Everything You Need to Know to Enjoy the RV Lifestyle Full-Time
Have you imagined yourself living in an RV? There’s a certain charm when you think of this. That’s because you can see new places, meet new people, and experience new cultures that can change your life.
Now, you likely wonder how to live in an RV full time. Better prepare yourself for what it’s like to have this RV lifestyle. Continue reading and discover how you can enjoy the RV lifestyle full-time.
What is the RV Lifestyle?
From the name itself, an RV lifestyle means living in your RV and moving and living in different places. This is ideal if you enjoy traveling and gaining experiences and don’t want to live in the same place for a long time.
5 Things to Know About Full Time RV Living (Brutally Honest!)
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Benefits of Living in an RV
An RV lifestyle has captured a lot of people’s attention because of its benefits. Here are some of them:
Having Freedom
When you live in an RV, you get to be independent and live the way you want. This RV lifestyle can give you the freedom to have more flexibility in your life such as traveling wherever and whenever you want.
You can easily move somewhere else if you don’t like your location anymore. The freedom to move is one of the best benefits of living in an RV.
Traveling Comfortably
Basically, living in an RV means traveling in your home. So, you get to avoid packing luggage and forgetting to bring something, sleeping uncomfortably in new places, and spending a lot of money on food. You can have fun on your vacation and go home to a place you’re familiar with.
Reconnecting to Nature
One of the experiences people don’t usually have in a permanent residence is appreciating nature. Living in an RV, you can connect with your surroundings. You can just step out of your home and enjoy what nature has to offer.
Having More Quality Time
Since you live in a small space, you get more quality time with the people and pets you live with. You can also see new places and try new activities together more easily. If you like spending quiet time alone, it can be more therapeutic when you do it outdoors.
Practicing Minimalism
You can have a simpler and happier life if you follow an RV lifestyle. The transition to living in an RV can be challenging, but learning not to be emotionally attached to material things is a skill that will be with you for the rest of your life.
Choosing the Right RV
Because there are many types of RVs in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. These are some of the tips that can help in picking the right RV for you:
Know Your Budget
An RV is an investment, so it’s important that you have a budget. Having a budget will ensure that you’re on the right track. Keep in mind the more features and technologies an RV has, the more expensive it is. After you determine your budget, you can start searching within that price range.
Decide What You Want to Do with Your RV
Some of the most important factors when choosing an RV are the things you want to do with it and where you want to bring it. The activity or place doesn’t have to be specific. But, think of what you most want to do, and then, look for an RV that best suits it.
Consider the Rooms and Space You Need
When selecting an RV, you have to check its length, layout, and storage. For instance, if you have children or pets with you, consider a larger RV. If you do crafts, you might want additional storage. Check as many RV lifestyle as possible to know the space you need.
Types of RVs
If you’re new to RVs or planning to buy one, you might be thinking of the options you have. There are many to consider, and here are some of them:
Motorhomes
This RV type is what most people imagine when they think of RVs. Since these are motorized, you don’t need a separate vehicle to tow them. Depending on the motorhome, you can tow a small car, boat, or trailer with it. This is something you won’t be able to do with trailers.
Trailers
Trailers are among the most popular RVs, so you’ll likely find a type and size that suits your needs. Trailers don’t have motors, unlike motorhomes. But, whatever vehicle you have, there’s a trailer you can tow with it. You just have to make sure that the size is right for your vehicle.
One of the advantages of trailers is that you can easily detach the trailer from your vehicle when you camp and drive around the area. Also, many of them are made to stand extreme weather.
Towable RVs
You can benefit more from towable RVs compared to motorhomes. That’s because they’re more affordable, dependable, and convenient. You can detach the vehicle and use it to go around or do some errands.
Truck Campers
You can demount the camper from truck campers. They can also be loaded and unloaded from the bed of a pickup truck. Similar to motorhomes, you can tow trailers, boats, and many others. All the amenities are present in truck campers such as full kitchens, showers, and toilets. There are also truck camper models available for different weather conditions.
Preparing Your Home, Vehicle, and Family for Full-Time RVing
Have you decided to live in your RV full time? Better know how to prepare your home, vehicle, and family by following these tips:
Research
If you search for an RV, you should do your research such as the size that’s best for your RV lifestyle and the features you need. Think of your travel or camping plans to do research more easily. It will also help to rent different RVs to discover the benefits and possible challenges of every RV type.
Don’t Bring a Lot of Things
Whether you have a small or big RV, you need to practice minimalism when preparing for a full-time RV lifestyle. You can feel less pressured if you start doing this months ahead. Because some items need to be sold, it can take some time to get rid of them. But, the best part is you can earn some money.
Look for a Remote Job
It’s very important that you find a source of income while you’re on the road. Many companies offer remote work setups. So, if you’re currently employed, you can ask if it’s possible for you to work from your home. It’s best to inform your employer early so that you can start job hunting in case they say no. Some of the remote jobs you can consider are online teaching and managing e-commerce businesses.
Get Insurance
You can get sick or have an accident while you’re traveling. So, you should have health insurance. Ask your provider what’s included in their coverage. If there’s an emergency, ask them what you need to do or where you’ll go. You can also join RV lifestyle communities and ask for insurance recommendations.
You should also consider RV lifestyle insurance. A good insurance plan is specific to your situation. For instance, it can include hotel accommodation or towing when needed. Check different RV insurance plans and find the best rates.
Have a Budget
You need to plan a new budget when you plan on living in an RV. It’s true that you’ll spend less on food, but you might have to spend more on gas and campgrounds. You should talk about this with your family so that all of you are on the same page when it comes to spending.
Look for an Internet Plan
Searching for an internet plan and equipment is one of the most difficult in preparing for a full-time RV lifestyle. You need a reliable connection whether it’s for work or entertainment. Internet connection speed is not the same in all places, so you need one that’s consistently fast.
Unlock Basic RV Skills
Learning new skills is one of the best ways to prepare for living in an RV. Basic skills that will greatly help you on your journey are proper towing, using the different features of your RV, and doing general repairs. You can save more money and time if you don’t have to call for help for every issue you’ll encounter with your RV. Start getting tools that will help you apply these skills so that your overall RV lifestyle experience will be smoother.
Conclusion
Finally, you have a better picture of how to live in an RV full time. Remember that an RV lifestyle goes beyond what you see on social media. Though there are many advantages, it’s important to be realistic if you consider living in an RV full time.
For most people who have an RV lifestyle, getting into the unknown is what makes it exciting. It may be difficult, but it’s worth it.
