Living in an RV full time – Tips and tricks for making the most of your mobile lifestyle!
Contents
- Living in an RV full time – Tips and tricks for making the most of your mobile lifestyle!
- What to consider before living in an RV full time
- How to make the most of your RV living space
- Tips for comfortable living in an RV full time
- How to keep your camper in good condition
- Fun ideas for making your RV living experience unique!
- Additional Reading:
If you're considering living in an RV full time, you're likely excited about all the possibilities that RV living offers. There are many tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your camper, and this article is here to help you get started!
What to consider before living in an RV full time
Thinking of living in a camper full time? We're in that life stage as I write this article. Our plans include going full time in the next 12 months when I retire and Pam continues to work remotely, but from the RV instead of our home. After a lot of research, I've made a list, here are some things you should consider before taking the plunge:
1. How much space do you really need?
Many people think they need a lot of space, but when you downsize to a camper, you may find that you don't need as much as you thought. Consider how much space you really need for living and storage. We currently live an average of 180 days per summer-fall season as campground hosts in order to determine exactly what we do and don't need in the RV for comfortable living.
2. How will you get around?
If you plan to travel a lot, you'll need a camper that's easy to tow. If you're sticking to one spot, consider whether you need a model with a slide-out for more living space. In the seven years we've been hosting and discussing this full-time adventure we've had the opportunity to live in our older 37′ Class A for 2 seasons.
Then we spent a full year in a couples travel trailer, no extra space for visitors. Currently we have upgraded to a 40′ 5th wheel with a one-ton Duramax Pickup to haul it and we're in love with this combination.
3. What kind of climate do you live in?
If you live in a cold climate, you'll not only need a furnace but should consider some form of extra heat source. We have 2 electric fireplaces in our unit which provide most of our heat and save lots of LP gas. Prior to this unit we kept 2 small space heaters in each of our previous units.
If you live in a hot climate, you'll need one or more rooftop air conditioners. Consider awnings for larger windows to help keep heat buildup down on the hottest days. We've lived in Iowa winters for the last 6 decades and are exploring all the southern options we'll have once we sell the house and go full time.
4. What kind of amenities do you want?
Think about what amenities are important to you. Do you want a full kitchen, a bathroom, or a bed? Our new 5th wheel is designed for fulltime living and is equipped with a residential kitchen that even includes a dishwasher. Keep in mind we've spent a total of 4 years living in different RVs over the last decade.
5. How much can you afford?
Camper prices vary, so consider what you can afford before you start shopping. You may also want to consider whether you want a new or used camper. This is the big one, our first unit was a modest $10,000 used unit. Today, our retirement unit is based on over a decade of trial and error in finding the best unit for our everyday lifestyle.
How to make the most of your RV living space
No one wants to feel cramped while living in their RV, so follow these tips to make the most of your camper living space. First, use the space under the bed for storage.
They often hold water tanks and pump but there is usually some good space there. You can store suitcases, camping gear, or anything else you don't need to use often.
Second, use the empty space in the cabinets to store food or other supplies. Third, hang curtains or a curtain rod to create a separate space for sleeping or relaxing. Finally, use hooks to hang coats and other items. With these tips, you'll be able to make the most of your camper living space and have a comfortable vacation.
Tips for comfortable living in an RV full time
There are a few things that you can do to make living in a camper full time more comfortable. One is to make sure that you have a good mattress. We've upgraded our last 3 units to memory foam and would never sleep on anything else. A good night's sleep is critical to a comfortable life.
You may also want to have a small outdoor kitchenette option for the camper, so that you can cook your own meals outdoors on nice days. You should also bring along plenty of blankets and pillows to make the camper feel more like home.
We also have pictures and even family heirloom paintings hung in our current unit.
How to keep your camper in good condition
One of the most important aspects of living in an RV is making sure your camper is in good condition. This means regularly checking the roof, tires, windows, and other parts of the camper for any damage or wear and tear.
It's also important to keep the camper clean, both inside and out. This includes washing the windows and cleaning the interior of the camper. Keeping your camper in good condition will help ensure a safe and enjoyable camping trip.
Fun ideas for making your RV living experience unique!
If you're looking to make your RV living experience unique, here are some fun ideas to get you started!
1. Host a themed party.
Another park host friend of ours holds a Christmas in July weekend at her campground and everyone decorates their unit for Christmas, and they even judge best display.
2. Organize a potluck dinner.
Invite a few neighbors to get together for a lunch or dinner. This is also a great way to meet new people.
3. Have a movie night.
I've seen people project movies on the side of their unit. We swing out our outdoor TV and have had as many as 30 neighbors sitting around watching college football games in the fall. Another great way to make new friends.
4. Play games or have a sing-along.
Camp host campfires have let us meet hundreds of new friends over the years.
5. Visit a nearby attraction.
No matter where your adventures take you, there are always new things to explore.
6. Plan a day trip.
Just like the attractions, day trips let you venture a little further and find unique experiences in the area.
7. Make a craft or DIY project.
I know many people who create craft projects in their RV. Last year I did a custom DIY project and built a slide-out storage unit for my main underbelly storage compartment.
8. Go for a hike or bike ride.
Day hikes will always be my favorite way to spend some time away from my RV. This is also why I search for RV destinations that offer these opportunities.
9. Cook a meal from scratch.
Since I do all the cooking this is a favorite of mine. I love experimenting with my outdoor cast iron cookware as well as portable smoker and campfire cooking.
10. Stargaze or get creative with a bonfire.
A bonfire is great if you're in a larger secluded area. We tend to do a lot of smaller campfires especially as we're hosting. Our firepit sets right out in the public area so we can invite neighbors to stargaze with us under a clear night's sky. Check the app store for stargazing apps that will help you identify the constellations at night.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has given you some useful tips and tricks for living in an RV full time. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!
