500 and as high as $5,000 per month when dwelling in an RV full-time. But your mileage may vary. How much you spend really depends on how often you hit the road (gas and maintenance), the campground you reside in, your hobbies, your RV’s age (insurance and repairs) what you eat, and your appetite for luxury experiences.
More From RV Top Tips
Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.
The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
- Cynthia Measomhttps://rvtoptips.com/author/admin_rvtoptips/
