Everything You Need to Know About Living in an RV Full-Time

Although recreational vehicles (RVs) have long been associated with weekend camping trips and summer vacations, these days, an increasing number of people are deciding to ditch their brick-and-mortar existence to embark on the ultimate RV adventure—full-time RV life.

These people often sell their homes, purge most of their belongings, and move into an RV to experience RV living 24/7. If you are considering taking the plunge to call an RV your full-time home, this guide is for you. In this guide, we'll help you learn everything you need to know to make sure your new home is comfortable and meets the needs of your full-time RV life.

Choose your best RV lifestyle

Not everyone who chooses to live an RV lifestyle full-time is doing it for the same reasons or in the same manner. There are countless full-time RV lifestyles, and identifying which type of traveler you plan to be will help you put together the best setup to be comfortable on the road. 
Common types of full-time RVing include the following:

Boondocker 

If you plan to spend much of your time away from campsites and exploring areas without sewer/water/electrical hookups, you'll want to prioritize off-the-grid features and technology. Not all RVs are a perfect fit for boondocking, as it usually requires the ability to go off-road. Make sure to think through everything you'll need to be comfortable away from amenities.

Remote worker

With many jobs allowing people to work remotely, there are an increasing number of full-time RVers who work from the road. If this is the lifestyle you plan to embrace, make sure to think about where you'll do your work each day and how you'll stay connected on the road. Check out Transwest’s latest service offerings to learn how we can install Starlink Roam in your RV today, or browse our guide on getting the internet in your RV for other ideas.

Retiree

Perhaps you have saved up and plan to live in your RV full-time while enjoying your golden years. In this case, you might focus more on creature comforts and creating the perfect place to relax. Many retirees prioritize a luxury RV with house-like upgrades, like a full-sized refrigerator, spa bathroom, and outdoor televisions, that make retirement feel like they're still living in a high-end brick-and-mortar house. 

Outdoors explorer

If you plan to cover a lot of ground and potentially even explore remote trails via backpacking or road or mountain biking, your ideal RV will need to be easy to drive across almost any terrain while also serving as a suitable base camp. You might also prioritize off-road capabilities, storage for outdoor toys and equipment, and fuel efficiency.

Parker

For some full-time RVers, the goal is to find an RV resort or campground to park in for extended periods, whether to spend a long time visiting a beloved area or staying near family and friends. Many people use an RV to escape cold winters or hot summers by parking for months at a time. In this case, you might consider a less fuel-efficient but more spacious option for improved comfort.

Find the perfect RV that meets your needs

Once you decide on what type of full-time lifestyle you plan to live, it's time to find the perfect RV for your needs. Whether you already own an RV that you plan to trade in or are shopping from scratch, take the time to build out a list of the features and amenities you absolutely need and the extras you'd like to add.

As you create your must-have checklist, ask yourself a few of the following questions. This will guide you as you compare and contrast different coach and trailer options:

How many people will be living in the RV with you?

The space needs of a solo traveler or retired couple will likely look very different from that of a family of four with children who plan to live on the road. Make sure you account for the total number of sleeping spaces you'll need, as well as any additional space considerations.

Will you be bringing along pets? 

If so, you might want to consider how much space your furry friends will need to move around and where they will sleep, eat, and use the bathroom. Cats, dogs, and other small animals all have different needs that might affect your decision on an RV.

Do you need a dedicated workspace?

For those who need to take meetings or hop on calls, having a room where you can shut the door for work might be beneficial. Some RVs have more space for additional rooms than others, and if this is truly a must-have, that will change what RVs suit your needs best. 

Get settled into your RV

After you purchase an RV to live in, it's time to move in. Most of the time, you'll probably be downsizing from a home or an apartment. Make sure to think through what items you will need to bring with you and which ones you plan to leave behind. If you are selling your home or ending a lease, you will also need to either part with extra belongings or arrange for long-term storage with friends/family or a storage facility.

Staring down the task of downsizing a house full of cherished belongings and memories might feel overwhelming when you start to compare your storage space in your new RV home. To help with the process, think through your daily routines to figure out which items you must have to live the life of your dreams in an RV. Start from the first moment you get up each day and walk through each activity that takes place, noting the items that you use most often. This can help you prioritize the items you'll need day to day, no matter where you live.

Consider your creature comforts

When using an RV for a weekend trip, the gear you purchase and use might be different from the gear you need when living in one full-time. Because your RV will now serve as your primary residence, think about extra comforts that serve to make your daily life enjoyable.

For example, when you are just camping for a weekend, making your coffee in a percolator over the campfire might be a fine, novel solution. However, if you love a fresh cup of joe every morning, then buying a coffee maker designed to run off of your RVs available power will most likely be a worthwhile investment.

Often, the best way to discover what items are truly essential to your daily comfort is to take your RV on a longer trial run. Spend a week or more truly living out of your RV before moving in full-time. During that prolonged trip, try to imagine…what items would help enhance the experience?

Visit Transwest to help you find the perfect full-time RV

Purchasing an RV to live in full-time is an exciting adventure. So, you want to make sure that you have a comfortable bed to sleep in every night, that any family members who will be joining you are also cozy, and that you have the luxuries you need to make your new home comforting day and night.

If you are shopping for an RV to live in full-time, stop by one of our locations or give our team a call. We will be happy to work with you to find the perfect motorhome for your new lifestyle.