Category: RV Travel

Full-Time RV Living: The Real Truth

Many people dream about traveling across the country in an RV, enjoying a fun and carefree lifestyle while exploring new places and making memories. After more than five years of full-time RV living, I can tell you that we’ve done exactly that. We’ve seen a large part of the United States, experienced incredible adventures, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

But we’ve also learned something important: full-time RV living comes with its own unique challenges.

You can watch the video I made on this subject instead by clicking on the image below:

Full-time RV living

The reality of full-time RVing isn’t what many online creators make it seem. It’s not one endless vacation, and it’s not constant drama and disasters either. The truth lies somewhere in between.

If you’re considering full-time RV living, here are the most important things you need to know before making the leap.

Table of Contents

  • Is Full-Time RV Living Right for You?

    • 1. RVs Require Constant Maintenance and Repairs

    A large part of your life will revolve around the RV you own.

    Unlike a house, which needs occasional maintenance, RVs require almost constant attention. Every mile you travel shakes, vibrates, and stresses the components of your RV. Things loosen up, wear out, and break.

    You also need to understand that finding qualified RV repair technicians isn’t always easy. In remote areas, repair services can be difficult to find. Even in large cities, repair shops often have long waiting lists.

    Then there’s the cost.

    RV repair labor rates commonly range from $150 to nearly $200 per hour, and those expenses can add up quickly.

    My Recommendation

    Learn to perform basic RV maintenance and repairs yourself.

    In my experience, about 80% of RV problems can be handled by the average owner with a little guidance. Fortunately, there are countless resources available online that can help you learn how to troubleshoot and repair many common RV issues.

    Learning a few basic repair skills can save you a tremendous amount of money and frustration.

    2. RVs Depreciate Quickly

    Another reality that surprises many new RV owners is depreciation.

    An RV is not like real estate. It generally does not increase in value over time. In fact, most RVs lose value rapidly, especially during the first few years of ownership.

    When planning your finances, be sure to factor depreciation into your budget. It’s an expense many people overlook.

    3. Can You Really Live in a Small Space?

    An RV may feel spacious during weekend trips or vacations.

    Living in it full-time is an entirely different experience.

    The question you need to ask yourself is:

    Can I comfortably live in this small space day after day, year after year?

    Some people thrive in smaller living quarters. Others quickly feel confined.

    Being honest with yourself about this question can save you from making an expensive mistake.

    4. Relationships Can Be More Challenging on the Road

    One of the unexpected challenges of full-time RV living is maintaining relationships.

    You’ll meet many wonderful people while traveling, but often you’ll be like ships passing in the night. People come and go quickly, making it difficult to build long-term friendships.

    For people who enjoy solitude, this may not be a problem.

    But if you’re naturally social and enjoy deep, lasting relationships, full-time RVing can sometimes feel lonely.

    My Recommendation

    Research ways to build and maintain relationships while traveling. Staying connected intentionally can make a tremendous difference in your overall happiness on the road.

    5. Full-Time RV Living Is Not One Long Vacation

    Many people imagine every day on the road as another vacation day.

    The reality is much different.

    You still have to:

    • Wash dishes
    • Do laundry
    • Clean the RV
    • Run errands
    • Handle finances
    • Work, if you’re earning income remotely

    Daily responsibilities don’t disappear simply because you move into an RV.

    In fact, some full-time RVers discover they have less time for adventure than they expected.

    My Recommendation

    Be intentional about scheduling time for travel and fun experiences. Otherwise, everyday responsibilities can easily consume your time.

    6. Inconvenience Becomes Part of Everyday Life

    One word that describes full-time RV living well is:

    Inconvenience.

    Many campgrounds and boondocking locations are far from grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and shopping centers.

    You may become accustomed to driving 30 minutesโ€”or even an hourโ€”to get groceries or other necessities that once took only five or ten minutes to reach.

    For some people, this isn’t a problem.

    For others, it becomes a major source of frustration.

    If convenience is extremely important to you, think carefully before choosing a full-time RV lifestyle.

    7. Overcrowding Has Changed the RV Experience

    The RV community has grown tremendously in recent years, especially since the COVID pandemic.

    As a result:

    • Campgrounds are more crowded.
    • Reservations are harder to get.
    • National parks often fill quickly.
    • Popular boondocking locations are busier than ever.

    Unfortunately, some newer RVers are unfamiliar with proper RV etiquette, which can occasionally create unpleasant situations.

    Even worse, some of the best boondocking areas have been damaged or permanently closed because of irresponsible behavior by a small number of campers.

    Rising Campground Costs

    Increased demand has also driven campground prices higher.

    Campgrounds and RV parks continue expanding and upgrading their facilities, and those costs are often passed on to RVers through higher campsite fees.

    Expect campground costs to continue increasing over time.

    My Recommendation

    Look for ways to reduce your camping expenses through memberships and discount programs.

    One of the best decisions we made was purchasing a Thousand Trails membership, which has saved us a tremendous amount of money over the years.

    Whatever route you choose, have a plan for controlling your camping costs.

    Is Full-Time RV Living Right for You?

    After more than five years on the road, here’s my honest assessment of the kind of person who thrives in full-time RV living.

    You should be:

    Financially Prepared

    Full-time RVing is not always inexpensive. Unexpected costs are part of the lifestyle.

    Flexible

    Almost everything about RV life involves change. Plans shift, repairs happen, weather changes, and unexpected situations arise.

    A Problem Solver

    Challenges occur regularly. The ability to solve problems calmly will make your experience much more enjoyable.

    Patient

    Inconvenience is part of the lifestyle. Patience will help you handle those frustrations far better.

    Persistent

    This may be the most important quality of all.

    If you’re persistent, you can work through the challenges and still enjoy everything that makes full-time RV living so rewarding.

    Because despite all the difficulties, the fun, adventure, and freedom are absolutely there.

    Final Thoughts

    Full-time RV living is neither a perfect dream nor a constant struggle. It’s a lifestyle filled with incredible experiences, meaningful memories, and unique challenges.

    The more honestly you understand those challenges before you start, the better prepared you’ll be to decide whether this lifestyle is truly right for you.

    If you can embrace change, solve problems, remain patient, and persist through the inevitable challenges, full-time RVing can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

    Safe and happy travels, my friends. Until next time.

    The Best RVs For Full-Time Living

    Choosing from the best RVs for full-time living is a big decision. After all, this will not just be your camper for weekend trips or short vacations. It may become your home on wheels.

    And the truth is, there is no single RV category that is best for everyone. A Class A motorhome may be perfect for one couple, while a fifth wheel may be the better choice for another. Some RVers love the simplicity of a Class B van, while others need the sleeping space of a Class C or the affordability of a travel trailer.

    So the best place to start is not with a brand or model. It is with how you plan to use the RV.

    You can also watch my video on this subject by clicking on the image below:

    The best full-time RVs to choose

    Quick Answer: What Is The Best RV For Full-Time Living?

    For many full-time RVers, the best choices are usually found among Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, and fifth wheels, because these categories often offer better build quality, better cargo capacity, and more models designed for extended travel.

    However, some Class C motorhomes and travel trailers can also work well for full-time RV living if you choose carefully and buy a quality brand.

    Table of Contents

      How To Choose The Right Full-Time RV

      Before deciding which RV to buy, try to picture how you will actually live and travel in it.

      Ask yourself questions like:

      • How many people will be traveling with me?
      • Will I mostly stay in RV parks?
      • Do I plan to boondock often?
      • How much cargo will I need to carry?
      • How often will I move from place to place?
      • Do I want something easy to drive?
      • Do I need a lot of living space?

      These answers can help narrow down the RV category that fits you best.

      The key is to choose the RV that matches your travel style instead of simply buying what looks impressive on a dealerโ€™s lot.

      Class A RVs For Full-Time Living

      Class A motorhomes are often one of the top choices for full-time RV living, especially for couples who want comfort, storage, and a residential feel.

      Advantages Of Class A RVs

      Class A RV

      Class A RVs usually offer:

      • Good cargo capacity
      • Spacious interiors
      • Large holding tanks
      • Comfortable driving position
      • Plenty of storage compartments
      • Good options for long-distance travel

      They are especially popular with RVers who like to tour the country in comfort and style.

      Best Use For Class A RVs

      A Class A motorhome can be a great choice if you plan to travel often, carry a lot of belongings, and want a comfortable living space.

      For full-time RV living, quality matters. Lower-priced Class A models may not hold up as well under constant use, so it is wise to focus on better-built brands and models.

      Class B RVs For Full-Time Living

      Class B RV

      Class B RVs are the smallest motorhomes, but they have become very popular with solo travelers and couples who want simplicity and mobility.

      Advantages Of Class B RVs

      Class B RVs usually offer:

      • Better fuel economy
      • Easier driving
      • Easier parking
      • More flexibility in where you can travel
      • A simpler RV lifestyle

      They are much more nimble than larger motorhomes and can often go places that bigger RVs cannot.

      Best Use For Class B RVs

      A Class B can work well for full-time RV living if you are comfortable with a smaller space and do not need to carry a lot of belongings.

      They are especially good for RVers who like to move often, explore cities, visit national parks, and keep things simple.

      Class C RVs For Full-Time Living

      Class C RV

      Class C motorhomes are very popular with families because many of them offer several sleeping areas.

      Advantages Of Class C RVs

      Class C RVs often provide:

      • Good sleeping arrangements
      • A familiar van or truck-style cab
      • Family-friendly floorplans
      • More affordable pricing than many Class A motorhomes

      The overhead bunk area is one of the reasons families often consider Class C RVs.

      Full-Time Living Concerns

      Many Class C RVs are designed more for part-time RV use, such as weekends and vacations. Because of that, some may not be built to handle the stresses of full-time travel and living.

      That does not mean no Class C can work for full-time use. It just means you need to be very selective.

      Super C Motorhomes

      Super C RV

      Super C motorhomes are a different story. They are usually built on heavier-duty truck chassis and often provide more capability, towing capacity, and durability.

      For full-time RVers who like the Class C style but want something more substantial, a Super C can be a very good option.

      Travel Trailers For Full-Time Living

      Travel trailer RV

      Travel trailers are often the least expensive RV category to buy, maintain, and tow. That makes them very attractive to many RV buyers.

      Advantages Of Travel Trailers

      Travel trailers usually offer:

      • Lower purchase prices
      • Lower maintenance costs
      • More tow vehicle choices
      • Many floorplan options
      • Simpler ownership compared with motorhomes

      For budget-conscious RVers, a travel trailer can make full-time RV living more affordable.

      Full-Time Living Concerns

      The challenge is that many travel trailers are built primarily for part-time use. They are often considered the entry-level category among towable RVs.

      So if you plan to live in one full-time, it is very important to choose a better-built brand and avoid models that are designed mainly for occasional camping.

      Fifth Wheels For Full-Time Living

      Fifth wheel RV

      Fifth wheels are one of the strongest categories for full-time RV living.

      Advantages Of Fifth Wheels

      Fifth wheels often provide:

      • Large living areas
      • Good storage
      • Higher ceilings
      • Residential-style floorplans
      • Large freshwater and wastewater tanks
      • Good options for boondocking

      Many fifth wheels are built with extended travel in mind, and some are specifically designed for full-time RV use.

      Best Use For Fifth Wheels

      A fifth wheel can be an excellent choice if you want more living space, plan to stay in places for longer periods, or want a towable RV that feels more like a home.

      They are also a good choice for RVers who enjoy boondocking because many fifth wheels have larger tank capacities than smaller RVs.

      Should You Buy A New Or Used RV For Full-Time Living?

      If you find the RV you want but cannot afford to buy it new, do not be afraid of buying a used quality RV.

      In many cases, buying a better-built used RV can be smarter than buying a lower-quality new RV.

      The key is to use a good buying process. That means:

      • Research the brand and model carefully
      • Check maintenance history when possible
      • Avoid signs of water damage
      • Have the RV professionally inspected
      • Do not rush the buying decision

      A used RV can be a very good option for full-time living if it was built well and has been properly cared for.

      There are many brands that can be considered for full-time RV travel, but here are a few good places to start in each category.

      Best Class A RV Brand For Full-Time Living

      Newmar

      Newmar is a strong choice in the Class A category. They build quality motorhomes in both gas and diesel models.

      One especially popular model among full-time RVers is the Newmar Dutch Star. It has been used successfully by many full-time travelers and is one of the more recognized diesel pusher motorhomes on the market.

      Newmar Dutch Star is one of the best RVs for full-time living

      Best Class B RV Brand For Full-Time Living

      Pleasure-Way

      Pleasure-Way builds a very good Class B motorhome. Their coaches are known for quality construction and thoughtful design.

      The Pleasure-Way Plateau is one model worth considering if you are looking for a Class B RV for full-time travel.

      Pleasure Way Plateau is one of the best RVs for full-time living

      Best Class C RV Brand For Full-Time Living

      Coach House

      Coach House is a smaller manufacturer that builds a quality Class C motorhome.

      Their Platinum model is worth a close look if you want a Class C that may be better suited for extended RV living than many common entry-level Class C models.

      Coach House Platinum

      Best Super C RV Brand For Full-Time Living

      Newmar

      In the Super C category, Newmar is once again a strong choice.

      The Newmar Superstar and Newmar Supreme Aire are both models that can work very well for full-time RV travel.

      Newmar Super Star is one of the best RVs for full-time living

      Best Travel Trailer Brand For Full-Time Living

      Airstream

      It is hard to recommend many travel trailers for full-time use because so many are built primarily for part-time camping.

      But if one travel trailer brand stands out for long-term use, it is Airstream.

      Airstream Flying Cloud

      Airstream trailers have a long reputation for durability, and many have lasted for decades. For full-time RVers who want a travel trailer, Airstream is a good place to start.

      Best Fifth Wheel Brands For Full-Time Living

      DRV

      DRV makes fifth wheels that are well suited for full-time RV living. They are known for building heavier, more residential-style fifth wheels that can handle extended use.

      DRV Mobile Suites

      Brinkley

      Brinkley is another fifth wheel brand worth considering. Their products are built with attention to quality and are a good option for RVers who want a fifth wheel that can stand up to regular travel and camping.

      Brinkley Model Z is one of the best RVs for full-time living

      FAQ About The Best RVs For Full-Time Living

      What type of RV is best for full-time living?

      For many people, the best RVs for full-time living are Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, and some higher-quality Class B motorhomes. These categories often offer better construction, storage, and comfort for extended use.

      Can you live full-time in a travel trailer?

      Yes, you can live full-time in a travel trailer, but you need to choose carefully. Many travel trailers are designed for part-time use, so it is best to focus on higher-quality brands and models.

      Are Class C RVs good for full-time living?

      Some Class C RVs can work for full-time living, but many are built more for weekend and vacation use. Higher-quality Class C models and Super C motorhomes are usually better choices for full-time RVers.

      Is a fifth wheel good for full-time RV living?

      Yes, fifth wheels are often one of the best choices for full-time RV living. They usually offer more living space, more storage, and larger tank capacities than many other RV types.

      Should I buy a new or used RV for full-time living?

      Either can work. But if your budget is limited, buying a quality used RV may be better than buying a cheaper new RV. Just make sure the used RV is inspected carefully before purchase.

      What is the most affordable RV for full-time living?

      Travel trailers are usually the most affordable RVs to buy, maintain, and tow. However, lower cost does not always mean they are the best choice for full-time living, so build quality is very important.

      Conclusion

      The best RV for full-time living depends on how you plan to travel and camp.

      If you want comfort, storage, and long-distance touring ability, a Class A may be a good choice. However, if you want simplicity and easy driving, a Class B may fit you better. On the other hand, if you need family sleeping space, a Class C may be worth considering. Then if affordability is your main concern, a travel trailer may work. And if you want a roomy towable RV with strong full-time potential, a fifth wheel may be one of your best options.

      The most important thing is to choose an RV that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your travel plans.

      And whether you buy new or used, take your time, do your research, and get the RV inspected properly before you make the final decision.

      Safe and happy travels, my friends.

      The Best Portable RV Air Compressors

      This article is about the best portable RV air compressors to use for travel and camping.

      Yes, a good air compressor is an essential piece of equipment for RVers.

      Watch my video about the best portable RV air compressors

      Table of Contents

      Why Have A Portable Air Compressor For Your RV?

      And the most important job that an air compressor has around an RV is to keep your tires inflated properly.

      That’s critical because it’s a life safety issue. But having a good air compressor handy is also great for inflating other items.

      Like kids toys, a temporary bed, or things like that. And believe me, it’ll save a lot of time time and effort over trying to blow them up manually.

      Air compressors are great for inflating lots of things around an RV
      Air compressors are great for inflating lots of things around an RV

      Also, having an air compressor with a tank attached to it can be good for running air tools.

      So for you DIY RVers who like to use air tools in your projects, that could be very useful too.

      An air compressor can also do double duty for DIY RVers
      An air compressor can also do double duty for DIY RVers

      And with the right adapter, an air compressor can also be used to blow all the water out of your plumbing lines.

      And that comes in handy at the end of the RVing season when you’re winterizing your RV.

      So I think you can see there’s a lot of good uses for an air compressor around an RV.

      An Important Point About The Best Portable RV Compressors

      But the question is, what kind of air compressor specifications should you be looking for?

      Well personally, I think you need to decide first of all whether it will have a tank or not.

      An air compressor that comes with a tank
      An air compressor that comes with a tank

      Because if you’re going to be doing DIY projects around the RV, then it can come in handy by doing double duty for you.

      But the truth is that if you’re just using an air compressor for inflating tires and other items, there’s really no need for a tank.

      In fact, the tank just takes up very precious space and weight that’s not necessary.

      What Size Will You Need To Inflate Your RV’s Tires?

      Now the other thing you need to know is, what are the maximum PSI ratings for the tires on your rig?

      And what kind of tire pressure are they going to require? The answer to that will tell you what size air compressor you’re going to need.

      Of course, travel trailers generally only use about 60 to 80 psi in their tires.

      Smaller travel trailers don't require tires with a high PSI rating
      Smaller travel trailers don’t require tires with a high PSI rating

      But a Class A motorhome could require up to 120 PSI in those big 22 1/2 inch tires.

      Some diesel pusher motorhomes may require 120 PSI in their tires
      Some diesel pusher motorhomes may require 120 PSI in their tires

      So my recommendation is, it’s best usually to get an air compressor that’s actually more than your current needs.

      Because if you decide to upgrade your RV later on down the line to a bigger one, you don’t have to go and get another air compressor.

      Instead, you can just take the one you have with you now and it should do the job just fine.

      But another thing you need to know is, how much cubic feet per minute an air compressor will be able to put out.

      And that’s simply the amount of air that it’s pushing out at one time. The higher the number, the faster the inflation rate.

      And that means you get done with your job of tire inflation faster and easier.

      Air Compressors That Run On 120 Volt Power

      Also, keep in mind that most tankless air compressors are going to run on 12 volt battery power.

      However, air compressors with tanks are usually going to require 120 volt AC power instead.

      And that means that you’re going to need an outlet to plug into for AC power.

      Also, the outlet needs to be useable even when you’re not necessarily connected to shore power.

      Because you may need to use your air compressor for tire inflation when no shore power is available.

      The Best Portable RV Air Compressors That Run On 12 Volt Power

      But what about 12 volt air compressors that run on battery power instead of a wall outlet?

      Well, usually they plug into the cigarette lighter. Or they may attach to your battery directly instead.

      Some of the best portable RV air compressors run directly off of a battery
      Some of the best portable RV air compressors run directly off of a battery

      And when they do, they’re kind of stationary at that point. They can’t be moved around very far away from the 12 volt battery source.

      So the other thing you’re going to need is a long enough air hose that can reach the entire RV.

      And I recommend that the hose should be somewhere between 30 and 60 feet in length. Of course, it all depends on the length of your RV.

      Also, you should probably get one that’s kind of wound up tightly and can expand out as you need.

      That way it doesn’t take up nearly as much room in your storage compartment.

      What Is A Duty Cycle And Why Is It Important?

      Now the next thing you want to consider with an air compressor is its duty cycle. So what is a duty cycle?

      That’s simply how long that air compressor can run continuously without having to shut off and cool down.

      Now some air compressors can only run for about 15 minutes and then they have to shut off for a while. But others can run for an hour or so.

      And the duty cycle is usually represented in the specifications for an air compressor as a percentage.

      So if you see a 100% duty cycle it means it can go a full hour without shutting off.

      If you see 50%, that means about 30 minutes. And 33 means 20 minutes, and so on.

      With all that said, let’s get to the point of what brands of air compressors you should consider. And here are my recommendations:

      #1 On My List Of The Best Portable RV Air Compressors

      First of all, let’s consider an air compressor that has a tank. And in that case, I’m going to recommend the Dewalt 6 gallon air compressor.

      One of the best portable RV air compressors is made by Dewalt
      One of the best portable RV air compressors is made by Dewalt

      It can inflate up to 165 PSI. And that means it can handle pretty much anything an RV can throw at it.

      Also it’s very good for using with air tools too. So the DIYers will be happy with it. And the cost is going to be around $190.

      Of course, there are other air compressors with tanks available. But I chose Dewalt because the name is known for reliability and quality.

      #2 – A Great Inexpensive Tankless RV Air Compressor

      OK, next up we’re going to talk about two tankless air compressors. And the first one is the Viair 88P.

      A great inexpensive RV air compressor is the ViAir 88P
      A great inexpensive RV air compressor is the ViAir 88P

      It can inflate up to 120 PSI, and that’s very good. Also, the duty cycle is around 25 minutes at 30 PSI.

      So if you’re inflating at a higher PSI than that, it could be less. And the cubic feet per minute is around 1.4.

      Now the average for these kind of air compressors is around 2.0. So it’s a little low on that particular spec.

      And it means that it’s going to take you longer to inflate things. But the good news is the price. Because it comes comes in at only $90.

      So it’s a very good air compressor to choose for travel trailers and smaller motorhomes.

      #3 – The Best Air Compressor I Can Recommend For You

      Next up is the best that I can recommend for you. And that is the Viair 400P-RV. And I think you can tell from the name that it’s made for RVs.

      One of the best portable RV air compressors you can buy is the ViAir 450P-RV

      It can inflate up to 150 psi for those larger motorhome tires. And it has a 100% duty cycle.

      So it can go a full hour running flat out with no problem. And the cubic feet per minute rating is 2.3.

      So that’s considerably more than the 88P, and should get things inflated quicker for you.

      Now the downside though is the cost, since it comes in at $350. And that’s a lot to spend on air compressor for your RV.

      But let me say that this particular air compressor is a “buy it and forget it” type of product.

      It can last you through any RV change you’re going to make and still be useful. So it really should be considered for that reason alone.

      An Important Word About Quality

      Now I guess you’ve noticed that I only recommended Viair for tankless air compressors. And there’s a reason for that.

      It’s because Viair is well known in the RV industry. It’s known for its reliability and for its quality.

      And if you look on Amazon there are thousands of reviews for Viair air compressors.

      And they are all coming in around a 4.7 out of 5 rating. So that pretty much tells you that you’re buying a good product.

      But any of the air compressors that I mentioned here will work well. Just follow the links I have provided in the article to learn more about them.

      That way you can go check them out and see if there’s something that will work for your situation.

      Conclusion

      Well, hopefully this article about the best portable RV air compressors will help you choose the right air compressor for your needs and budget.

      And that will help you enjoy safe and happy travels on your RV adventures!

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