What You Need to Know About Living RV Life Full-Time

While recreational vehicles have often been associated with weekend camping trips or summer vacations, there are an increasing number of people today who are deciding to embark on the ultimate RV adventure—full-time RV life.

These people often sell their homes, get rid of the majority of their belongings, and move into an RV to experience RV living 24/7. If you are thinking of taking the plunge and living in an RV as your full-time home, then this guide is for you. We'll help you discover everything you need to know to ensure your new home is comfortable and meets the needs of your full-time RV life.

Choose Your Lifestyle

Not everyone who embarks on living RV life 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 as 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 a lot of your time away from campsites and exploring areas without hookups, you'll want to prioritize off-the-grid systems. Not all RVs are the perfect fit for boondocking. 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 our guide to How to Get Internet in Your RV to learn more.
• Retiree: Perhaps you have saved up and now plan to live in your RV full-time while enjoying your golden years. In this case, you might be more focused on creature comforts and creating the perfect place to relax. Many retirees prioritize purchasing an RV with luxury upgrades to make retirement feel like they're still living in a house.
• Explorer: If you plan to cover a lot of ground and potentially even explore remote trails, your ideal RV will need to be easy for you to drive. You might also prioritize off-road capabilities 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. 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.

Pick the Perfect Rig for Your Needs

Once you know what type of full-time RV lifestyle you plan to live, it's time to find the perfect rig 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 this checklist, it can be helpful to ask yourself a few of the following key questions. This will guide you as you compare and contrast different RV and trailer options:

• How many people will be living in the RV? The space needs of a solo traveler will look very different than a family of four who plans 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 they will have to move around and where they will sleep.
• 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 can be beneficial.

Get Settled in Your RV

After you purchase an RV to live in, it's time to move in. In most cases, 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.

Staring down a house full of belongings and memories can 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. Start from the first moment you get up each day and walk through each activity that takes place. This can help you prioritize the items you'll need day to day.

Consider Extra Comforts

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

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

In many cases, the best way to discover what items are truly essential to your daily comfort is to take your RV on a trial run. Spend a week living out of your RV before moving in full-time. What items would help enhance the experience?

Visit Transwest to Find Your Full-Time Rig

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.