Once you take that first big RV trip, you’re hooked for life. The call of the wild, fresh air and freedom that the RV life provides can be hard to ignore. While many RV owners stick to being weekend warriors, others start to wonder if they can transition from part-time RV campers to a full-time RV lifestyle.
The differences between part-time and full-time RVing are significant. Learn what it takes to become a full-time RV family.
Why Live in an RV Full Time?
For many, the full-time RV lifestyle is more than just about camping. It’s about the adventure of living without roots. Even if you don’t travel but simply live in an RV on private land, you have the option of traveling at a moment’s notice.
Instead of hitting the road every weekend and returning to your standard home life during the week, full-time RVers get to enjoy the open road every second of their lives. That unique freedom is hard to come by for many, and RVs are one of the few ways to achieve it.
Even part-time RVers start to notice their free time transitioning almost entirely into camping and RV travel. Many RVs are perfectly suited to permanently house a small family if properly maintained. At that point, it can make sense – if you rarely use your house or apartment, why pay for it?
Shopping for the Right RV for Full-Time Travel
Traveling in an RV part time gives you more flexibility with choosing your RV. Since you only spend a fraction of your time in it, you can live with not having this feature or that amenity. However, when you choose to live in an RV full-time, you’ll want to make sure you have every feature you want.
When making the switch to full-time RVing, consider these factors carefully:
Cooking Capabilities
Class A models tend to have the most robust kitchens, though you can find a comprehensive RV kitchen in most larger travel trailers. You don’t want to sacrifice some of the cost benefits of living in an RV, not to mention your health, by eating out every night for months on end.
If you’re living in an RV alone, it can be easy to get by with even the most modest kitchen. But for a married couple – especially with children – it may be worth investing in an RV that has everything your kitchen could need.
Storage Space
Even part time RVers struggle with maximizing their storage. When moving into an RV full time, you need to find one that offers the space you need. As you shop, think about everything you plan to bring and mentally “pack” the RV while you walk through it. Does it seem like you have space for everything?
Don’t forget that your RV will be your home – you’ll need extra space to hold spare parts and tools for repair. If your RV breaks down, you won’t want to be stuck waiting for parts to be shipped if you don’t have to. Plan some extra room to store what you need to keep your RV going.
Living Space
How many people will be living in your RV? For shorter trips, small RVs can feel big enough. But for long-term living, everyone needs to have some personal space. Two people can easily make RV life work in almost any size camper, but when you have children, you’ll want to consider a larger, more luxurious RV.
Entertainment Features
Small toy-haulers are fantastic for weekend warriors that frequently hit the trails or visit campgrounds for short trips. However, when your RV is your full-time home, you’ll need something that offers you more ways to pass the time.
A quality entertainment system is a great start. As more gadgets become capable of connecting to TVs, your smart devices and a great HDTV can be your best friend during your downtime. Take your time when you’re shopping for an RV to sit down and imagine your evenings watching TV. If it doesn’t feel right, keep looking. You’ll spend a lot of time in your RV, so it should feel perfect!
Stocking the RV
Full-time RV eating can be a unique challenge. But it’s even tougher with an undersized fridge. Unless you’re okay with daily grocery shopping, you’ll want to look at models that have larger refrigerators.
Smaller fridges around six to seven cubic feet can hold you for a weekend, but when it comes to feeding the family, you’ll want to look for one that’s closer to ten or more cubic feet. These will be more akin to household models in size, and offer you a lot more flexibility with planning your meals.
Preparing for a Full Time RV Lifestyle
You Will Lose Some Privacy
If you’re a very private person, you need to be ready for the change that a fulltime RV lifestyle can bring. Campsites can be packed. Bathrooms and other community utilities will always have other campers just like you. Even living in your own RV reduces the distance you can put between yourself and your family.
Privacy isn’t impossible when living in an RV, but it’s not the same kind of privacy as you would get from a traditional apartment or house.
Downsize Your Life
Even the most luxurious RV can’t compete with a house when it comes to storage. You can easily fit everything you need – but packrats beware! Filling your closet space and storage with clothes or other knick-knacks that you don’t actually use can snowball into a huge problem.
One good tip from expert RV campers is to make a mental note when you use something. After a year, if you have kitchen appliances or clothes you’ve never touched, sell them or donate them. You’ll appreciate the extra space and won’t miss them at all.
Be Ready for the Changing Seasons
If you plan to live or travel through areas that shift heavily during the winter or summer, don’t forget to pack the right clothes and equipment. Your RV offers great protection from the elements – but extreme heat or frigid winters can be uncomfortable. Preparation is key – keep an eye on the weather and plan ahead.
Always Have a Backup Plan
Living in an RV on your own land is one thing, but if you plan to live in one and travel, you should always have a backup plan. Campsites can fill up and areas that previously allowed RVs to stay overnight may turn you away. Never travel to a city with only one potential place to stop or you might end up having to figure out the best ways to dry camp unexpectedly.
Take Your Time
The most important part of a full time RV lifestyle is taking your time. You have plenty of time, from hours to months, to enjoy your adventures. It’s far better to delay your next trip than it is to speed through the beautiful sights you can find where you are right now.
Enjoy the advantage of RVing full-time and slow down!
Shopping for a Full-Time RV? Contact RV Wholesale Superstore!
The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find your new RV home. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH, call us at 844-601-1171 , or contact us online.
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