Full time RV living is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for people looking to travel and see the country. RV living allows you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want, when you want. However, transitioning to full time RV living also comes with its challenges. This blog post will provide some tips for full time RV living to help you thrive in your full time RV living journey.
Key Takeaways
- Research RVs thoroughly to find the right model for your needs
- Practice driving, backing up, parking in tight spaces before hitting the road
- Downsize and declutter your belongings before moving into the RV
- Create a budget and stick to it
- Invest in quality RV appliances and accessories
- Find ways to earn money remotely or on the road
- Plan your route and destinations ahead of time
- Maintain the RV properly and address issues immediately
- Meet fellow RVers and build a community
Choose the Right RV
Choosing the right RV for full time living is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Take your time researching different RV types, brands, models, and floorplans to find one that truly fits your needs.
Consider the size of RV you can comfortably drive and park. Class A and Class C motorhomes provide spacious living quarters, while towable RVs like fifth wheels and travel trailers offer more flexibility. Make sure to evaluate your tow vehicle’s capacity if you plan to tow.
Take into account the number of slide outs, storage capacity, tank sizes, driving range, and other features. Test drive RVs you’re interested in to get a feel for the driving and handling. Thoroughly inspect the RV for any defects or signs of wear. Buying used can save money but may require more maintenance.
Opt for a high quality RV from a reputable brand that will hold up well over time. Brands known for reliability include Winnebago, Tiffin, Entegra, Newmar, Jayco, Grand Design, Airstream and more. Consult RV reviews and ratings to compare different models.
Practice Driving, Parking, and Backing Up
One of the biggest adjustments with RV living is learning how to confidently drive and maneuver a large vehicle. Take time to practice driving the RV before embarking on your trip. Get a feel for the acceleration, braking, and turning radius. Drive on different road types like highways, small streets, and winding roads.
Practice backing up and parking in open spaces so you can learn how the RV handles. Have someone help guide you until you get more comfortable. Use backup cameras and aids like rearview mirrors. Rehearse parking in tight spaces and gas stations to build experience. Locate large parking lots to practice in.
Some motorhomes can be over 40 feet long, so they handle very differently than a car. But with enough practice and experience under your belt, you’ll become much more at ease driving your home on wheels. Take your time, go slow, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Downsize and Declutter
One of the biggest mental shifts you’ll make when transitioning to RV living is downsizing your possessions. RVs have much more limited storage than a standard house or apartment. Carefully evaluate all your belongings and furniture to determine what you can and can’t bring with you. This decluttering process can be difficult but also liberating.
Have a garage sale, donate, or sell items you don’t need. Choose multifunctional and space-saving furniture. Strategically pack only essentials you use regularly. Digitize books, photos, documents and media when possible. Let go of clothing and shoes you rarely wear. Avoid stocking up on too many canned goods or other bulky items.
Creative storage solutions help maximize every inch. Use bins, baskets, and organizers to hold items. Install shelving for display. Hang storage hammocks and nets for light items. Take advantage of outside storage in compartments. Only keep what you truly need and value. Minimalism makes RV living much easier.
Create a Realistic Budget
Financially planning for full time RV living is essential. Develop a monthly budget that covers all your expenses including RV payments, insurance, maintenance, gas, camping fees, food, entertainment, pet costs and more. Reevaluate your budget often and adjust as needed.
Many full time RVers aim to keep expenses under $2,000 per month. Frugality allows you to travel longer. Cook meals from your RV kitchen rather than eating out. Scope out free activities and attractions in each destination. Boondocking or staying in harvest host sites saves on camping fees. Consider RV membership parks for discounts.
Earning money remotely through a mobile-friendly job or business allows more financial freedom. Some common remote work options include freelance writing, web development, virtual assisting, Amazon FBA and dropshipping. Alternatively, you can pick up odd jobs or part time work on the road.
Budgeting appropriately will help you thrive with full time RV living. Continuously monitor your spending and stick to your financial plan. Enjoy this new lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Invest in Quality RV Appliances and Accessories
Since RVs come equipped with built-in appliances and fixtures, investing in quality components upfront ensures better performance on the road. Luxury motorhomes typically come well appointed, while budget RVs often have standard appliances susceptible to breakdowns.
Research and select top rated RV appliances like refrigerators, cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, washers/dryers, air conditioners and furnaces. Choose sturdy, lightweight options designed for RV use. Install surge protectors, filters, and covers to protect components.
Carry critical repair parts and tools like hoses, valves, fuses, sealants, and fittings. Useful accessories include leveling blocks, tire pressure monitors, tire covers, and tread wear gauges. Safety items like smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are essential.
Personalize your RV’s interior with your own bedding, mats, organizers, shower curtains, and décor. A comfortable, homey interior environment makes RVing more enjoyable. Invest in quality now to avoid headaches and repairs down the road.
Find Ways to Earn Money Remotely or On the Road
Living on the road full time often means forgoing a traditional job. So it becomes necessary to find alternative ways to earn money remotely or on the road. This financial freedom is key to sustaining the RV lifestyle long term.
Some popular remote jobs include social media manager, virtual assistant, freelance writer, graphic designer, web developer, online teacher and customer service rep. Look into freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Leverage your skills and experience.
Think outside the box and pursue unconventional remote gigs. For example, you can transcribe audio, operate a drop shipping business, or monetize a YouTube channel. Join communities like /r/digitalnomad for ideas.
You can also pick up flexible work on the road. Campgrounds often hire camp hosts who live onsite. Look for nearby seasonal jobs like retail, festivals, and hospitality. Check out gig work apps like Uber, Lyft, Instacart or TaskRabbit. Generate income however you can.
Combining remote work with freelancing or side hustles allows full time RVers to cover costs while traveling. With creativity and persistence, you can find ways to thrive financially on the open road.
Plan Your Route and Destinations
The excitement of endless travel opportunities can make route planning overwhelming. Make it easier on yourself by carefully mapping out destinations and travel legs in advance. Identify must-see places and pin them on a map app like Roadtrippers.
Factor in the geography. Will you travel mostly coastlines, national parks or big cities? Cluster destinations together regionally when possible to minimize long drives. For example, plan to see several sites across New England or along the California coast.
Consider the season and weather when timing your route. Scope out events, festivals and activities happening across the country. RV travel is flexible, so leave room to go off course when inspiration strikes. Joining local Facebook groups can unveil hidden gems.
Booking ahead for overnight RV parking cuts down on stress. Reserve RV sites at campgrounds, RV parks and state parks when possible. Overnight at Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, wineries and rest stops. Use apps like RV Parky, FreeRoam and Boondockers Welcome to find spots.
With a well-planned route guiding your adventure, you can relax and truly soak in all the memorable moments of full time RV life on the open road. Leave room for spontaneity when inspiration strikes.
Maintain the RV Properly
To keep your RV properly maintained for full time living, stay on top of all regular service and repairs. Neglected issues can lead to big headaches and breakdowns down the road. Familiarize yourself with your RV’s maintenance schedule and follow it diligously.
Routinely inspect seals, tires, slide rooms, appliances, and components. Address any leaks, cracks or damage immediately. Keep the interior and exterior clean. Monitor fluid levels and top off as needed. Use RV-specific products to avoid damage.
Keep tires properly inflated and rotated. Inspect seals and weather stripping around doors, windows and slide-outs. Lubricate hinges, locks, stabilizers and jacks. Winterize the RV when needed. Empty waste tanks regularly.
Seek out professional mobile RV technicians to handle bigger repairs and maintenance. They can come to your location for convenience. Join RV consumer forums to learn maintenance tips from experienced owners. Handle issues proactively and your RV will deliver many carefree miles.
Meet Fellow RVers and Build Community
One of the greatest joys of RVing full time is connecting with the thriving community of fellow travelers. Attend rallies and events to meet others with this shared lifestyle. Join online groups like RV Dreams and Fulltime Families Forum to ask questions and get insight from seasoned full timers.
Develop friendships and share tips with fellow travelers you meet along the way. It’s always nice to have someone to talk to who understands the RV lifestyle. Help each other out with repairs, advice and ideas.Join a caravan group for a built-in community as you travel together.
Volunteer as a camp host to immerse yourself at one location over a season. Offer to work at nearby harvest host farms and vineyards for free camping and camaraderie. The full time RV community is incredibly supportive. Building these social bonds enhances the experience enormously.
Conclusion of Tips for Full Time RV Living
Embarking on full time RV living is an incredibly rewarding adventure. But the transition also involves plenty of adjustment and learning curves. Follow these tips to choose the ideal RV, downsize wisely, stick to your budget, learn to drive with confidence, earn remotely, plan your route, maintain your rig, and connect with fellow RVers. The full time RV lifestyle allows you to chart your own path. So get out there and start making memorable journeys. Your home on wheels awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of full time RV living?
Some key benefits of full time RV living include the freedom to travel and explore new places, the ability to live a minimalist lifestyle, more family bonding time, lower cost of living than traditional housing, and the joy of immersing yourself in the outdoors. RVing full time lets you follow your passions.
How much does full time RV living cost?
Expenses vary greatly, but many full time RVers aim for a total budget under $2,000 per month. Frugality is important. Biggest costs are RV payment/rental, gas, RV park fees, maintenance, insurance and food. Camp hosting, boondocking and earning remote income offset costs.
What do full time RVers do for income?
Common remote work options for RVers include freelancing, virtual assisting, social media marketing, web development and more. Many do odd jobs or part time work when possible. Some rely on retirement funds or passive income sources. Signing up for seasonal jobs in each location is another strategy.
What are the pros and cons of different RV types?
Class A motorhomes offer the most space and amenities, while more affordable travel trailers and fifth wheels can be towed by an SUV or truck. Class B and Class C motorhomes are smaller. Consider your budget, household size, camping style, driving ability, and towing capacity when choosing.
How do you adjust to downsizing into an RV?
Start the transition by decluttering and only keeping essentials. Sell, donate or gift unused items. Stick to multifunctional, lightweight furniture suitable for small spaces. Utilize every inch of storage available. Further minimize belongings once living in the RV full time. Digital files help conserve space.
Where do full time RVers park for the night?
Overnight options include public/private RV parks, campgrounds, BLM land, boondocking sites, harvest hosts farms/vineyards, casinos, rest stops, Walmarts, Cracker Barrels and more. Memberships provide discounts. Apps like RV Parky and FreeRoam help locate overnight spots.
How do you adjust to RV life as a couple?
Open communication is key. Discuss challenges immediately and compromise. Define each person’s role and share chores fairly. Respect each other’s space and alone time. Share driving duties. Add slide-outs, outdoor seating areas or privacy curtains to create personal space. Pursue outside interests separately sometimes.
What are the biggest challenges of full time RV living?
Some challenges faced include downsizing belongings, adjusting to confined space, RV maintenance, finding safe overnight parking, fluctuating costs and unpredictable income, health insurance and domicile issues, mail forwarding complications, and coping with weather extremes. But the rewards outweigh the frustrations.
How important is the tow vehicle when selecting an RV?
Your tow vehicle capacity hugely impacts what RVs you can safely tow. Heavier fifth wheels and large travel trailers require a robust truck with adequate payload capacity and torque. Make sure your vehicle has the muscle to accelerate and stop the combined weight safely. Underpowered tow vehicles can be dangerous.
What are the best resources for learning RV maintenance?
YouTube channels like RV Education 101, reading RV consumer forums, connecting with mobile RV technicians, attending rallies and seminars, taking RV maintenance classes, referring to owner’s manuals, joining RV repair Facebook groups, and reading books like “The RV Handbook” by Bill Estes offer great DIY education.
