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8 Best RV Travel Trailers for Full-Time RV Living Adventure in 2024

• Last Updated: February 25, 2024
• 25 minutes read

Selecting the right travel trailer for full-time living can be an overwhelming decision.

Yet, after rigorously testing over thirty models myself, focusing on comfort, durability, and practicality, I’ve come to find that not all RVs are cut out for the lifestyle.

Finding an RV that can truly be called a home is key for those looking to transition into full-time RV living .

Some crucial factors include space, amenities, and how well they can support the everyday needs of full-time dwellers, from solo adventurers to families .

Out of the many I explored, the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS stood out for its exceptional balance of comfort, functionality, and mobility, making it my top pick for the best overall travel trailer for this purpose.

It’s a prime example of how a thoughtful layout and design can make a space feel like a true home on wheels.

Based on my experience, the top travel trailers for full-time living are:

• Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS : Best overall for full-time living with its compact efficiency.
• Grand Design – Imagine XLS 22RBE : Great for couples seeking comfort and luxury on the road.
• Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS : Ideal for families, offering spacious living and sleeping areas.
• Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office : Perfect for remote workers, featuring a dedicated office space.
• Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH : Top choice for entertainment, featuring multiple TVs and spacious seating areas.
• Coachmen – Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS : Excellent for larger families, with generous living spaces and multiple bedrooms.
• Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 Toy Hauler Travel Trailer : Best for adventure lovers, with ample storage for outdoor gear.
• Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS Destination Travel Trailer : A fantastic option for those preferring stationary living with the comforts of a full-size home.

What to Look for in a Travel Trailer for Full-Time Living

Your preferred travel and lifestyle are going to be the biggest factor that determines the features you prioritize in a travel trailer for full-time living.

When shopping for the model that suits your family best, consider the following factors.

Where You Will Stay

Are you the type of person/family that likes to stay in well-appointed RV parks with tons of resources available, or do you love to boondock off the grid for several days at a time.

If you do love to dry camp, then you’ll want to prioritize a travel trailer with large waste and fresh water storage tanks.

You might want to also move things like a generator or solar panels higher up your list of priorities as well. 

Size & Floorplan

What this ultimately comes down to is just how many people will be living full-time in the travel trailer.

If it’s just you enjoying the open road with perhaps a four-legged best friend for companionship, you might lean more toward a travel trailer that’s under 20 feet long, and has one very well-decked-out master suite.

On the other end of the spectrum, a traveling family with two small children might prioritize a travel trailer over 25 feet with a master suite in the front, bunk beds in the back, and a large dinette area for mealtimes.

Power slide-outs can also buy you more precious interior living space as well. 

Length of Stay

Just how long you will stay in one spot might also be a factor. If you will be moving around every week or two, then a travel trailer that hooks up easily and deploys an awning with ease might be a preference.

If you are planning to set up camp and put your feet up for months at a time at the family lake lot, then a destination travel trailer that steps out onto a prepared deck space might top your priority list. 

Where You’ll Be Staying & HVAC

If you plan to live in the sunbelt 12-months out of the year, then a travel trailer with a robust rooftop air conditioner will be a priority.

If you are a tradesman who lives in his travel trailer on remote job sites during the summer but wants to live on the ice fishing all winter, then insulation and a powerful furnace will top your list. 

Payload Cargo Capacity

Since you will be living in it full time, you will likely need to haul more gear and personal effects to maintain your preferred lifestyle full time.

To spare you from living a Spartan existence, you might want to prioritize travel trailers with an above-average payload or cargo capacity. 

If you are going to be towing your full-time travel trailer a lot, then you want to put extra scrutiny into the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) compared to the maximum towing capacity of your intended tow vehicle.

Ideally, you want the GVWR to be 80% or less than the pickup truck’s GVWR to keep from constantly straining the tow vehicle with all the journey’s from Point A to Point B and Point C.

The gross weight becomes less of a factor if you are going to do something like park a travel trailer at the family lake lot and leave it there year-round. 

Key Travel Trailer Appliances for Full-Time Living

People who live full-time in their travel trailers tend to place a higher priority on certain appliances compared to people who just want to camp in their travel trailers.

This makes appliance choices their own separate category to factor into your traveling lifestyle. 

Washer & Dryer Prep

Most people who live in their travel trailer full time bemoan having to take time out to sit in a laundromat.

If this sounds like you, then you might want to prioritize a model that either has a washer & dryer included in the purchase or comes prepped to have one installed. 

In the same vein as laundry, washing the dishes can be a real pain. Especially if you fall in love with a travel trailer that has a small sink or a single basin sink in the kitchen.

A high-efficiency dishwasher will use only a small amount of water while cleaning the dishes and sparing you a lot of elbow grease.

It also frees up precious counter space that might otherwise be lost to an unsightly dish drainer. 

Large House Batteries

If you are going to be staying off the grid for even a short amount of time, you will likely need to rely heavily on your RV’s house batteries.

A larger battery bank will hold more charge, while also giving you the opportunity to parallel wire them for a longer run time between recharging. 

Generator Prep

While most travel trailers don’t come with a built-in generator, there is a fair number that does .

This is a great way to power your travel trailer when you are camping off the grid, or simply staying at an RV park that doesn’t have compatible shore power available. 

Optional Solar Power

Solar panels are a great way to recharge or maintain the charge on house batteries.

They can also be a great way to save money on the cost of electricity when you are at a campsite that offers shore power.

You ultimately end up paying far less per unit for solar in the long run than you pay per unit when plugged into an RV park’s resources. 

9 Great Travel Trailers For Full-Time RV Living

1. winnebago micro minnie 2108ds.

• MSRP around $31,000
• Length of 22.42 ft.
• Dry Weight of 4,140 lbs.
• GVWR of 7,000 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 410 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 31.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 25.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 25.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 4 people
• 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner
• 18,000 BTU heater

Winnebago is one of the most popular RV manufacturers of all time, and the Minnie travel trailer is one of their most popular platforms.

So, it only stands to reason that they would make a model that is geared toward an individual or couple who loves full-timing like you see with the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS.

With an MSRP of around $31,000, it is one of the most affordable options on this list. This makes for easy financing.

Its overall popularity also means that dealerships are likely to have a wide range of optional upgrades for you to customize the creature comforts to your travel style. 

The interior of the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS has a sofa that converts into a queen-size murphy bed with his and hers wardrobes on each side.

This gives you a couch to lounge on during the day and a bed, all in the same area to save space.

If one of you wants to stay up late, there’s a privacy curtain that can be drawn to enclose the front master suite. 

In the back, you will find a spacious full-size bathroom to meet all your full-timing needs. The shower is separated from the toilet and the rest of the bathroom to give you a true dry bath. 

The towing statistics are another nice thing to appreciate about the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS.

It has a dry weight of 4,140-pounds, which is well within the range of what a robust mid-size SUV with a towing package can handle. This saves you having to invest in a half-ton truck tow vehicle. 

Just keep in mind that the Minnie’s massive cargo capacity means that you can potentially stuff it with so much gear that it will tip the scales with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of up to 7,000-pounds.

So, keep your equipment and packing style in mind when you are choosing the right tow vehicle to pair this travel trailer with. 

2. Grand Design – Imagine XLS 22RBE

• MSRP around $30,000
• Length of 25.92 ft.
• Dry Weight of 5,125 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,870 lbs.
• GVWR of 6,995 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 497 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 43.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 82.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 37.0 gallons
• 25,000 BTU heater
• 18 Gallon Water Heater
• Four Season Protection Package

The MSRP of $30,000 for the Grand Design – Imagine XLS 22RBE is just one of the many impressive factors that make this travel trailer a good choice for full-time living..

With a gross vehicle weight rating of under 7,000-pounds, it is comfortably towable by a half-ton pickup truck or a full-size SUV.

The floorplan is also very appealing for a single person or a couple who wants to live in their travel trailer full-time. 

One of the major things that jump off the page with the Grand Design Imagine XLS is the Four Season Protection Package.

This makes it one of the best travel trailers for full-time living for a couple or a small family that needs to handle everything the four seasons can throw at them.

It includes key features like an upgraded 25,000 BTU High-Capacity Furnace, Heated & Enclosed Underbelly with Suspended Tanks to prevent freeze-ups, as well as a heat ducted floor and residential grade ventilation system throughout. Even the roof and front cap offer superior R-40 insulation. 

When you take a closer look at the interior layout you find a queen-size master suite in that well-insulated front nose cap to keep you and perhaps a spouse toasty warm on a cold winter night.

A single power slide-out section expands the available floor space in the open concept living area to give you a truly homey feel.

The exterior of the Grand Design Imagine XLS also has a lot of the touches that help transform a travel trailer into a home.

The 18-foot awning expands to give you an outdoor porch area with plenty of elbow room.

There’s also an unobstructed pass-thru storage bin to let you conveniently stow all your outdoor gear, to keep from tracking dirty inside.

There’s even an LP quick connect for your favorite gas grill and a retractable spray nozzle hose to rinse off the dog.

These exterior creature comforts go a long way toward feeling like you are “Living” instead of “Camping.”

3. Coachmen Apex 284BHSS

• MSRP around $50,000
• Length of 32.58 ft.
• Dry Weight of 6,022 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,578 lbs.
• GVWR of 7,600 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 810 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 50.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 70.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 35.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 10 people

With its queen-size master suite in the front, bunk beds in the back, and a ton of creature comforts the Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS is one of the best travel trailers for full-time living to meet a family’s needs.

The bunk beds in the back are great for school-age children, but also big enough to accommodate a teenager’s needs and give them a place to feel is truly their own. 

The MSRP of the Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS ranges around $50,000, though there are a fair number of national dealerships who are willing to offer promotional sales, or will wrap optional extra’s into the initial purchase price. 

It’s when you turn your eye to the weight and storage statistics that things start to get interesting with this full-time-capable travel trailer.

With a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,600-pounds, it is comfortably within the range of what you can pull with a half-ton pickup truck or a full-size SUV.

This spares you from having to invest in a larger vehicle to tow it, which makes it appealing to traveling families who are on the go. 

The large power slide-out section of the Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS gives it a lot of interior living space.

It gives you enough elbow room to let everyone feel like they have their own area.

It also makes the most out of the open concept living room and kitchen combo to feel like a real “Home.” The bathroom in the back even has a basin deep enough to bathe a young child. 

If there is a minor complaint about this family-friendly travel trailer for full-time living it’s the lack of any sort of washer & dryer prep.

If you are okay with spending a few extra hours each week at a laundromat, this isn’t a big deal. 

4. Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office

• MSRP around $110,000
• Length of 30.83 ft.
• Dry Weight of 6,757 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 2,043 lbs.
• GVWR of 8,800 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 903 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 52.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 41.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 6 people
• 28,500 BTU Air Conditioner
• 30,000 BTU heater
• Tankless Water Heater

Airstream is the classic American travel trailer, and one of the most popular travel trailer brands embraced by full-timers of yesteryear as well as today.

The problem is that their “Classic” model tends to have a price tag based on brand recognition, while also feeling like they skimped a little on modern amenities to preserve that “Classic” feel. 

That is where the Flying Cloud travel trailer comes perfectly into play. It has all the look and feels of a Classic Airstream travel trailer, though it carries a price tag of around $110,000 instead of $160,000.

There are 15 different floorplans available, though we chose the Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office for its ability to appeal to a traveling tradesmen, or a job site supervisor who needs to stay in comfort while living on a remote job site. 

When you look at it from the outside, you will see all the signature gleam and aerodynamic shapes of a classic Airstream travel trailer.

When you step on the inside, you find a modernized travel trailer with a lot of creature comforts and innovation.

This includes things like a tankless water heater for on-demand hot water, a large bathroom, and a lounge area that separates itself from the front bedroom. 

In the back, there is also a small, yet functional office. It’s the perfect place for a foreman or job site supervisor to take care of the paperwork and keep important documents in one orderly place. 

When it comes to the towing statistics, the GVWR of 8,800-pounds and the heavy Hitch Weight of 903-pounds means that the Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office is better suited to being towed by a three-quarter or one-ton pickup truck.

This is the typical pickup truck you see a lot of “Bosses” having at construction sites, to begin with.

Though it might put this travel trailer out of your range if you already have a half-ton pickup truck that you love. 

5. Palomino Solaire 320 TSBH

• Length of 36.25 ft.
• Dry Weight of 7,958 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,865 lbs.
• GVWR of 9,825 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,085 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 44.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 98.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 30.0 gallons
• 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner
• Washer & Dryer Prep (Optional)

The Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH is a relatively heavy 36-foot travel trailer with all the comforts of home and then some.

While it can technically sleep up to 10 people on paper, it is arguably better suited for a couple or retirees who want to have the grandkids come to stay for a weekend. 

The master suite is one of the things that jumps off the page right away.

It has a true king-size bed built into one of the three slide-out sections, with floor space for two people to walk around. This is rare in a lot of front-mounted king-size master suites. 

The other thing to like is the corner closet that comes with washer & dryer prep. A dealership will have affordable stackable models for you to choose from, which lets you save time and money, without having to go to a local laundromat.

Palomino also made sure to build this version of the Solaire with a large enough gray water tank to handle the washing machine water, which isn’t always the case with the competitors. 

A large slide-out at midship gives expands the livable space for the open concept kitchen and living room.

It has a comfortable sofa, a cozy dinette, and a large entertainment center just like you would expect in a brick & mortar home. 

The rear of the Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH has a separate small living room area with its own entertainment center.

There’s also a sofa sleeper with a fold-out bunk. This gives teenagers or visiting family members their own living space. 

The exterior of the Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH is also well-appointed with the creature comforts of a home on the road.

The 21-foot awning gives you a huge sitting area out of the sun. There’s also a large outdoor kitchen area with a refrigerator and sink to replicate the feeling of a grill on your back deck. 

6. Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS

• MSRP around $52,000
• Length of 38.5 ft.
• Dry Weight of 8,620 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 2,180 lbs.
• GVWR of 10,800 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,252 lbs.
• 35,0000 BTU furnace

The Coachmen – Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS is another travel trailer set up for full-timing that includes a washer and dryer prep.

Adding a stackable unit saves you a lot of money in laundromat costs, without taking up a lot of space in the queen-size master suite’s corner closet.

Though this isn’t the only way in which this well-appointed travel trailer feels like a “Home” instead of a “Camper.” 

When you step into the bathroom you are treated to the kind to the kind of quality features you want to live with.

This includes things like a large shower with a true glass door instead of plastic, as well as a large RV toilet and a deep basin sink. 

The rear of the Coachmen – Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS is essentially a separate living room with an entertainment center and a comfortable couch.

If your children or your grandchildren want to visit for a weekend the entire rear transforms into a comfortable guest bedroom without robbing you of any of the living space in the midship open concept kitchen and family room. 

When you step outside you’ll also find a lot of like-home convenience features.

Including an outdoor camper kitchen and a rear bumper gear rack for things like mountain bikes or hanging outdoor clothes. Not to mention a large pass-thru exterior storage bay. 

All this comes with an impressively comfortable MSRP of $52,000 new. Though the gross weight of nearly 11,000-pounds does mean that you will need at least a three-quarter-ton pickup truck to tow it.

If you are going to be moving around a lot you might want to lean toward a one-tone truck for your tow vehicle. If you don’t already have one, this can factor into the overall cost of ownership. 

7. Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 Toy Hauler Travel Trailer

• MSRP around $64,000
• Length of 33.5 ft.
• Dry Weight of 7,860 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 3,546 lbs.
• GVWR of 11,406 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,206 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 100.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 76.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 38.0 gallons
• 40,0000 BTU furnace

The Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 is a toy hauler travel trailer that is nicely geared for a couple or a small family that loves full-time living.

Yet it is also geared to let you live in comfort when you want to take your travel trailer home off the grid for a week or so of boondocking. 

The MSRP of the Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 is also very friendly for a toy hauler travel trailer.

It only costs around $64,000 totally loaded and ready to pull off the dealership’s lot.

Though the gross vehicle weight rating does push the limit of what a half-ton pickup truck can safely pull when it’s fully loaded.

If you don’t already have a three-quarter-ton truck to pull it, you will need to factor that into the overall cost of ownership. 

The living and sleeping accommodations in this toy hauler travel trailer are the definition of the word “Spacious.”

You see this with the truly king-size master suite in the front with enough room on each side of the bed for his and hers nightstands, and wardrobe closets.

There’s also enough floor space to dress and walk around easily, which isn’t always the case with a lot of other master suites that basically jam a king-size bed into the bedroom. 

The large power slide-out section adds to the overall floor space that flows through to the kitchen.

It houses a family-size dinette as well as a comfortable jack knife sofa that feels like a true living room, as it faces the entertainment center and pantry. 

The rear cargo area garage is large enough, and the payload capacity is high enough to easily hold an ATV, golf cart, or UTV.

Though it is much more than that. When you pull your “Toys” out the rear ramp converts into an outdoor porch or deck where you can sit back and enjoy a pleasant summer evening, just like you would on your deck at home. 

The Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 is a great option for couples who like to spend the summer “Hosting” a private campground or contract operating a primitive campground for the forest service.

You can set it up as a seasonal home in the summer, with a golf cart or ATV to let you patrol the campground. Then it packs up to let you head south before the snow flies. 

8. Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS Destination Trailer

• MSRP around $56,000
• Length of 41.3 ft.
• Dry Weight of 11,825 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,825 lbs.
• GVWR of 13,000 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,495 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 38.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 71.5 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 39.0 gallons

While destination travel trailers like the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS are truly mobile, they are geared more for families who want to park up their travel trailers for months if not years at a time.

You see this in the signature large sliding glass door that is intended to step out onto a semi-permanent deck.

It makes this a great travel trailer for full-time living at the family lake lot or your own private retirement village. 

For all the comfort and luxury you get the MSRP of the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS is a very friendly $56,000.

Though this doesn’t include the cost of some of the optional extras like the washer & dryer prep in the spacious master bath. 

Where you want to keep this destination travel trailer and how often you want to move it can be a factor in the overall cost of ownership.

With a gross weight of 13,000-pounds and a hitch weight of nearly 1,500-pounds, you will need a three-quarter to a one-ton pickup truck to safely tow it.

If you are planning to park it at a seasonal or long-term campsite, then this is a non-factor.

If you are going to move it around every month or two, then you will need to factor in the tow vehicle cost or the cost to hire a tow company to move it for you. 

The interior of the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS is well appointed and designed to be a true home for a couple or a small family who wants a weekend retreat that is ready 24/7/365 days a year.

It has a comfortable queen-size master suite in the front with tons of storage.

A spacious master bath, and an open concept kitchen, and a living room with an entertainment center that houses a 40-inch flatscreen TV. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get homeowner’s insurance on a full-time travel trailer.

If you are living in your travel trailer full-time you need to carry comprehensive full coverage, which will replicate the coverage you would get in a brick & mortar homeowner’s insurance policy.

Though with so many people turning to full-timing in their RV, insurance providers are becoming more willing to consider homeowner’s insurance for travel trailers. Though conditions may vary. 

How Much Does It Cost To Insure A Travel Trailer For Full-Time Living?

Comprehensive coverage for a travel trailer will average between $1,000 to $2,000 a year and will be influenced by the MSPR as well as the current value.

Many insurance providers will offer additional coverage options for high-value items that you keep full-time in your travel trailer.

How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Travel Trailer?

If you don’t want to make a major investment in a large pickup truck just to tow your travel trailer every few months, you can usually hire a towing service for around $3.30 per mile within 100 to 250 miles.

Beyond 250 miles, you might want to consider “Shipping” your travel trailer on a flat-bed semi-truck, which could cost as low as $1.25 per mile. 

Full-timing in a travel trailer is an increasingly popular trend that has many people enjoying life without all the hassles of taking care of a yard or being forced to deal with the same old neighbors.

It’s also a great way for couples and retirees to enjoy life in some exotic locations, without the exorbitant costs of investing in a traditional timeshare. 

The type of travel trailer that’s been for you to live in full-time will vary depending on the size of your family as well as your travel style.

You will also need to factor in the cost to tow it or the investment in a tow vehicle for some of the larger models. 

If you are a tradesman or project supervisor at a remote job site, then the Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office might be the best travel trailer for full-time living to meet your needs.

It has Airstream’s classic look at a more reasonable purchase price than the “Classic.” It also has great living accommodations and an office for all your important papers in the rear. 

If you are looking to retire to the family lake lot, or you don’t have intentions of moving around a lot, then a destination travel trailer like the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS might be the best option to meet your lifestyle.

It has a sliding glass door that lets you step out onto a separate deck, as well as the master suite and well-appointed living room that a couple needs to feel truly at home. 

If you love to bring a runabout golf cart or ATV with you, and you want to bask in a pleasant evening on the porch then a toy hauler travel trailer like the Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 might be perfect for full-timing.

It lets you bring your toys with you from campsite to campsite, then transforms the rear into a spacious back deck.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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Not sure why out of all of the awesome choices made by Grand Design and Winnebago you picked their smallest and least luxurious models. It almost seems like you skewed the choices so people would naturally gravitate towards the larger ones you offered. Not sure anyone wants to full-time in an Imagine XLS or Micro-minnie unless they have a smaller Truck and can’t pull something larger. Those two models are suited for Non full-time people in my opinion.

James Lehman

This is by far the most useful and concise article about travel trailers I’ve ever read. You really chose a percise and well-rounded list. Thank you for posting it.

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Best Travel Trailers For Full Time Living

What is the best travel trailer for full time living? A dream of many is to live life on the road. Whether you're retired, a digital nomad, or just want to live life away from the hustle and bustle living full time in a camper is an amazing life experience.

It gives you the freedom of living in pretty much any location you want, you can take your work along with you, and you can even follow the work. The options are endless when you choose to live life on the road.

Of course, this is an option for many people, but which rig to choose? There are many travel trailers for full time living and the choices can get confusing.

Fear not, we've compiled a short list of what we believe to be the best travel trailers for full time living. Yes, we could have chosen the most luxurious campers and be done, but not everyone can afford the largest and most luxurious travel trailers , so we've included, different sizes and budgets.

As well as reviewing the best models to suit full time living, we've also included a guide on what general things you should look for. And we've included a Pros and Cons section of living life on the road, just to remind you of the good and bad.

And if you're still left with some unanswered questions, we have an FAQ section dedicated to all things travel trailers for full time living to round things up. So, with that said, let's get into it...

Can Any Travel Trailer Be Used for Full-Time Living?

Technically you can live full time in any travel trailer, but we wouldn't advise it. Most full-timers prefer to live in travel trailers , fifth wheels , or motorhomes , because they're spacious enough, boast all the amenities you need, and have enough capacity in the water tanks and stuff so you don't have to do all the dirty work every single day.

With travel trailers, it's also a good idea to choose a lightweight travel trailer for full-time living, because they can be more awkward to tow than 5th wheels .

What Makes a Travel Trailer Great For Full-Time Living

Travel trailers can be great for full time living, because they possess many features you need.

Appropriate Layout

Designers and manufacturers of travel trailers are more focused on the right layout rather than making it more spacious by increasing in size. Optimizing the space keeps it light and ensures a trailer is easier to tow.

• Impeccable LED lighting
• Easily affordable by most people
• Fully furnished sink and cabinets
• Adequate space to install seating arrangement
• Enough place for microwave oven, refrigerator and washing machine
• Sleeps: 2-6
• Number of Floorplans: 4
• Length: 24 ft
• Weight: 8,620 lbs

Fireplace, fridge, TV, sink, sofa, master bedroom, everything is present in this budget Evoke Model A travel trailer – you name it! It is perfectly equipped with optimal fresh water tank, gray water tank, and a wastewater tank. 

The Model A is the smallest of the Evoke railers, but the floorplan makes the most of the space. The kitchen is spacious enough to cook a delicious meal thanks to the corner units. When dinner is ready, you can dine with the family on the spacious dinette, which also converts into a large double bed.

At night, you can turn off all the lights and switch on LEDs that are installed behind the cabinet and create a beautiful view. Plus, the master bedroom boasts a good sized window, so you can wake up to those amazing panoramics you go chasing.

All these features make this lightweight travel trailer a perfect compact box to hang out and live full-time with family. In addition to all of these stellar features, the best thing about it is that it is easily affordable.

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow

Full Time RV Living: A Beginner’s Guide to Everything You Need to Know

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Full time RV living: have you ever considered it? 

In the last few years, we Two Drifters have started thinking about our future. While we want to feel settled and have a home, we also know how much we love to travel, to drift…to not stay in one place. We want to have the comforts of a home base but also have the freedom to explore other places. To us, this is the best of both worlds.  So instead of buying a stationary, conventional home, it seems that living the RV lifestyle might suit us just fine.

But we’re not ready to jump in just yet. First, there will be some other steps we have to take, but in the name of research, we figured we’d start at least some of the planning and dreaming right now.

Fortunately, there are tons of awesome couples and families already living the RV life that we can learn from. These folks are doing this unique lifestyle in a variety of ways: some are living in a camper van, others are living in a motorhome, some have kids, some have pets, but all are pretty much living on the road full time. In other words, they’re living the dream! (PS: Check out some great gifts for RV lovers here !)

So, we’ve gathered a handful of them together to ask some pressing full time RVing questions. We’re total beginners (and we’re assuming if you’re reading this you likely are, too), so we started at the basics.

Where does a person even start when thinking about living in an RV? Is this an affordable lifestyle? What type of vehicle and RV do I need?

We bring to you our findings: the wisdom of some full time RVers who have been doing this from a couple months to a couple years. 

Table of Contents

Full-Time RV Living 101: A Guide

Thanks to all the current RVers who helped us put together this post! 

Nathalie and Louis ( We are Cedar Stream ) – on Instagram @cedar.stream

April & family – on Instagram @twinning_in_our_5thwheel

Gwen & C.J. ( Our Little Green Adventure ) – on Instagram @littlegreenadventure

Mandy ( Wilson Grand Adventures ) – on Instagram @wilsongrandadventures

Lindsay ( Follow Your Detour )- on Instagram @follow_your_detour

Mars, Ash, & Everly ( Fite Travels ) – on Instagram @fitetravels

Brittany – on Instagram @brittsimps

Hailey & John ( Wander Winnie ) – on Instagram @wander_winnie

Megan & Brandon ( Our Wild Road ) – on Instagram @ourwildroad

Courtney ( Out of Office Family ) – on Instagram  @outofofficefamily

Where Do You Even Start When it Comes to RV Living?

At the start, you may have lots of questions.

Can you live in an RV legally? Can you live in a travel trailer year round? Can I live in an RV full time?

The answer to all these questions is YES. 

The Initial Research – Getting Inspired

As you begin your research, you’ll probably spend a lot of time getting inspired by other RVers. Instagram is a great place like this (check out the accounts of our contributors above) as there are thousands of accounts all about that #RVLife. You’ll start to get excited browsing these images and it will give you lots of ideas as a starting point for embarking on your own full time camping life. 

There is so much to learn, so start slowly and figure out your goals. Money will be an important factor of course, and may help you limit your day-dreaming and start realistically planning.

Lindsay says: We recommend first getting an idea of how much it will cost you to RV based on your goals for choosing the lifestyle. You can really make it as expensive or inexpensive as you’d like. But once you get an idea of your goals (traveling vs downsizing and saving money vs) and you get a budget together, you can then determine what RV is a good fit for those goals and the travel style that’s a good fit as well. For example, boondocking (dry camping on free land) is a great way to save money if that’s one of your goals. If you’re wanting to travel and see as many places as you can, you’ll spend more money and you’ll need an RV that accommodates that well. Basically, deciding your goals and getting a financial plan will help guide you along the decisions. Then, list off your biggest obstacles or questions and tackle them one at a time. Our greatest source of learning is just asking other RVers and searching blogs, Pinterest, and YouTube!

Check out their resource: The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Full-Time Rving

Other RVers had similar tips about research, which will help you figure out not only how to get started and which rig to choose from, but also will provide general useful RVing tips.

Ashley H. says: Honestly, I am a researcher so I spent many early mornings and late nights researching EVERYTHING. I wanted to know all of the must-haves, ways to save space and maximize that space too. I haven’t found anything just yet that I wish I knew but that may change one day. Researching everything was life-saving!

Mars, Ash, and Everly say : The best advice we could give to anyone would be to really take time to ask yourself what you want in every area of your life. Take the time to get specific and ask yourself the questions that might make you feel uneasy. We took about six weeks to focus on creating a vision for our lives, and it has paid off in so many ways. It’s helped us to know when to say yes and when to say no. It’s given us motivation and purpose and passion. Whether you want to live in a RV full time or just experience more freedom or control over your life, creating a super clear vision is imperative to living out your dream life.

Hailey and John say: Choose a rig and go from there. For us being easily navigable was our first priority, second priority was a good amount of space. (so small….but not too small…haha) Think about your NEEDS, what does your life require you to bring? Do you want to tow a car? Do you want to invest in a large vehicle capable of towing? Etc!  Second thing is to think about BUDGET. We did NOT want to finance a vehicle…we were trying to escape being tied down to debt by living on the road! For us saving a little money and paying cash on a fixer-upper was the way to go.

Getting Rid of Debt & Downsizing

As you’re dreaming and planning, you can start taking other steps to prepare yourself for the full-time RV lifestyle. 

Megan and Brandon say: The first recommendation is not to overthink it, and just do it! But it’s definitely a process to transition into the lifestyle. Our first step was paying off all our debt and lowering our monthly bills to next to nothing. Like most people, we had car payments, medical bills, student loans, etc. We got rid of it all before we went on the road. Then, start getting rid of all your stuff. We put some things in storage but we’re going to end up selling it all. It’s SO NICE to not have stuff holding you back.

How to Pick the Best RV to Live in Full Time

What is the best travel trailer for full time living? Which is the best RV for full time family living? What’s the best fifth wheel for full time living? What is the best motorhome to live in full time?

So many questions! Perhaps the most crucial step in the process is selecting your rig. Obviously, this decision is going to vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, your family size, your budget, your desires/needs, and much more. Plus, you’ll be deciding between the various vehicle options and setups and even investigating brands of RV and motorhome.

This article can serve as a starting point for your RV vehicle research. To lay out some of the pros and cons of the various options, check out the responses below. The end results for each family are very diverse.

What Kind of Setup Do You Need for RV Living?

What’s the best setup for RVing full time or even part-time? Is it better to have a motorhome or a vehicle-tow situation? Why?

Nathalie and Louis say: We have a 1969 Airstream Globetrotter. The Globetrotter model was created for traveling the world, even in places with rough road conditions. It’s only 20 ft. long and has high ground clearance. We love this because we get to camp in the coolest places, our little house fits places other trailers don’t. What type of home on wheels you have is personal preference, so I can only speak for us and our opinions. In a full time situation, we will always choose having a truck and trailer. Our biggest reason is vehicle maintenance. If our truck has a problem we can drop our trailer somewhere and keep living in it, while the truck is getting fixed. If it’s unrepairable, we get a new one and we didn’t lose our home. That’s not the case with a van or motorhome. We don’t ever want to be in a situation where we are living in a shop parking lot (best case scenario), paying for an extended hotel stay, or losing our home due to expensive mechanical issues. We would consider other options, if we weren’t full time. There are some awesome camper vans out there that inspire us.

Jen and Dustin say: We have a Cherokee Arctic Wolf 295 QSL8 5th Wheel. We invested in a 5th wheel for one major reason: it feels more like a home than any other model. Ours has a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc. and the main living areas have high ceilings. I would never have been on board with a van, class A/B/C etc. because they feel so cramped, and it just wouldn’t work for our lifestyle.

Hailey and John say: We have a 1991 Winnebago Micro warrior. It has a v6 Toyota Engine that is super fuel efficient and reliable! Being only 21’ long we are just a little bigger than a normal parking space, PLUS we won’t miss out on any beautiful roads because of ‘length restrictions.’ Our little rig also has a full bathroom, kitchen, dining area, sofa, and full size bed!

Lindsay says: We have a 2018 Winnebago Navion 24 D class C motorhome and we tow a Jeep Wrangler behind it. Benefits are that it’s only 25 feet long, making it super easy to navigate and park. We can fit almost anywhere, including parking downtown in busy cities! Weused to tow a 30 foot fifth-wheel and the motorhome is also much easier to just “hop in and go”. We don’t have to worry about hitching up! We also love that on travel days, we have access to our kitchen and bathroom…actually, our whole house. We don’t have to stop for lunch or to use the restroom. In fact, we take turns driving and working since the passenger can sit at our dinette and work and even have a seatbelt. Efficiency I tell you! 

April says: I have a Keystone Montana 3295RK (2005) I love this type because Keystone makes quality RV’s. Ours is a 5th wheel so the ceiling height makes the rig feel larger. Ours is also equipped with an aluminum frame so it’s all weather which is nice as well.

Brittany says: We have a 2004 Fleetwood Terry 320BDHS. It’s light and it only has one slide out. We chose a travel trailer over a fifth wheel because we already had everything we needed to pull vs finding a new vehicle (or renting a vehicle) with the fifth wheel hitch. We also have three small children that are all in car seats so we opted out of buying a motor home because we didn’t want to have to figure out the car seat situation while traveling.

Gwen & CJ say: We drive our 32’ Class C RV and tow a Jeep Wrangler behind. In our opinion, either having a motorhome with a tow vehicle, or a truck pulling a camper is ideal. Reason being, if you get to a spot you’re intending to stay at for a long period of time, its nice to be able to set up more of a home base in your trailer- Putting out your camping chairs, being able to have a vase of flowers out, etc, etc, and not having to pack everything up the moment you want to go anywhere. Having another vehicle to explore the area in can be incredibly helpful. The second reason is if you’re looking at a bigger rig, driving it down to a coffee shop and maneuvering it through smaller parking lots can be a challenge. Once again, having another vehicle can be very helpful.

Mandy says: We have a 2000 Class A – Damon Challenger 305. It’s 35 foot with one super slide. This model had the criteria we were looking for in buying a motorhome; lots of storage, layout that we could convert an area into bunks for our two kids, engine strong enough to tow a Chevy Traverse weighing 4,900 pounds, a layout we could renovate and call home. This is our first motorhome and we have been very pleased with the model, layout, power and layout for our renovated house of wheels. We also love the fact that we don’t have to pull over to grab snacks!

Do you need a truck to tow an RV? What kind?

Jen and Dustin say: YES. Without getting super technical, you need a truck with a towing capacity so that you can safely tow whatever you purchase. Do your research, and don’t trust what the dealerships tell you. Our rig is advertised as “half-ton towable”. However, if you’re living in it full-time your trailer you’re going to have a LOT of extra weight. We purchased a RAM 2500 that came with a tow package for our 5th wheel (it’s considered a ¾ ton). We feel that it handles our 34 foot trailer well, and never worry about losing control.

Ashley H says: It really depends on what type of RV you have to figure out what vehicle you need. My husband has a F-150 that hauls ours completely fine and could probably go a little larger in size too but if we ever switched to a 40+ FT he would need an F-250 for sure! Even though we have yet to test it out my Toyota Sienna minivan is actually fully equipped to haul travel trailers smaller in size!

Where Can You Stay in Your RV?

Where can I park my RV long term? Where can I park my RV to live?

Maybe one of the biggest mysteries about living on the road in an RV is where families park their rig. Well, just as there are many options to choose from when it comes to travel trailers and setups, there are also plenty of alternatives for where you’ll stay. But, no matter where you go, as they say, “home is where you park it.”

Many RVers prefer a more off-the-grid lifestyle.

Nathalie and Louis say: We are full time boondockers. This means our trailer is self-contained and we live off grid 365 days a year. We love finding rural spots and feeling so small and alone in this big, beautiful world.

Gwen & CJ say: We outfitted our RV to boondock most of the time, meaning we find government owned land (often BLM land) and camp there without hookups. You can camp for free on BLM land for up to 14 days. We love to stay out in wide open spaces, surrounded by nature rather than side by side other RV’s in an RV park.

Megan and Brandon say : We boondock exclusively, so we do not pay for camping. We utilize Campendium and freecampsites.net , and even Google Maps, to find public lands to camp on. We mainly camp in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. So far we have stayed on some gorgeous land.

Others living full time on the road prefer more organized amenities and civilization:

Jen & Dustin say: RV Parks or “resorts” with at least a 4 star rating, a dog park and full hookups. I, Jen, do extensive research and read Google reviews, and utilize other websites to make sure we are going to a safe area. We only do monthly stays (way more affordable than daily or weekly rates) so obviously the park has to offer those as well.

Ashley H says: We choose to stay at RV parks that have several amenities for our kids. Swimming pools that are heated, outdoor fishing lakes, laundromats, clubhouses with games or conference centers and monthly activities.

And other families do a bit of both:

Lindsay says: Anywhere and everywhere. We’ve gone from busy cities like Washington D.C. and San Francisco to wide open spaces in national parks. There’s honestly nowhere you can’t drive an RV…well except overseas! We’ve street parked discretely in the city, we’ve boondocked on BLM and forest land and even right on the beach. We’ve also treated ourselves to luxury RVs. There’s something for everyone, even the glampers! We like to mix it up and it really depends on the destination and what it offers.

Visiting Family and Friends

One of the benefits of having a truly mobile home is that you can more easily visit family and friends. What we’ve always wondered is how feasible it is to just park in a family member’s driveway in your RV. Is this possible? It seems it’s not as simple as rolling up and putting down stakes wherever you’d like. There may be more research needed. 

Gwen & CJ say: If you are looking to visit family or friends in a city or suburb, you should check the local laws and with the local Home Owners Association(HOA). Different neighborhoods across the US will have different HOA zoning rules that dictate if/where you can park your RV and for how long. C.J.’s family lives in a suburban area outside of Dallas and we are only allowed to street park there between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. Gwen’s family lives out in the country so parking there is always an option for us.

Mandy says : Yes! We have done this several times. If you fit and there’s no restrictions, you can park on their property. You will need to know if they have RV hookups or not. If not, you won’t be able to plug in. If family or friends do not have either a 30amp/50amp plug you can always purchase a converter to plug in your RV. Just keep in mind that when converting to a house 15 amp plug, I would only recommend using it for charging your house batteries or refrigerator but not recommended for running your AC or microwave as it will be too much power.

Lindsay says: We park in Dan’s parents’ driveway all the time and my mom’s neighborhood allows it on the street for a few days as well. It’s nice to have your own home and space with you rather than staying in guest bedrooms. So we “moochdock” (park on family and friends property) as often as possible. Otherwise, you can find RV parks and campgrounds that will allow you to park overnight for a small fee. Or, there’s always Walmart and if you feel comfortable you can leave your RV in their parking lot overnight if you’d rather stay with family. But that’s only for one night. If we’re staying for longer periods, we just pay to store the RV somewhere and it’s not usually over $100 a month.

Ashley H says: We haven’t crossed this bridge just yet but I think this is going to depend on the length of the stay and who you are visiting. My in-laws live on unrestricted acreage so we can park it there and have no issues. My parents and sister/brother in law live in the suburbs with HOA enforced. If it is just a quick visit I think parking it in the driveway may be doable but for longer visits we will most likely leave it parked at the RV campground and drive our vehicle to physically stay in their home.

What is the Cost of Full Time RV Living?

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to motorhome living for beginners has to be budget. Does living in an RV full time cost as much as living in a traditional home? How much does it cost to RV full time? Are there ways to save money on the cost of full time RVing ? 

Overall, it seems that this lifestyle offers the opportunity to live more affordably. 

Nathalie and Louis say: This lifestyle is absolutely affordable! Our total monthly expenses are equivalent to the rent of a two bedroom apartment, in both of the places we are from. We are fully off grid and that keeps our cost of living minimal. The cash up front is an investment, but it has paid for itself multiple times over.

April says: I definitely feel that this is more affordable and more empowering because you own your own home, and that feels great. A lot of times park rent is much cheaper than rent In our case, we were paying over $2,000 a month on rent and utilities and now we dont even pay $1,000.

Ashley H says: I think this question is going to honestly vary for everyone. I know living in an RV will present its challenges and expenses but in our case it’s substantially less and does save us quite a bit of money. We lost the mortgage expense, HOA fees, lawncare, cable, security, internet and so many other frivolous things we were used to paying living in a suburbs home of almost 3000 sq ft.

Mars, Ash, and Everly say: I definitely think it can be [affordable]. We travel A LOT, so we spend a lot on gas, which often brings our monthly vehicle/gas payment up to the cost of what it was living in a house with bills. However, we no longer have our two car payments. Also, we often opt out of staying in a hotel on the road. Our jobs put us on the road, so before having our van, we often spent money staying in hotels. Living in a van has made life a lot simpler. I have limited space to collect things. I don’t go on shopping sprees. It makes it easier to say no when I see cute things I want to decorate with because where would I put it? It’s made me recognize that I have more than enough, and I don’t need to buy anything else.

Kirs & Dev say:  Yes! Nashville rent is around $1,500-2,500 for one bedroom. I pay $600 monthly with electric included.

Lindsay says: Absolutely! It can be super affordable if you’re willing to make some sacrifices. There are tons of ways to save money on the road like free parking, cooking in, utilizing RV memberships, traveling less often to save on gas, etc. But overall, you buy less since you have less space and avoid monthly bills like cable, trash, utilities, and the costs of maintaining a house.

Hailey and John say: SO FAR YES! We are parking for free as much as possible and budgeting $1,000 a month on average.

But sometimes, the costs do add up, too.

Dustin & Jen say : I wish I had known what the expenses were going to be. So many people were like “just boondock everywhere! The RV lifestyle is so cheap and affordable!”. However, my job depends on phone reception and internet connection. Oh, and we NEEDED electricity without depending on generators every day. Boondocking just wasn’t going to work for us. We did research on the cost of RV parks—but only for certain regions. We’ve been primarily in the Southwest since living full- time, and had no idea that we were looking at $700+ a month on the low end PLUS the payment for our 5th wheel. It’s just as expensive as apartment living sometimes! We stayed in Vegas for the month of January and it was SO COLD! We spent over $300 on propane just to heat our rig, shower, cook, etc.—and that was also having an electric fireplace!

Courtney says: It all depends entirely on how you travel and what types of places you are comfortable staying. If you want a giant new rig, only want to stay at RV resorts with all the amenities and move around once a week, it may not be less expensive than your life in a sticks & bricks. However, if you end up with a more budget-conscious rig, move less often and are open to boondocking, it can definitely be less expensive.  

RVing with Pets

Many people who embrace living in a camper full time seem to also be animal lovers, like us. With plans to get a dog of our own this summer (yay!) we wanted to know for the future what the challenges of full time RV living with pets might be. RVing with dogs seems to be a great thing, but certainly must present its fair share of obstacles.

Nathalie and Louis say: We love having our dog with us everywhere we go, but it does have a few challenges. Most national parks don’t allow pets, so we end up skipping the lengthy hikes and just spend a couple hours driving around the park, checking out easily accessible spots, while the dog waits in the car. This may sound very limiting to some, but since we can’t go to the popular places, we find other trails just outside the parks. We have found incredible hidden gems, ones we never would have sought out, had our dog not made us think outside the box. Our dog gives us more opportunities than limitations, I love traveling with our pup.

Jen & Dustin say: We have a golden retriever, so we do whatever we can to stay at places that have dog parks in them or are close to dog parks. If it doesn’t have a dog park, we try and find out if there are grassy areas dogs are allowed on. Our dog is VERY social, and meeting new dogs and people everywhere we go has been a huge plus of fulltime RV living.

Ashley H. says: We have two dogs and making sure they had their own space was important. We invested in a large metal dog crate to put on our RV pad with faux turf giving them a feel of a yard to be outside during the day and coming it to sleep at night. This is how the set up was when we were home, therefore nothing really changed for living in the RV. We take them anytime we go to a food truck as well to get them out and allow them to have that time with us. We also find RV parks that have dog parks or dog walking stations which helps too!

Gwen & C J say: We travel with our two dogs and our cat. Temperature control in hot weather is the biggest challenge we face. Because we boondock 99% of the time, we don’t have an external power source to plug our RV into to be able to run our air conditioning unit, (which doesn’t work too well anyway.) So we rely on our solar to power fans throughout the house. On super hot days, we don’t leave the pets in the RV alone. The other challenge we face is that most National Parks have very strict rules on where you can bring your dogs. Because of this, we are unable to camp inside of some national parks.

Lindsay says: Our dogs have adjusted really well. We try to get them out of the RV as much as possible so they don’t feel too cooped up. They get more exercise than they did when we lived in a house or apartment. We can usually bring them along on our adventures since we love to hike and walk around downtown and sit on patios. Lots of cities are very dog-friendly , which is great. National parks, however, aren’t and most do not allow dogs on trails. This presents a challenge when we want to explore and the weather is hot during the summer. We have to ensure we are hooked up to electricity to leave the air conditioning on. Even then, we always worry about losing power or the A/C going out and us not knowing and being gone. We put a sign on our door that says “Dogs on board, call ____ in the case of an emergency”. Having a fire or something happening to us while we are out and the dogs being stuck inside is my biggest fear so I take every precaution. There are pet monitors that are super helpful and allow you to watch your dog from a camera in the RV and your cell phone. But overall, we’ve never had any issues! They make the travel even more fun for us and we love having them tag along.

Full Time RV Living with Kids

What about living in a camper with kids?

This is something Nathan and I definitely wonder about. Since we’re not yet parents, we are curious about how families with kids and babies do life on the road. There are many questions, such as how a whole family can fit in an RV, how do the kids attend school when living in an RV, and more.

Well, it turns out there are, as usual, options. Many parents choose to homeschool or “road school” their school-aged children, which is really amazing. Others live in RVs that are more stationary, so the kids are able to attend a traditional school. Let’s look closer at the challenges from our RVing families:

Brittany says: When it comes to RV living & schooling I see a lot of homeschool families, which is so incredible! Because we are stationary we chose to keep our kids in public school & do most of our traveling on weekends and during the summer. Although I will admit, the perks of homeschooling are becoming more & more appealing.

Ash and Mars say: We have a four-year-old daughter, Everly. Currently, we are homeschooling her. Life on the road has made homeschooling really fun. We are always in new places, discovering new things! We apply real-life situations to her learning. We have to work as a team when we are on the road, and she is a part of our decisions and day-to-day living.

As for considerations of living in a smaller space with children: 

Ashley F. says: I did a ton of research so I wanted to create a space for the kids that allowed my husband and I to still have our privacy and be able to keep them content in their own room as well. We renovated our RV and make a custom “kids suite” with 4 bunk beds, pull out storage drawers, a play/desk area, their own TV, black out blinds AND a thick “sound proof” door as well.

And of course there are challenges:

Ash, Mars, and Everly say: In particular, finding other families on the road is difficult. Social media has been incredibly helpful actually, we’ve met and made some pretty great friends thanks to finding like-minded people on social platforms. Our daughter is an extrovert through and through and loves being around other kids. We make it a priority to find friends for her to play with. It’s allowed us to help her gain the confidence to walk up to kids she doesn’t know and tell them her name and ask them to play. She’s become really amazing at making instant friends with people from all over

Courtney says: Lack of regular socialization. Sometimes we can go weeks without there being other kids for them to play with. That can be really tough on our four-year old, whose #1 priority in life is having friends to play with. Saying good-bye to friends we make on the road is really tough as well. Sometimes we know we might not ever see them again and that can be difficult to explain to small kids.

Renovating Your RV

While you can certainly buy a motorhome or camper that is brand new and outfitted with all the bells and whistles you desire, that is a costly endeavor. Instead, you might opt for an older model of travel trailer and do a bit of DIY RV renovation like many of our contributors did.

And even a new RV might require some remodeling and updates.

Jen & Dustin say: People thought we were crazy when we purchased a brand new 5th wheel and decided to remodel it…but we couldn’t live with all-brown-everything! I grew up working on construction projects with my Dad, so everything we did I had some experience in. The biggest difference in our RV was made by removing the valances and just painting nearly everything white. It’s something anyone can do! I also follow @RVFixerUpper @prvbsthirtyonegirl on Instagram and they are always posting DIY’s to help! We also reached out to friends and family to help with something they had experience with (we either paid them or fed them for their services haha). Also, Heathandalyssa.com were instrumental in our decision to do this in the first place!

Ashley H. says: We renovated the RV entirely. Our RV was old and everything was original. We painted, did peel and stick wallpaper, faux shiplap, new appliances, custom built the kids “suite” and popped in an incredible sleeper sofa with memory gel foam mattress from affirm. I wanted to give our RV a fresh look while making it cozy the way our homes always feel.

Gwen & CJ say: We renovated nearly everything in our RV. The only things still there from the original design are the cabinets (with a fresh coat of paint), the toilet & shower, and the cab. Along with renovating the interior, we painted the exterior and converted our rig to solar power to allow us to dry camp. We learned pretty much everything from Youtube, blogs, and trial and error.

Hailey and John say: YES. ALL OF IT. We GUTTED our RV and spent 8 months repairing and rebuilding. We rebuilt the cabover sleeping bunk and rear wall completely. We gutted the kitchen and bathroom and put in new counters, faucets and backsplashes. The entire thing including all cabinets has been repainted + new vinyl flooring installed.  I sewed curtains and seat cushions. We resealed all exterior compartments and corner trims. WE HAVE TOUCHED EVERY INCH OF THIS THING. I like to think we were the perfect team on this project. I researched all RV related repairs (what sealants to use, what to buy) and John helped bring it all to life with the tools and muscle. Then when we got to the interior after the building portion was complete, I took over with the paint, fixtures, electrical, decor and textiles. Youtube and the Toyota Motorhome facebook groups have been our main sources of info.

Nathalie and Louis say : We fully gutted our Airstream and did a frame up renovation. Louis is a carpenter, so we were fortunate to have the tools and knowledge to build our tiny home. Everything was custom built to maximize our space and have storage in every spot possible. Our house is perfect for us and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

April says: Yes we renovated everything ourself. We painted everything, ripped out a lot of cabinets and carpet and linoleum and replaced the floors with vinyl wood planks, and we are in the process of renovating our bathroom too.

Mandy says: Yes. We renovated our entire RV. This was something that was a priority for me as I don’t enjoy the décor of RVs. We have done lots of renovations on our home for over 10 years and that’s really how we got started. This was our first RV so it was a different learning curve. We painted the outside, turned a closet into bunk beds for the kids, removed a dinette and replaced it with bar-style seating, then removed the passenger seat and turned it into a sectional style couch. All new bedding, blankets, pillows, and décor items were added.

Working on the Road – Full Time RV Jobs

It’s one thing to live on the road full time, but how do you manage to earn an income? How do people living this lifestyle work while traveling or living in an RV? And perhaps most important of all, wow does one get WiFi?

CJ & Gwen say: Being web designers, having internet connection is incredibly important. Because of this, we traded our cable and internet bills for an upgraded cell phone data plan and a hotspot. Most day to day tasks can be handled using our hotspots and a cell phone booster. When needed, if our signal isn’t strong enough or we have to upload a large amount of files, we take the jeep out to the nearest establishment with WiFi and work from there for a few hours.

Mandy says: We have a JetPack from Verizon. We chose the MiFi 8800L model because it has the most up to date technology and allows up to 15 devices to be connected at once with a prepaid unlimited data plan. We have been able to use the internet on the road, at the beach, at friend’s homes, anywhere. You just need Verizon 4G service.

Ashley H. says: So far the RV parks are all equipped with wifi but if we ever choose to boondock we will want to invest in something to help us with internet. They have plenty of options out there that cost roughly $500-$700 for something really good and I have heard they work wonders!

Dustin and Jen say: We use Verizon Above Unlimited & a cell booster. Each of our cell phones gets 75GB of streaming data (think watching Hulu or Netflix) and 20GB of Hotspot data (we use for work computers). We also have a MiFi device with 20GB of Hotspot data. All in all, if we are in areas with cell phone reception, our internet is covered!

Lindsay says: We have a dedicated hotspot with unlimited data from AT&T, and use our cell phones from Verizon as a backup. This works great for us because we find that between these two carriers, we can normally get a decent signal. We typically don’t have problems staying connecting, but there have definitely been times where we were unable to stay at a certain spot because of the lack of signal – we find this to be common in National Parks. Many RV parks and campgrounds offer free WiFi when you stay with them. However, the WiFi can be pretty spotty at most parks, especially when the park is full. If worse comes to worse, you can always find coffee shops, libraries, and other businesses who offer WiFi. We recently got a WeBoost to improve the strength and speed of our cellular data and we couldn’t be more happy with it. At one particular campground, we had zero service and couldn’t even check our email from our phones, but after connecting the WeBoost, we were able to stream a movie!! The basic idea with the WeBoost is that you install a special, high power antenna which allows your devices to connect to a stronger, more reliable signal.

Challenges of RV Living

Finally, let’s break it down with some helpful full time RV living tips. There are going to be difficulties with this unconventional way of living, but that’s ok. 

Brittany says: Expect to always be in someone’s way! As a family of five, we’ve had to learn to communicate better when it comes to moving & navigating through the camper (something you rarely ever do in a stocks & bricks home). Although this has been a huge obstacle for us, it’s also brought us so much closer as a family.

Courtney says: We wish there was a hands-on, crash course on RV maintenance we could have taken prior to getting on the road. We had never even camped as a family–let alone ever done anything in a RV– before we purchased one and hit the road. We definitely didn’t know as much as we wish we would have about maintaining our home on wheels and that has resulted in some issues during the year that could have possibly been prevented.

Lindsay says: We miss being plugged into and involved in a community. We can’t volunteer at church anymore or do certain hobbies, such as Brazilian Jui Jitsu in Dan’s case. It can also be challenging to balance feeling like you’re on vacation and reality. We’re constantly having to be aware of our budget and being careful not to overspend while in new and exciting locations. Also, when you work from the road, it’s tough to find a routine and schedule that keeps you productive. We’re always tempted to go explore the destination we’re in and procrastinate on work. And of course, we always miss our friends and family from home!

Kirs & Dev say: Everything breaks all the time. There is always something that needs to be fixed. New or old, comes with the RV life.

Driving your rig, especially for the first time can be one of those challenges, too. 

Mandy says: Anything you do for the first time is a little nerve racking. Especially when you are used to driving a 4-door sedan or small SUV. The first time I drove a motorhome was the day we left the lot after paying for it. Honestly, after the initial shock of being so high off the ground, how wide and long a 35′ motorhome is and how to operate it, it really isn’t difficult to drive. I now prefer driving the motorhome because of the amazing view from behind the wheel.

Dustin and Jen say: Dustin would say yes! Mostly because you can’t just drive on auto—you have to be aware of everything going on around you, make sure your tires are at the correct pressure, your trailer is hitched correctly, and constantly be watching the weather. You don’t want to be driving when it’s too windy or you could tip your rig and crash. It helps if you have a truck you are confident in.

Advice for Future Full Time RVers

Gwen & CJ say: This lifestyle isn’t necessarily easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. There will be times in the first few months of your adventure that you may take a step back and wonder what the heck you were thinking. Know that no two full-timers have the same journey. You will encounter your own obstacles, your own mistakes, and your own wondrous surprises. Even if you don’t know how to do something right now, trust in yourself, that you will figure it out, that your life experiences have prepared you for this journey. And know that the challenges you overcome will bring you a sense of great accomplishment and gratitude that you were brave enough to take it on in the first place.

Dustin and Jen say: RV living can be exactly what you need it to be, with options ranging from a small camper-van to luxury motorcoaches—it’s customizable to your lifestyle. Just know what you want up-front, do your research, and know what you are committing to. We love it for this season of our life!

Ashley H. says: I say if living small, being debt free, traveling the world or any other reason is something someone wants to do then go for it. We get one life to live and I say we live it. The way we choose to and not the way others want us to.

Megan and Brandon say: I don’t think there’s any secret thing you need to know before doing it. I wish we just went ahead and sold all of our stuff. We put a lot of furniture in storage but I just don’t see us going back to that lifestyle anytime soon. We have everything we need in our camper.

What do you wish you’d known before embarking on the RVing lifestyle?

Lindsay says : How sustainable it is! In a way we felt as though we’d be taking time away from life or pressing the pause button while we went for an adventure. We figured we’d last a year. But, we’ve managed to work from the road just fine while living out our travel dreams. In fact, we’ve found that the road has opened up so many opportunities for us that we may have never found otherwise. We’ve expanded our skill sets, network, and overall feel more inspired and live with more intention. There are so many other benefits to the lifestyle other than just the adventure.

Could YOU live the long-term RV lifestyle? Why or why not?

Amy Hartle   is the author of Do You Love Me? How To Stop Seeking Reassurance in Relationships , a book on reassurance seeking and relationship anxiety. Both her book and this blog are born of personal experience; Amy shares expert relationship advice from the lessons learned during her own 10+ years with her husband, as well as couples travel tips and romantic getaway recommendations, all gleaned while traveling the world together.

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Jeffsetter Travel

Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

9 Best Travel Trailers to Live In Full Time

January 14, 2022 by Charlotte Phillips

Last updated on August 24th, 2023 at 09:29 am

All of our reviews are based on exhaustive research, industry experience and whenever possible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase using one of our chosen links we’ll receive a small percentage of the proceeds. This supports the site and keeps Jeffsetter running. You can read more here .

If you’re looking for some of the best travel trailers for full-time living, you’re in the right place. Take it from me, a full-timer living in a 19-foot vintage travel trailer with my partner and dog!

While you may not want to live in a travel trailer as small as mine , there’s no reason why you can’t live full-time in an RV. Life on the road is becoming increasingly popular among many different individuals. Many people do it, whether you’re a young freelancer, retired camping enthusiast, or want to get involved in your local parks system.

Let’s learn about everything you need to know about full-time RV living before we dive into some of the best rigs out there for your lifestyle change. But if you want to skip ahead and just see which travel trailers make the list, you can use the table of contents below or check out this video:

9 Best Travel Trailers To Live In Full Time

Ready to check out the 9 best travel trailers to live in full-time? Here are my top picks for rigs to suit a range of traveling lifestyles.

Best Overall: Jayco Eagle

With so many Jayco models on the market, there’s no struggle in finding the right rig for full-time life on the road, and the Jayco Eagle is a fantastic option. The Eagle stands out for its luxurious touches, large living areas, and dedication to quality hardware, consistent across all five floorplans. While the Eagle only has five available floor plans, the smallest measures 34′ 10″ in length, and the largest 38′ 9″.

These are pretty mighty lengths, especially for RVing newbies, so it may be worth purchasing a smaller trailer to get comfortable towing rather than dive straight into the deep end with the Jayco Eagle! Substantial length, width, and height in a travel trailer can transform the RV living experience so if you’re a pro-tower, don’t shy away!

I like the variety between the floorplans, some have optional theatre seating, half bathrooms, washer-dryer prep, and even large kitchen islands. Speaking of the kitchen, the Eagle has a lot to offer. With the option of a 21 cubic inch residential fridge, a full range and oven combo, and a kitchen island with a double sink, I’m confident I can whip up any meal in this rig and have the correct equipment and ample preparation space. 

Jayco campers are known for their interiors as well as their quality construction, and the Eagle follows suit with modern, clean finishings. The option of upgrading to a king bed is possible, and I love that even after this upgrade, there’s still plenty of room to sleep guests elsewhere in the travel trailer. AC transforms comfort on the road and living full-time in a home on wheels, it’s essential to think about the struggles each season throughout the year may bring.

Therefore, I find the two ducted AC units to be a very worthwhile addition to the Eagle, allowing me and even more importantly, my dog to stay cool no matter the temperatures of peak summer. This travel trailer is also built to withstand a vast array of weather scenarios, including lightning!

The Jayco Eagle is perfect for solo RVers wanting lots of space, couples hitting the open road together, or even families, thanks to the sheer volume of storage and numerous sleeping arrangements. Jayco rigs are known for being long-lasting, with Amish-built wooden cabinetry, heavy-duty steel framing, and moisture-resistant walls and insulation, I trust Jayco campers to withstand RVing travels from year to year. 

Best For Boondocking: Northwood Arctic Fox North Fork

RVing for me is all about spending as much time in the great outdoors as possible, so having a rig with boondocking capabilities is a must! Northwood’s Arctic Fox North Fork travel trailer. Built for all seasons including cold weather, and various terrain, this travel trailer is ready to go far and wide!  With seven floorplans ranging from 22 feet to 35 feet, it’s easy to find an Arctic Fox to suit the needs of any RVer.

I love having several floorplan options, especially since some layouts offer incredibly spacious kitchen countertops, large walkaround beds, and more for ultimate comfort and functionality. Boondocking ability is high on my list of priorities in any RV I look at, and t his rig was built with off-grid adventuring in mind. Rated for four-season use means no more packing up in winter and waiting for spring to arrive!

Matched with all-terrain tires, a fresh water tank of over 50 gallons, and standard solar power, the Northwood Artic Fox is an off-grid machine! There are additional options available, though these will increase the cost substantially, and since this isn’t the cheapest travel trailer on the market, it’s worth giving any upgrades plenty of thought.

Depending on the layout, it’s potential to add a second AC unit along with more solar panels for enhanced comfort in the height of summer, and more sun-powered electricity generated. There are so many possible upgrades, that it’s hard to keep track and not blow the budget! Other upgrades include an outdoor BBQ grill, a backup camera, holding tank heaters, and even a router.  

The kitchen is where this rig really comes to life. Whether boondocking or not, this kitchen is built for full-time living with solid kitchen countertops throughout, a lovely double sink, a full range and oven combo, and an optional residential fridge.

While not too many boondocking features come standard, I like the ability to truly make this rig exactly what you want, at any size you want . It has a lot to offer, including a comprehensive warranty program for all new travel trailers. Check this one out if you are planning on unplugging while on the road!

Best For Senior Couples: Jayco White Hawk

Boasted as a travel trailer made to bring enriched comfort and connection while on the road, the Jayco White Hawk is an awesome choice for the recently retired or senior-age couple looking to live life in an RV.  There are ten floorplans to discover with the White Hawk, the smallest measuring just over 30′ in length and the largest a substantial 38′. Many floor plans offer an abundance of comfortable seating arrangements and personal touches, such as theatre seating and pull-out sofas or bunk beds for the grandkids.

Jayco rigs are built solid, with Azdel walls and a lightweight sturdy frame. Capable of handling all four seasons, the White Hawk is fit to go with additional fiberglass insulation and underbelly heating for sub-zero winter days. There’s an optional second air conditioner able to be installed to further enhance the weather-ready capability of this trailer, and certain layouts even boast an electric fireplace and entertainment system for family entertainment.

For the more adventurous older couple, there’s an outdoor shower and the option to go off-grid with solar mounting capabilities. The interior offers an abundance of comfort, with adjustable dinette seating as well as accommodating walk-around queen beds so I don’t have to worry about waking my partner when I need the toilet during the night!

I would like to see this Jayco rig with a washer and dryer option to make full-time life on the road a little easier, but since it’s possible to purchase a White Hawk with a 50 amp service, maybe one can be installed post-purchase! This rig has a luxurious kitchen area, complete with multiple prep spaces, a full range, and even a kitchen island although this is floorplan-specific.

For accessibility and ease, this travel trailer can be built out with a self-leveling system and stabilizers which takes any stress away from trying to get this trailer level at the campground. You can also expect the White Hawk to come backed with Jayco’s comprehensive and industry-leading warranty just in case any issues arise while adventuring out in the wilderness with your other half!

Best For Young Couples: Winnebago Voyage

Winner of the 2022 Best Travel Trailer of the Year from RV News, the Winnebago Voyage is perfect for the full-time and adventurous young couple. For starters, this rig is affordable, which is no surprise as Winnebago are renowned for manufacturing rigs that don’t break the bank! There’s no sacrificing on features with the Voyage, and with six floorplans to choose from, ranging from 27′ 11″ to 38′ 11″ finding the best-suited layout is a breeze.

Some of the floor plans include bunkhouse sleeping arrangements capable of sleeping 8 people, which is a game-changer for larger families, or young couples who want to purchase a bigger rig initially to cater for a family in the future. Winnebago packs a lot of RV onto a lightweight frame, with no layouts exceeding a GVWR of 10,000 lbs, making the Voyage a great choice for a range of tow vehicles.

The volume of potential options is a big draw for me, with some including theatre seating, washer and dryer prep, queen walk-around beds with the option to upgrade to a king, and ample storage, both inside and out. All of these features scream full-time living to me, and the spacious kitchen is the cherry on top!

Depending on the floorplan, some layouts have a kitchen island, a large range oven combination, and even the option to upgrade to a residential-sized fridge which is something I’d definitely consider! Having great kitchen appliances and a stunning space to cook really helps with inspiration to cook healthy, vibrant meals to keep energized on the road.

The Voyage also has a lot to offer in terms of small touches. It has outdoor speakers perfect for entertaining, a roof ladder for maintenance, fireplaces, and optional RV stabilizing technology . Figuring out RVing for the first time can be daunting, but comforting touches like these not only bring a bit of luxury but help keep the camping experience as smooth as possible. 

The Voyage allows the young freelancing couple internet access as well, with a rooftop antenna and WiFi prep. I love being able to stay connected, yet also head off-grid in the Winnebago Voyage thanks to the standard solar setup on the roof. Although upgrading some features is arguably one of the best ways to get the most out of the Voyage, this trailer promises not to disappoint the full-time RV-dweller!

Best Off-Grid: Living Vehicle

Let me be the first one to tell you that a Living Vehicle brand travel trailer doesn’t come cheap . In fact, it may end up costing you the same amount as a small single-family home! However, a lot comes at a high price, and I doubt I’d ever go back to traditional living after exploring one of these innovative, forward-thinking rigs. 

All models of Living Vehicle are totally modular, self-sufficient, and technologically advanced. Honestly, I’ve not seen any other rigs like these, and if I had the funds, I’d definitely be investing in one since they have such a low environmental impact and ultimate style. Built for off-grid tech couples or full-time RVers working from their home on wheels, Living Vehicle seem to have thought of everything with their rigs. There’s so much to drool over with this aluminum beauty.

Living Vehicle boasts they built this travel trailer to feel like home, and I think they’ve definitely accomplished this. The four trim choices allow a bit of personalization and the interior features continue to inspire. The spa-style bathroom, fold-down patio space, residential kitchen, and comfortable sleeping areas, all models of Living Vehicle promise to bring tranquility and high-end to the RVing world.

Designed to work off-grid, it’s possible to run the air conditioning all day and night using real-time solar energy thanks to the solar panels on the rig. Living Vehicle don’t just simply manufacture RVs, they create works of art with their campers, and with electric vehicle charging available too, I love that my impact on the natural world can be minimized. 

Living Vehicle boasts multiple modular rooms, including bedrooms able to transform into a mobile office or laundry room, an extendable kitchen deck with a movable kitchen island allowing for outdoor cooking, and much, much more. These rigs are designed for off-roading, four-season living, and keeping connected, regardless of location thanks to Bluetooth and WiFi accessories.  Everything comes standard with this rig, and it should, considering the price!

Best Kitchen: Grand Design Reflection

I see Grand Design rigs often while I camp host, and the Reflection has to be a favorite of many campers. I’m a food lover, and nothing inspires me more than preparing dishes in a stunning kitchen like the one inside the Grand Designs Reflection. There are five floorplans to choose from, and each is well-equipped with all the full-time RV amenities needed for a successful time on the road. 

All of the travel trailer floor plans feature stunning kitchens, outfitted in a modern black and gray finish, which isn’t something I’ve seen much of in many travel trailers. Most of the kitchens include islands, and any floorplans that don’t, still have ample counter space so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on a residential kitchen.

The stunning interior features don’t end with the kitchen, and I expect them to continue since these trailers have a substantial price tag. However, I do love the theatre seating, sofas, electric fireplace inserts, kitchen pantry storage, living room hutch storage, and washer-dryer prep in the master bedroom as they all bring comfort, functionality, and convenience. 

I like the opportunity to add an optional king bed, a second awning, and even dual pane windows to help get the trailer prepared for four-season camping. The additional options don’t stop there, though. The four-season package is something I’d opt for since each year, both winter and summer seem to be getting harsher!

For the price, it would be nice for solar to come standard, but the optional solar package is still a sensible investment for full-timers wanting to off-grid camp from time to time and power appliances.   If you’re looking for a rig to fit guests, there’s a bunkhouse floorplan able to sleep a whole family. You can expect a comprehensive warranty through Grand Design, as they value their customers greatly and are there whenever there’s a bump in the road!

Best With Laundry: Forest River Rockwood Signature

Forest River is a star in the RV world, with a wide variety of popular RV models under their name brand. The Rockwood Signature is no exception, with six floorplans and countless features available, both standard and optional.  The six-floor plans range in length from 29′ 11″ to 36′ 8″ making this Forest River one of the smaller trailers on our list. Having a more compact RV with laundry available is a rare find, and it’s a must for me, living full-time on the road in my travel trailer with a partner and pup! 

All the layouts of the Rockwood signature are fairly unique, with king beds as options and multiple seating and sleeping arrangements possible so the whole family can enjoy this home on wheels. The open floorplans bring such an airy feel to this amper, and the deluxe chef kitchens across all of the various layouts make cooking on the road an absolute dream.

Some models include electric fireplaces and master bedroom televisions, while others boast kitchens with ample countertops and innovative storage solutions. The exterior and interior storage available on these rigs is fantastic for full-timing and brings the kind of organizing needed to live smoothly on the open road.

I like the range of optional features such as the second AC unit and extendable outdoor storage deck as these features would both be fantastic for keeping me and my dog cool during the summer season. A few of the additional features are worth investing in for those looking for a boondocking adventure trailer, but this does bump up the overall cost substantially. However, the complete solar installation on the roof is a great start for remaining powered off the grid.

This rig also has an outdoor kitchen ready to be used and WiFi prep so I can play video games seamlessly in the Rockwood Signature no matter where I’m parked for the next few days. With wardrobe space and optional pantry storage, there’s space for just about everything and then some!

Forest River build durable and long-lasting rigs with fair warranty plans to give customers the peace of mind needed when living in a travel trailer full-time. This RV brand also has a wonderful owner’s club and helpful customer service that are just a call away from offering expert knowledge and advice. 

Most Storage: Airstream Flying Cloud

While the Flying Cloud isn’t Airstream’s largest model, it does boast considerable storage solutions that I wouldn’t first expect from this aluminum rig! From the nose to the rear bumper, that’s a special feeling that comes with towing an Airstream, and the Flying Cloud is a popular choice, favored by many avid RVers. 

The Flying Cloud comes in eight floorplans, ranging from 23 feet to 30 feet, so it’s an awesome option for newbies or those preferring to tow smaller trailers. This rig might not be the biggest for full-time living, but its class and internal features are well worth the investment. Airstream does everything in style, with light wood cabinetry and stainless steel finishes to match the exterior of the rig. There’s storage hidden everywhere, and this is something that makes an enormous difference when living on the road full-time!

There’s a kitchen pantry, under-bed storage, and even exterior storage compartments on top of the various storage areas already throughout the trailer. The convenience doesn’t stop there, however, as the Flying Cloud has a few select floor plans with an innovative exterior hatch opening allowing interior living space to extend outside. This is a huge perk for full-time living as it creates the opportunity to experience the great outdoors from the comfort of the trailer.

The kitchen is well-appointed with a full range and oven combination, along with stainless steel sink and a kitchen island in select floor plans, great for serving up weekend family brunch. Speaking of family, everyone can come along for an adventure in the Flying Cloyd as it’s easy to sleep multiple individuals thanks to convertible furniture and even a twin bed sleeping option.  

One floor plan even leaves space for a dedicated office environment so providing the ideal work-from-home setting for digital nomads. Airstream aren’t recognized for being a budget-friendly brand, and I’ll admit, the Flying Clooud isn’t the cheapest trailer option out there. But equipped with a backup camera, standard solar prep, and more, this trailer has great potential as a full-time RV. 

While the price may be a bit high and the size may be a bit small for pro-RVers or those requiring a bit more space, Airstream has a lot to offer in terms of the longevity of their rigs and the owner perks that come along with warranties and member clubs. 

Best Off-Road: OPUS Camper OP15

Traveling from one place to another can sometimes feel tedious, especially when living full-time on the road. However, there’s a dynamic travel trailer perfect for life on the road, and it’s called the OPUS Camper OP15. I’m a big fan of OPUS, as I believe they are one of the most forward-thinking RV manufacturers out there, especially since the OP15 is a fully off-road, hybrid rig!

Getting to the best park ups isn’t always easy. There have been countless occasions when I’ve found a great-looking park up on my phone, but upon arrival, there’s no trailer-safe access. The OP15 is an off-grid beast, and for wild camping and hunting about the best, remote spots, there’s no better trailer. The price is on the expensive side, but I believe an investment in the OP15 won’t lead to disappointment, and there are many reasons why.

This rig has a dry weight of jump of 5,000lbs, making it a dream for those not wanting a heavy trailer, and already own a rig capable of handling this pretty lightweight number. This is a futuristic rig, and its style matches the aesthetic of all OPUS camper rigs, but these trailers aren’t just good-looking. The di-bond aluminum composite panel exterior with aluminum sub-structure and fully hot-dip galvanized chassis draw-bar reassure me of the durability of the OP15.

I love that this rig is off-grid ready with 300W of solar power on the roof, however, it’s wise to upgrade to some of the off-grid options for those looking to full-time in the sticks! Having features such h as DC to DC charging on board will help keep electrics finely tuned and powered up, while the optional addition of three lithium batteries is also a surefire way of staying powered up without relying on a campground hookup.

Impressively, although only measuring just over 23′ in length when set up, the OP15 can comfortably accommodate sleeping four people. I find the ingenuity of this OPUS camper truly outstanding. Some exterior RV kitchens aren’t too well-equipped, yet this rig boats an outdoor kitchen fit for a feast! With a 4-burner stovetop, storage and pantry access, a dish rack, a chopping board, LED lights, and even a 12V fridge/freezer, this is a rig I want to show off.

Why Live In A Travel Trailer Full Time?

There may be many reasons why you might want to live full-time in a travel trailer. Some of those may include:

• Lower cost of living overall
• You want to experience some freedom and travel
• Tiny home living interests you
• You’re an outdoor enthusiast
• You want to volunteer or dedicate a portion of your life to nature
• Retirement means you are ready for a change
• Meet new people while on the road

I changed my life when I decided to live full-time in a travel trailer. My partner and I fixed up a vintage rig and we decided to travel the nation as state park hosts. Volunteering brings me joy, and it may bring you a similar positive feeling!

No matter your reasons, living full-time in a travel trailer means weighing up the pros and cons and considering as much as possible to choose the right rig for you.

What To Consider For Full Time Travel Trailer Living?

From adequate storage space to the ability to do your own laundry, here are some of the top things for you to consider when planning on living in a travel trailer full-time.

Storage Space 

No matter how long you spend in your RV, storage space is always at a premium. If you plan on full-timing, storage space will likely be a top priority. This is usually because you’ll be bringing clothes, items, and food along with you on your journey.  Some full-timers enjoy finding RVs with wardrobes and large closets as it means plenty of interior storage.

Some RVs or travel trailers may even have pantries in the kitchen, leading to ample food storage, ideal for full-time needs.  RVs always have a decent amount of exterior storage, though this is most useful for outdoor gear or things that aren’t needed every day. The location of storage space is key to living peacefully in an RV full-time, and knowing where everything is!

Length Of Travel Trailer

The overall length of a camper matters for a number of reasons, the longer the rig, the more space there is! The size of a travel trailer is also an important consideration as your tow vehicle will only be able to handle a certain amount of weight, and this has to be respected. However, the longer the rig, the less likely you are to fit into every single campground or RV park you come across.

Some travel trailers, especially fifth wheels, can reach nearly 50 feet in length, which may be too long for many locales.  Choosing a shorter travel trailer may mean less interior living, but it could maximize your outdoor adventures. However, if you don’t plan on traveling very much or are comfortable camping in very specific locations, then having more space may feel right for you.

WiFi Capabilities

If you’re hitting the road as a full-time RVer because you’re a freelancer working from home, WiFi capabilities are worth giving a lot of thought to! Digital nomads and freelancers working from their homes on wheels is becoming more common, and WiFi is now typically a standard option across most types of RVs. It’s still worth checking internet is an option with any travel trailers you’re interested in, though, just to be sure!

You may not be very concerned about internet access if you don’t work from home or don’t plan on using the internet beyond checking the occasional email. However, it may be beneficial to have WiFi onboard while you travel for streaming and internet entertainment.

Keep in mind your WiFi may not work in every single place you camp; often, cell signals, and remoteness play a huge part in this. Having a router will only do so much if there’s no internet access to be found in the middle of nowhere. But then again, I think it’s quite nice to switch off from time to time! Since there are studies linking increased screen time with lower mental health , having no signal provides the ideal opportunity for some healing time in nature with loved ones.

Kitchen Amenities

While cooking on your outdoor RV grill is an option during warmer months, it’s wise to pay particular attention to your travel trailer’s kitchen when considering life on the road full-time. Your RV’s kitchen will no doubt become a central part of your life, but you’ll still need to function with reduced space and appliances when compared to a traditional home. This is especially true when living in an RV with only 30 amps of electricity.

Many common household appliances need more amps than you might think, and counter space will be at a premium. You should pay special attention to what can fit in your travel trailer kitchen, and how many amps your favorite appliance needs in order to operate. Travel trailers may also not have a full stove and oven to cook with.

I went in search of an RV kitchen with a full range and oven combination, along with a kitchen sink with two compartments. Trust me when I say this was a necessity for me!  Fridge space should also be something to consider. You may keep an eye out for RVs with residential-sized fridges as opposed to a more compact fridge size. 

Bathroom Amenities

Your RV bathroom is almost as important as your RV kitchen. You’ll need to decide if you want a wet bath or a dry bath – most full-timers want the option of a dry bath so the toilet can still be accessed while someone is showering. Most travel trailer bathrooms are pretty cut and dry. Some may have ample room to have two guests walking around in it; most will not. The main thing for you to consider in an RV bathroom? How large your hot water tank is.

Hot water will be at a premium in your RV unless you have a tankless water heater installed . You will not likely have enough hot water for a very long shower, and you won’t be able to shower and do dishes at the same time with a tank water heater. You may also be on the lookout for a travel trailer with a bathtub, or maybe even a travel trailer with two bathrooms for your large family or for guests. No matter your needs, there’s a rig out there for you- it just may take some customizing to achieve the goal RV! 

Additional Bedrooms

Speaking of guests, you may want to find an RV with another bedroom or multiple sleeping areas so you can comfortably invite guests to stay over. Travel trailers are built with large groups in mind, so friends and relatives can join in the camping fun without any hassle.

Many of these sleeping options involve convertible furniture of some kind, especially when looking at toy haulers . I’ve found having a master bedroom is key to comfort and keeps my partner and me a happy couple! However, a pull-out sofa is also a great shout for when the grandkids want to travel around for a couple of weeks over summer break.

Living Space

Given you’ll be living full-time in your travel trailer, the main living area should be something to give a substantial amount of thought to. It’s wise to write down a list of wants and needs so you can figure out exactly what you’re expecting a travel trailer to offer you. Would you like theatre seating in your slide-out? How about an electric fireplace or Bluetooth soundbar? 

The options are truly endless when it comes to customizing your main living room or living space. However, only you know what you want and the kind of rigs that are within budget. Many prime living area customizations are add-ons or non-standard features, so be prepared for these to increase overall costs.

It may be helpful for you to tour your desired RV make and model before deciding on your final purchase. Getting a feel for the living space and layout is important before diving right into full-time living.

Travel Trailer Weight 

Travel trailers need to be weighed often , mainly to take care of your tow vehicle. You never want to tow more than your tow vehicle can handle, but this is easier said than done for many full-timers packing their rigs to the brim.

This is why knowing the weight of your rig and how much weight your tow vehicle can safely transport down the road is crucial. While you may want to bring everything with you when you hit the road, keep in mind that sometimes, less is more, and nothing is worth towing an overweight travel trailer.

Holding Tank Sizes

Tanks are commonplace with RVs, and generally, on any camper, there is a fresh water, black water, and gray water tank. All of these tanks matter even more when you are a full-timer. If you plan on being disconnected from water and sewer lines, you’ll likely want a much larger tank than your average weekend warrior.

This is a good thing to keep an eye out for, as no full-timer wants to be constantly refilling their fresh water tank or emptying their waste tanks as it’s totally inconvenient! Saving a trip to the dump station can be a big deal if you are already emptying your tank weekly as a full-timer!

While living in a travel trailer can be a much lower investment than living in a traditional home, your budget should still be a consideration when shopping for an RV. Between the cost of your tow vehicle, rig, and any additional extras, you may end up spending more than you initially thought.

However, given an RV may be your full-time home for many years, it’s wise to invest and be prepared for just about any opportunity. Some potentially wise investments include a second air conditioner, tank heaters for cold seasons , and a backup camera.

Appliance Options And Laundry

Finally, a huge consideration for many full-timers is their appliance access and options for laundry services on board their rig. Many travel trailers and fifth wheels offer stackable washer-dryer units , making full-time RV living so much easier.

However, you’ll need to make sure your desired travel trailer layout supports these sorts of appliances. You may also want to ensure that your rig has an oven, microwave, or other appliance that may make like a bit more convenient.

Good Brands Of Travel Trailers To Live In

Curious about what some of the best travel trailer brands have to offer for full-time RV living? While all travel trailer brands have something to show, you may be looking for something special. Learn more about some of my top RV manufacturers now! You can also take a closer look at even more amazing travel trailer brands here . 

Grand Design

Grand Design is a popular RV choice for many full-timers, as their fifth wheels offer ample space for full-time living. They also furnish their rigs with many comforts of home, including cozy seating, a variety of appliance options, and fireplaces to maximize comfort and practicality. 

One of the most popular RV brands on the market today, Jayco, has many different models and layouts beneficial for full-time living. They also build their rigs to last, leading to more peace of mind for just about any RVer.

Nothing beats the classic look of aluminum Airstream travel trailers , and I know many full-timers who swear by them. While they may be on the higher end of some budgets, Airstream travel trailers offer full-timers considerable storage solutions and comfortability not found in many other brands.

Forest River

Forest River offers a wide variety of well-appointed travel trailers, many of them smaller than the average rig. However, they all have ample storage solutions, innovative layouts, and sleeping arrangements for the entire family.

Living Vehicle

If budget is no issue and you’re looking to live full-time in your travel trailer for the foreseeable future, I encourage you to check out Living Vehicle. They offer literal homes on wheels, with convertible office space and total off-grid capabilities. It’s the perfect freelancing rig!

Final Thoughts

Living in a travel trailer full-time was once a no-go. However, with the advances in RV technology and the many upgrades found in some of the trailer brands I’ve mentioned, you can expect to enjoy living in a travel trailer for years to come!

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Your guide to full-time RV living

Thinking about living full-time in an RV? Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on this journey

By Jesse & Rachael Lyons & Roadtrippers

We‘ve been full-time RV living, working, and traveling since 2018. Through this lifestyle, we’ve visited 23 states and 25 national parks. Touring the U.S. by RV has opened our eyes to new perspectives, uncovered new interests, and altered our lives. Four years into full-time RV living, we still enjoy living everywhere more than living anywhere.

Living on the road isn’t all adventure and fun though. We spend most of our time working in our RV as full-time remote marketers. We’ve also had our share of setbacks and breakdowns. RV life requires grit, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills. Ultimately, overcoming the obstacles is worth it for the freedom and joy of RV travel.

Considerations for full-time RV living

Moving into an RV isn’t as simple as hopping behind the wheel and hitting the road. Some aspects of everyday life are different when your home has wheels. You’ll need a game plan for these considerations:

Related 10 mistakes beginner RVers should avoid

The ability to scale your cost of living is a massive benefit of RV life. You can live in an RV luxuriously or on a budget. The major expenses of full-time RV life are campsite fees, fuel, RV and vehicle payments, and activities as you travel. Don’t forget to account for maintenance, repairs, groceries, mobile phones, WiFi, insurance, and other daily costs like food and supplies. You can make decisions to control most of these costs by choosing the kind of RV lifestyle you want, planning, and  sticking to your budget .

Work and income

Unless you’re retired or saved to travel for some time, you’ll need an income to live full-time in an RV. Some RVers work online, while others find short-term jobs and work in one location before moving on to the next.

Sell or store

Downsizing and minimalism are part of the RV lifestyle. You can sell your home and belongings to fund the start-up costs or pay to store your belongings until you’re ready to return to a sticks-and-bricks home.

Domicile state

Even if you travel full-time, you still need a legal address. This determines where you pay taxes, vote, register vehicles, and get your mail. You can claim domicile at a property you own or ask a family member if you can legally “move in” to their residence. Alternatively, you can establish a domicile in a state through a service for RVers. Due to low income taxes and laws, the most popular domicile states for full-time RVers are Florida, South Dakota, and Texas.

If your address is with a family member, you can ask them to manage your mail. Alternatively, you can use a service to receive and forward your mail. Budget for about $100 per year for these services. 

Purchase good insurance policies for your vehicle and RV, and ensure your policy covers full-time RV travel. Joining a roadside assistance program specifically for RVs comes in handy too. Ensure continuation of health insurance through your employer or in your domicile state. If you’re traveling with a pet, make sure your insurance is established in your domicile state and carry updated vaccine records. 

If you’re roadschooling your children, make sure you’re familiar with and comply with the homeschool laws in your domicile state.

Full-time RVers rarely depend on campgrounds for WiFi access. If you require an internet connection for work or school, research cellular data hotspots or satellite internet options. Be aware that no mobile internet solution works everywhere, so you’ll likely need to plan your campsites accordingly or purchase multiple connection options.

Related What RVers and vanlifers need to know about Starlink

Maintenance

If you live full-time in your RV, it’s not a question of if something breaks, but when. There are excellent RV service centers and mobile mechanics, but the ability to diagnose and fix some issues on your own will make full-time RV living easier. So, bring a toolbox and travel with small replacement parts.

What to look for in a rig for full-timing

There’s no one right RV for full-time RVers. The right RV for you depends on your family size, travel style, budget, and work. Here are some factors for choosing the best RV to call home.

How much space do you need to accommodate your family? The more family members, the more beds and square footage you’ll require. Don’t forget, while bigger RVs are more comfortable, they’re more cumbersome for travel and finding campsites.

Choose an RV layout that fits your family’s daily life. Do you need an office with a closed door to focus? Are there enough workspaces for everyone’s work and school? Is there enough storage for everyone’s belongings? Are your kitchen and fridge big enough for your cooking requirements?

Related How to plan a safe and fun RV route with a big rig

The size of your fresh, gray, and black tanks can dictate your RV lifestyle. If you prefer boondocking and public campgrounds, you may want to purchase an RV with larger tanks, especially if you have a family. Tank size is not as crucial if you mainly stay in full-hookup RV parks.

Other features to consider

RVs don’t have as many appliances and comforts as a house. What other features do you need for daily life? Is an in-RV washer and dryer vital to you, or are you fine using campground and public laundromats? Do you want to invest in solar and battery upgrades for a more off-grid lifestyle? Do you require a full bathroom, or will a wet bath or campground showers suffice?

Booking campgrounds while full-time traveling

Parking your home around the country is fun but requires planning to book campgrounds. There is a vast campground style and pricing range, from nature and solitude to urban RV parks.

Types of campgrounds

There are three main types of campgrounds: private RV parks, public campgrounds, and public lands. Private RV parks usually offer more amenities and the option for extended stays but can be more expensive. Public campgrounds like national and state parks have fewer conveniences and require RVers to move frequently, but cost less and offer more rustic settings. Parking on public land is free but has shorter stay limits and no resources. Some full-time RVers stick to one type of campground, while others dabble in all three as they travel.

Stay length

How often do you want to move? Some full-time RVers enjoy going somewhere new every few days. Others stay at a campground for 1 to 2 weeks, while some settle into an RV park for one or several months. The longer you want to stay in one place, the further ahead you’ll need to book your campsite.

Related The ultimate guide to part-time RV travel

Plan and be flexible

Constantly booking campgrounds is part of full-time RV living. Consider the weather seasons, the sights you want to visit, the high tourist seasons for the destination, and local costs. Peak months in popular campgrounds, such as Florida in the winter or Colorado in the summer, will reach capacity months or even a year in advance. 

If you have your heart set on a specific campground, research when its reservation window opens and book immediately. However, be flexible enough to visit destinations in shoulder seasons or stay in less frequented campsites.

Traveling full-time in your RV

Full-time RVing can live up to the dream, but it’s not a full-time vacation. Long-term RV travel requires practice and management to sustain for months or years to come.

Visiting new places

Traveling to new destinations is the best part of RV travel. Make a bucket list of things you want to see and experience. Do you prefer outdoor activities and national parks, exploring the bustle of new cities, or a little of both? Keep an open mind to new interests and experiences too. Getting out of your comfort zone and getting to know people and places different from you can be the most enriching part of travel. Remember—you’ll never be able to see everything in one or even dozens of RV trips. Try to slow down and soak in the places you visit.

Travel days

Full-time RVers spend a lot of time on the road. Driving with an RV is slower and more unpredictable, so estimate an extra 25 percent for your drive time, and don’t push yourself (or your rig). Check maps carefully to ensure the roads and bridges accommodate your RV length and height. For drives longer than a day, reserve a campground or plan overnight RV parking in a retail location or rest stop that allows 1-night stays.

Maintaining relationships

If you’re traveling full-time, you might miss the sense of community that comes with staying in one place. Make travel plans that include visiting friends or family or invite them to meet up with you on the road. RVers are open to meeting new people, so don’t hesitate to use social media platforms and campground events as opportunities to make new friends. Take time to nurture your own traveling family too. The constant togetherness and small spaces shift dynamics, so practice open communication and plan focused time together.

Manage resources

RV life requires constant resource management. From conserving utilities to finding new grocery stores and juggling travel schedules, daily life isn’t as convenient as living in a house. There’s a learning curve for everyone, so embrace it as much as you can.

Common questions about full-time RVing

The costs of full-time RV living vary greatly depending on your RV lifestyle, but you can quickly scale your budget depending on the type of campgrounds you stay in and how often you travel to the next destination. 

You can live permanently in an RV as long as you’ve established and maintained a domicile address with the associated taxes and legal requirements.

Prepare for full-time RV living by researching and planning your RV setup, income, school, domicile address, travel plans, and campground reservations. Read and listen to others’ experiences on blogs, videos, and social media to learn what to expect from daily RV life.

The specifics of how taxes work when you live in an RV vary depending on your income sources, but generally, you pay taxes according to the state you establish a domicile in.

Most RVers move to warmer climates during the winter months, often referred to as “snowbirding.” However, if you live in your RV in cold weather, heat the interior with an electric or propane heater. Use insulation and heated lines to prevent your hookups and plumbing from freezing. Many considerations and decisions need to be made before you embark on full-time RV life. The more research and planning you do, the more prepared you will be. However, you’ll always learn new things as you go, so enjoy the adventure.

Meet the Authors

Jesse & Rachael Lyons

Jesse and Rachael are a married couple from Boston, Massachusetts. In 2018 they ditched their city apartment, became digital nomads, and hit the road to go on an adventure. Now, they travel full-time in their renovated Keystone Cougar fifth wheel, tasting local food and beer everywhere they go.

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RV Life: Guide to Full-Time Living on the Road

Get Started Living in Your RV Full-Time

Living in your travel trailer during a road trip or short-term vacation can be an enjoyable experience when everything is done correctly and your plans fall into place. It may even convince you you are cut out for full-time RV living. Contrary to popular opinion, full-time RV living is not as easy as it may seem – especially to those with limited experience or knowledge of everything included in this hefty package. This beginner’s guide will at least help you get started on the right foot by outlining everything you need to know to be successful.

Multiple Test Runs is Essential for Full-Time RV Living Success

Before you dive into the beautiful world of full-time RV living, you should schedule a series of trial runs. This differs from the lifestyle type, where you can go from 0 to 60 overnight. For instance, if your only experience with RV living is the weekend road trip you took with your family across state lines, that is not enough. You should “test the waters” by planning a series of test runs.

As you embark on your trial runs, consider extending your stays gradually. This will provide a more realistic experience of full-time RV living. Start with shorter stays of 3-5 days, then gradually increase to 3-5 weeks, and eventually 3-5 months. This gradual progression will help you adjust and prepare for the transition from your typical home life to a life on the road.

Space Matters: Finding the Perfect Fit for RV Living

Another important part of preparing you for full-time RV living is to analyze the size of your RV. Size  matters  when it comes to packing up and taking your life on the road. For instance, you may have rented a more compact RV from Point A to Point B during your last vacation. However, it would help if you remembered that your space requirements will drastically change with full-time RV living.

It is highly recommended that you test different rig sizes when scheduling your trial runs and short-term vacations. This will make you comfortable with the various options available to you and help you accurately determine which option is the most practical fit for your specific needs. See a few  travel trailers for sale .

Test Drive Your Future: How to Simulate RV Life Before Making the Leap

Once you identify your specific RV needs for this full-time life change, it is time to go shopping! Remember that this is not the same as shopping for any other vehicle. You are not buying a new car or minivan – you are essentially buying a home. Therefore, you should approach this shopping experience like any real estate transaction. Test Drive Your Future: How to Simulate RV Life Before Making the Leap

• Shop with a few different RV dealerships /agencies to find the best deals.
• Visit and explore the RVs in person. Online listings and photos will only tell you some of what you need about your future home.
• Simulate RV life within each option that you seriously consider. For instance, lay on the bed to test its space limitations and comfort duration. Pretend to use the kitchen as if you were cooking a meal. Use the bathroom, sit in the tub, stand in the shower, etc.

One part of the RV shopping experience that is similar to vehicle shopping is the test drive. In addition to sitting in the driver’s seat, you need to be able to take the RV out on the road for a test drive to ensure it is a solid match.

Get Hands-On with Your RV’s Maintenance and Repairs

When renting an RV for a short-term vacation, you do not have to worry much about the  maintenance  side of the equation. Depending on the conditions of your contract, the rental company can bear the bulk of this weighty burden on your behalf. When you live in an RV full-time, that entire burden is placed on your shoulders. 

Does this mean that you should be an expert mechanic (or at least have one living with you) to be successful? No!  It would help if you  spent  quality time with the RV  – getting to know your future “home on wheels” much more than you currently do. For instance, focus on the fuse box, electrical system, and other critical elements under the hood.

One of the key aspects of RV maintenance is the ability to identify issues early. From poorly sealed windows and roof leaks to wiring issues and engine tune-ups, it’s crucial to spot the telltale signs and warning signals before they escalate into RV life-threatening disasters. This preventative approach to maintenance can save you from costly repairs and ensure the longevity of your RV. 

Simplify and Streamline: How to Declutter and Organize Your RV Inventory Like a Pro

You may not realize it, but the old saying that “you can’t take it with you” also applies to full-time RV living. As you walk through your home, you must accept the grim reality that you cannot take everything with you. It would help to change your perspective regarding your expanding collection of “closet clutter” and general belongings. In fact, instead of viewing them as your “personal belongings,” refer to them as part of your inventory. This will help you remove (or at least  reduce ) your emotional and mental attachments, allowing you to view it more as a  business  owner than a homeowner.  

Determine the high-priority essential items that will require a space within your RV. 

More importantly, prepare to “cut the fat” and sever ties with the nonessential items . Perhaps you can donate those items to charity or give them away to family & friends. You could even sell them in a yard sale or online auction. It would help if you also considered investing in a self-storage option to store the items you cannot get rid of entirely but cannot fit in your RV. 

A cornerstone of successful full-time RV living is simplicity. You must simplify your belongings to be ready for this significant lifestyle change.

Dollars and Sense: Mastering the Art of Budgeting

First-time RV travelers and other novices of full-time RV living may need to fully understand the vital role played by their budget. A common misconception is that you will spend a lot less money on the road than when you lived in a home that could  not  hit the highway. This type of trap will lead you to burn a large hole in your bank account and perhaps kill your dream of full-time RV living. 

Create a strict budget  before  you hit the road . More importantly, calculate the various streams of income that you will still be able to generate behind the wheel. 

For instance, you should consider your:

• Current balance of checking & savings accounts
• Income from interest-bearing financial accounts
• Income from remote work that you can do on the road
• Residual income (perhaps from commissioned sales)
• Retirement/disability/Social Security income (if applicable)

You must also focus on the short-term and long-term expenses you must pay at different stages of your life on the road.

It is easy to think about the standard vehicle-related expenses, such as oil changes, engine tune-ups, and gasoline fill-ups. However, the broad scope of full-time RV living includes several additional expenses.

For instance, you must consider the:

• Campground expenses (if you plan to stay in RV parks and campsites each night)
• RV ownership expenses (i.e., monthly payments, insurance premiums)
• Maintenance, repairs, and other unexpected/unscheduled expenses
• Groceries, clothing, and other basic living expenses
• Comforts and recreation (i.e., dining out, entertainment, shopping, etc.)

Family Matters: Meeting the Needs of Every Member for RV Living Success

You must carefully consider your family’s short-term and long-term needs before you commit to living in an RV full-time. Once again, it is easy to think, “My family  loved  the RV lifestyle during our last vacation!” However, spending a weekend, week, or even a couple of summer months in an RV does  not  automatically mean your family can handle full-time RV living. 

Take the time to consider the needs of each family member. For instance, you should think about such areas as:

• Healthcare (i.e., in-network vs out-of-network medical costs, etc.)
• Education (i.e., homeschooling children, online college courses, etc.)
• Social life and personal development

It would help if you also considered the needs of your canine and/or feline family members. This will play a significant role in your campground selections because not all campsites are pet-friendly. In addition, there are additional expenses associated with having pets on the road. Fortunately, there are veterinary providers with branches and locations throughout the country. 

However, you will still have to consider factors such as the temperature of your RV, microchips, vaccinations, waste disposal, and the various stops you will need to make just to cater to their needs. Therefore, an even  bigger  question to ask yourself is, “Will my pet(s) need to find a  new  home?” You may be able to answer that question with a resounding “NO!” Nonetheless, it is still a question that you must ask and honestly answer.

Off the Grid and Thriving: How to Prepare for Life Off the Beaten Path

The popularity and prevalence of the Internet make it nearly impossible to imagine  living life “off the grid.”  Fortunately, even when living in an RV full-time, you can remain connected to the outside world. However, you may need to get creative and make a few wise investments to prevent extended downtime before you hit the road. 

For instance, you may need to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot on the road. Therefore, you may need to reexamine your existing data plan to see if any upgrades are required. Perhaps you could also benefit from buying a cell signal booster or investing in a satellite option to keep you connected –  especially  if remote work will play a major role in your monthly income streams. Consider the wide variety of coffee shops, rest stops, libraries, and other public Wi-Fi hotspots you will encounter on the road. 

A good tip is to get used to living detached from the Internet and “the grid” now. Regardless of the signal boosters and hotspots you may have, you will inevitably encounter dead zones along the way where you will have no other choice but to live offline for a while.

Explore and Connect: The Value of Research and Networking in the RV Community

Once you have committed and started to “live the life” of a full-time RV resident, your research and learning opportunities do not have to end. It would help if you continued   to research RV life thoroughly because there will always be new aspects of this adventure for you to explore. 

The community of RV owners will continue to grow year after year, especially with the increasing numbers of home-based businesses, telecommuting workers, and retirees who want to enjoy life on the road. This means there will always be people who can teach you new tricks & tips or even ask you some questions to learn the rules of the road themselves. Now research and bookmark various online resources, forums, groups, and even social media pages that can help you. The old saying goes, “Many hands will make the load light” when managing a full-time RV lifestyle. 

In addition to receiving a lot of help to benefit  your  family, think about the vast number of families you can help!

Living the RV Dream: Setting and Maintaining Realistic Expectations

It is easy to look at the overall burden associated with full-time RV living and say, “You know what? Never mind!” Realistically, the same could be said about  any  major life decision – such as buying a car, buying a home, moving to a different state/country, or even having a baby. The key is to take the necessary steps to prepare yourself and your family for the expected (and the unexpected) and maintain realistic expectations along the way.

Most full-time RV residents will tell you that the benefits  can  far outweigh the overall burden.

You need to be honest with yourself and understand that it is not a decision that should ever be taken lightly or impulsively.

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How to Live in a Travel Trailer Full-Time

More and more people are deciding to give up their big homes and high mortgages to live in travel trailers. Small-space living is nothing new, though with the tough economy and many couples and families facing foreclosure, it makes sense to downsize. The cost of trailer living is much lower than the upkeep of a traditional home, and with some forethought and preparation you can live a comfortable life in a travel trailer year-round. Although your trailer doesn't need all of the amenities listed, they will make life easier and more comfortable.

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Purchase a travel trailer that will be big enough to live in. Ideally, you would want a trailer that's at least 21 feet long, especially if there will be two or more people in the trailer. The trailer can be new or used, but be sure to have it thoroughly inspected.

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Search for land to purchase and park the trailer on if you plan to keep the trailer stationary. If you intend to travel with your trailer check out campgrounds where you can park for a night or up to a week or more.

Cook meals on a propane stove as this is the cheapest, easiest and most portable way of cooking in a travel trailer. A propane stove can have up to four burners and doesn't take up much room. A two-burner is probably all you will need.

Store perishable foods in a propane refrigerator. This will keep your food from spoiling and can provide cold drinks and ice as well. Nonperishable foods can be stored in cupboards or plastic storage bins. An added benefit of keeping foods like flour, rice, beans, and pasta in storage bins is that it will stay fresher longer and bugs won't get into it.

Using the restroom will be easier if you have a toilet with holding tank in the trailer. Alternately, you can build an outhouse, though this isn't nearly as comfortable, especially during the winter and in the middle of the night. Campgrounds usually have public restrooms.

Taking a shower in the trailer is most comfortable, so try to get a trailer that has one installed. Campgrounds usually provide public showers if your trailer doesn't have one, though if you plan to live in your trailer full time, especially on your own property, you'll want a trailer with a shower.

Wash dishes and hand wash clothes in the sink of your trailer if it has a water system with storage tank. If your trailer is lacking in water, you may want to buy disposable plates, cups and silverware, and wash clothes at a laundromat.

Store items not in use to avoid clutter and keep the trailer as neat as possible. It's easy to feel claustrophobic if items are left out or you accumulate too many things. Out-of-season clothes can be stored in plastic storage bins and placed in a closet or up on a shelf. The storage bin will keep clothes from getting dirty or mildewed.

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8 Best Travel Trailers For Full-Time Living

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Susan and I considered selling our Class C RV and living full-time in a travel trailer. Our plan was to buy a trailer we could tow with my 2015 Toyota Tacoma. We ended up purchasing a Class A motorhome, but we were close to pulling the trigger on a new travel trailer.

Susan owned a Trail Lite travel trailer for about ten years, so she had some great insights that helped us decide. We will share her experience throughout the article.

Living in a travel trailer full-time probably seems like an interesting and attractive concept for those new to the RV lifestyle. However, it does come with some caveats and unique advantages that are often overlooked.

One thing is for sure: a full-time lifestyle on the road is more difficult than it looks on paper. It seems like the least expensive option compared to living at a traditional, residential address. It also looks so simple. After all, how hard is it to haul up stakes and move around the country any time you wish?

For those who lack the experience, it’s easy to overlook the advantages of portable power, and the disadvantages of fuel consumption or campground costs. In short, much more goes into living in a travel trailer full-time, and your best ally will always be knowledge and the wisdom that comes with hitting the road.

Can You Live Full-Time In a Travel Trailer?

You can live in a travel trailer full-time. After all, people do it in campervans, often turning their entire experience into a video content creation gig. If you ever sit down and watch some of these life-on-the-road stories, there are some concessions that these RVers have to make.

There is also a degree of freedom you simply can’t find anywhere else. If people can make it work in campervans, surely they can do the same in travel trailers. Right? Well, there are some parallels and differences worth noting, but the point remains the same: you can live full-time in a travel trailer as long as you’re ready for a more significant lifestyle change than you might imagine.

Unlike a traditional home, a travel trailer generally requires more routine maintenance, a break-in period, and the occasional major repair. Individually, these issues are not as expensive as a major A/C repair at a residential home.

However, they add up. In a nutshell, there are hundreds of small gains and losses that come with living in a travel trailer full-time. The good news is, that there are several travel trailers out there that are exceptional and tailor-made for life on the road, mitigating those disadvantages while bolstering the advantages.

If you’re planning on extensive boondocking or living off-grid, the dynamics change to a large degree. You’ll be far more dependent on the portable power capabilities of your RV, such as solar panels, propane, generators, inverters, etc. But it can be done, with the proper setup and some trial and error.

Some are large and some are smaller, but these travel trailer floorplans are designed to maximize comfort and accommodate a mobile, traveling lifestyle for families large and small.

1. Jayco Eagle 312BHOK

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Perfect for kids or guests because of its private, secondary (guest) room

⛔ Entertainment center is located where the open door or kitchen activity will block

• Length:  38′ 9″
• UVW:  9,870 lbs
• GVWR:  11,400 lbs
• CCC:  1,630 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,350 lbs
• Sleeps:  10

Living in this travel trailer full-time would be a breeze. The Jayco Eagle 312BHOK is known for being an incredibly spacious option. It has more of a 5th-wheel feel to it than some 5th-wheels. One of the best parts is the private bedroom in the back, which includes a bunk bed and another bunk over a tri-fold sofa.

The kitchen is enormous, though the only true counter space is on the island. A second tri-fold sofa sits across from a sizeable entertainment center and fireplace. The bathroom is large enough to accommodate most and the queen bed leaves plenty of walk-around space, along with dual wardrobes and a washer/dryer prep area.

2. Heartland Mallard 335

✅ Very large hidden storage area behind the TV, plus extra storage everywhere

⛔ Carpeted slides

• Length:  39.7′
• UVW: 8,840 lbs
• GVWR:  9,900 lbs
• CCC:  1,028 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  780 lbs
• Sleeps:  4

The Heartland Mallard 335 is a mid-tier travel trailer that is more than capable of being a full-time RV, depending on where you are. As a three-season RV, you don’t want to winter in north Minnesota. The glass-top, three-burner stove is surrounded by a sizeable kitchen and an island with a large sink.

If you happen to be in a cold area, the 5200 BTU fireplace will help knock the chill out of the room. There aren’t many sleeping options here, but the sofa is a sleeper option for guests. The free-standing dinette with a fold-up leaf option helps with that as well.

3. Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office

✅ The star of the show: large corner office area with all the amenities needed for remote work

⛔ TV is in an awkward position

• Length:  31′ 2″
• UVW:  6,804 lbs
• GVWR:  8,800 lbs
• CCC:  1,996 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  814 lbs
• Sleeps:  6

Out of all the travel trailers for full-time living on our list, the Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office is the purest. Thanks to a full-fledged office in the back, this travel trailer offers life and work on the road, simplifying an aspect we all have to deal with—making a paycheck. The office isn’t just an afterthought add-on either. It’s well-made, spacious, and comfy.

As an added bonus, it’s a classic Airstream, with all of the gleaming, interior brilliance you expect from an all-aluminum travel trailer. The large interior has enough sleeping real estate to accommodate 6 people, so it’s more than enough for a mid-size family or hosting family members and guests.

4. Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS

✅ Large, private room with TV prep, wardrobe, bunks, and a tri-fold sofa

⛔ Leaf spring suspension system

• Length:  37′ 4″
• UVW:  9,291 lbs
• GVWR:  11,295 lbs
• CCC:  2,004 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  995 lbs

The second travel trailer on the list that has a massive sleep capacity is the Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS . With enough room to sleep 10, this travel trailer is perfect for a full-time, on-the-go lifestyle with family members, guests, or friends in tow. The theater seating is an optional toss-up between it and a tri-fold sofa, depending on your personal preference.

The private rear bedroom has opposing bunks with TV prep. It’s also easy enough to convert into a remote working space. If you decide to do that, you’ll have an enormous workspace for a travel trailer. For pet lovers, the 312BHTS is ideal, as it includes an exterior leash hitch for the times you need to stay in a campground.

5. Living Vehicle HD30

✅ Massive off-grid setup that heavily caters to luxury off-grid or boondocking lifestyles

⛔ You get a full-fledged, residential-style home…for a price

• Length:  30′
• UVW:  14,000 to 16,000 lbs
• GVWR:  18,000 to 20,000 lbs
• CCC:  4,000 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,400 to 1,600 lbs
• Sleeps:  4 to 8

The Living Vehicle HD30 welds together the RV, on-the-road lifestyle with residential home living, while also offering one of the most robust power packages on the planet. This is a travel trailer for full-time living at a steep price. It makes sense when you see what this beast has to offer, which is just about everything you can imagine in a traditional home.

You get enough solar to produce 6kW of power, along with a 72kWh lithium battery and a backup generator. There’s enough portable, green energy flowing into the Living Vehicle to charge every device you’ve ever owned in your life, including an EV. That’s a lot of juice, so boondocking and extensive off-grid living are in the cards for anyone willing to pick one of these up.

6. Forest River Alpha Wolf 23LDE-L

✅ Massive awning over a dual-entry setup offers a ton of shade for outdoor activities

⛔ Toilet is at an awkward angle, leaving little in the way of leg space (watch your knees!)

• Length:  28.8′
• UVW:  5,608 lbs
• GVWR:  7,770 lbs
• CCC:  2,162 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  770 lbs

To flip the script a little bit, it’s important to include some of the smaller travel trailers too. Remember, people live on the road in campervans, so even a smaller travel trailer, like the Forest River Alpha Wolf 23LDE-L , has a surprising amount of potential. With over a ton of CCC, this travel trailer offers a lot of storage in the form of drawers, cabinets, and hidden storage.

The rear kitchen is an excellent design decision since it removes obstacles in the center of the RV and allows for more counter space in the back. The pass-through bathroom may be split, but it expands the spacious feel even more. You can also take advantage of a large pantry, theater seating, and a huge dinette with its own set of extra drawers.

7. Black Series HQ21 Balcony

✅ x4 AGM 100Ah batteries, x2 flexible solar panels, and a 2k-watt pure sine wave inverter are standard

⛔ The Black Series HQ21 has a low sleeping capacity—best for couples, rather than families

• Length:  27′
• UVW:  6,733 lbs
• GVWR:  10,000 lbs
• CCC:  3,277 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,000 lbs
• Sleeps:  3

Comparable to the Living House, in terms of raw, green energy potential, the Black Series HQ21 Balcony is more than capable of taking you off the grid when and where you want. You can also stay off-grid. The HQ21 is the kind of travel trailer that makes full-time living so much easier, thanks to its robust power infrastructure and design features.

It’s built tough, with diamond plating, a premium suspension system, 16″ off-road wheels, and a 360° jockey wheel hitch. You also get four 100Ah AGMs, a 2k-watt pure sine inverter, an Anderson plug, and two large, flexible solar panels. The HQ21, along with the other Black Series options, are state-of-the-art, and tailor-made for disappearing into the wild unknown.

8. Keystone Bullet 330BHS

✅ Includes a bath and a half with one being a part of the private bedroom in the back

• Length:  37′ 7″
• UVW:  7,278 lbs
• GVWR:  8,600 lbs
• CCC:  1,322 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  800 lbs

Yet another 10-sleeper, the Keystone Bullet 330BHS travel trailer is a full-time champion for life on the road. It includes a very large, private bunkhouse with double-over-double bunks, TV prep, and multiple wardrobes. On the other side of the wall is an exterior kitchen with a two-burner stove, fridge, cabinets, and drawers.

The base model comes with a tri-fold sofa, but if you enjoy family movie nights, you can opt for the luxury cinema recliners, which are fantastic and comfortable to boot. Another major and very welcome feature is the bath and a half. The kids or guests have their own bathroom while you have yours.

9. East to West Alta 3100KXT

✅ Nifty washer/dryer prep behind TV and next to double-over-double bunks

⛔ Lone bathroom is in the back

• Length:  35′ 6″
• UVW:  8,830 lbs
• GVWR:  11,605 lbs
• CCC:  2,775 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,205 lbs
• Sleeps:  8

The last travel trailer for full-time living is the East to West Alta 3100KXT . The interior aesthetic on this one is maybe one of the best of the bunch, with the possible exception of the Living Vehicle. The long cabinets with dark glass contrast well with the cream and tan interior.

Capable of sleeping 8, there’s plenty of room for families or guests throughout, with double-over-double bunks in the back and a somewhat sizeable corner bathroom. With plenty of space and a king bed up front, it’s hard to argue with the seriously attractive qualities of this large travel trailer .

Is Full-Time RV Living Doable in 2024?

The answer to living in a travel trailer, full-time, in 2024, is mostly a matter of personal wants and preferences. Just like anything else in life, there are ways to save or blow money while living in an RV. There are a lot of things you have to consider.

• Where do you plan on going and staying?
• Accumulation of costs, such as campgrounds, fuel, food, accommodations, and activities
• Maintenance and potential repair costs
• You’re remote working status and capability
• General living expenses
• The unknowns

The unknowns are general things that people rarely account for—the sudden, surprise expenses that almost always seem to catch us off-guard. While full-time RV living is certainly doable in 2024, you should make out a list, carefully tailor it to your needs and potential setbacks, and match it with your income.

Are Travel Trailers Easier To Tow Than 5th-Wheels?

Travel trailers are mostly more difficult to tow than 5th wheels. For the most part, 5th-wheels are larger and heavier. However, due to the hitch connecting in the bed of your truck, maneuverability and turn radius are much improved over the travel trailer.

Travel trailers also experience more sway again, thanks to the hitch style. This is especially true when handling some of the larger travel trailers, some of which are on this list. Smaller travel trailers, like the Black Series HQ21, are easier to handle but still won’t trump a 5th-wheel of similar size or larger.

The only area where a travel trailer might have an edge on a 5th-wheel, in terms of driveability or maneuverability, is when you’re reversing. Otherwise, the center of mass when towing a 5th wheel, is closer to the driver, making a 5th-wheel the easier towing option in most scenarios.

The only thing you might miss out on is less space in your truck bed. However, most 5th wheels have a very solid cargo-carrying capacity, so you can make up for it that way.

Are Travel Trailers 4-Season?

Some travel trailers are four season, and if you want one with full-time living capability in a northern climate, you’ll be glad of it. For instance, the Oliver is a smaller travel trailer built for all climates, with plumbing lines between the inner and outer shells, double-hull fiberglass insulation, ducted furnaces, and dual-propane tanks.

If you’re looking for a larger option, the massive, unique-looking KZ Sportsmen Destination is an option. Ice Castle Fish Houses are wholly unique and easily four-season capable. In the meantime, Heartland, Lance, Jayco, and Keystone all make four-season travel trailers.

If you’re on the lookout for a four-season travel trailer, you should keep a keen eye out for the above-mentioned features, as well as enclosed and heated underbellies, premium insulation infrastructure, room for extra propane, and heated, enclosed tanks.

Final Thoughts About Travel Trailers For Full-Time Living

Living in a travel trailer full-time is its own kind of sacrifice. However, that just makes it identical to everything else in life. The difference is, if it’s the lifestyle you want, it’s certainly doable, making the sacrifices worth it, while the gains are exceptional.

The travel trailers on our list are more than capable of accommodating your or your family’s desire to hit the road and see the country, with little regard towards setting down roots and remaining stationary. If you want to live the experience of a lifetime, make one of these travel trailers your own, and ride out into the sunset.

Related Reading:

– 10 Largest and Longest Travel Trailers for 2024 – 14 Best Travel Trailers With Murphy Beds – Are Fiberglass Campers Better Than Aluminum? – 12 Best Camper Trailers Under 25 Feet: 2024 Models

About the Author:

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

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Top 5 Best Travel Trailers For Full Time Living

By Raza Vakil

Travel trailers offer the ability to be on the go anywhere, and have tons of brands for a variety of use case scenarios. One of those scenarios are people who want to live in an RV full time. Fulfilling your dream of discovering various parts of the world has without losing your comfort of a soft bed, a living area and some extras has never been easier. Check out our top 5 best travel trailers for full time living to learn more!

What puts an RV on the list: Living in an RV full-time would mean there are a lot of things to be aware of. Firstly, since you’ll probably be on the move a lot, we’ve made sure to include travel trailers with floorplans under 27 feet to make them parkable in any campground. We’ve taken a look at the reviews, and also selected ones with at least 2 slideouts to make sure you also get that extra space which is quite crucial when selecting any travel trailer.

The Top 5 Best Travel Trailers For Full Time Living :

• Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer
• Forest River Flagstaff Super-Lite Travel Trailer
• Coachmen Freedom Express Travel Trailer
• Lance Lance Travel Trailer
• Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer

#1. Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer

Sets a new standard for light trailers.

View All Coachmen  Apex Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer Floorplans!

Why we recommend the Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite travel trailer: As the name suggests, the Coachmen Apex Ultra Lite keeps it light, with the Apex Ultra Lite 212RB floorplans and Apex Ultra Lite 215RBK being just over 4,000 lbs dry weight. If you’re aiming on staying at one park. If you’re fine with one slideout, the choices are even better and overall, this travel trailer has plenty of other floorplans with varying specs, making it one of the most versatile campers in the market.

Check out the specs that they offer and you’ll also find that they definitely belong in our list of travel trailers for full time living. From the basics such as outside speakers, solar prep and an LED TV to exterior cable connection and convenience centre, you have it all. A few of these items can also be upgraded, plus there are several standalone upgrades as well!

Key Features:

• 29 different floor plans available
• Evergreen Sleep Mattress,
• Outside Speakers w/LED Lights
• Power Awning w/LED lights
• LED Motion Sensor Light in Exterior Storage Area
• Aluma-cage Construction

Virtual Tour:

#2. Forest River Flagstaff Super-Lite Travel Trailer

Small yet spacious.

View All Forest River  Flagstaff Super Lite Floorplans!

Why we recommend Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite travel trailer: With a U-shaped dinette, a murphy bed and amenities one would look for in travel trailers for full time living, the forest river Flagstaff Super-Lite 23FBDS is our favorite pick also because the aforementioned floorplan can managed to keep it spacious with 2 slideouts, parkable since its 25 feet long and can also hold roughly 2000 pounds of cargo!

That’s only the start, though. Take a physical tour of the camper and you’ll also see the amount of thought behind making this a travel trailer for both full time Living and a super memorable weekend trip. Wi-Fi booster to keep you connected when away, outside grill and speakers, recessed 3 burner cooktop, you get the gist. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also managed to provide over 15 different upgrades/additions for those who want more out of their Flagstaff Super-Lite!

• 16 different floor plans available!
• Aluminum bed and dinette base
• Maxxair® ventilation fan and vent Cover
• Solid surface kitchen countertops
• Spare tire carrier and cover
• Driftwood interior

Video Overview:

#3. Coachmen Freedom Express Travel Trailer

Durable camping for the entire family.

View All Coachmen  Freedom Express Travel Trailer Floorplans!

Why we recommend the Coachmen Freedom Express travel trailer: Coachmen Freedom Express 233RBS has offered what one can consider as a ‘Family of 4’ floorplan. It’s got a sleeping capacity of 4, can handle upto 2200 lbs of cargo, and has 2 slideouts to offer more room! Of course, that’s just one of its many other floorplans that have varying specs as well!

Just a quick look at the features of this travel trailer and you’ll realize it’s an overwhelming list. In a gist, the Freedom Express has both the basics and the extras covered, whether its a jackknife sofa or the optional 50 AMP service with second A/C prep. That, and its relatively affordable price tag definitely makes it our choice for those in the market for travel trailers for full time living.

• 26 different floor plans available
• Two full-length mirrored closets in master, and over-bed cabinets
• Exhaust vent with fan in bathroom
• Smoke and carbon dioxide detector
• Exterior GFI outlet near awning
• Power awning

#4. Lance Lance Travel Trailer

America’s trusted truck camper – in travel trailer form.

View All Lance  Lance Travel Trailer Floorplans!

Why we recommend the Lance Lance travel trailer: We’ve covered the Lance Lance in the past, which is the sole Brand of the manufacturer. However, it’s definitely an impressive one, as it has quite a few floorplans, our obvious choice being the Lance 1475 as its super compact at 1900 feet, can hold 2 people and has 2 slideouts. Of course, if you’re willing to look for floorplans beyond 27 feet, there are lots of other options available too!

In terms of features, the Lance has a lot of bells and whistles to boast about. Everything you could ever need from a full-time travel trailer is already here: furnace, air conditioner, a dinette, double door refrigerator among options to expand it such as an upgraded 13.5/15K BTU air conditioner, electric awning, spare time and many, many more! Check out the RV page on the top for their full list of available upgrades.

• 11 different floor plans available
• Roof vent in living and bed areas
• Hardwood framed flat panel cabinet doors
• Medicine cabinet with mirror door
• Dual-pane skylight
• Storage compartment lighting

#5. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer

The getaway travel trailer.

View All Forest River  Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer Floorplans!

Why we recommend Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite travel trailer: Some of the lighter variants from the Lineup of Forest River Rockwood Series are the Mini Lite brand which feature floorplans even under 5,000 pounds GVWR and two of them also fulfill our physical criteria of a full time travel trailer: the Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S and the Rockwood Mini Lite 2512S .

Whether you’re camping down South where it’s sunny or someplace like Minnesota where insulation’s a boon, Rockwood Mini Lite provides comfort either way, having a ducted furnace and a 13,500 BTU A/C. For those who’ll venture away from campground, the added Wi-Fi boosters proprietary for most Forest River models is present. Combine that with the available options that change both the look (American maple interior) or add convenience (Tongue mount bike rack), and it’s clear that this unit is definitely designed with full-time living in mind!

• 18 different floor plans available
• 13,500 BTU roof AC
• Slatewood interior
• Power awning with adjustable rain dump and LED lighting
• Outside grill prep

Check out these similar RV reviews!

Top 5 Best Ultra Light Travel Trailers Under 1800 lbs

Top 5 Best Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

– – – – –

Living full time in a travel trailer is calls for important decisions to make when purhcasing your unit. Hopefully, our top 5, at the very least, will give you an idea on what to look for!

BEFORE  you head to a dealer to see these trailers,   download your  FREE RV Buyers Worksheet  for help keeping track of:

• The feature must-haves that are important to you and your family
• Which brands or manufacturers you like
• Budgeting tools including a payment calculator resource
• Multiple well spaced pages with room for lots of your notes
• BONUS Resources: Trade-in values, tow vehicle ratings, and finance options

Share with us your favorite travel trailers for full time living in the comments below!

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Journey With Confidence

What Type of RV Is Best for Full-Time Living

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

If You’re Thinking About Becoming a Fulltimer, You’ll Need the Right RV

RVing is trending, and with more people working remotely than ever before, people are hitting the road year-round. So what’s the best RV for full-time living? Well, it depends on a few factors and individual needs, but there is an answer. We’re about to reveal the best of the best and some great runners up. Ready? Let’s dig in!

Is Any RV Good for Full-Time Living?

It’s difficult for someone who’s never gone RVing to know what brand or floor plan might work for full-time living. Ultimately, the best RV for full-time living is going to be an individual preference. Some solo travelers are content in a conversion van.

Others prefer a large Class A motorhome with multiple slideouts, a large kitchen, and similar amenities to a traditional house. Those traveling with kids often gravitate toward fifth wheels with bunk rooms and lofts for extra sleeping space.

So, yes, there are RVs that are good for full-time living. However, you have to keep in mind that while you can customize an RV, there’s no perfect RV. In other words, you’re subject to whatever the manufacturer builds and is within your budget. That may mean having to give up some wants on your list. This is why we recommend making a want and need list when shopping for your full-time living RV.

What to Look for in a Permanent RV Home

Do you have your want and need list ready? We’ve identified four categories to keep in mind when writing your list and searching for a permanent RV home. 

Size matters when you’re living in an RV full time. Visualize how much space you need in the practical sense and how small of an area you think you’d be happy with for the long term. If you’ve never traveled in an RV, a great way to find out what size you need is by renting some RVs for a trial run. 

Once you’ve determined what size you need, start looking for brands that carry what you’re looking for. If you want a large fifth wheel for a family of four and need to have bunk beds, search for fifth wheels from 36 to 42 feet long. Giving yourself a small range will help narrow down your preferences. Keep an open mind while shopping, but don’t back down on your needs.

Consider how you intend to use your RV. For example, will you be traveling every two weeks? Are you planning to boondock? Or will you be stationary on a seasonal lot for six months out of the year and only move the RV a few hundred miles? 

Mobility matters when looking for a permanent RV home. For example, if you’re moving from place to place every two weeks, a large destination trailer isn’t the way to go. Instead, choose an RV based on how mobile you’re going to be. 

Travel Trailer or Motorhome?

Choosing between a travel trailer or a motorhome for full-time living is a common hangup. If you already have a truck to tow a travel trailer, it may seem like the more budget-friendly approach. But consider what will make you happiest. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. 

If you’re remaining stationary for months at a time, a motorhome likely isn’t the best choice. Motorhomes have more longevity when used regularly. They’re great for frequent travelers. Travel trailers require less maintenance and are better for remaining stationary for some time.

Extra Features

As you’re shopping for RVs, keep going back to your list of wants and needs. You’ll find that RV manufacturers differ in the features they offer. Keep track of which ones you discover will add to the comfort of your full-time living. Remember, this is your house even though it’s on wheels. You won’t be disappointed if you add on some extra creature comforts.

What Is the Best RV for Full-Time Living?

So what’s the best RV for full-time living? We found a clear winner. Our recommendation is the Venetian F42, a Class A diesel pusher motorhome by Thor Motor Coach.

Thor Venetian F42

The Thor Venetian F42 has a sleeping capacity of seven and three slide-outs, including one mega slide. It also has one and a half bathrooms. The full bathroom has two sinks and a shower with a seat. You’ll find opposing seating in the living area with a theater-style loveseat on one side and a 92-inch sofa on the other. 

Thor’s Venetian F42 has a large kitchen with plenty of counterspace and a residential refrigerator. In addition, you get to choose from a booth dinette or a buffet dinette with chairs. The rear master bedroom has a king inclining bed, and there’s also a drop-down bunk above the cab.

The Venetian F42 is a diesel pusher with a Cummins 8.9L engine on a Freightliner XC-R chassis. It’s 43 feet. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is 44,700 pounds. In addition, the fresh water tank capacity is 91 gallons, the gray tank holds 70 gallons, and the back tank holds 51 gallons.

The Venetian F42 has 215 cubic feet of outside storage, which gives you lots of room to carry gear. It also has loads of storage on the inside, including a large wardrobe in the master bedroom. You also get a stackable washer and dryer in the bedroom, recessed induction cooktop, and residential refrigerator. 

What Other RVs Are Good for Full-Time Living?

While Thor’s Venetian F42 is the best RV for full-time living, it’s not the only one. Here are three other RVs that are good for full-timing.  

Keystone Montana

About: Keystone’s Montana is a luxury fifth wheel that comes in nine floor plans. The models range in length from 35 to 41.4 feet. They each have large kitchens with islands and plenty of living space and storage. 

Best Full-Time Features: Montana’s are comfortable, modern, and roomy. Each floor plan has living room seating for at least five people, along with a cozy fireplace and entertainment center. In addition, the high ceilings make the fifth wheel seem more open.

Airstream Classic

About: The Airstream Classic has four floor plans. Two are 30 feet, and the other two are 33 feet. Airstream builds quality travel trailers that are long-lasting, which is a perk for full-time RV living. Each floor plan sleeps five people.

Best Full-Time Features: Airstream’s Classic has a large kitchen for cooking at home. It has hardwood cabinetry and Corian countertops. The bathroom is also highly sought after when RVing full-time. It has a residential-style layout with a large shower, mirrored double-door wardrobe, and a heated shower floor and towel bar.

Grand Design Reflection

About: Grand Design’s Reflection fifth wheel has eight floor plans. They range in size from 32.9 to 41 feet. In addition, the Reflection has a four-season protection package with maximum insulation, which makes it a great choice if you’ll be RVing in cold climates. 

Best Full-Time Features: The Reflection offers very spacious floor plans for full-time living. It includes models with bunk rooms in varying configurations. Grand Design also offers several options to build your Reflection out to suit your individual needs. 

Should You Buy New or Used RV for Full-Time Living?

Purchasing a new RV for full-time living means that you’re not inheriting someone else’s problems. In addition, new models come with warranties, so you can rely on them for issues that are the manufacturer’s fault. On the other hand, used RVs have likely worked through any warranty work, and the previous owner will hopefully be upfront about anything they’ve fixed. And used RVs typically cost less than new ones.

Buying new or used is ultimately a personal preference. But we think buying new when you’re living in an RV full-time is a good choice. You may be able to customize the RV, and you know what you’re getting into from day one.

Are You One Step Closer to Full-Time Living?

Are you ready for full-time RVing? If so, we hope you get into the best RV for full-time living that suits your needs. Remember to check off your needs list and try to get as many things on your wants list as you can.

Camper Outdoor

All about RVs & Campers

30 Best RVs for Full-Time Living for Singles, Couples and Families

Let’s dive into the world of campers and luxury RVs tailored for full-time living. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking freedom, a family looking to redefine your lifestyle on the road, perhaps taking a stand against skyrocketing rents in some areas, or planning your RV retirement, this is the ultimate guide for you. Get ready to explore 30 amazing options, from luxurious Class A motorhomes to fifth-wheel RVs and travel trailers . These have been thoughtfully curated based on owner feedback, making them perfect for singles, couples, and families. In this brief video, let’s see some of the RVs that will be covered in this buyer’s guide.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Different Types of RVs and Campers for RV Living Full-Time

Choosing the perfect RV for full-time living is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle on the road. Whether you’re a single person, a couple, or a family, finding the right RV that suits your needs is essential. Before diving into the specific features and considerations, it’s vital first to understand the different types of RVs and campers available for full-time living . Next, it is essential to understand if you plan to move around all the time or if you expect to stay for an extended period in the exact location . That makes the most significant difference between choosing a drivable RV vs. a towable RV (respectively).

There are various types of RVs, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to research and understand which one would be the best fit for your lifestyle. Additionally, considering factors such as size, layout, and amenities will help narrow down your options.

Once you have a good understanding of the different types of RVs and campers , you can then move on to other considerations for choosing the best RV for full-time living.

Now, let’s see some of the best floor plans recommended for full-time RV living.

Best RV for Full-Time Living for a Single Person or Two (Budget Options)

For a single person or a couple looking to live in an RV full-time, a smaller RV, such as a Class B motorhome or a compact travel trailer, may be more suitable for singles or couples pursuing affordable options.

These types of RVs are easier to maneuver and require less space for parking and storage. Look for an RV with a layout that maximizes space and provides the amenities you need: at least a functional kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower. If the budget is not limited, I will suggest choosing a dry bathroom, a nice large area to prepare meals, and maybe a large boot dinette to place a laptop. It won’t need to be luxurious, but comfort has an extra price.

Some RVs are equipped with solar panels, larger water tanks, and other features that allow for off-grid living. If you prefer to boondock or camp in remote areas, look for an RV that offers these capabilities. Additionally, it’s essential to think about whether you plan to travel frequently or stay in one place for extended periods.

Class B RV for a Single Person for Full-Time Living

Although space is somewhat limited, and it may be slightly challenging to adapt to the fact that each space has a dual purpose, it is quite possible to live full-time in a Class B RV. They are usually set up for two people (some floor plans, even for 4 people), so no problem for a single person. It is a good option for living. It also gives you the flexibility to move everywhere.

A new option on the market, totally recommended, is the class B RV Jayco Comet , built on the RAM ProMaster 1500. It is slightly shorter and lighter and is a budget option than the popular Jayco Swift and Jayco Solstice.

Although the Jayco Comet 18C measures less than 18 feet in length, its interior is both spacious and impressive. With amenities such as a wet bath, a well-equipped kitchen, ample storage, and sleeping accommodations for two, it ensures practicality and comfort for your upcoming journey. Some details of the new 2024 Comet 18C: the GVWR is 8,550 pounds, and the GCWR is 12,000 pounds. Starting prices at $133,050.

Campers for Singles to Live In

Here, we select three-floor plans suitable for a single person or couples looking for lightweight and affordable options. You should definitely check out these campers for full-time living.

• Jayco Jay Feather Micro 173MRB: Budget option
• 16 feet Standard Scamp Trailer
• Terra Rover by inTech 
• Safari Condo Alto F1743 Travel Trailer

First up, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 173MRB is the recommended spacious and budget option for a single person thinking of RV living full-time. This floor plan differs from others,, offering a booth dinette where you can easily set up a workspace area. It features a queen Murphy bed, a dry bathroom, a grill connection outside, and a full kitchen. It’s super spacious for a solo traveler. For 2024, the price starts at $45,000.

Next on our list is the 16-foot standard Scamp trailer . With two layout options, this 16-foot wonder weighs under 2,000 pounds and features a wet front bathroom, giving you the comfort of a toilet and shower in a compact space.

For singles and couples pursuing more space but still keeping lightweight campers, the Terra Rover Travel Trailer by inTech is an excellent choice. It’s the perfect small 4-season camper, especially for living in cold weather and having workstations in the RV to work remotely. It comes with an optional integrated cassette toilet and shower, making it a compelling option for those seeking a cozy and efficient travel companion.

Next on our list is the Safari Condo Alto F1743 . This camper is a top contender, boasting an integrated cassette toilet and an inside shower. It’s the perfect blend of practicality and style for those who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort. It is not easy to find lightweight campers under 2,000 pounds equipped with a toilet and a shower.

The following video offers just a glimpse of other small campers under 2000 pounds with a bathroom that may interest solo travelers .

Best RV For Full-Time Living for Two (From Budget to Luxurious Options)

When it comes to finding the best RV for full-time living for two people , there are a few key factors to consider. First of all, you should think about the size and layout of the RV. Class A RVs and fifth wheels are popular choices for couples living in an RV full-time. These types of RVs often offer more space and amenities compared to smaller options.

In terms of floor plans, look for RVs that offer a comfortable sleeping area, a functional kitchen with enough counter space, and a bathroom with a separate shower. Workstations, washer and dryer, dishwasher? Having these amenities will make your full-time RV living experience more enjoyable and convenient. Additionally, think about whether you plan to travel frequently or stay in one place for extended periods.

Let’s see some of the best RVs for full-time living for couples.

Class A RV for a Couple

The Thor Challenger 35MQ is an excellent floor plan designed for couples who want to accommodate guests once in a while. It’s a large Class A RV, measuring 37’2″ long, 12’11” tall, and 8’5″ wide. So, it has a substantial presence. It’s powered by a robust 7.3L V8 Ford gasoline engine, putting out a healthy 335 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque. This should provide suitable power for driving the heavy coach. With a 24,000 lbs GVWR and 30,000 lbs GCWR, it’s built on a sturdy Ford chassis to handle sizable loads. It has roomy 100-gallon fresh water and 80-gallon gas tanks to allow for dry camping and extended travel between fill-ups. Sleeping capacity is up to 5 people, with seat belts for up to 8 passengers. So, the Thor Challenger 35MQ offers a good capacity for a family or group. It’s well-equipped and offers excellent features to handle full-time living.

Class B RV for Two

As previously recommended for singles, the new option class B RV Jayco Comet 18C offers a wonderful floor plan for couples who are full-timers. If they can stretch a little further in the budget, the popular Jayco Swift and Jayco Solstice class B offer more space and upgraded amenities, adding a touch of luxury to RV living.

Class C RV For Couples

If you’re into class C motorhomes, the Allegro Bay 38BB by Tiffin is a standout choice. Allegro Bay is Tiffin’s more affordable Class C lineup, typically ranging 22-32 feet long. Full bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas are packed cleverly into smaller spaces. Combining style and functionality, it’s a fantastic option for those who value both comfort and maneuverability.

The GVWR weight limit of 33,000 pounds is very high, more in line with a heavy-duty Class A diesel pusher. Class C RVs typically have a GVWR under 20,000 pounds. The freshwater tank capacity of 150 gallons is quite large for a Class C, which often ranges from 30-80 gallons. Therefore, Allegro Bay 38BB checks all the boxes for two RV full-time living, and this floor plan is great for couples who eventually may accommodate friends or family.

Luxury Fifth Wheel RVs for a Couple for Full-Time RV Living

Fifth Wheel enthusiasts, get ready for a treat! We have handpicked the most remarkable floor plans for couples looking for luxurious RVs.

• New floor plan 2024: Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Fifth Wheel
• Jayco Pinnacle 38FLGS Fifth Wheel
• Arcadia 294SLRD Fifth Wheel by Keystone RV
• New floor plan 2024 RiverStone 425FO Fifth Wheel by Forest River

These options are genuinely luxury RVs designed for full-time living. First up is the new floor plan Pinnacle 38FBRK by Jayco . With its 2024 design, this fifth wheel boasts a spacious L-shaped living area with high sleeping capacity, making it perfect for couples embracing the full-time are bee lifestyle. Are you intrigued by this fantastic brand-new Jayco’s floorplan? Read our thorough review for more details on this Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK Fifth Wheel .

Moving on to the Jayco Pinnacle 38FLGS Fifth Wheel , which features a huge front living space and a residential island kitchen, with optional floor plans for one and a half baths or one bath and a pantry. Are you planning your RV retirement? It’s an excellent choice for couples (and families) seeking comfort and versatility in their full-time journey. It has a dishwasher and a sliding table that creates an ample kitchen area. I love this RV kitchen and how it is set. It’s a great design! It is a 44′ 5″ long, 5th-wheel trailer with some nice capabilities. It has a decent dry hitch weight of 2,865 pounds and a GVWR of 18,000 pounds, allowing for flexible cargo loading. It can sleep up to 6 people with its layout. However, it’s perfect for a couple who wants to receive guests. It features a 75-gallon freshwater tank, an 82.5-gallon gray tank, and a 74-gallon black tank for contained dry camping. It comes with a 16-gallon water heater and a 40,000 BTU furnace. It has a total of 4 exterior storage compartments for gear. In summary, this is a large 5th wheel with space for a family to live comfortably on extended trips . Head out to our most recent post: Jayco Pinnacle 38FLGS review .

Now, let’s explore the Arcadia 294SLRD Fifth Wheel by Keystone . This fifth-wheel trailer offers a front bedroom, a mid-U-wrap kitchen, and a spacious rear living area with large sleeper sofas. It is ideal for couples relishing the full-time RV lifestyle. The starting price is $70,515.

Lastly, the RiverStone 425FO Fifth Wheel by Forest River has a unique floor plan that includes a private front office. It’s tailored for couples looking for a dedicated workspace while sacrificing some cooking space.

Head over to our full review of the new 2024 RiverStone 425FO and learn the pros and cons of this floor plan . In this video is a small glimpse of what you will find in our buyer’s review.

Campers for Couples Living Full-Time

We are calling all couples! You may think luxurious options and space are only possible with massive class A RVs and fifth wheels. But no, I have to say you might be wrong. Suppose you dream of a luxury travel trailer with washer and dryer connections, a king-size bed, and a spacious living area. In that case, we’ve got your wishlist covered with these amazing travel trailers.

• New Jayco Jay Feather 19MRK Travel Trailer
• Jayco White Hawk 27RB Travel Trailer
• Reflection 315RLTS by Grand Design (37 ft) and 296RDTS (34 ft) Travel Trailers
• Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS Destination Trailer

The brand new Jayco Jay Feather 19MRK was designed for those who love cooking. Believe me! This floor plan is super comfortable for singles and couples. So, if you love to have space to prep meals or if cooking together is your thing, the 2024 Jayco Jay Feather 19MRK could be your ideal companion. Although this is a classic couple camper, I don’t see the point of not recommending this comfortable floor plan to singles if the budget allows. This 24-foot camper, which weighs under 5,000 pounds, features one of the largest kitchens in its class. It’s perfect for couples or anyone who loves to whip up culinary delights on the road. Head out to our most recent Jay Feather 19MRK review for more information.

Couples seeking luxury, a lightweight design, and king-size comfort should look no further than the White Hawk 27RB Travel Trailer by Jayco . It’s a haven for full-time campers, especially seniors, offering luxurious amenities that ensure comfort every step of the way.

For the epitome of luxury, the Reflection 315RLTS Travel Trailer by Grand Design RV stands out as the ultimate luxury full-time travel trailer for couples. Equipped with everything you need for your long-term RV adventure, it’s the perfect choice for those seeking unparalleled comfort and style. If you prefer a slightly shorter option, the Reflection 296RDTS is a 34-foot travel trailer perfect for couples on the full-time are bee journey. It’s compact and lighter yet offers exceptional comfort, and that’s why it is one of the best towable RVs for full-time living for two on our list.

Stepping into the world of destination travel trailers, the Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS by Jayco is prepared for a washer and dryer, and its layout includes a spacious living area.

It’s an ideal choice for a couple seeking comfort, working remotely (or just enjoying a happy retirement), and convenience during their full-time RV living. The design allows guests to receive by increasing the sleeping capacity of this RV with the comfortable tri-fold sofa.

Couples who prefer travel trailers should head out to our post that summarizes the Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple, categorized into campers under 26 feet and 30 feet for full-time living . In this video is a brief sneak peek of what you will find in our buyer’s review.

Best RV For Full Time Living with a Family of 4, 5, or More

When it comes to choosing the best RV for full-time living with a family of 4, 5, or more there are several factors to consider. As explained previously, the most important consideration when selecting an RV is determining the appropriate size and floor plan to meet your needs. A Class A motorhome, a travel trailer, or a fifth-wheel RV with bunk beds can provide the necessary space and sleeping arrangements for a family of 4 or more.

In terms of floor plans, look for RVs that offer a separate bedroom for the parents, as well as bunk beds for kids. Choosing an RV with plenty of space means everyone can have their own area to chill out in private. If bunk beds are in a private bunk room, it is even better. Additionally, consider RVs with a functional kitchen and a bathroom with a walk-in shower or a bathtub, as these amenities can make life on the road more comfortable for the whole family.

When it comes to RV types, class A RVs and fifth wheels are popular choices for families living in an RV full-time. Let’s see some of the best RVs for full-time living for families of 4, 5 or more people.

Class A RVs for Families Living Full-Time

Let’s kick things off with the epitome of opulence. Topping the list is the luxurious class A Allegro Bus 45FP by Tiffin . It is a high-end 45-foot Class A motorhome built for family travel and living. This floor plan has two wheelbase options – a 450 hp model on a 323″ chassis and a 605 hp model on a longer 316″ chassis for a more powerful drivetrain. This class A RV has extremely sturdy front and rear axles that are rated to handle very heavy weights – up to 18,000 pounds in front and over 20,000 pounds in the rear. This heavy-duty construction means it can safely transport a lot of gear, vehicles, or cargo inside and out.

In addition, the total maximum weight limit of the Allegro Bus 45FP for the fully loaded vehicle (GVWR) is an enormous 52,000 pounds. That huge capacity means you can pack this motorhome with tons of stuff without overload.

Finally, it can tow up to 15,000 pounds (or 20,000 on the larger model). So you can haul extra toys like boats, an RV, or equipment on a trailer behind the motorhome, too. A spacious haven for 3 to 5 people with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a washer and dryer combo, and one and a half baths. Seating and seatbelts for 7-10 people make it great for families. Three slide-outs in 45′ length open up 340-440 sq ft of living space. In summary – this is a large, heavy Class A diesel pusher designed for family adventures and carries a whole lot of gear for adventure and fun!

The Open Road Allegro by Tiffin is an outstanding gas-powered Class A motorhome families pursuing luxurious RV living should consider.

These giants on wheels redefine the meaning of high-end living. From sleek exteriors to lavish interiors, they’re a sight to behold.

For families, another option for full-time living is the Thor Challenger 37DS , which is a perfect fit. Imagine panoramic views, state-of-the-art kitchens, and luxurious master suites.

Luxury Fifth Wheel RVs for Full-Time Living with a Family

Now, let’s see some of the best 5th-wheel RVs for full-time living for families pursuing the comfort of luxurious amenities and spacious floor plans.

• East to West Ahara 378BH-OK Fifth Wheel
• New 2024 Sierra 4003MB Fifth Wheel
• Grand Design Solitude 391DL Fifth Wheel
• Jayco North Point 390CKDS Fifth Wheel

For families pursuing full-time RV living on fifth-wheel trailers, the Ahara 378BH-OK by East to West is a standout. It offers a bunkroom with a half bathroom inside, a king master bedroom with a full bath, washer, dryer, and an island kitchen. Plus, there is an outdoor kitchen for those perfect family cookouts.

Although with a sleeping capacity for up to 6 people, this floor is a perfect fifth-wheel RV for full-time living for a family of 4.

Now, let’s explore the new Sierra 4003MB by Forest River , a luxury fifth wheel designed for families. It boasts a front king bedroom, a mid-bunkroom, a rear kitchen, and a massive living space. On the other hand, the Sierra 4002FB is a double queen bed and loft coach with one and a half bathrooms. It’s the epitome of spacious and comfortable family living on the road.

Grand Design brings us the Solitude 391DL , a luxury fifth wheel perfect for families. With two full bathrooms, two bedrooms, and a loft, it offers a blend of convenience and luxury for those embracing the full-time RV lifestyle.

Next on our list is the Jayco North Point 390CKDS . This fifth wheel offers a front king bedroom, a rear queen bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a loft with three twin beds, two bathrooms, and an outdoor kitchen. Love it! It’s a true home on wheels. Explore more of this RV in our recent post of the North Point 390CKDS review .

Spacious Travel Trailers for RV Living for a Family of 4, 5, or more

When you look inside these RVs, the space and the luxury amenities of our selection of travel trailers are indistinguishable from the best fifth wheels. A spacious interior is a highly desirable feature when choosing an RV. You’re going to love our next recommended best RVs for full-time living with a family of 4, 5, or more!

• Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS Travel Trailer by Coachmen RV
• Puma 32MBDS Travel Trailer by Palomino
• Reflection 312BHTS Travel Trailer by Grand Design
• Prowler 335BH Travel Trailer by Heartland RVs
• Palomino SolAire Ultra Lite Travel Trailer 320TSBH
• Rockwood Signature 8336BH Travel Trailer by Forest River
• Grand Design Imagine 3210BH Travel Trailer
• Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40DLFT Destination Trailer
• Cherokee Timberwolf 39CA Destination Trailer

Let’s explore the versatile Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS by Coachmen . With two possible layouts, offering two queen bedrooms or one bedroom and one private bunkhouse (see layouts below), it’s perfect for families or couples who often welcome guests .

Palomino Puma 32MBDS offers a mid-bunk room , which is a rarity among travel trailers. It’s one of the best RVs for full-time living with a family of 4 on the current market.

Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS is a 2-bedroom travel trailer that covers all those comfortable and desirable features in one of the best luxury RVs for full-time living. It’s perfect for a family of 4.

Next on our list is the Prowler 335SBH by Heartland , a travel trailer designed with a king bed and a bunkroom with washer and dryer connections. It’s an excellent choice for families pursuing the full-time RV living.

Palomino SolAire 320TSBH includes a Master King Bedroom in the front and a rear private bunk room for full-time living with a family.

The new Rockwood Signature 8336BH is a travel trailer with two private bedrooms, including a private bunkroom, a master bedroom with an optional king-size, and four slides-out with a sleeping capacity of up to 6 people.

This RV has a washer and dryer connection, among other luxury amenities. It is definitely one of the best RVs for full-time living with a family of 4, 5 up to 6 people, and very recommended for a family of 4, without needing to fold down more beds. Just looking at the booth dinette, it is easy to realize it was well-designed for families.

Grand Design RV always steals the show. This time is with the beautiful Imagine 3210BH . It is a 2-bedroom RV with a rear quad bunkroom perfect for cold weather and with a sleeping capacity of up to 9 people . It’s perfect for a family of 6. Amazing, right?

The Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40DLFT offers three twin beds-loft above king master bedroom, and it’s a floor plan washer and dryer prep.

Forest River Cherokee Timberwolf 39CA is a loft travel trailer located opposite the master bedroom and has two full bathrooms. Also, it’s a washer and dryer prep. Discover more options with our review of 10 travel trailers with a washer and dryer (that look like 5th. wheel RVs inside).

Suppose you prefer living in a towable camper. In that case, I strongly suggest reading our RVers guide for orientation to fully understand what kind of floor plans of travel trailers (moreover, even RV brands) offer the best and the worst for this lifestyle and why .  Head out to our review of the 12 best campers to live in full-time and brands to avoid .

What to Consider in an RV for Full-Time Living With Pets

When choosing an RV for full-timing with pets, there are some key considerations:

• Separate Rooms
• Outdoor Access
• Built-In Pet Crate
• Slide-Out Bowls for Pets
• Camp Side Windows That Fully Open
• Durable Surfaces and Materials

Look for a larger RV that offers plenty of living and storage space for your dog crate, bed, food station, toys, etc. Class A RVs and larger fifth wheels tend to have ample space. RVs with slides or separate bedrooms give dogs their own area for crates and beds, helping them feel secure while keeping noise and hair contained. Cats are more flexible.

Easy outdoor access through pet-friendly doors or tie-outs is beneficial for frequently letting dogs out. Integrated crates provide a secure place for dogs to relax and sleep during travel and camping, getting them off furniture. Popular slide-out bowl trays make feeding pets easier without bowls sliding around.

RV windows that open fully allow dogs to stick their head out for fresh air and to smell the outdoors.

Durable materials such as vinyl flooring, leather sofas, and scratch-resistant surfaces hold up better to dogs and cats. Carpeting and cloth furniture show wear faster.

Suitable exterior storage bays allow you to keep pet gear and supplies organized but out of interior living space. This makes it easier to tote crates, food, etc., in and out.

What Does a Pet-Friendly RV Floor Plan Look Like? The Keystone Outback Ultra-lite 244UBH seems like a fantastic travel trailer for pet owners, well prepared with slide-out bowl trays, camp side windows that fully open, and a built-in pet crate.

About John Smith

For more than 30 years I worked in the exciting world of RV manufacturing. I liked knowing that I could improve the campers with customer feedback and see the improvements and upgrades on floor plans, delivering the best designs and the best quality RVs, year after year. After traveling with my family in RVs and small rented campers across the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and even North Africa, I feel that I must share personal experiences, guidance, concerns, tips, and news. At Camper Outdoor, we share our biggest passion, weekend getaways in a camper, RV vacations, extended stays in RV parks, the quiet life of senior couples who choose to spend more time enjoying their RV, and boondocking experiences (which as in the beginning was unsuccessful, we have good tips to avoid the same thing happening to you!). Enjoy this website created just for you!

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Pure Living for Life

Off Grid Homesteading Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Living in a Travel Trailer

We are a young couple on a journey to start an off grid homestead 100% from scratch. As we want to do this with as little money as possible, we are living in a travel trailer while we work on building our home.

As we’ve been living fulltime in a travel trailer for months now, we’ve come up with a huge list of tips for living in a travel trailer and thought we’d share them!

We hope this list gives you some ideas to implement to make travel trailer living as easy and fun as possible!

To use this guide, feel free to navigate by the table of contents below. Simply click on the area you are interested in… otherwise, just keep scrolling and read them all!

Quick Navigation

Trailer & RV Layout Considerations Protecting your Travel Trailer Setting Up a Comfortable Outside Area Meeting Your Power Needs (Solar Power?) Dealing With Septic Dealing With Greywater Meeting Your Freshwater Needs Cooking in a Travel Trailer Tips for Dishwear & Doing the Dishes How to Store Enough Food Keeping Your Travel Trailer Organized Organizing Clothing & Closets in a Travel Trailer Getting Quality Sleep in a Travel Trailer Keeping Toasty in Cooler Weather Keeping the Travel Trailer Clean Recommended Books, Blogs & Other Resources

Trailer / RV Layout

When you go to buy your travel trailer, one of the things you want to think about is the layout of the RV.

If you will be living in your camper fulltime, then you want to be sure to find an RV that suits your lifestyle and your spacial needs.

Here are some things we found you can look for to make your trailer feel most like a home.

• Size doesn’t matter, layout matters more: We found that bigger was not necessarily better! Bigger did NOT mean that the travel trailer felt automatically bigger, because it was! We looked at travel trailers all the way up to 25’ in length and they just didn’t seem to do the trick for us. We never thought we’d find a 19’ trailer that would feel spacious but after looking around enough, we found a Fun Finder which are known for great layouts. Because everything is laid out as well as possible, we feel like we have all the space we need and everything is fairly ergonomic.
• Pull outs: One think you can look for is a trailer with a pull out. These are typically designed so that they enlarge the living room, but they are pushed in during travel. We didn’t find any of these that we liked or that were within our price range, but they are out there, especially if you have a higher budget.
• Think about your “must haves” and your “can do withouts”: There were some things we knew we would need in our RV and other things we could live without. We didn’t really NEED an oven. We didn’t need to be able to walk on both sides of our bed. We didn’t really want a bathroom that was RIGHT by the bed. I can’t think of anything else at the top of my head, but you catch my drift. Decide what you absolutely need and what you can live without.
• Decide whether you want a 5th wheel or a simple tow-behind trailer: One thing you need to keep in mind is what type of vehicle you will be towing with. When we were trailer shopping, we didn’t yet have a vehicle to pull the trailer so we were open-minded. We ultimately decided that we didn’t want to deal with a 5th wheel camper trailer, nor did we find any that felt great spatially, so that all worked out well.

RV Protection

If you are planning on living in your camper trailer long-term, then it could be a great idea to give it a little bit of protection.

Ours already has some dry rot in the front, and it’s also prone to leakage, so here is what we’re doing to protect our RV (or things you can do):

This is much more sturdy than your average carport. Ours is 10×20′ which is just perfect for our travel trailer.

To give it a little extra height, we built a platform for the RV carport to give it an extra 12″ or so.

Outside Your Travel Trailer

If you’re living in your travel trailer long-term, it may be a good idea to give some thought to the outside of your RV.

In our case, it seemed that nature was just TOO CLOSE to our trailer, and we wanted to do some things to keep tidy and give us some outdoor living space!

• Have a quality doormat: When we first arrived on our land, we had an old, carpeted door mat that didn’t do a very good job collecting dirt off of our shoes! We’ve since discovered this doormat that does a much better job keeping the dirt outdoors!
• Have a couple of camping chairs: We didn’t really think about this before starting our journey, but we quickly realized that we needed a place to sit outdoors, especially so that if guests were to come by, we could sit and chat for a while! We recommend these camping chairs because they aren’t “sinky” like others. They’re easier to get in and out of, and more enjoyable to sit in.
• Have a place to store propane, water, and other outdoor stuff: If you are boon docking in an RV as we are doing, then you will likely want a place to store some of your “outdoor stuff”. We have a couple extra propane tanks, eight 6-gallon water jugs , and things of that nature. Having a portable RV garage really helps with that because we can contain our stuff within some walls rather than just having it all sit piled outside of our RV!

Meeting Your Power Needs

If you are living in a travel trailer that is tied into the grid, great! You have endless electricity! If you are boon docking like us, then you will need to come up with some sort of power solution like a portable generator or solar power of some kind. Here is what we have found works for our off grid power needs.

• Buy a quality generator: We did a lot of homework and bought a 3000 watt generator for our power needs. While this is more power than needed to simply power an RV, we also have a lot of power tools we use simultaneously, so having a powerful generator really gives us the freedom to work as much as we can. We use our generator a couple hours a day to charge our RV battery. The exact generator we have is the Honda EU3000i Handi … read the review of the generator here . We love this generator because it is lightweight and has a built-in wheel kit that allows for easy transportation of the generator. Check out our best portable generator reviews .
• Buy a battery charger: Many trailers like ours have a trickle charger, which means that you can only charge the battery so fast. It was taking us 8+ hours a day of running the generator to charge our battery, and if we were in the trailer using the lights, we were draining the battery faster than we could charge it! By using this battery charger , we’re able to charge to the battery directly and it helps the battery charge quickly and as efficient as possible.
• Buy LED lights: If you’re travel trailer is not already equipped with LED lighting, that can be a great way to reduce your power consumption! We wasted an entire year of time on cheap LED lights but once we upgraded to these ones , they got much brighter and lasted longer! Worth the extra cost.
• Get portable solar panels: After living in our trailer for about nine months, we invested in some portable solar panels , more specifically this one , and in the summer we’re able to NOT run our generator to keep our trailer battery topped off, saving us around $90/month in generator fuel! These will pay for themselves quickly. Setting them up is easy peasy.

Black Water / Septic

This is probably our largest pain point when it comes to living in a camper trailer.

As you may know, black water is anything that comes down from the toilet.

Right now, we are having to dump our black water maybe every 5-7 days.

• For men (or even women who aren’t picky), try peeing outside during the daylight hours: This will save you a lot of space in your black water tank. Save the peeing indoors for nighttime when you really would rather not go outside.
• Be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you use: I’m sure I’m not the only one that has a tendency to grab a huge wad of toilet paper when I really don’t need it! Try using less to reduce the risk of having a clog develop at the valve. Or, try throwing some of the toilet paper in the garbage. Or, try using this Rapid Dissolve Bath Tissue which is designed for RV us.
• Use the restroom when you are away: When you’re out and about there are many opportunities to use a public restroom. While I’m not encouraging “holding it” per se, if you can, using a public restroom will prevent your black water tank from filling up quickly.
• Be sure that your black water tank is actually emptying when you dump it: One time, we heard the tank empty so even though the sensor said full, we believed it was empty. It turns out that just days later our black water tank was completely full and we couldn’t flush the toilet! This was a careful drive to the septic dump. Check and double check that it is indeed, empty.
• Fill the tank up completely before dumping it: Once we had our septic system in, we left the portal open which created quite the stink… don’t do this! It’s actually better to just dump it when it’s full that way there is no stink and that also helps your tank stay clean.
• Be aware that the sensor may get blocked: Our sensor frequently doesn’t work. This is probably because solid waste is built up on it (eww, I know). Even if it says empty, the first time we use the toilet the sensor will say the tank is full which is not accurate. We try to use common sense.
• Flush out the black water tank and toilet at the dump station: To keep things clean and sanitary, we frequently run a lot of water through the toilet at the dump station. We also sometimes pour a small amount of bleach down the toilet to sanitize things.

As you probably know, grey water includes anything from the shower, bathroom sink or kitchen sink.

When you’re camping this probably isn’t a huge deal if the weather is warm and you’re showering and / or cooking outside.

When you live in your trailer fulltime and the weather is chilly, this is a bigger issue.

If you aren’t careful, your grey water will fill up much more quickly than your black water.

Here are our tips for keeping your grey water tank as empty as possible.

• Use a bin in the kitchen sink to catch your water: We use the sink on our RV… A LOT. The first month of having our RV we didn’t even have the BBQ hooked up so we did all of our cooking indoors. For breakfast we make coffee and some sort of breakfast skillet. We cook our dinner too. We also make our own cat food so we have storage containers to wash out frequently. It is critical that we use a bin to catch the water that would normally go down the kitchen sink. We then toss this outside when it’s full.
• Use hot water to wash your dishes: Whether you use cold water or hot water, it doesn’t make a difference in your fresh water tank level, so use hot for cleaning. We cook a lot of meat so hot water helps to dissolve the fat quickly. We use less water for cleaning when the temperature is hot, so a few drops of detergent and a little water goes a long way.
• Take quick showers (like really quick): Sorry to be a party pooper, but say goodbye to really long showers if you have nowhere for the water to go AND are on strict water rations! We turn on our hot water heater a bit before showering. We use enough water to get wet, lather up, and then use just enough water to rinse it off. I don’t use shampoo daily as this takes a while to get out of my hair. We also use Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Castile Liquid Soap as it’s extremely “clean” and seems to wash off with a little bit of water, unlike other soap that sticks around forever. If we don’t do any heavy work and aren’t particularly dirty then we will skip showering for a day.
• Get your shower fix at a truck stop: We are fortunate enough to have a truck stop just a ways up the road from us that offers $5.00 showers. Not all are this cheap. We both get unlimited, hot showers for this price combined. I’d say we do this on a weekly basis… sometimes more if we’re really filthy at the end of the day. Once we have our septic system installed and a cistern we won’t be so picky about short showers but right now it’s still something we have to be mindful of.
• Use as little water as possible when you don’t have a bin to catch it: We don’t have a bin in the bathroom sink because the sink is so tiny. We barely use any water when we brush our teeth, and I try to use as little as possible when I wash my face before bed.

Using these tips, our grey water has never been full when we dump it. Our black water tank always fills up first and there’s only so much we can do about that.

Fresh Water

Needless to say, but fresh water tanks vary in size from RV to RV.

Our 19’ travel trailer has a 25 gallon fresh water tank.

As we love water for showering, staying hydrated, making coffee, cooking and doing dishes, we seem to go through this quickly.

We’ve blown through this in 3 days before and at max, if we don’t supplement, it will last 5 days or so.

If you have a well you can hook into then great, but if not, here are our tips for conserving water.

• Clean dishes with hot water: As stated previously, clean your dishes with hot water from the hot water heater or the stove. Hot water will loosen residue and fat better than cold water. You will simply use less water when you’re doing dishes.
• Use an easy-to-remote soap for showering: As stated previously, I love Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap because it’s easy to remove. It washes off almost instantly where other soaps I have seem to never come off. This helps me to reduce shower time.
• Skip the daily or bi-daily shower: I hate to say it if you love showers, but try increasing the length between your showers if you’re not getting that dirty. We spend many days running errands and don’t break a sweat, so showers aren’t always necessary especially when they are a luxury.
• Buy 6 gallon tanks to fill for backup: We can fill up on fresh water at the septic dump, but moving the trailer is a pain in the butt so we’d rather not do it when we simply need more water. We shopped all over and finally found these 6 gallon tanks to restock our supply with. Any heavier and you may risk hurting yourself lifting it to dump… and for us, we have to pour them in slowly. We also have maybe (5) 1-gallon water jugs. When we dump our septic, we fill up the trailer, (2) 5-gallon tanks, and multiple 1-gallon jugs. Once we discovered this, we never again made a special trip to fill up the trailer with water.

For us, cooking our own food is critical.

During our first few weeks after moving to our land we at out a lot, and our bellies were unhappy.

We simply feel our best when we cook our own meals so even though we live in an RV, we do what it takes to nourish our bodies properly.

Here are our tips to making cooking and food preparation a breeze.

• Keep meals simple: In the past, I’ve sent a lot of energy trying to cook new and creative meals. This resulted in a lot of random, leftover ingredients in the fridge which simply took up a lot of space. We now keep our meals really simple, and cook the same meals again and again because we love them and rarely have waste accumulate in the fridge. We also pick meals with relatively few ingredients.
• Cook in bulk (within reason): Since we’re busy, and preparing food isn’t always the easiest in a crowded travel trailer, we cook many things “in bulk”. For us, that means cooking the entire 1-pound package of meat rather than half of it. Breakfast always consists of sausage or beef, potatoes and eggs. We will cook the meat and potatoes in bulk, that way, the next morning half of the work is already done and we can just heat the food + toss in a few eggs. We will also cook a large pot of chili (2-pounds of meat + veggies) which stores well in the fridge and provides dinner for at least three nights.
• Prep veggies in bulk: We don’t like doing dishes so when we get them dirty, we’ll get as many miles out of them as we can. I also hate cutting onions because they burn my eyes like nobody’s business, so I simply cut a lot and put them in plastic containers in the fridge. Veggies store quite a while so they rarely go to waste. When they’re nearing the end of their life, we can simply toss them in a soup or salad and call it a day.
• Use a BBQ: If you use a BBQ then there is usually less (or no!) cleanup. We’ve been using this a bit lately now that it’s working. If you’re unsure what to cook on the BBQ, head on over to Pinterest and get loads of ideas! If you make something like kabobs you may not even have dishes to do after dinner.
• Use an outdoor cooking stove: In addition to having a BBQ, we also have an outdoor 3-burner propane stove . We do ALL of our cooking on this in summer as it keeps the heat out of the trailer.
• Use a solar stove or oven: We recently had the opportunity to try out a GoSun Stove . Many solar stoves such as this can cook food using strictly sun alone. This means that you don’t even need to worry about propane or even firewood for cooking. These may be the way of the future, who knows?
• Use a french press for coffee: We are coffee addicts. We had a hard time putting our espresso machine in storage for a while (it’s kinda silly to fire up the generator every morning for a cup of coffee) but are trying to adjust to our french press . This works great when you get a coarsely-ground coffee. No electricity required and tastes just as great.

If you love cooking and spending time in the kitchen like I do, then it may be hard to live without your favorite appliances and dish selection for a while.

Because we like to keep our RV tidy and have as little in it as possible, we said goodbye to the majority of our kitchen.

Here is what we do to ensure we have what we need while having realistic expectations.

• Have one set of dishes for each person: In our old home we had at least six of everything. We rarely had guests, but we still had six of everything including big plates, small plates, bowls, wine glasses, mugs, silverware and more. We decided that since we always do the dishes after each meal that we really only needed one of everything if that. We have two plates, two bowls, two cups, two travel mugs, two spoons and two forks. It seems to be working so far.
• Only include the things you use daily / weekly in the RV: Be honest… you probably use 1/5 of everything you have in your kitchen frequently! In our RV we have our Vitamix , meat grinder , french press, glass bowls for mixing and salads, ice cream scoop, can opener, measuring cups, measuring spoons and a few other items. We use all of those things on a frequent basis. After the one month mark in our trailer, we got rid of stuff we didn’t use including a colander, wine glasses, and a few other items.
• Think twice before including dedicates: Even in the largest RVs, you will be tight on space. Even if you’re are small, fit and agile, you will bump into things, things will move around on the road, and things will fall out of place. We already said goodbye to one glass that was displaced on the way to the septic dump. If you have something delicate that you care about, maybe you should put it in storage for a while.
• Don’t be lazy and toss your silverware into the dishwater bin: I did this one or two times before learning my lesson. Our dishwater bin is never clean (except the 3 minutes after we thoroughly clean it). Once a spoon or something dives into the dishwater bin, it’s always annoying to clean because you have to fish it out and clean the handle in addition to the part that touched your mouth or food. It’s a small thing, but it’s the small things that really matter when boondocking in your RV.

Food Storage

When living off grid (or even NOT living off grid) it’s a great idea to have some sort of food storage.

In the RV, it’s really hard to do this at all as the space is so minimal.

Regardless, we’ll share our tips to storing food, staying organized, and even thinking more long-term in case some situation happens where you can’t run out to the grocery store to restock.

• Keep everything organized in bins: You will quickly learn on this blog that we love bins! We’re highly organized people and the availability of bins just feeds our obsession. We have a couple different spots for food bins in our trailer. We have a couple styles of bins and organize them by spices, cans, things we use daily, snack storage and more. We picked bins that are aesthetically pleasing so that it feels like we have more of a home than a travel trailer. Our bins also do a great job at hiding whatever is in them. We’d rather look at a pretty, white, basket-woven bin than hot chocolate packets and chips.
• Save your storage space for food rather than things like clothing: We have a decent amount of unused storage space in our RV so we are trying to fill it up with non-perishable food. As we cook a lot of soup, we have stocked up on boxed broth, canned veggies and canned tomatoes. We also have a lot of no-bake cookie supplies like oats, peanut butter and sugar. Basically, if you prepare something often, have a lot of those ingredients on hand in storage. Even if you only have 1-2 weeks of food stored in your RV, this is better than 3-5 days.
• Canning is your friend: We just started canning and love it because we don’t need freezer or fridge space to store our food! How much more perfect can it get? Look into canning – it’s worth it, especially if you have access to free or low-cost produce.
• Buy things you use frequently in bulk when on sale: There are some things we cook with frequently including broths, canned tomatoes, salad dressing, and microbrew root beer! When our favorite items are on sale, we stock up and do what we can to store it! As said above, we save most of our storage for food so that we can go many days or weeks if necessary without stopping by a grocery store.

Organization / Keeping Tidy

Jesse and I are both neat-freaks… we like everything to have a place so that we can quickly find what we need.

It took some trial and error to find places for everything, but here are our organization tips.

• Try to put things in an intuitive place: Think about the flow of your lifestyle throughout the trailer. Make sure items you use daily are easily accessible, and in a convenient location. Put kitchen-related items right by the kitchen. Put things you use outside right by the door. Don’t be afraid to change the location of things a couple of times… it will take some effort to find spots that work!
• Shop for organization tools after analyzing the trailer: Rather than buying a bunch of bins and knick knacks before organizing your trailer, organize first and then go buy what you need to finish the job. We measured various cubbies and cupboards in our RV, thought about what we want to put where, and then bought bins designed for those spots.
• Bins are your friend, use them often: As stated a lot on this homesteading blog, we love bins! Almost every cupboard in our RV has a bin in it. This is extremely helpful for taller cupboards when you can’t reach the back of them! We have all of our food in bins which makes it easy to find what we need. We even have a bin for our electronics, chargers, and cameras! They work so wonderfully, you can never have enough!
• Clean up as you go: One thing that is extremely important when living in small spaces is to clean up as you go! If we neglect cleaning up just one activity, we always regret it later. We clean up dishes immediately after eating. We make the bed after getting up. We put away clothes that we take off so that they aren’t laying around. When we’re done with our laptops, we put the laptops and chargers away so that they don’t add clutter. We do a lot in our trailer so if we don’t clean up after each activity, it will look like a bomb went off, and that’s not good for anyone’s energy!
• Don’t be afraid to hold out for exactly what you need: After several trips to Lowes and Walmart, we did look online in hopes we would find the organization tools we really needed. One thing we have is an office organizer that fits in the TV cubbie hole (we took out the TV) that allows us to easily organize pens, paper, receipts, small tools and more. We really wanted this one because it is white and fits in with the rest of our trailer. It was worth it to buy exactly what we needed and wanted rather than to save a few bucks and settle for something that would just “get us by”.
• Look online for organization stuff: One of our favorite websites is The Container Store… they have oodles of organization stuff! Just looking through their website may give you some ideas on how to organize your RV.

Clothing & Closet Space

When you live in a small space, you really need to pick over your wardrobe with a fine-toothed come.

If you’re accustomed to having your own 200 sq ft closet, you have a lot of work to do!

Jesse and I don’t have much storage for clothing; we only have a tiny closet and some space above the bed. Gotta be creative!

• Be honest with yourself and think about what you actually wear any given week: If you’re like most people, you only wear about 10% of your clothing in any given week, month or year. Try as hard as you can to only pack that 10% and put the rest in storage, or even donate it to Goodwill.
• Don’t plan on going to dinner with the queen: We all have those few outfits that we have JUST IN CASE the queen invites us to dinner, and we need a REALLY nice outfit! If you aren’t living that kind of lifestyle, put those types of clothing in storage unless yo actually wear them on a monthly basis. If you really need to go get your nice clothing, you can go get it.
• Pack according to the season: Since we have limited space, I only have in the trailer what is appropriate for the current season. If it’s winter, I don’t have any tank tops, shorts, dresses, or anything of that sort. If you have the space or are living in your trailer solo, you may be able to pack your seasonal clothing into bins under your bed. Basically, if you don’t wear it, don’t make it accessible!
• Have warm clothing: Here’s an article I wrote on how I dress warm in winter . I only have a handful of items, but those items are quality and critical to my wardrobe.
• Have a laundry bag that is easily accessible: Unless you have a way of doing laundry in the trailer, plan on going to the laundromat often! We have a laundry bag that is easily accessible so that we are encouraged to pick up as we go! Also, when laundry day arrives, all we need to do is grab our laundry bag and we’re set!
• Keep laundry supplies in the car: One thing we do is keep our laundry detergent and quarters in the car. On a good day, we’re thankful to simply remember the fact that we need to do laundry and we’re lucky if we grab the laundry day! As we always have a million errands to do when we are in town, we try to keep some stuff in the car because otherwise, we would forget it at the trailer.
• Redefine your definition of clean: Some people wear a shirt once and then toss it into the laundry bin. Unless you are getting filthy on a daily basis from head to toe, see if you can’t get away with wearing the same clothes at least a couple days in a row. If we’re simply doing light work around our property, or just working in town all day, we can wear the same jeans and sweater for many days!

Sleeping Well in a Travel Trailer

I don’t care who you are… sleep is important.

When you’re living in a travel trailer, things can get tense at times due to the lack of space and frequency of bumping your head on things, so sleep is extra critical to keep grumpiness to a minimum!

• Buy a quality mattress: We were lucky enough that our RV came equipped with a memory foam mattress! We love the thing, and feel that having a quality mattress helps us to get good sleep at night! However, check the mattress dimensions in your trailer… some trailers have shorter mattresses that need to be special ordered to fit.
• Have some ear plugs on hand: When you sleep in a travel trailer, it seems that the slightest movement makes a lot of noise! If you are not sleeping alone, then your chances of getting poor sleep go up because if one of you wakes up in the middle of the night, chances are both of you will! While ear plugs don’t reduce movement, they can mask some of the sound.
• Turn the heater down at night: One thing that wakes Jesse up a lot is the sound of the heater kicking on. We try to keep the heater as low as possible at night without turning it off completely so that our pipes don’t freeze in winter!
• Have dark sheets: If you’re living out in the wilderness and/or not taking showers daily, one thing that can help is having dark sheets. This isn’t an excuse to never wash your bedding, but it can help hide some of the grit and grime!
• Make your bed daily: Now I’m not your mom, but you’d be amazed at how having the bed made makes the trailer feel cleaner! On days we don’t make the bed, the entire trailer just feels messy, which can wear on our mood.
• Run a fan at night: After we got our portable solar panels , running a fan at night for both cool are and white noise was an option, and our sleep quality increased as well. This was because we could afford to run the battery down at night as it would begin charging again by about 7am.

Keeping Warm in a Trailer

We are boon docking in a colder climate, and having snow on the ground all winter long is not uncommon!

Weeks with below freezing temperatures aren’t uncommon, either!

There are some things you can do to winterize your travel trailer while you’re living in it.

• Use heat tape: If you’re fortunate enough to have access to electricity, you can try wrapping your hoses with heat tape which should prevent them from freezing.
• Insulate your carport: One of the things we’re trying is insulating our RV carport with fiberglass and high density foam! It’s not sexy but it helps keep some of the cold out. We also built a 3-sided cabin onto the end of our carport which we heat with a wood stove, so overall we’re able to keep the inside of the carport 20-30 degrees warmer than the outside.
• Keep your heater at 50 degrees minimum: During winter, we never turn the heat completely off. We set it at the minimum temperature possible which helps keep things from freezing. Freezing is bad! For the most part, it doesn’t come on during the day but it does come on at night.
• Keep cupboards open: When it’s really cold outside, keep cupboards open that would normally hide things like plumbing and water tanks. You need all the heat you can get so be sure to leave all appropriate cupboards open so that the heat can infiltrate the area.
• Insulate windows and air vents: This isn’t something we do because we have a fully-insulated carport, but others suggest insulating the windows and putting some insulation in your air vents.
• Remember to air out your trailer: One of the byproducts of propane is moisture, so if you’re running your heater but have everything sealed up, you will have a lot of moisture accumulation. We always leave the top air vents open a little when the heater is on, but other days we would open them fully and crank the heat up high! Heat can dry your trailer out a bit but you also need proper air circulation for this to work.
• Dress warm: While you do need to keep your trailer a little bit warm to prevent freezing, one simple solution is to dress warm, then the inside temperature of your trailer isn’t so critical! Here’s how to dress warm in winter .

Keeping the Trailer Clean

Somehow, when you’re living in a travel trailer, things get dirty quickly!

I’m not sure if this is because travel trailers are typically in wilderness-type settings or because you notice every detail when your home is small, but either way it’s great to be clean!

• Sweep daily with a compact broom: We sweep out our trailer daily with this compact broom . It folds up nicely so that we can store it in the closet. Even if the trailer doesn’t look dirty, we always get a decent amount of dirt off of the floor!
• Wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber towel: We frequently wipe down the floors and all surfaces in the travel trailer with these microfiber towels . A general rule of thumb is to try to clean dry, otherwise you just make mud!
• Have a lot of rags on hand for cleaning: What we can’t clean dry, we clean up using a simple wet rag. We use these to clean up after dinner, and to wipe off random marks off the trailer walls and doors.
• Have a wet vac on board: Since accidents are bound to happen (even just sipping spaghetti sauce on your kitchen table seats!), it’s a great idea to have a wet vac in your trailer or car! We try to keep our trailer extra clean and not accumulate stains, so as soon as we spill something on upholstery we clean it up ASAP. We also have a couple of Bengal cats that have been known to place hairballs on our bed, so the wet vac works great for that too. However, you will need electricity for this or at least a generator to plug it into.
• Leave your shoes at the door: As a general rule of thumb, we try to avoid wearing shoes in our trailer when we can. This isn’t always possible as sometimes it’s too cumbersome to remove our shoes, but this will really help to reduce the dirt in your trailer.
• Have a dirt-collecting doormat: Another thing we do is have a dirt-collecting doormat at the entrance to our trailer or RV deck. IF you’re going to wear your shoes in the trailer, at least knock the dust off of them first! Or, if you have some sort of RV deck, place it at the beginning of the deck so that you track less dirt right outside the trailer door! A great way to clean is not to get something dirty in the first place.

Books, Blogs & Other Resources

Trailersteading: how to find, buy, retrofit and live large in a mobile home, travel-trailer homesteading for under $5,000, electronics.

Coming soon!

The 10 Best Small Travel Trailers for Full-Time Living

There are many things to love about small travel trailers, including their compact size, easy towability, and more affordable price.

But one of the biggest drawbacks of small trailers is they don’t always make great RVs for full-time living.

As small campers often lack interior space, features, and amenities that make full-time RVing not only doable but actually enjoyable.  

The good news, however, is there are actually quite a few small trailers on the road today that make ideal full-time RVs.

So to help you find all the best small travel trailers for full-time living , we’ve highlighted 10 of the most popular choices among full-time RVers.

By providing a quick overview of each camper, including its specs, floorplan, and why it’s great for full-time living.

Plus, we also include a video tour of each trailer from actual full-timers, to show you how they live in the RV full-time .

Popular Small Travel Trailers for Full-Time Living (Smallest to Largest)

1. scamp 13 standard trailer, quick specs.

• Average Cost : $17,000
• Length : 13 Feet
• Dry Weight : 1,200 – 1,500 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : 4
• Bathroom : N/A
• Slide-Outs – None

Even though the Scamp 13 Standard Trailer won’t be for 99% of RVers looking for a small travel trailer to full-time in, due to its tiny size.

We still chose to include the 13-foot Scamp on this list.

As this ultra-compact lightweight camper from Scamp provides an important reminder that you can really live in any small camper, no matter its size or features.

And that’s exactly what Elsa Rhae and Barron from the above video prove, as they’ve lived in a 13-foot Scamp trailer for years.

Scamp 13 Standard Layout 1

Living in such a small space that’s technically only 10 feet of actual living space does require some pretty major sacrifices though.

As their Scamp floorplan, the Standard Layout 1 only offers a rear convertible dinette booth, a front bench that converts into tiny bunk beds, a little kitchenette, and a small amount of storage space. 

This means that this little stand-up camper has no bathroom, which can be a real issue if you’re trying to live in the trailer.

There is, however, a 13-foot Scamp floorplan, the Standard Layout 2 that does offer a small wet bath though instead of the front bench.

But adding this bathroom reduces the sleeping capacity of the trailer by two and makes the trailer feel even more cramped inside.

Regardless of floorplan though, the Scamp 13 is only suited to full-time RVers looking for the smallest and lightest camper possible that don’t mind sacrificing convenience and comfort to do so.

Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living

• Offers Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
• Includes a Front Bench that Converts to Bunk Beds for Extra Sleeping Capacity
• Provides a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
• Lots of Windows Helps the Trailer Feel Bigger Than It Is

For more information on the Scamp 13 Standard Trailer and to find out how to order one, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here .  

2. Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer

• Average Cost : $29,000
• Length : 16 Feet
• Dry Weight : 2,200 – 2,600 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : 3
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Wet Bath

If you like the idea of the above 13-foot Scamp trailer but feel like it’s just too small for full-time living, you might want to check out the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer.

As the 16-foot Scamp offers not only an extra three feet of living space but also offers a wet bath on most of its floorplans, including the one featured here.

Because of this, the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer is what’s considered a self-contained camper, as it has everything you need to be self-sufficient.

Including a place to sleep, a place to cook and eat meals, and a place to use the restroom, all without leaving the trailer.

Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer Layout B

Because of the 16-foot Scamp’s smaller size though, this camper is really only suited for singles or couples like the ones in the above video, which upgraded from a tiny Toyota motorhome .

It’s amazing what you can do with such a small trailer that’s only 16 feet in length and 13 feet of living space though.

As this couple has everything they need to not just survive but thrive inside their ultra-compact lightweight camper.

And the best part is because this Scamp trailer is so small and lightweight, it can go places other RVs can’t and be pulled by smaller tow vehicles, like SUVs and small trucks .

Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living

• Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
• Offers a 3-Piece Wet Bath
• Wood Cabinetry Provides a Homey Feel Inside

To learn more about the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer and see its other floorplans, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here . 

3. Airstream Bambi 16RB

• Average Cost : $55,000
• Length : 16 Feet 1 Inch
• Dry Weight : 3,000 Pounds
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Wet Bath

Another great small travel trailer perfect for full-time singles or couples is the Airstream Bambi 16RB, which has a length of just over 16 feet and an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds.

Putting the 16RB squarely in the ultra-lightweight compact travel trailer category.

Despite the camper’s smaller size though, the 16RB still has everything you’d need to full-time in the RV, including a fixed rear east-to-west full-size bed, a front convertible dinette booth, a little kitchenette, and a compact two-piece wet bath.

Airstream Bambi 16RB Floorplan

To be fair though, because of the camper’s tiny size, it’s not going to be for everyone looking to full-time in a small travel trailer.

As the Bambi 16RB has a very tiny wet bath, which might be fine for short camping trips but can get annoying long term.

As the bathroom is not only very cramped to use but everything is constantly wet inside, including the toilet seat.

Plus, the bathroom is only a two-piece wet bath and lacks a sink, forcing you to use the kitchen sink, as both the kitchen and bathroom sink.

In addition, because this camper is an Airstream, like all other Airstream models , the Bambi offers no slide-out, which can make the trailer feel cramped inside.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that while this Bambi trailer can sleep four, thanks to its front convertible dinette booth, for everyone’s sanity, it’s best not to use this camper for full-time family living, as it’s just too small for families.

• Provides a 2-Piece Wet Bath
• High-End Finishes Offer a Very Premium Feel Inside
• Has a Fixed East-to-West Bed Providing a Permanent Place to Sleep
• Offers a Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
• Includes a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals

For more info on the Airstream Bambi 16RB, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here .

4. Forest River Viking 17SBH

• Average Cost : $21,000
• Length : 20 Feet 5 Inches
• Dry Weight : 2,896 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : 5
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Dry Bath

If at this point you’re thinking that only solo RVers or couples can full-time in a small travel trailer, the family of four in the above video should show you otherwise.

As this young family, with two little ones is living their best life in a 20-foot camper .

Specifically the Forest River Viking 17SBH, a bunkhouse camper capable of sleeping five, thanks to its front full-size bed, mid-convertible dinette booth, and rear single bunk beds. 

Forest River Viking 17SBH Floorplan

Popular with families or anyone needing to sleep a lot of people, bunkhouse travel trailers make the perfect small camper for full-time living.

As bunkhouse models offer sleeping capacity not possible in other RV trim levels and floorplans.

The Viking 17SBH offers more than just a large sleeping capacity though, as the trailer also offers a nice-size kitchenette for all your cooking needs and the first dry bathroom on this list.

As the 17SBH has a dry bath with a separate shower and toilet, which is always preferable to a wet bath in an RV, especially when you’re full-timing in one.

The bathroom in the Forest River Viking 17SBH is missing one component though to make it a true full bathroom, which is a bathroom sink and vanity.

Because of this, like the above Bambi 16RB, the Viking 17SBH requires you to use the kitchen sink as a bathroom sink as well, which is less than ideal when full-time RVing.

Overall, though this bunkhouse trailer is a great option for families wanting to full-time RV in a small travel trailer.

• Large Sleeping Capacity Ideal for Full-Time RV Families
• Bunkhouse Design Provides a Separate Private Space for Kids
• Offers a 2-Piece Dry Bath
• 12-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space
• Fixed East-to-West Bed Provides a Permanent Place to Sleep
• Includes a Nice Size Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
• Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space

To learn more about the Forest River Viking 17SBH, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here . 

5. Dutchmen Coleman 17B

• Average Cost : $20,000
• Length : 21 Feet 5 Inches
• Dry Weight : 2,985 Pounds

Another great bunkhouse camper great for full-time family living is the Dutchmen Coleman 17B, which has a very similar floorplan to the above Forest River Viking 17SBH.

In fact, these two compact travel trailers have pretty much the exact same layout, with a front east-to-west bed, a mid-kitchen, and a rear dry bath.

As well as rear single bunk beds, which is always great for kids.

As bunk beds provide a personal space in the RV kids can call their own, acting like their bedroom.

Dutchmen Coleman 17B Floorplan

As similar as these two trailers are though, there are a few differences between the two.

Starting with the front fixed bed, as this camper offers a short RV queen bed , while the above Viking 17SBH only offers a full-size bed.

In addition, this model features a side-mount air conditioner, while the Viking 17SBH offers a roof-mount air conditioner.

Overall, though both bunkhouse campers are great, and so similar that if you’re trying to decide between the two it really comes down to personal tastes more than anything else.

As both small bunkhouse trailers make a great home for full-time RVing with kids.

• Has a Large Fixed East-to-West RV Queen Bed 
• Includes a Nice Size Kitchenette with Lots of Cabinet Space

For more information on the Dutchmen Coleman 17B, check out Dutchmen’s website by clicking here .

6. Airstream Bambi 22FB

• Average Cost : $65,000
• Length : 21 Feet 11 Inches
• Dry Weight : 3,900 Pounds
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Dry Bath

There’s nothing cheap about Airstreams, as this Airstream Bambi and the above Bambi (#3 on the list) prove.

As Airstreams are some of the most expensive travel trailers you can buy.

As the old saying goes though, “ You get what you pay for ”, and this is just as true about RVs as anything else.

Because while the Airstream Bambi, which is the smallest “Silver Bullet” trailer Airstream makes is expensive, it also offers features, finishes, and benefits you won’t find on any other camper.

Including an all-aluminum hand-riveted interior and exterior shell, high-quality modern finishes and components, excellent value retention, superb build quality and longevity, and an iconic timeless brand.

Airstream Bambi 22FB Floorplan

And while these things might not be as important to weekend warriors on a budget, for full-time RVers, spending a little more on the camper might make sense.

Because let’s face it, you’ll be spending far more time in the RV than your typical RVer that might only spend a few weeks a year in the trailer.

Speaking specifically about the Bambi 22FB though, this premium small camper from Airstream continues to be a top pick for full-time RVers and Airstream Owners , thanks to its well laid out floorplan and top-notch amenities.

As the Bambi 22FB offers a private front bedroom with panoramic windows, a large fixed east-to-west bed, and a privacy curtain.

As well as a large U-shaped convertible dinette booth and a well-equipped kitchen, with everything you need for meal prep and cooking.

Plus, the 22FB is also the first trailer on this list to offer a true three-piece dry bath, with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.

Why It’s Great For Full-Time Living

• More Premium Finishes and Appliances
• Has a Private Front Bedroom with a Divider Curtain
• Offers a Full 3-Piece Dry Bath
• Has a Large Convertible U-Shaped Dinette Booth for Lounging and Eating
• Includes a Larger Well-Equipped Kitchen
• Ample Interior Storage Space

To learn more about the Airstream Bambi 22FB and why it makes a great camper for full-time living, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here .

7. Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE 

• Average Cost : $33,500
• Dry Weight : 4,674 Pounds
• Slide-Outs – 1

There are many things that make the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE the perfect small couple’s travel trailer for full-time living.

However, there are four main ones that really stand out.

Starting first with its Murphy bed, as the Imagine XLS 17MKE features a front queen Murphy bed that folds away to reveal a large couch underneath.

Allowing the front of the trailer to serve as both a living room and a bedroom, which is ideal for a camper that’s only 22 feet in length.

As the Murphy bed layout allows you to maximize the space inside the trailer.

Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE Floorplan

Another noteworthy feature of this Grand Design Imagine that makes it ideal for full-timers is its mid-slide-out.

As the trailer’s slide helps to open up the interior and gives it a much more spacious feel, which makes living in the trailer much more comfortable as well as enjoyable.

The large rear corner dry bath is also a nice touch on this trailer.

As Grand Design managed to fit a surprisingly spacious and well-equipped bathroom with an extra large countertop in this compact camper.

The best and last feature that makes the trailer perfect for full-time RV living though has to be its large L-shaped kitchen.

As the RV kitchen in the Imagine XLS 17MKE is second to none for a travel trailer its size.

As the 17MKE has tons of cabinet and counter space, an 8 cubic foot double door refrigerator, a three-burner gas stove with an oven, a microwave, and a deep stainless steel sink with a residential-style faucet.

Making this trailer perfect for amateur chefs or for anyone that just loves to cook.

• Murphy Bed Layout Maximizes Interior Space
• Slide-Out Provides a More Open and Spacious Interior
• Has a Massive Upgraded L-Shaped Kitchen
• 14-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space

For more info on the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE and to see a virtual tour of the interior, check out Grand Design’s website by clicking here .

8. Forest River R-Pod RP-192

• Average Cost : $25,500
• Length : 22 Feet 2 Inches
• Dry Weight : 4,059 Pounds

The Forest River R-Pod is one of the most popular small campers on the road today.

But what many people don’t know is that they also make great full-time RVs.

As all R-Pod trim levels, except for the smallest teardrop (RP-107) are fully self-contained campers with a wet or dry bath .

There’s more to this Forest River R-Pod RP-192 than just its bathroom though.

As the camper is also packed with other amenities that allow it to function as a home.

Including a queen Murphy bed with a comfy sofa underneath, a well-equipped kitchenette with a large double-door refrigerator, a convertible dinette booth for two, and plenty of interior and exterior storage space.

Forest River R-Pod RP-192 Floorplan

Just because the RP-192 has everything it needs to function as a home though, doesn’t necessarily make it one, as it’s often the interior and its decor that really help the camper feel like a home.

The good news though is that this is where the R-Pod RP-192 really shines.

As the trailer has a spacious interior despite its curved teardrop shape, residential-style shaker cabinetry, designer carefree flooring, decorative window treatments, accent lighting, and mini blinds in the kitchen.

• Has a Well-Equipped Kitchenette
• Upgraded Interior Decor Help it Feel Like a Home
• 11-Foot Power Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space

For more info on the Forest River R-Pod RP-192 and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here .

9. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S

• Average Cost : $33,000
• Length : 22 Feet 4 Inches
• Dry Weight : 4,977 Pounds

Another popular small couples trailer that makes a great RV for full-time living is the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S.

As this Rockwood Mini Lite, which the above couple calls home is loaded with comfort and convenience features.

Beginning with the trailer’s Murphy bed layout, which allows you to use the front of the camper as both a bedroom and a living room, thanks to the trailer’s fold-up RV queen and sofa underneath.

A nice feature the 2104S has though that not all Murphy bed floorplans have is a privacy curtain separating the front of the camper from the rest of the living space.

Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S Floorplan

Which makes the RV particularly ideal for full-timers.

As the privacy curtain helps to provide some separation and a semi-private front bedroom, allowing one person to stay up without disturbing the other.

Beyond the trailer’s Murphy bed layout though, the couch under the bed isn’t the only place to sit in this camper, as the Mini Lite 2104S also features a large comfy U-shaped dinette booth as well.

Which not only provides a place to share a meal but also makes a great place to just hang out and relax.

And because the U-shaped dinette booth is built on a slide-out, it also helps to open up the interior of this tiny camper.

Giving the RV a much more open and spacious feel than you might expect from a travel trailer that’s only 22 feet long. 

The amenities don’t stop there though on the 2104S, as the camper also offers a full three-piece dry bath as well.

Plus, an upgraded small L-shaped kitchen with a battery-saving 12-volt fridge, a three-burner gas cooktop, a 21-inch gas oven, a microwave, a pantry, and solid surface countertops.

• Has an Upgraded L-Shaped Kitchen
• Oversized 15-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space

For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here .

10. Lance 2285

• Length : 27 Feet 6 Inches
• Dry Weight : 5,775 Pounds
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Split Dry Bath

The last trailer on this list of small campers for full-time living certainly isn’t the least.

In fact, the Lance 2285 is the largest trailer on this list with an exterior length of 27 feet 6 inches and an interior length of 22 feet 6 inches.

Comparatively speaking though, the 2285 is still a pretty small travel trailer, as there are many campers that are 30 feet long and some that are over 40 feet long !

With that extra length and size though, the Lance 2285 is able to offer interior space and amenities smaller campers never could.

Making the 2285 model a great option for those wanting a smaller full-time trailer, but don’t want to go too small.

As they still want some of the comfort and luxury that only a larger travel trailer can offer.

And the Lance 2285 trailer does a great job of accomplishing this.

Lance 2285 Floorplan

As this semi-small camper is on the shorter and lighter side while offering features a 24-foot camper and even a 26-foot camper never could.

As this condensed trailer offers over 22 feet of floor space, both a large U-shaped dinette booth and a couch, dual entrances, a larger kitchen, and a private front bedroom with a fixed north-to-south bed.

And because this trailer is a Lance , it offers true 4-season capability for year-round living in the trailer.

Thanks to numerous cold-weather features, like high-density block foam insulation, an enclosed underbelly, insulated and heated holding tanks, and Thermopane windows.

Making the trailer ideal for RVers that want to full-time in colder weather, and don’t always want to head South when the temperature starts to drop outside.

Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living  

• Four Season Capability
• Has a Private Front Bedroom with a Separate Entrance
• Offers a Split 3-Piece Dry Bath
• Lots of Seating
• Includes a Larger Well-Equipped Rear Kitchen

To learn more about the Lance 2285, check out Lance’s website by clicking here .

Finding the perfect small travel trailer for full-time RV living is no small feat. 

As every RVer is going to have different needs and wants for their full-time rig, whether that be a spacious living room with a slide-out, a well-equipped kitchen, a large sleeping capacity, a full bathroom, or lots of extra storage space.

However, with a little research and some careful consideration, finding that perfect small camper is definitely achievable.

So to help you get started, we explored 10 of the most popular options for full-time small RV living , each offering unique features and benefits that cater to different RV lifestyles.

From the ultra-compact and lightweight Scamp 13 Standard Trailer to the spacious and luxurious Lance 2285.

Regardless of which trailer you choose though, we hope this list has helped narrow down your search or at least shown what’s possible in a small camper.

So you can embrace the minimalist lifestyle, enjoy the beauty of nature, and have the freedom to immerse yourself in diverse experiences only found on the open road.

To see some of the top RV Parks for full-time living, check out our blog post “ Best RV Parks for Full-Time Living: By State” .

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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• Choosing the Perfect RV for Full-Time Living

D iscover expert tips for choosing the perfect RV for full-time living. Find your ideal home on wheels with our comprehensive guide.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect RV for Full-Time Living

In the age of wanderlust and remote work, more and more people are turning to full-time RV living as a way to explore the world while maintaining a sense of home. 

The freedom of the open road combined with the comfort of having your own space has made RV living an attractive option for adventurers of all ages. 

However, the decision-making process for the perfect RV for full-time living can be a daunting task. 

With so many options available on the market, where do you even begin? 

We will walk you through everything you need to know to find the right RV.

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Know Your Needs

Before you start RV shopping for the best RV, take some time to think about your needs and preferences. 

Consider factors such as size, floor plan, layout, amenities, and budget. 

Are you traveling solo or with a family? Will you need bunk beds?

How much storage space does it have?

Do you need space for pets? 

Will you be working remotely and need a designated workspace? 

Knowing what you need will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect RV for your lifestyle.

Are you going to be in cold weather? The best option is a four-season RV.

Do you want a large kitchen or more living space?

Do you want a residential refrigerator?

​We knew we wanted a master bedroom with a king-size bed.

Living full time in an RV meant a washer and dryer was also a must on our list. We have had a washer/dryer combo and a stackable.

Choose the Right Type of RV

What kind of RV do you want?

There are several different types of RVs to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages. 

Class A motorhomes offer plenty of space and luxury amenities, but they can be expensive to purchase and operate.

If you decide you want a Class A, do you want a gas or diesel motorhome?

And you also have to decide if you want a Class A toyhauler.

Class B camper vans are more compact and easier to maneuver, making them ideal for solo travelers or couples. However, is the small space enough space for full-time rving?

A class B motorhomes also come in a B+ which are a size between a class B van and a small Class C.

Class C motorhomes are a middle ground between Class A and Class B, offering space and amenities at a more affordable price point. 

Super C motorhomes are built on a Freightliner chassis and look more like a semi than the smaller class c version.

Fifth wheel trailers and travel trailer are towable RVs that offer flexibility and affordability.

Toy haulers are large RV. They are popular if you have a motorcycle, or golf cart, (or both) or need the extra space for the kiddos.

While some believe toy haulers have more room than a regular fifth-wheel, I didn’t think so. But maybe I just needed to get rid of more. Find out more about decluttering for full-time RV living in the Lemon Fresh Facebook group .

A tag along or towable trailer is another option but they’re smaller than the others. Some have bunk beds, or Murphy beds and are suitable for families of four.

An Airstream classic is another great option for RV full-time. Most of the time, they don’t have slide outs which can make for less issues. But there are a few that did include a slide out and are a rare breed.

You might even want to start out with a pop-up camper or truck camper.

​ How Will It Be Used

Ask yourself these questions beforehand so you have an idea of how it will be used.

• Will you live in it full time? 
• Are you going to travel for the 12 months of the year or be stationary in an RV park for the winter months?
• Will you be boondocking and need solar panels and a generator?
• Are National Parks on the list? (A smaller RV might be the right choice.)
• Will you stay on public lands, state parks?

Consider Your Budget When Choosing an RV for Full-Time Living

RVs come in a wide range of prices, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. 

Consider not only the upfront cost of purchasing an RV but also ongoing expenses such as insurance, maintenance, and campground fees. 

A diesel motorhome will have all the comforts of home. However, do you want to spend the extra money especially if your are only taking short trips.

Remember that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean a better RV, so prioritize features that are important to you within your budget.

Test Drive Before You Buy

Just like buying a car, it’s important to test drive an RV before you make a purchase. 

The RV size will make a big difference in finding campgrounds especially if you want to stay in National Park campgrounds.

Take the time to visit dealerships and RV shows to see different models in person and get a feel for their size and layout. 

Visit an RV show such as the Tampa RV SuperShow where you get to see all the models on display and make it easier to choose one.

If possible, rent an RV for a weekend or take a test drive with a rental company to see how it handles on the road. 

This will help you determine which features are important to you and ensure that you choose the right RV for your needs.

Consider Maintenance and Repairs

Owning an RV is not just about the upfront cost of purchasing the vehicle. 

You’ll also need to budget for ongoing maintenance and repairs. 

Consider factors such as fuel efficiency, warranty coverage, and ease of finding replacement parts when choosing an RV. 

It’s also a good idea to learn basic maintenance tasks so you can troubleshoot issues on the road and keep your RV in top condition.

Think About Resale Value

While it’s exciting to think about all the adventures you’ll have in your new RV, it’s also important to think about the future. 

Consider how long you plan to keep your RV and how its resale value may impact your decision. 

We went through three RV’s in our first three years.

Choose a reputable brand with a good reputation for quality and reliability to ensure that your RV holds its value over time.

Do Your Research on RV for Full-Time Living

Finally, take the time to do your research before making a decision. 

When we shopping for our first RV for the first time, we knew nothing. 

We purchased a used RV and didn’t even know how to hook it up. 

It was a Keystone Alpine 5th wheel trailer and the dealer was no help. 

And last but not least, be sure you have towing mirrors on your pickup truck. But that’s another story for another day.

Read reviews, talk to other full-time RVers, and prospective RV owners, and join online forums and communities to get advice and recommendations. 

Join Facebook groups for the RV brands that you are considering purchasing to see what others have to say about it.

You might get some good advice. 

Take advantage of resources such as RV blogs, YouTube channels, and social media groups to learn from others’ experiences and avoid common pitfalls.

RV for Full-Time Living Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the perfect recreational vehicle for full-time living is a big decision that requires careful consideration for the full-time RV life.

With all the RV manufacturers out there, everyone has their own opinion of the best camper. It comes down to a personal preference.

The larger RVs are a great choice and you will feel safer in it than class B RVs or class C RVs.

By knowing your needs, you can find the RV that’s right for you and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

The most important thing is to have fun and make your travel plans for road trips way in advance. 

Happy trails choosing the right type of RV and enjoy your new home!

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The post Choosing the Perfect RV for Full-Time Living appeared first on Life in The RV .

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• 🏕️ Best RV For Full-Time Living

And The Best RV For Full-Time Living IS…

By Kelly Beasley

Looking for the best RV for full-time living?

This is wrong.

Absolutely wrong. I feel you, but you're barking up the wrong tree, my friend.

Yes, I'm waving my finger at you (but I was in your shoes a few years back, so this isn't me  judging  you! It's me judging you with empathy, haha)!

Based on the title of this post, you want to know what the best RV to live in full-time is, and I'm here to inform you that you must change your mindset.

Because there  ISN'T  any universal 'the best' RV for full-time RV living, there's not even a 'best-for-all' brand (details to come).

Any website touting one particular (or many) RVs in a list of the 'best' for full-time RV living is blowing smoke up your ... well, you get the picture.

Because EVERYONE'S wants and needs for a rig are different, and no matter what type or brand you get, there's always a compromise when it comes to the best campers you can live in.

All people want their own bells and whistles for their full-time house, whether they want a 5th wheel, a travel trailer, or a Class A. So how can there be a one-size-fits-all?

What?? No Unicorn Rig?

Nope, sorry. There isn't one.

That's not to say the almost perfect recreational vehicle doesn't exist for you. It does, but with some compromise.

It will be a great RV for full-time living 'except' (choose one or all of these possible scenarios):

• Not enough living area.
• It's too heavy for your truck.
• The floors are ugly .
• Terrible lighting .
• You wanted  RV slide-outs .
• The bathroom is too small
• You wanted a king-size bed, a fireplace, a power awning, etc
• It has no master bedroom

So it's time to change how you think about finding the 'best' RV for full time living to find the right one for YOU.

How Do I Pick An RV To Live In?

This guide will help you determine the essential features for you when it comes time to choose the best camper to live in (for you).

This will be based on what I (after almost six years of full-time experience on the road) believe to be the most important full-time factors (including input from Marshall and full-time friends). No matter what you decide on, plenty of compromises will be made with whatever you get.

So many types to choose from

You must figure out what's best for your personal needs and camping style. Here you will learn which aspects of your RV lifestyle are the essential features and which amenities to consider.

Sure, figuring it out (and getting it right) is easier said than done, but it's doable.

Factors To Consider For Full-Time RV Living

Here are some of the many things you must consider before even thinking about what kind of RV might suit you for full-time RV living.

• Stay 100% in campgrounds?
• Stay in one place for months at a time or move constantly?
• Need a vehicle to get to town often?
• Stay on a friend's property?
• Be where the temperatures get below freezing?
• Camp where it snows?
• Be where the temperatures get above 80?
• Have pets? (Some campgrounds won't take certain animals or limit the number.)
• Be able to take care of interior and exterior repairs yourself?
• Need a 4WD vehicle for winter?
• Will you cook in your RV?
• Need some room to get away from your spouse/children?

Most Important Factors:

I'd say these are some of the most important factors to consider for finding the best RV for full time living:

• Length of stays:  If you plan to stay at sites for long periods, you may enjoy a bigger living space such as a fifth wheel. It's a pain to tow, but you won't be towing it much. This way, you can enjoy a larger space.
• Floorplan:  This is HUGE to get right. But never pick an RV based  solely  on the floorplan.
• Family Size:  How many people will live in it? Do you need bunk beds for the kids? Maybe you need office space. Perhaps you want a separate room to retreat to when you need some downtime.
• Quality:  Full-time life puts RVs to the test. Most manufacturers don't build for durability. They build as cheaply as possible, so they make more money. The better brand you buy, the more it should hold up.
• Climate:  If you'll be stationary, what harsh weather will you deal with?
• Your health:  Do you have the strength/capabilities to do the physical tasks that need to be done, such as motorhome maintenance, hitching up, cleaning the windshield, washing it, and taking care of other problems that may arise?

Hitching up a travel trailer does take a certain amount of bending, flexing, and strength.

Now let's talk about how certain types of RVs are or are not good for these factors.

Considerations For Choosing The Best Camper For Full-Time Living

Length of stays.

To know what RV will be best for your situation, you need to know HOW you will use it.

You should consider these choices before you decide on a recreational vehicle type:

First, you must know HOW you will full-time RV.

There are plenty of ways to be full-time. You could be:

• Stationary not traveling.
• Full time traveling.
• Occasionally traveling.
• Travel 1/2 the year, parked 1/2 the year.

Are you going to always stay in campgrounds? Does it have full hook-ups so you can use everything? Will you need shower facilities? So much to consider.

Each style has challenges and benefits, and they are important to consider. You should also think about:

• Will you be off the grid full-time and camping on public lands?
• Campgrounds, private land, or public lands?

Why Are These Factors Important?

Because what kind of rig is best for you might depend on how you live. For example, if you're going to move every few days, a fifth wheel or a 42 foot motorhome probably isn't so convenient due to the large size.

They are great if you stay in one place for long periods. However, your rig may not fit into certain campsites. (Be aware- most state parks and many national parks have a length limit.) They are big and long and take up even more room with their slide-outs and awnings.

If you're going to  stay on public lands  a lot, think about your ground clearance (and length). Public land dirt roads aren't level and flat. Therefore, they aren't always friendly towards low axles, long motorhomes, or long back ends that can drag.

Sure, anything can work on public lands. You will find it all 'out there.' But the longest and lowest of rigs won't be able to get to all places without damage or getting stuck.

Even More To Consider In A Livable RV!

Say you want to stay in one spot for extended periods. In that case, almost any variety will suffice. 

But if you can't connect to power where you are, you might need solar and a generator to use your air conditioner, microwave, or other appliances.

Then you must decide if it's best to have an on-board generator or a  portable RV generator . Portables can be stolen, while an on-board generator in a Class A motorhome, Class C RV, or a fifth wheel cannot. 

Do you need a generator because you like staying off-grid?

Travel trailers you can live in rarely come with an on-board generator.

On-board generator access is as easy as the push of a button. Portables must be outside and turned on outside unless it has a remote. 

Not as convenient, especially when you are boondocking. Gear can get stolen, no matter if you're in a campground or on public land.

Does it rain a lot? That's not great for a portable. You either need a cover for it, or it needs to be under something. (FYI, putting it under your rig might cause deadly fumes to come inside.) All are problem(s) to consider.

You may not yet know how you want to RV, but the more of an idea you have, your chances of picking the right RV package are much better.

So Many RV Floor Plans

RVs come with a crazy high number of different floor plans. Often, RV choice is made because of the design, the luxury, sleeping capacity, or the layout. Not much else is taken into consideration, especially if it will make for a good RV living space.

Doing this is a horrible way to choose which rig to purchase. There are tons of other factors and features to consider with any floorplans.

That said, floor plans can also make or break your happiness with any unit. Counter space, flow, bedroom location, refrigerator size, dinette comfort, bathroom size, storage area, sink size and depth, living area comfort, lack of windows, and SO much more can make or break your happiness when it comes to livable RVs.

Before you buy an RV to live in, test everything as if you were actually living in it. Does this rig have a full-time RV living interior, or is more suited for just weekend trips? ( What to look for when buying a used camper )

RV For Full-Time Living Compatibility Checklist:

• Sit on the toilet. (Errr, don't USE it, though, LOL.)
• Stand in and bend over in the shower.
• Sit on the sofa and the dinette (they are pretty much ALL uncomfortable, but consider if it will be easy to socialize with the layout).
• Imagine using a cutting board or having two big pots on the stove. Or think about washing those big pots in the kitchen sink. Is there enough room?
• Picture if it can store everything you want to bring.
• What about power outlets? Are there enough, and are they in the right areas? Any USB power outlets?
• Are TVs 120-volt or 12-volt ? Will you be able to use it without using shore power?
• Is the workspace comfortable enough?
• Do you FIT in the bed, or is it too short? ( RV mattress sizes  aren't all the same as residential beds.)
• Can you set your brush/hairdryer/shaving cream down in the bathroom, or is there no counter space?
• Cats- is there a spot for the litter box?
• Dogs- where will they fit/sleep?
• Sleeping capacity - will it sleep enough people comfortably?

One of the biggest complaints is the lack of counter space in the kitchens. It is genuinely annoying not to be able to utilize enough counter space to make meals, etc.

It's frustrating to try to cook, work on the computer, organize paperwork, put groceries away, etc.

Is the table large enough? Are the bathrooms adequate? What about closets? Is there enough storage? Does the vanity have counter space? The list goes on and on.

A little good news? Almost all  RV mattresses  can be replaced, so don't worry if you don't like them (but often, the size must stay the same).

Will you want to be able to use your RV with the slides in on travel days or while  parking overnight at Walmart ? You might consider a different RV if access is blocked with slides in.

No, this is NOT an acceptable way to camp or overnight. Breaking almost every rule. Awning out. Chair out. Taking up multiple spaces unnecessarily. Slides were even out. Huge no-no's. 

Your Family Size

Do you have a small family? Or five kids? Or a partner? Because this will also be a big part of what RV makes everyone happy.

The more people, the more room required for living. But not everyone can do that, nor is bigger always easier unless you never move. Still, you need to have enough sleeping capacity to fit everyone comfortably.

I have friends with kids that have a  toy hauler travel trailer . They made the 'toy' area a giant playroom. It was a separate section with a door, so parents had 'away' time when they were at play. (Genius)

You may need a camping bunk mattress  setup. Not every RV model offers this configuration. Find the ones that offer that layout with bunk beds.

Is there enough dining space and seating for everyone to eat? What about a storage area for toys?

For more insights and helpful tips for full-timing with kids, check out  Full-Time Families .

Is there room for everyone?

Couples/More Than Two

Almost any setup can work for two people. But if you want 'separate' living areas, you could consider towing a light travel trailer with a van conversion. (Example: Pull a trailer with a Nissan NV converted to a camper.)

This is also tricky as you must watch weight ratings so you aren't overweight towing or overweight with what you can tow due to the added weight of the van conversion.

Then you have the van as a separate living quarter.

That said, I do know of families that RV full-time that live ONLY in a van. Don't ask me how they do it!!!!

Also- do you really need a queen bed? Some RVs come with odd-sized mattresses. Watch out for this. Be aware that they may be shorter or even narrower than a traditional Queen (or King).

Other Things For You To Consider

Your  RV holding tank size  ( black ,  gray , and freshwater tanks) will also be very important to consider if you plan to dry camp. The more people in the unit, the bigger your camper tanks need to be. This makes your ability to park longer without moving possible.

What size refrigerator does it have? Is it a residential fridge? How is it powered? Can you fit enough food to feed everyone without hitting the store every two or three days?

Will you want the convenience of a washer and dryer? Or are you fine using a laundromat?

So. Many. Things. To. Consider. (And I am glad I don't have to consider how I'd handle kids, lol)

RV Quality: Picking The Best RVs To Live In

This may be the most crucial buying decision you make. No RV is perfect; they can all have (and will) have issues.

Your odds of getting a good product are better if you choose an  RV brand  known for making quality products.

UGH, so many to choose from. Which brands have the best quality?

Me? I lucked out with my used 24 foot Crossroads Slingshot travel trailer with no slideouts. It's a Thor product, yet I have had virtually no issue with it in the over 6 years I've owned it.

So, just because you get a lesser quality RV doesn't mean you WILL have problems.

That said, some brands have build quality than others. You can find a list of those brands in our  top RV brands  page.

The picks are not a guessing game and are not subjective. They are based on a few factors, including honest user reviews from real owners.

We suggest you do your due diligence and fill yourself with knowledge.

Then you can find the best campers to live in that fit your criteria of facilities and comforts with the least risk, no matter what floorplans and amenities they have.

Climate Considerations

The best RV to live in year-round is usually one that has a four-season package. That said, my Crossroads Slingshot does not have such a package. Because the pipes are inside the rig and the insulation is adequate, I could easily keep it in below-freezing temps for short time. But if you stay below below-zero for months, get a four-season camper for full-time living.

Kelly's rig in the Colorado snow

If your dream includes staying where it will snow/get below freezing for periods, you should:

• Find RVs you can live in with a four-season package (pipes won't be exposed and/or will be in a heated area) and keep the interior warm using your furnace, propane heater, and/or space heater to heat.
• Double pane windows are another plus. Four-season package rigs usually have double pane windows.

If you are planning to stay in scorching areas, you should consider:

• An RV with a four-seasons package may also give you some protection here. (Better insulation.)
• Get an RV with a lot of windows that open a reasonable amount. (Mine is the BEST! All are exit windows that open right out.) This way, you can open them up and use fans for good airflow when you can't use the air conditioning.
• Ensure your fifth wheel or motorhome has enough AC units to cool the whole rig.

FYI- Two good brands to live in year-round with quality climate packages are  Outdoors RV  and  Northwood .

Benefits Of The Different RV Types

A few more tidbits for you first.

Don't expect great gas mileage from any of these—the lighter, the better. Also, consider diesel vs. gas. Is diesel readily available to trucks/RVs around your area?

You may want to consider: Do you want to tow a car with your motorhome? (Also known as a 'toad.') Do you want a heavy-duty truck with a stiff suspension to be your daily driver? (Fifth wheels usually require this.)

If you REALLY want a toad , you will have two vehicles/engines to maintain if you get a motorhome.

This was important to me and was why I didn't want a motorhome coach. Also, a coach is usually much more expensive than a bumper-pull travel trailer.

Read on to learn about the pros of different  types of campers .

Ultimate Guide To RV Types

Confused about the different types of RVs? Read our guide that explains the differences between the various RV styles.

Fifth Wheels

( What is a fifth wheel trailer? )

• Good for staying in one place for extended periods (great RV for permanent living).
• Most have the feel of a house. Among the most livable RVs.
• Offer a lot of storage space/cargo room.
• Many have an on-board generator.
• Roomy- they can be big and tend to have a lot of slide-outs which make for a really good full-time RV living interior.
• Often need a heavy-duty truck to tow them.
• The largest have very high ceilings/roofs and often feature a large kitchen with a kitchen island.

Travel Trailers

( What is a travel trailer? )

• Short or long stays- the hitching up is a hassle, but your tow vehicle, when free, can be a more comfy ride if not a super heavy-duty truck.
• A pretty good option for living on public lands (but the shorter, the better for this).
• Bumper pull travel trailers are much cheaper (best value) than motorhomes or fifth wheels.

Motorhomes (Class A RVs, Class B, Class C Motorhome)

( Difference between Class A B C RV )

• A motorhome is physically easiest to use. (No connecting/disconnecting/unless you have a toad. You may not have to level, depending on what you get.)
• All in one vehicle.
• Easiest to move around and set up.
• Usually has an on-board generator.
• Great for campgrounds but not for extra long stays. The engine must be exercised regularly.
• Gas engine or diesel engine.
• The price may be very high.

Truck Campers

( What is a truck camper? )

• You can get 'out there' almost anywhere.
• Stealthy (kind of) and fits into very small spots.
• Easy to move around.
• Though nimble, living full-time in this might be tough.
• Very small interior space.

Camper Vans

( What is a camper van? )

• Easiest to stealth camp in.
• Nothing to tow.
• Nimble but tiny.
• So easy to get around in.

Full-Time Factors To Consider: Do You Really Want To Full-Time?

After having lived in MY best RV for full time living for almost six years (starting in May of 2015), I've collected some insights that might give you pause.

Hopefully, you're not basing hitting the road or just living in an RV based on those dreamy #Vanlife Instagram photos and stories. Yeah, those stories are not real life.

Things will break. They will, no doubt about it. It's a home on wheels made of (usually) cheap materials on top of a chassis or a frame bouncing down the road. It's either fix it yourself or go to a service center.

If you don't have the means to do either, this life may not be best for you. 

Things will need fixing, when you least expect it

If you expect just because you bought a brand-new RV, you won't have any issues, and you certainly have not done enough research on life yet. 

All RVs end up with issues. Even (and sometimes especially) brand new ones.

Campgrounds

Campground life is not 'vacation' life. It's not that nice, either. People are constantly driving or walking RIGHT by your space. (OR playing right outside your living space.)

There's leafblower noise. Lawnmower noise. Dogs barking. People fixing or building stuff noise. Traffic noise. Engine smells. And there are lots of rules.

You're often crammed into your space, neighbors in your face. Privacy doesn't exist unless you hide inside your RV (But keep your voice down so your neighbors don't hear you).

Reservations are a pain to make. You get to smell your neighbor's cigarette smoke. And many campgrounds ARE NOT cheap.

I am NOT lonely on the road. But I live among a specific demographic of people- very active and fun RVers.

Our friends and us celebrating a birthday on the road

We are not retired, we aren't seniors (some of my friends are), we are very social, and we don't sit around all day (unless we are working). I got lucky with my friends. You may not make friends on the road.

In that case, unless you are very content to feel alone all the time, you may not like the lifestyle.

Often, people get the notion that living in an RV will be a much cheaper way to live. It CAN be, but it can also be comparable to living in an apartment. Campgrounds can be as costly as rent or a low mortgage.

Then again, there are locations where you can live for VERY little per month. But those types of campgrounds are often undesirable. So once again, what are you willing to live with?

You can boondock full-time and live for free as I do, but you must be either a remote worker or independently wealthy to do so.

Personal Health

Seeing a doctor is one thing if you are parking permanently. It's another thing if you plan to move often from state to state. 

Freedom is great, but getting your medication and getting appointments to see new doctors can be a HUGE hassle and very expensive if out of network.

If your insurance doesn't cover you seeing doctors out of state, you could be in a world of hurt when it comes to medical bills. This is VERY important to research BEFORE you become travelers if that's your plan.

Choosing The Best RV To Live-In During Harsh Winters

For cold winters, it would behoove you to get an RV made for 'four seasons.'

These may be better insulated, may have a heated basement, and should have the water pipes protected underneath. (This does NOT guarantee that they won't freeze in freezing temps. Even 'four-season' RVs aren't meant to endure the stress of long and hard cold spells.)

This is not ideal full-time RV life.

Two of the best brands for cold winters:

• Outdoors RV

That said, my Crossroads Slingshot travel trailer does GREAT in the cold. Why? Because the pipes are all inside my trailer- I can see them inside and know exactly where they are.

Therefore, I just need to keep the interior above freezing to keep them from freezing.

I help this by opening cabinets and the bathroom door so that the warmth can get to where the pipes are. So just because your RV isn't a 'four seasons' RV doesn't mean it can't survive a winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to live in an rv full time.

Living in an RV is legal; there are no laws against that. But there are legit laws and ordinances in many areas disallowing anyone to live on a property in an RV full-time. If you're traveling around in campgrounds full-time, sure, you can live in an RV for the duration (though many campgrounds only allow a certain length for your stay).

Is Full-Time RV Living Worth It?

This is another question only you can answer. You might find the best RV for fulltime living, but then decide the lifestyle is not up your alley. If the lifestyle calls you, do your homework, discover the ins and outs, and get out and do it. That's the only way to determine if you like it or not, and hence if it's 'worth' it.

Can You Live Full-Time In A Class B RV?

Yes, you can surely live full-time in a Class B RV. Though small, plenty of people have learned that they can live with far less and in a smaller space than they ever thought, including quite a few that we personally know.

Can I Afford To Live In An RV Full Time?

Here is another question only you can answer. Expect your normal bills to remain the same or almost the same, such as:

• Phone/internet
• Health insurance
• Vehicle insurance
• Entertainment
• Retirement savings
• Vehicle maintenance and repair
• Etc... you get the picture

What changes are you either losing a mortgage or rent but then having campground fees unless you exclusively boondock (stay on public lands for free). Then you have other added bills such as more in gas, and you may have a new vehicle payment, vehicle insurance, roadside assistance, propane, etc.

So the answer to the question, "Is full-time RV living cheaper?" depends on your income, fixed expenses, and how you choose to live the lifestyle.

Many factors go into deciding what is the best travel trailer or coach or whatnot for full-time living. There is NO one best recreational vehicle brand in existence. Don't let any other website jerk you around trying to tell you there is ONE best travel trailer for full-time living (or motorhome).

Figure out as best as possible what living full-time looks like for you, and then figure out what rig will best fit your new lifestyle and adventure.

Rick enjoying his full-time life in his Class C motorhome. He since sold the Class C and bought a Casita trailer. Photo By James "WobblyCat" (Instagram)

You might sit in one place permanently. Or, you might take road trips. You may want to make a weekend trip here and there. Every way you could do this life will determine the elements that will make your choice the best for you as a beginner.

Do lots of research. Heck, do all the research. You might  end up with an Airstream  or a  C class motorhome . It all depends on your budget, what size holding tanks you need, if you want to road trip or sit still, what kind of campsite you will primarily be at, and SO much more.

The above is my advice to you. If you have a question, feel free to mention it in the comments below. I answer all RELEVANT, logical, well-written comments posted here.

Good luck finding the best RV for long-term living for YOU!

• Want to learn more about living in an RV full-time? Check out what else we have on the subject here on Camp Addict .

Author: Kelly Beasley

I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.

While boondocking full time is the way I would prefer to go, my first concern is tank maintenance…where to find places nearby to empty tanks and fill up on water, and then locating legal locations to park. My wife and I are in our 70’s in good health, just bought a 20’ travel trailer that is 3 season rated and can’t wait to begin our journey full time. Love your site and appreciate your knowledge…we are members. Thanks! Ken and Lesa

Congratulations on your new rig! It’s always so exciting when you’re on the verge of a great and new adventure. As far as being concerned with these things, there’s no need to fret. There are TONS of resources these days on how to do and find these things. All you need is a little Google!

Or us. We do have this article that explains all things boondocking, right here.

This will help if you haven’t read it yet.

Again, congratulations, thank you for the Camp Addict kudos, and have a ball!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I am looking to get into full time RVing and your letter is answering a LOT of questions!

We are so happy to hear this helped! We each just got back on the road but in vans. They suit us MUCH better. I am not sure I will ever NOT have a van for travel. It’s the bomb. Just a little tidbit for ya.

But we all have our own different wants and needs for full-time RV life, so good luck in figuring out what works for you!

Hey guys this is the best site on the interweb for rving! Thanks for all that you put into it. Rick R

Well how kind of you, Rick! Thank you for the kudos, but more importantly we are excited to hear you love the site! We strive to give you the best and easiest to understand tidbits you need to know for RV life.

As a 16 year full timing RVer I found your article to be very accurate and helpful for a full timing decisions. Thank you. The OLD Fat Man from OFM Adventures blog.

Well that’s great to hear! We try not to be run-of-the-mill on stuff we put out there. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable. Cheers to your 16 years! We are about to go back on the road full-time in vans. : D

How expensive is maintenance on, say, a larger RV if I go full time??

I hate this answer, but… it depends.

For sure, the larger of an RV you have, the more can go wrong with it and the more and larger systems it has and the more maintenance it requires. So, it’s going to LIKELY cost more than a small or smaller RV in the long run. But RVs are tricky little devils. Some can be lemons and the smallest can have ENDLESS issues that keep draining your wallet. Or, the biggest class a might never need a single repair in the years you own it. You just can’t tell. The best you can do is start off with as high of a quality brand as you can and take as good care of it as you can.

Doesn’t mean you won’t have problems.

As far as maintenance, the same rule applies. The bigger, the more expensive. We can’t say how much, as there’s no way to calculate the unknown. Personally, I went with a travel trailer because I didn’t want to have 2 engines to maintain and repair, as i knew if I got a motorhome, I’d want a toad.

So, good luck… the better quality and smaller RV you get the better chances you have of having as little in maintenance fees as possible. It might cost you $3,500 for one year and then $800 for the next three years total. Ya never know!

It is an interesting subject. Recently, my wife and I attended an Oliver rally in Lake Guntersville, AL with several hundred Oliver owners. Most, if not all, of the Oliver owners had migrated to this small double or single axle double fiber glass hull camping trailer after owning multiple camping units through the years from large coaches to 5th wheels to everything in between. Many were living in these units full time, boon docking around the U. S. We also did a three and a half hour factory tour that was impressive. The incredible quality of the Oliver and the testimonials of the owners won us over and we are scheduled to take delivery of our Oliver from the factory in late Sep 2022. Our last significant boon docking trip was 52 years ago when we got married; 12,500 miles around the U. S. over 55 days in a 1970 VW Kombi camper bus. We kept that VW for 12 years until we outgrew it with three children, but tent camped until they grew up and left home. We can’t wait!

Wowza, it’s been a hot minute since you were boondocking (significantly)! Too cool- I actually first camped in a VW bus when I got married back in the early ’90s. Didn’t do much of it, and got scared when our bus broke down in the Smoky Mtn National Park. Decided to go find a place to live, lol!

Olivers are amazing campers for sure. I’d be 100% on board if their windows were bigger and the inside didn’t have such a sterile looking environment. I don’t exactly care for the rat fur on the walls of a Scamp or Casita, but I still think I prefer it over the shiny white of the Oliver.

Anyway, they will outlast any conventional RV build any day! Great company.

We are excited for your purchase! Maybe we’ll see you out there on the road one day. Congratulations!

I’m wanting to move on my parents farm to help them without moving in to there home.i will be by myself no pets .they. Have Snakes and mice on there property.is there a fifth wheel 4 season trailerbuilt to keep pest out?

I’m sorry to say that there are no vermin-proof RVs out there. That said, the Scamp trailers are made from one-piece fiberglass. Because of this, they have less openings than traditionally built trailers do. They do have a fifth wheel. It’s the only fiberglass fifth wheel in existence. They are much smaller than traditional fifth wheels as well. But with this style of trailer, you can easily see any opening from the outside of the RV.

It’s your best bet for getting a fifth-wheel trailer that will keep out mice. If you’re not hard set on getting a fifth wheel, you could also go for a Casita or Scamp travel trailer. They are also small but have the one-piece (2-piece, really) fiberglass shell that is good at keeping out pests.

Otherwise, if you get a traditional fifth-wheel, you’ll just have to inspect the underneath side THOROUGHLY and fill in anywhere you can see that is the tiniest of openings. We talk about keeping mice out of your trailer here: Keep Mice Out

Hi there. Wanting to buy a motorhome and a used one.. Thinking of at least a 2010 class a or class c.. Wanting to live in it in the summer and go south to florida in winter months..it will be just me and my dog.. So what advise can u give me in what length and class a or c..Wow this is a big decision and i just need some direction . Also i’m 77 yrs old and selling my home..

Sounds like the perfect life- south in the winter and north in the summer!

My advice to you is to get inside as many different class a and class c motorhomes as you can and move around in them as if you are using it. Use all the things. Are you comfortable with the layout? Can you cook? Where will the dog sleep? How often will you drive it? Will you be towing a toad? Can you stretch all the way out in the bed? Is the refrigerator large enough for your needs, etc…

I wish we could tell you what length to go with and exactly what make and model to buy. But the hard truth is that we each have different needs and so there is no one perfect RV that is a one-size-fits-all.

This means figuring out which length and type is something you’ll have to figure out. If you are going to be moving around a lot, we do recommend that shorter is better than longer. Go as short as you can deal with. It’s easier to maneuver, easier to drive, easier to park, more room outside your campsite, and less to maintain/fix.

But if you KNOW you like a lot of interior living space, well then go big and hopefully you won’t be driving much except between Florida and one other spot.

Hope that helps at least just a little and sorry we can’t advise anything more specific, especially without knowing many more details of your life, how you live and how you’ll RV.

Kelly: I found this article very helpful. You hit pretty much all of the issues my husband and I have been researching. We will be empty nesters soon and my husband works (mostly) remotely. I plan to look for camp host or other similar jobs. We will primarily follow 70° but plan on a 4 season for flexibility. We will spend summers “at home” in Colorado. So far, a 5th wheel is our top choice – converting the garage to an office. My biggest concern is reliable wifi and insurance for our rig. What do you recommend? I have done some research but answers are all over the place.

Congratulations! Sounds like you have a good plan for the future. As far as WIFI goes, I use a Nighthawk portable hotspot, as do many of my friends. I have a MIMO antenna for it and rarely have any issues. I have ATT with it. Also, I can use my Verizon phone as a hotspot if I am in a place without good ATT.

The people who are most up to date on technology are Chris and Cherie of Technomadia. They have this website on all of that: https://www.rvmobileinternet.com

Insurance- personally, I have mine insured through USAA. They offer Progressive insurance through them. Don’t know how that all works, but that’s what I have. I’m pretty sure Progressive offers full-time RVer insurance. Who have you tried/looked at? What is the specific issue with finding insurance?

Oh, Marshall also has his insurance with Progressive. Be SURE to let them know you are going to full-time.

The Winnebago V2427RB comes pretty darn close to being a Unicorn!! Huge Tanks, King Sized Bed, Big Bathroom and loads of space along with a 12cuft fridge…yep pretty close to perfect if you asked me!

Yay! Glad you found your ‘Unicorn’!! That’s exactly how it is… we all look for different things to fit our needs. I guess this is why no houses are furnished the same inside. (Not counting hotels, or any kind of chain where someone follows a pattern)

I love mine, too. It’s pretty perfect. If only I could make it smaller but miraculously keep the same amenities…. asking too much? 😂

It is something to think about. It would just be myself & 2 cats. I work too just looking for something different I guess.

Hi Victoria,

Lucky for you, you don’t need a large RV. I got my 24′ travel trailer THINKING my dogs would play in it and I liked the open floorpan of it. Well, they never played in here. They played outside, so I could have gone smaller.

Still, I love my floorplan. Good luck to you in your search!

Where do you boondock?

We’ve boondocked all over the western United States. There’s not much at ALL to be had in the east. But there’s a ton of it out west! You can find our resources for boondocking (and learning how to) in your RV RIGHT HERE.

Thank you for this information, well written. We have a Big Horn but thinking of a bumper pull, not so many steps for us to maneuver.

Hi Bill and Sue,

For sure- almost all fifth wheels have stairs to get to the upper section. Not great for some bodies! Plus they are just SO HUGE!!!! I can’t imagine having one! I like to be as small as I can, hence, a van coming soon.

Good luck with your decision and we really appreciate you taking the time to comment. It means a lot to us!

I thought this was a great article!! In my 3 year search for an RV, I went through several phases. First phase was a teardrop trailer – easy to pull with a car, CUTE, functional, economical, environmental… Then I was reading some park campground info (can’t recall which) and saw this comment; “No soft side campers”. Uhh what??? Why??? Bears. End of teardrop phase and anything requiring major outside add-ons; screen porches, outdoor kitchens, privvy enclosures, etc!! I decided at that time that I wanted to “camp” less and “tour” more. (Glamping) Granted my class C could probably be ripped to shreds by a bear, but it will take longer than a canvas side. I’m older now and not as fleet of foot! Billw

Is your middle name Marshall?? (haha!) Marshall probably researched RVs for about 10+ years before finally buying his first!

Yeah, soft-sided campers may limit you in some areas. Not many, but for sure in bear areas! I have a friend with a class C RV who is currently in the Eastern Sierras. One night a bear legit tried hard to get into his door. Twice!!! VERY scary. Any soft-sided camper would have not had a chance.

We’re happy to hear you liked this article. That’s some kudos from someone who has been researching for three years! We truly appreciate it.

And we totes get the not as fleet of foot thing! LOL! And dangit. 😂

Hey there! I really enjoyed your article, lots of helpful information.

At this time we aren’t looking to get a new trailer, but I wanted to share one thing with you all!

We are stationary with our 2009 Puma. It has a bunkhouse which wasn’t something we wanted or needed, but….We use it. When we were looking to replace our old trailer, this one came available. I wasn’t too sure because we don’t have kids, and don’t have that many over night guests at one time. But we decided to go for it, and it was probably the best decision we’ve ever made! The bunkhouse is now our tv room. I added big comfy pillows to the bottom bunk, so it’s now more of a couch! And it’s big enough for hubby, myself, and the dog and cat! The upper bunk is now storage for bulk items like toilet paper, etc. I added some storage drawers and so far, this arrangement has been perfect for us!

As with the gentleman who turned his garage in his toy hauler into a play area for his kids… sometimes it’s good to just try and think of how something that doesn’t seem ideal can be transformed!

Cheers and thank you for the wonderful advice.

Thank you for your comment, we appreciate your taking the time to write it as a benefit to others! Nice to hear that a bunk area can be a plus for people that need things it can provide. I would never have considered one, but maybe now I will.

Except now I want a van, lol!

Still, creative thinking is a big part of life that many people lose not long after childhood. So this is a great reminder to ‘look outside of the box’.

Thank you for that!

Nice to read a well written, bias-with-commentary, article. Our family started camping with a used basic tent trailer, but a season of use led to a better choice for the next one. The constant mold issue with damp canvas led us to an entry level 16 foot trailer, but we sure learned about compromises and quality! Then, in 2014, we attended a Fall RV show and looked at the new (then) Outdoor RV Black Rock 19b. It ticked off so many boxes on our Wish List we bought it. And we had just spent $3,000 on end-of-season maintenance on our existing trailer!

No regrets on buying the Black Rock. Yes, we found lots of things that Quality Control had missed, but we also saw good design and a consistent effort to be better than average.

We’d buy an Outdoors RV again in a minute.

As a general comment, I have to say that considering the number of folks who RV, there are very few reliable resources for information. You want an opinion on something? Come up with your own uninformed thoughts on something, and you’ll find lots of agreement for it. An example would be on deep cycle batteries. We just replaced 2 six volt 232Ah Interstate batteries with – wait for it – 2 new six volt Interstate batteries. Every single outlet selling competitive products assured us Interstate was rubbish. But ours had lasted 7 season, fed by a solar panel, and they never failed us. So, we decided, use them again! But the arguments rage on YouTube, 12v vs. 6 volt, this make vs. that make, this technology vs. that technology. But as you said in your article, buy according to your needs. Research, sift the info, but follow your own judgement…..

Nick, how correct you are!!!!!!! I rely on Marshall to give me the good advice and correct information about the things I need fixed or replaced, etc. It’s almost unreal how he always seems to get it right. This is exactly how Camp Addict was born. I thought there was a need for ‘everyone to have a Marshall’ at their side to give them the CORRECT (as much as that is humanly possible) answers they needed.

And 5 years later, here we are.

I love how you said “come up with your own uninformed opinion and you’ll find lots of agreement for it”. This is so well put and rings SO true. Heck, it’s how I have operated in the past. It’s hard to know how/what is right when you can find so much agreement for it. Grrrrr.

It’s great to hear you got yourself a QUALITY RV brand… congratulations!

And funny about your Interstate batteries- I got myself Costco 6v batteries years ago. Then they went bad, just over a year or so later… I went to buy new ones and turn in the old ones… and the sales guy INSISTED they just ‘exchange’ them for a new set. WHAT??? It had been over a year, so outside of the return/exchange timeframe. Well, do you think I would recommend Costco for new batteries? You bet your buns I would!

We both used Costco 6v batteries until we upgraded to lithiums. Very very happy with Costco and their products and especially their customer support. Ok, I went off on a rant there. Point is, yes, use/do what works for YOU. Buy according to your needs.

We hope you have many happy new adventures in your awesome Outdoors RV, and thank you for taking the time to post your kind comment! We truly appreciate it.

My husband and I both travel for work. I work (typically) somewhere for 13 weeks. We have been seriously considering getting a fifth wheel for a few years. It will be us and our shepherd mix dog. We both love to cook. How difficult is it to find a rig with a residential size fridge and a good stove? What brands usually have both? We have been looking at one bedroom rigs. Any insight you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and the awesome information in this article.

Thanks for the kind comments about Camp Addict! We love hearing from our readers. 🙂

I guess it all boils down to what you define as being a ‘good stove’. In the world of consumer-grade RVs (the ones that don’t cost into the 7-figures), I’m not sure there is anything that comes close to what you might find in a true cook’s kitchen in a sticks-and-bricks house.

Keep in mind that RVs are a series of compromises. Space is the biggest compromise. And weight as well. A nice-sized stove, with plenty of cooking space, not only takes up valuable space but will be fairly heavy. So instead, you see RV stoves that might have 3 or 4 burners, but there is no practical way you can actually use all burners at one time unless you have micro-pots.

Residential refrigerators (as in true, made for actual houses, refrigerators), as well as RV fridges that have a decent amount of interior space, are becoming easier to find. So that won’t be terribly difficult. Finding a stove that will ‘wow’ you might be next to impossible.

It would take me a lot of time to come up with a list of brands, and floor plans, that meet your needs. Scratch that, I’m not sure what type of stove you are looking for exactly, so it isn’t something that I could even do for you. Buying an RV, and settling on a floor plan, is a very personal process.

I’d suggest you take a look at our list of best RV manufacturers , and start looking at what they offer. Hopefully, you will find something that fits your needs ‘well enough’.

Best of luck, and thanks for checking out Camp Addict!

I have appreciated all your information. I am whittling away at what to stay away from and would like to more about truck campers. Would you you expand on them? Also where to shop for used quality truck campers. Thank you.

Good luck on your truck camper search! They definitely fit the bill for some people. A quick, easy way to camp or just to have a bathroom with you at all times, lol.

Marshall and I have never had a truck camper, so we don’t have insider secrets that others might about them. I’d advise you join truck camper groups on Facebook- there has to be a ton of information in those groups about the ins and outs of them and they may even have some listed for sale.

As far as shopping goes, look at RV Trader online. Next, hit the Craigslist near you (or do a very wide search), and maybe try the FB Marketplace. Best to start with only looking at the best quality brands.

Finding ‘quality’ means finding the good brands. RV Consumer Group has a truck camper guide to the best brands. I’d advise you join and find out what the best brands are (though actually, we find that most truck camper brands tend to be pretty good, compared to other types of RVs).

Hope this helps and good luck with your search!

Hi!! This is a great article. I am now seriously looking into buying some kind of tow behind and am super overwhelmed. I was wondering if could help narrow down the brands I should look at. I vibe with everything you said in your bio, except I am a cooking machine hahaha It would be just me as my partner and I definitely recognize the need for separate space and I wouldn’t be moving mine very often. He has a big ol truck and would be able to get it from point A to point B for me. We would be parking it in Moab, so I think an all weather package would be best but it sounds like you came up with some clever work arounds for that. Anyways, I would deeply appreciate some guidance because damn there’s a lot to consider. Thanks so much and have an epic day!!

Hi Jessica,

Yes, it is a bit overwhelming. Especially when you consider how many brands of RVs are out there.

You can start narrowing down which brands you should consider by looking at our list of the best RV brands . That will give you an idea of which ones you should be considering.

Are you going to be parking the RV in Moab all year? We’ve spent quite a bit of time there over the years, and it is wonderful during the shoulder seasons. But, dang, it gets hot!

Crazy story but my partner and I are actually buying a razor rental company and will be parking our rigs there 🙂

That explains why you are looking for something that can stand a bit of temperature extremes.

Best of luck finding your ‘right’ rig and the new venture!

Thanks Kelly!! I am thinking of traveling to all of our national parks when I retire. I am currently single but with any luck I’ll find someone to travel with me. I’m guessing I’ll travel for two or three years and then decide if I want to stay in the RV. My plan is to stay for a week or two at each location then move on. Through my research I am leaning towards an Outdoor 27TRX toy hauler so I can take a dual sport motorcycle and do some trail riding and exploring. I’m also thinking of a Class C with a motorcycle carrier. I know having a truck would be handy but I don’t think it’s a necessity. If I am able to stay in fair weather I know I can use my motorcycle for shopping and laundry but I’ve never set up an RV so I don’t know how big of a hassle it would be to move a travel trailer every week or two. Depending on cost, I may try to stay at the national parks or find something cheaper nearby. I may try boondocking also. I know I still have a ton of research to do but I was hoping to get your opinion on what setup may be best for what my plans are. I hope your day is going well.

Sounds like a plan! Happy to give my input.

Don’t forget about motorcycle mounts for the front of a truck. (Depending on how heavy your bike is) Also, I have one friend who has a huge class a motorhome and has his dirt bike on the back on a mount. Seems to work for him.

Ok, moving once every week or even two may get old quick with a travel trailer. Hitching up and disconnecting and leveling, all of that is a pain. I moved about every two weeks with my trailer for almost 5 years straight (I was stationary for about the first 8 months) and often longed for a small motorhome or a van.

A motorhome will be easier to move that frequently if that’s your intent. But many people think they are going to bop all over the place, and it sounds great and exciting, but it gets old quick. Depends on your nature, I suppose.

There’s a lot to see in the national parks. And you can’t be out exploring every single day. You may end up wanting more time at some of them. Maybe not.

I’d plan to try using the motorcycle NOW as your only get around vehicle if it isn’t already. Things may not be so easy just relying on it for your primary transportation. Rain, cold, snow, even heat can make that ride and your national park exploring not so fun or comfortable.

Personally, I’d want a car or truck to explore in and do my errands.

The bike will be FANTASTIC for scenic rides in mountainous areas. Heck, for any scenic rides.

I looked at that toy hauler. I am pretty disappointed in Outdoors RV with that one. Where in the HECK are you going to cook ANYTHING? I mean, really? That little flip up countertop is going to hold almost nothing. There’s almost more counter space in the bathroom than in that ‘kitchen’. I’d rethink that one very hard, unless you eat out three times a day.

Toy haulers aren’t made for their comfort (Look at those ‘couches’. They are booths. No arm rests on either end. God-awful uncomfortable). You have to REALLY like your toys to live in one full-time.

The shorter your setup is, the easier everything will be. How much do you really want to bring your bike? It’s another engine to service and it’s heavy, it will smell inside your toy hauler, and it’s not the most ideal thing to use for transport.

It all depends on what you think is most important for you and how you will travel. Not sure I am helping here- that’s the thing about it… no-one can tell you what will work for you. It’s something you have to do your best to figure out before you do it.

The good news is you are doing your research NOW. It will help you decide as you go what you think will work best for you. Just remember to get inside AS MANY different RV types and layouts as you can. Really imagine a whole day inside of it.

Where will you sit? How do you cook? What do you cook? Do you like to watch TV? Is that chair comfortable? Can you actually lounge comfortably anywhere? Are there enough windows? Enough storage? Shower big enough for you to fit? Etc, etc, etc.

Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy!

Every piece of information helps, there are so many considerations to think of, especially when you’ve never owned an RV. I really appreciate your input, thank you.

You are very welcome, Brad!

Very well said! We spent a year researching EVERYTHING! The lifestyle, the job opportunity, the RV style, tow vehicles … everything. We ended up with a performance shop owners personal diesel pickup built to haul more than we expected to, an awesome floor plan 5th wheel and 2 years into workcamping (long stays at one place = exploring, touring and assimilating) we are diplomats for the life wherever we go. We LOVE it!

That’s wonderful! A good success story. And you did your research. That’s key! (I didn’t back when I was a newbie, and I got VERY lucky with my RV! No problems and I still love it.)

We hope you can continue to keep on camping and loving it!

Hey Kelly! Finally a no BS article about RV life and the options available to us. You seem to be firmly seated in reality! Good for you! So never having stepped into an RV, I started going to shows and doing my research for what would work for the wife and I and two small pups. Depreciation kind of killed the brand new route, so we found a used TT unit with a front toy hauler, thinking we would take the motorcycle everywhere. Never put the bike into it and use that area for a closet and storage. Best use ever! Storage is underrated as a decision maker! May stick our eBikes in there for future trips, but for right now storage rules! We found a campsite an hour away, on the river, close to Rocky Mountain National Park, great people, great fishing, and consider it our second home. We’ve considered traveling the west in a Class C, but why, when we’re happy with our program. Our TT has some issues, like you’ve said they all do, but for a 3-7 day getaway, we’re all good. I guess my whole point of commenting is, get the RV that fits your program, and just enjoy the outdoors! Our TT saved our sanity last year during COVID, and we’ve already reserved 6 weeks for the next two years at our campground. Stay safe and enjoy the RV adventure! Thanks for your great article!

Wow! Great story! Sounds like that storage is really working for you. I once saw a TT with storage in the front like that and A DECK in the back with a sliding glass door! WUT? Too bad it was a bad layout and a SUPER cheap brand. Or, good. I kept my current trailer and I still love it!

Glad you figured it all out, and glad you’re happy with your TT and that it saved your sanity. We have all had a rough time of it and need whatever helps us get through.

Thank you for the great comment and happy trails to you guys!

This is one of the best article I have read. It took my wife and I three years before we picked and purchased a RV. We start out each writing down what we wanted and was looking for in a RV, including size and usage. Then we combined our list into one page. We had to justify each item. We had to agree or the item was dropped. Next each item was rated as a must have, have (or something similar to) and nice to have but not necessarily. Three of the must were, motorhome, under 30ft, and diesel. We research to get a list of RVs that fit. We managed to physically see all on the list by visiting RV dealers and going to RV shows. We then listed 5 RVs that fit the must have list. We sat down and had a discussion about each and how they match up to the entire list. We cut the RVs down to 3. We visited each one. Sat in it for an hour imagining living in it. Very importantly, we sat in it and moved around with the slides out and then with the slides in. It surprisingly how many RVs who bathroom door can’t be open with the slide in. We also looked at the outside for accessibility to exterior features including the roof. Then we made our choice. We also inquired about any upcoming model changes before signing. You are right about not getting everything you wanted. We did get 100% of the “must have” 80% of the “have” with remaining 20% being compromise features. A lot of the “nice to have” we have done ourselves. In the long run (3 years) we’re happy with our choice. We’ve looked at other models and still come back to our choice. I guess I can sum it up by saying “choosing a RV is a marathon, not a sprint”. Again, thank you for a great article.

Hi Richard,

THIS is what we are talking about! You did it and you did it right. Congratulations! You saved yourself a lot of money and time by doing the research. It takes time. It takes commitment to research, find, and literally get into the RVs you think you want. I’m guessing you two have a pretty great marriage.

And thank you for the kudos! We hope this article (AND your story) helps people search for their first RV in the future.

I’m trying to look at what trailer would work best for me. I’m about to be newly single and have one small dog. I am active duty military so I do travel but honestly stay at one location often. A limiting factor is my truck. It’s nice feature wise but is only a Ram 1500 hemi (2017). It’s been daunting trying to look at trailers I want some elbow room but many keep putting bunk beds in them which for me is wasted space. I want a comfortable living area and kitchen. Any suggestions on brand to look at?

It sure is ‘fun’ trying to figure out what travel trailer to buy, isn’t it? Especially when you are smart about weight (as you are) and want to keep things under the maximum weight of your tow vehicle, with some overhead just to be safe.

A Ram 1500 with the V-8 isn’t a towing slouch, but it also can’t tow a fifth wheel or a really heavy travel trailer. But for a solo person and dog, you should have plenty of options.

Start with looking at our guide to the best RV brands . Also, consider your namesake trailer brand, Lance .

I have had a Lance the entire time I’ve been RVing (coming up on 7 years now) and it has treated me well. While it’s not currently on the top list of RV Brands, it’s really, really close and is a much better choice than the vast majority of RV manufacturers out there. (Side note: I’ll be updating the top brands list soon-ish and Lance may appear there again).

I’ve got the Lance 1995, which (at least my 2014 model year) maxes out at 5,700 pounds. Easily towed by your truck.

Hope that help! Best of luck finding that right RV for you!

You never mentioned the horrible construction of travel trailers. I understand why because it would take a New York phone book sized document to describe the grossly unacceptable materials and “workmanship – laughable to use that word”. Staples holding it together, cardboard under the exterior plastic fronts, leaky roofs, vanity shelves that fall off the wall and on and on and on. The trouble is, most people can’t look under the skin, until of course problems force them to. So a major recommendation to would be RV’ers would be to have electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and carpentry skills as they will be needing these. My Crossroads is unbelievable crap.

Hi GreatBlue,

Yeah, it would definitely take a few words to describe how poorly RVs are made (by and large). I do discuss the subject on the Best RV Brands post , and we do discuss it here and there in other buying an RV articles .

I can’t agree more with all that you say about the ‘great’ quality put into most >travel trailers. Kelly has a Crossroads trailer as well, and yes, it is put together with the bare minimum required to hold it together. Fortunately she hasn’t had any major issues with it, but she’s most likely an exception rather than what the majority experience.

When you look at her trailer’s quality compared to my Lance trailer’s quality, there is a very noticeable difference. Yet my Lance still uses staples to hold together things that make me shake my head.

And take a look ‘under the hood’ of an Airstream, a decent brand that demands top dollar. Again, you will be shaking your head.

So even with better brands, there is definitely cost cutting and weight savings going on. Just the nature of the beast, unfortunately.

Thanks for the comment! Hopefully your rig will hold together enough so that you can enjoy the great outdoors without constantly worrying about what is going to go wrong next.

Great info Kelly..my 3 cents [inflation] as your life experience changes so does what your comfortable with. Ex. I was a line haul trucker/bluegrass musician and now have a Roadtrek. To have all the special living facilities for my wife and myself, in about the same living area, is wonderful now that I am retired from trucking but still picking. My point is some things are really important and other stuff you first carried for what might happen are not usually necessary. I totally got what you were saying from get go. Its like the doctor, you finally have to pick and trust one and you learn from there. Thanks. Mr Doug

Correct. This is exactly why no one RV is ‘best’. And now I want a van (again). To be able to hop around an area, especially a city, is VERY attractive to me. Not having to tow, blah, blah, blah. I can’t wait to finally get one!

Happy picking and thank you for the comment.

And with a van, or a Roadtrek in my case, you still don’t want to have to drive it everywhere. It’s nice to carry a 2 wheel means of transportation for both enjoyment and in my case shopping for food. At 71 I converted my mountain bike to a front wheel electric. Still have the 21 gears for pedaling but electric when I need or want it.

Well, that makes you a better biker than I am! I bought an e-bike and it only lasted about a year and a half before I never used it and it simply bounced around in the back of my truck. I kind of knew it would happen it going in. Anyway, glad you found your best-for-you vehicle(s) and seem to enjoy doing it!

I enjoyed your thoughtful approach to the subject of “what’s the best RV” and look forward to reading more.

We are so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you for spreading positivity in the world. ????. More good stuff to come!

First, thanks for this truly amazing post,

Myself, my wife and 1-3 of our dogs want to stop putting off travelling the US and Canada. I always have to research everything to death which irks my wife, but here we go…

I have travelled in a class C RV before through New Zealand. So I know how it is and although I liked it a lot, I want to rule out motorhomes for our next adventure purely for the lack of mobility and that I live in the US and don’t want something extra that has mostly one specific use.

I also think that a 5th wheeler would be too big, require too much truck and be too much of a pain for me to maneuver. So my head is currently at some kind of travel trailer.

We work remotely, are mostly fine with only our own company and have no problems living without stuff and a reasonable amount of roughing it. That being said, we often prefer to be away from people and in nature.

So I currently have this chicken and egg problem. We don’t currently own any vehicle that can tow anything useful. I also don’t want to invest in a TV without having settled on a choice of travel trailer. Worried that if I get a TV first, I might find that my trailer requirements exceed that of the TV.

How do you figure out which travel trailer works for you? How do you try them out and learn enough to know? Without having your own TV?

I kind of like the 17 casitas from googling, but they might be just a tad too small with 2 people needing an office and the 1-3 dog situation. I’m also worried about towing something too big. For the life of me I cannot reverse with anything I tow. I have reversed down a mountain in New Zealand snow once, but that’s a story for another time.

Definitively travel with 2 bikes, small chance of kayaks (since I read its a pain). Probably need some solar for boondocking, maybe higher axle and some kind of satellite setup (internet, no tv).

Cost is a bit of an issue. We will have to finance whatever we buy. I’ll not be doing this full time initially. Not selling our house that is still under mortgage and quite expensive due to hurricane insurance. We bought it as kind of a retirement base.

Both of us lost our jobs due to Covid, things will probably recover soon (job wise), but it reminded us of the importance of a frugal life. So will probably be willing to spend on getting the right trailer and then find a budget TV with enough towing headroom to tow safely. All things considered slowly ease into this and upgrade as the need and funds arise.

First off, I’m sorry to hear about your jobs! Both of you?! That’s got to be difficult and something you didn’t see coming. I sure hope you get back on your feet soon.

So, you’re asking the big question, eh? How does one figure out what will work best for their own needs?

The unfortunate answer is that NO RV will fit every need you are looking for. Or, if you find one that does, you’re very lucky! Compromise is the norm.

I’d say that the most important factor for what TT will work for you is #1- layout, and #2- mobility. Will you be comfortable in it and can you get to the places you want to go?

The bigger your RV, the more restricted you are in many ways. (Campsites, getting into gas stations, state parks, etc)

Get inside many trailers. SPEND TIME in them. Without the dang salesman there. Ask him/her to leave. You need to think and discuss. They should leave you alone. Stand in the shower. Pretend you’re cooking a particular meal- is the counter space adequate? The sink big enough? Can you fit your pots and pans you NEED in there? Will the bed really be big enough for you two AND the dogs? LOL Etc…

You COULD rent a couple different TTs. They aren’t cheap to rent. But it’s an idea. Find one locally you can rent from an owner and see if you like the layout, etc.

But honestly, most people just jump in. I did. I liked the layout, then I hated it for a year, then I loved it again. I picked very well but I think I got lucky. Not a lemon, and a functional layout for ME. I’ve had it for my entire 5 years on the road.

But get into as many as possible at dealerships. Different layouts, I mean.

I LOVE Casitas. I am probably getting one next. But for two people? Much harder to manage. Zero storage for the most part. With 3 dogs? Wow, I cannot imagine.

I have friends who had a Casita as a couple and sold it. I have other friends who still have a Casita as a couple and they have a baby and are not full time anymore, but they do weekends in it with their new child.

Your research will pay off. Keep doing it.

Now the tough love part- LEARN TO BACK UP! It’s important. It’s easy if you think of it this way- whichever way the butt of the vehicle goes that you’re sitting in- the trailer butt goes the opposite. That’s it! Practice. You’ll get it.

The smaller TT you get, the less of a truck you will need. Consider an older Toyota Sequoia. That’s what Marshall has. Excellent tow capacity and a GREAT turning radius. More nimble than a truck. But if you want to keep a generator in there, you’ll need to package it into a rubber storage container or the like to avoid gas odors leaking into the sitting area.

Whew! I didn’t mean to write that much!

Hope this helps!

Thanks Kelly for all the useful tips!

I think for at least the next 2 years it will only be short trips, so maybe a Casita will do. They keep their value so could sell. Anyway, will look around a lot before we get there.

If short trips, for sure! Casitas hold their value like crazy (as do any fiberglass trailers) and they are well-built. Good luck with your search!

Kelly, Lots of helpful info and …oh, good point to consider… I am doing lots of research and will be starting the next phase of my adventures in life, going Full time Rving in the next 6 months or so. Traveling with my two Aussies and working remotely. Have you done an article on or do you have a resource to recommend where to locate and travel plan places to camp. I want to move and see large areas of our country, but I would like to do that in between finding places that are a good fit me that I could stay for longer stays( a month or a few). Pretty and inviting in their own right, places in the area I want to explore and get to know. etc. Thank you

Hi Quantum,

Congratulations- you have an adventure ahead of you! As far as resources for places to camp- I’m assuming you are going to be looking for campgrounds. (One cannot stay in public places for months at a time without moving, usually every 2 weeks or so, and out of the area)

For campgrounds, depending on where you want to go, you can look at KOA, Thousand Trails, and other campgrounds websites such as Campendium and The Dyrt.

There are thousands of private campgrounds. They range from very low 300’s a month to 1500+/month. Depends on where you go and how long you want to stay.

Good luck with your search and have fun in your travels!

Thank you Kelly, Yes, campgrounds. I did not know about the campedium and Dyrt sites, so I will explore what they offer. I had the thought of finding a campground in an area with nature and vistas that appeal and activities and community offerings that would be fun to be part of. Like farmers markets or community connections… staying there for a month or so using it as base camp and exploring the area in more depth. Then doing some boonedocking and 1 or two night stays as I meandered to the next base camp campground… I was looking for a tool that would help me plan out not only the campgrounds that let me get a sense of what that location was like- to see if it was a good fit. And the surrounding community. But a tool that could then help me find and plan out overnight spots along the route and the route to get to my next good fit base camp. That way I could have a general direction and loose plan while being spontaneous with the next wow that I came to as I turned the next corner. 🙂 Your site is such a helpful resource. I appreciate finding you as I turned an internet exploring corner.

I don’t know about any tool that can or will help you plan out overnight spots- and I simply stay at Walmarts or truck stops. I find these using the AllStays camping app. It was $10, and I bought it long ago. But it has paid off.

You might also look at a site called “Workaway.info”. You can work for people and stay on their property or farms. There are opportunities to learn farming, homesteading, or just helping someone with X projects at their place. This will give you an ‘in’ with a local immediately, and certainly you can explore an area while you are living there. Some of them are community minded with more than one person working at that location. Seems a super interesting way to learn a new area and get to know locals right away.

You’ll also save a lot on campground fees!

Great article. I’m a travel nurse looking to move to RV living because it can be difficult finding affordable accommodations in every city and sometimes with short notice. I want to go with something fairly small (under 20′) and will be parked for 3 months at a time. I’m doing a lot of research first and trying to find a unit with a lot of storage and a space that doesn’t feel too cramped. You provided a great check-list to look out for so I’ll be bringing that along with me. I didn’t really think I needed a dinette but now I think I do as it serves many other purposes. I’m hoping I make the right choice ????

Good choice of living! My mom was a traveling physical therapist for a good number of years while living in her class a RV.

You can always find better deals on used RVs. There’s a good chance that all these people who bought up RVs during the pandemic will find that they really didn’t want an RV and sell them in the next year or two. But you probably want something sooner than that.

It’s a very personal choice. Oh, and I LOVE my huge booth table. Yep, so many different uses for it. Think tax time. ???? You need somewhere to spread things out and sort!

Good luck with your choice!

Hi. We have no experience with RV’s or anything like that, but my wife and I used to enjoy the outdoors when we were young… before we started on our careers. In a few years (3 – 5) we will probably retire and we would like to travel on something that can take us places where there are no paved roads (we are considering traveling from Guyana to Argentina), and we would also like to be able to drive thru cities.

An expedition-type vehicle would be nice, but they are too expensive. We are thinking on a truck camper. We like the F 550’s 4×4 (or similar) and the camper should not have slide-outs, no basement, a side entrance and the truck cabin should be accessible to the camper. We are thinking about the F550 or similar because it seems large and strong; no slide outs because we don’t want additional headaches and we would like to go into the camper and the bathroom at any time – even when we are moving. No basement to facilitate access from the truck cabin to the camper (and vice versa). We like the NorthStar 12 STC. It seems to be the perfect size, it has a side entrance and there are no slide outs. But I personally don’t trust the laminated wood frame. I think with time and humidity the wood could absorb moisture and detach the laminate or spoil the wood.

Questions: What other brands are out there similar to the NorthStar? Any thoughts about the best materials for building a camper? Any thoughts about our ideas? Are we thinking as typical non-experience first timers?

Thanks, Gabriel.

Wow! That sounds like an amazing trip! A truck camper would do you well in that case. The smaller you are, the better. And the more nimble. Heck, I tried to google maps from Guyana to Argentina and it can’t find a route!! I thought Google Maps used dirt roads. Maybe not down there.

Let us know how it goes when you finally do it! Would love to hear what camper you got and how it went.

Hey Gabriel,

I thought I’d jump in here and add to what Kelly has already said.

Wood frames aren’t inherently bad, unless they aren’t built correctly. And moisture shouldn’t be an issue if you maintain the seals in your rig properly. This means the Dicor around all ‘holes’, the roof covering itself, and any other place moisture may gain entry.

You should be doing this regardless of how the RV is constructed.

Have you checked out Bigfoot RV ? They make truck campers with no slides using a two-piece fiberglass construction method. This might alleviate some of your concerns with wood framing.

Definitely sounds like quite the adventure you are considering! I wish I could give you words of wisdom about taking such a trip, but I have never RV’d outside the United States.

Have fun with whatever solution/RV you decide to go with!

I have lived in a travel trailer, and my dad built his own motorhome that we traveled in alot as a child. I am now considering living full time in one again (alone). My dilemma is class A vs. 5th wheel. I want a garage as a workout room (can also store a smart car) as I am an avid rower/cyclist. I will still have to work for about 10 years in one place (physician), so I will mainly be stationary in a campground. However about 4 times a year I make trips for 1 – 2 week regattas and would love to bring some teammates with me and be a “home base”. Certainly easier/more social in a motorhome. But living mainly in one spot would be easier in a 5th wheel, (not to mention better choices with toy haulers). Any advice on how to weigh the importance of periodic trips vs. Ease/space while stationary?

If you want an RV with a garage (aka a toy hauler) you really don’t have much choice but to go with some sort of trailer. As there are very, very few Class A Toy Hauler options available. And I’d be surprised if any of them could handle the weight of a Smart Car (though I’m definitely not 100% certain on that).

Furthermore, if you are going to be mainly stationary then a 5th wheel makes A LOT more sense than a Class A. They have a lot more perceived interior room due to their high ceilings, don’t have an engine and powertrain that is just sitting there (more expensive and sitting in one place for extended periods of time doesn’t do an engine/powertrain any favors), and just make a much better condo on wheels for most people.

Of course you are going to need the properly sized truck (one ton dually at the very least) to tow a 5th wheel toy hauler that can potentially carry a Smart Car, so keep that in mind. Not gonna be cheap, even if you buy a good used unit (but that route would be a lot smarter/cheaper than new).

A 5th wheel toy hauler is probably going to be setup to sleep a decent number of people for those times when you want to bring others along.

So my vote is a 5th wheel toy hauler with the correct tow vehicle (truck).

Thank you!! That helps alot!

I’ve been looking into a van or RV purchase for a while and I can say this is the most thorough and articulate summary I’ve read. Kudos to the author. Thanks for providing such a comprehensive view! You really have to consider all these things and go see many vehicle models in person to see if they will (hopefully) work best for you & your needs.

Thank you for the kudos! I do hope this helps you in your deciding process. Yes, go see as many different variations of models as you possibly can. Sit in them. Lay down in them. Picture having others over and how comfortable will it be to sit down and have a conversation with them. Picture what you will use your RV for. How much you will be inside of it.

Best not to have a pesky sales guy standing there chatting your ear off, but good luck with that, lol!

Anyway, enjoy the ride and thank you for taking the time out of your day to drop your kind comment!

My spelling is not that good but I will try, thank you so much for this information. We sold everything seven years ago (our house was paid off) and decided to live in a fithwheel and I was going to show my wife the sights. We had gone camping and talked to the host and were thinking of becoming camp host at some time. Well, what really happen is we moved to a RV park and put our application online to be camp host got hired and never got to do no traveling. that was seven years ago this coming December. After reading your article it has put another spark in me and made me realize why we did this in the first place. I feel down deep we need to get back on our plan because we’re not getting no younger, again thank you for this article it’s open my eyes back up again.

Hi Clifton,

I love putting sparks into people! Hopefully you already have the perfect vehicle. Sounds like you are ok with it as you have been in it for seven years. Yes, absoutely, get out there and hit the country! At least hit the west. Much more in the way of sights to see. : )

And nope, none of us are getting any younger, are we? The time is NOW! Do it and enjoy!

They can consider leaving the 5th wheel parked and get an inexpensive small pull trailer and go on trips periodically then park the small trailer in storage when not using. Wolf pups as low as 10k new

Wow! That was very helpful and full of information. I’d like, for my situation, to purchase a Class B. I want to say “Thank you” to you for sharing your time and knowledge ❣️. Karen

Awesome to hear, Karen! We are delighted to help!

Thank you for the article. You brought up some good points to consider

Thanks, Maureen!

Thank you so much for your helpful information. Selling the Concrete and T1-11 and going to a friend’s property to live out the rest of these 67 years. Looking forward to your tips and tricks to make the right choice on my forever here home. Blessings ✌

Hi Frances,

Thank you for the kudos- we hope you like your new digs! We hope you can do some fun traveling in your RV along the way.

Thanks for this info! You solidified so many things we’re contemplating. Size, space, grounds, repairs, tanks, expectations and the 3 senses.. Lol! Absolute perfect read!

First, I love your name!

Second, thank you so much, I am very happy to have helped you out! Good luck with your choice. Just remember, just because you buy X RV doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. Buy smart, get the best deal you possibly can, and then if it turns out to be the wrong choice, you can always sell and get a better fit.

I’ve had my trailer since the start, going on 6 years now. But MANY of my friends have changed RVs in that time. Some more than others, heh. (And I am still on the hunt for a van to tow with, which may end up being ALL I have as I may ditch the trailer. Only time will tell)

So again, your first choice may not be your last. You may very well start with a ‘starter’ RV. LOL!

Color print is so light that I cannot read it. The only thing that I can see clearly is the Bold headings

Huh, it looks ok on our end. However, something is wrong with the blog post photos on our homepage. We are looking into it today. Maybe whatever is affecting that is also affecting the color of the script on the page on your device. Sorry if so, hopefully it’s resolved with the photo issue. Maybe try checking on a different device?

Your article is great! I’m thoroughly enjoying yalls entire site. So far it seems packed full of “honest” info. No rainbow and butterfly painted stories and I love and need that. In the next year (likely less than) I plan to go RV full time. I’m 28, no partner or children and work remote. Georgia is home and I love it but every road trip I’ve made to Arizona, Colorado e.t.c and each stop in the states along the way drives me to want to see more! A quick 1 hour stop just doesn’t give enough time. I’m familiar with roughing it, my dad and I have done 8 week stays in military tents in Colorado! But I don’t want to just rough it I want to live and enjoy it. So plans are set, but still intimidating. I’m researching a ton! I do have a question and would like yalls feedback.

I will be pulling a travel trailer with a half ton. I grew up with my dad owning semi company so I’m very familiar with rigs, limits, e.t.c. I love my truck and currently it’s the only option. I have my specs and started off wanting a 6,500-7,000 pound dry TT but now a month later I’m down to wanting a 5,000-6,200 dry weight unit instead. (That dry weight, plus cargo seems to be a better fit weight.) And now looking for a TT around 25-29ft instead of 28+ only. Any thoughts there? Space is a big thing for me. I need office space and will have 1000-2000 lbs of cargo from what I’ve figured so far (that includes water or lack of and will change depend on boondocking or not). I “feel” as if I’m checking each spot off on your list of things to consider. I’m social but also don’t mind being alone. I can work on practically anything. Regardless of will to fix things though I definitely want a reliable TT instead of an all out pain. I took yalls list of reliable brands down! Next big question I just discovered is 4 season RVs… I did not consider that until now. I’m looking to buy a used RV no later than 2010 model. How can I tell if it’s good for cold or has a 4 season like build to it? Just see if there’s exterior piping or not? Or is there more to it. I never thought much into winter months but I do think I’ll definitely be seeing some freezing temps plenty often enough.

I look forward to hearing back and will be continuing to read more of yalls articles! Again, wonderful website! Thanks!!!

Awe, thank you so much for the kudos. Glad you are loving Camp Addict!

First, congratulations on your upcoming full-time, and at such a young age! Keep up the research. It’s going to be one heck of a ride. : )

You asked about the size… well, I am always going to say smaller is better. (I’m still considering van life…) You’d be surprised how little you really need and how small you can live. You won’t have ‘office space’ in a small RV. You will have a space that you multi-task in. It will be your office space and your dining area and your socialization area as well.

Still, it works! I need ‘office space’ too- and I have it- my booth area. My printer is stored under the stove. I bring it out when I need it. You can make it work. But the smaller you are, the lighter you are and the easier travel days are. AND there’s less to keep up/maintain. But that’s just me.

You asked about four-seasons… well, I don’t recommend staying long/at all where it will get down to freezing. I mean, why would you? You’re on wheels!

If you plan to boondock, you can’t plan to do it where it snows. You’ll risk getting snowed in. They don’t plow roads going into public lands. If you are going to be in campgrounds, you CAN stay in freezing temps, but again, why? (Unless you want to ski/board)

Four seasons is great, but mine is not four seasons, and I don’t have double-pane windows, and I do fine if it drops below freezing with my propane heater or furnace on. I do ok because my water lines are all inside the living space.

I keep it really warm in here and at night I open cabinets where applicable so the warmth is sure to get to those lines. If you have a Buddy heater or a Wave propane heater, it’s easy (and cheaper than using your furnace) to stay warm. You just have to worry about your lines. Four season RVs will have protected lines but if you stay where it’s cold ENOUGH, you still have the potential to have frozen lines. RVs simply aren’t made for very cold extremes. Ask the dealer if it’s a 4-season RV. If he doesn’t know, look it up.

You probably already know Arctic Fox and Outdoors RV are known for being very good 4-season RVs but there are others. But again- it depends on how much you want to be in freezing temps (Don’t do it, lol) and for how long.

Hope this helps, and good luck with everything!

PS- consider joining Xscapers if you are looking for people. There aren’t many your age (there’s some), but we don’t care about age. If you get along, you get along! Hopefully we can start having convergences again someday soon.

PPS- 2,000 lbs of (mostly) stuff? I have gotten rid of probably 3/4 of the stuff I started off with when I hit the road. You’d be amazed at how much you don’t really need! : )

Wow, great advice! I could imagine this will be an experience. And also thanks for the great response and the extra tips! I have almost no prior experience with RV’s but plenty with tent life, traveling, and camping. So this RV life part is all new to me. Honestly it seems right though!

With weights, I was thinking about the occasional 400lbs or so of water weight, generator, plus around 1,000lbs or so of personal belongings… But again, I am a newbie so that weight could drop a lot and/or my estimates be off! My thoughts of 1,000-2,000lbs over dry weight was mostly to not underestimate and end up overloading the GVWR’s.

Cold temps, you’re right on without a doubt! I was thinking back to some Colorado trips I’ve had in the past. Early fall nights would drop to the mid and upper 20’s “occasionally.” It wasn’t great to wake up in a tent to LOL but, I will take your advice and look at avoiding the cold. Still speaking of cold I know (or think) even while RV’ing and like camping the occasional freeze temps are bounds to happen to me for a few days. I may be overthinking or over-preparing again but the thoughts of the freezing temps made me begin to wonder if I should do anything to make sure the RV I end up buying is for sure going to handle those occasional freeze temps (if it happens). I am not sure what to look for or what to avoid with an RV purchase in regards to freezing temps and since I am looking to buy used (and likely private party) that was what I was wondering about.

Thanks for the Xscapers tip. I haven’t heard of that and will check it out, it sounds interesting. I agree on the age topic. Luckily I am always around generations older than myself with golf, business, activities, etc. so hopefully that will all fall right in to my normal life. I tend to be a 50/50 introvert/extrovert. I love alone time and plenty of it but can mingle with crowds, groups and people in a flash. My plans are to stay as little or as long in towns as I feel fit and go out and be social all over. Whether that be boondocking, campgrounds or non RV related activities. I guess that will be something to learn about as it happens.

Those two brands look like great RV’s and I am already scouting them out!

Oh and lastly with the office space “needs/wants” (and I am sure I will end up adapting and compromising) I currently have a 4 ft desk with desktop, 2 screens, printer, and half file cabinet. I constantly feel it’s still not enough space to work and run my business from and was concerned with downsizing. There is tons of paperwork… I was thinking about getting a bunk bed unit and tearing the bunks out for an open space for the “office” LOL. But if that’s not the best way to go or if it won’t workout well then I will have to adapt! I am not going to let that one concern be the stopping point in my plans if it poses as an issue.

I love traveling and love the outdoors. I do not like feeling stagnant with always being in the same place and these last 4 years have been that. Same places, same people, etc. Love them and all around me but I also love exploring and adventures. Every time I roadtrip for work, I always want and wonder what it would be like to stay and visit certain areas for days, weeks or months instead of only grabbing dinner before hitting the road again to get to the destination. So this new idea for me to uproot and RV sounds perfect!

Thanks again!! The extra tips, advice and detailed response was great and much appreciated! I will be locked on to yalls site and look forward to more articles. Best wishes and great travels!

Yep, you definitely don’t want to push your tow capacity, not even close. If you have to worry that you do or don’t fill your water tank, you’ve pushed it too close. Ask Marshall. LOL! I used to not have enough power to pull my trailer, either, and it wasn’t the most fun on long grades.

Yeah, it’s just best to try to stay away from freezing temps with an RV. But if you see yourself being in them some, try to get pipes inside/or 4-seasons RV.

Xscapers is wonderful. It’s how I found my ‘tribe’ of people. And we like to party when we can. SO FUN! But it’s not party all the time, not by a long shot.

I know people who have more than one computer/screen in their RV. Yep, you may simply have to renovate a small space in a unit and you’ll be fine! Or find one with a big desk area. It’s possible. But not a popular item in most RVs. Bunk space could be perfect.

Keep coming here when you have questions, hopefully you can find answer here. We keep putting out content but can’t put it all out at once. Wish we could!

Thank you, Dean! I’m glad you enjoyed this piece. ; )

Nice article, as a career Master RV tech and RVer, you gave good truthful advice as only experiance can. An RVer MUST have 3 senses! A sense of adventure, common sense ,and a sense of humor!!!

George, you’ve got that right!!! LOLOL!

You must have the three senses! And boy, not too many with all three these days it seems. YIKES!!

But I think our readers are the good and smart ones. ????

Great article as in a year I am wanting to go full-time in some type of unit this gave me many things to think about and compare thank you

Jean, you are most welcome! Good luck with your search. : )

KELLY I read an article earlier that Marshall had written and just read your article I find them both very interesting and very helpful! I’ll look forward to reading more of your articles

Super to hear that you were helped out by our stuff! Thank you for taking the time for a nice and welcomed comment. We will keep doing our best to keep you (and everyone) ‘RV informed’ as much as two human beings possibly can.

Hope you have or get an RV this summer and maybe we’ll see you out there. : )

Is there a max length of a travel trailer you would recommend to boondock?

Hmmm, max length?

Well, as I am sure you have already surmised, the longer you go, the less places you will be able to access. I have seen all sizes and types ‘out there’ from motorhomes to fifths to TTs. So if you have a giant 35′ TT, there WILL be places you can go, but of course some/a lot of spots (the better ones, for sure) might be off-limits.

Why do I say ‘the better ones’?

Because if someone can only get their 40′ motorhome only to a few spots, then they are limited to those spots. That’s going to be where you have to park as well. Others who are afraid to go deeper down a road will stay there, too. So the ‘easy’ places are going to be the most crowded, least ideal spots.

Often, the junk spots are very close to the main road, maybe in a wide flat area. Not ideal. It really takes away from the experience. May as well be in a campground with the crowding, road noise, dogs running free and kids yelling and screaming outside.

So, for me, my max recommendation is my current length.

I would NOT go bigger. It’s just going to be harder to tow, to get in and out of businesses, and I’ll have less spots I can just GO to without stressing if I will be able to access it or not.

In 24′, I have almost never been limited to where an RV would reasonable be expected to go.

I just discovered your article Kelly. Excellent information and analysis. Thank you. I look forward to whatever you write next. Donal

Why thank you! I hope to keep up this standard! LOL!

I’m glad you enjoyed it, hope it helped, and thank you for taking the time to comment. ????

Love Kelly’s energy and creativity in putting together this insightful material. Looking forward to more! Thanks from a South Carolina Class A RV’er.

Awe, that’s so kind of you to share, Ed! Thank you so much. Warms my heart.

More is on its way soon!

I have been researching for quite a while. You have put together a very good article, impressive actually. Well done.

Wow, thank you, Lonnie! So happy you found this helpful. Good luck with your search. Oh, and feel free to send me some kudos any time! ; )

Have you ever covered topics on best states for an address and best mail box services?

Thank you for inquiring, but we haven’t as of today. However, there are many good articles on this topic out there.

Most full-timers use, mostly for tax purposes (No state income tax) Florida, Texas, and South Dakota for states of domicile. There are other factors to consider, health insurance being one of the most critical ones.

We both use Escapee’s mail-forwarding service. I am domiciled in Florida while Marshall is domiciled in Texas.

There are other mail-forwarding services to be found if that is all you are looking for. Sorry, we have just not had the time yet to hit this subject.

If you have any other questions about this and about Escapee’s mail-forwarding, just let us know.

Good luck in your ventures!

Another factor is ability to climb stairs. My wife is disabled so 5th wheels are not an option. We have a class A and I installed a lift in the doorway to get her in and out.

Thank you for this valuable comment- you are absolutely correct. Stairs are a big factor for anyone with limited mobility. In fact, my mom is currently looking for another RV, and stairs are a huge factor. I’m discouraging her from getting a fifth-wheel as most have interior stairs.

I have thought about her getting a lift as well, in the event she cannot install an appropriate ramp to get into her RV. I would love to see photos of your installation along with how you worked it, if you wouldn’t mind sharing!

Really good article Kelly! All true from my 5+ years experience as a fulltimer.

Thank you so much… you know just how it is to try to pick the right/best RV for you.

I’m always dreaming of another RV, though I love mine so. I am truly afraid to ever get rid of it for fear I’ll never have one I like as much, lol! I need a fleet of them. : )

First let me set ya up … Lol we will be selling our house to move to a new state however this new state is super high with cost of living (homes and renting) be much cheaper to RV it… In order to get the room we need im looking at a thor outlaw 38kb turning the garage into my sons personal room after the atv is taken out and towing my van with NY mobility scooter inside its belly…i was also looking at a destination trailer with 2 lofts but then I would have to buy a 1 ton tuck and figure out what to do with my scooter and how i would be able to get around town (the camp ground is about 20 mins from town) if I go this way im praying 2 bills but they equal to the class A …now for the question: which one is more cost effective and would be more practical for us knowing ill be stationary for school year and out and about during sumers?

Going full-time RV life, eh? I do love it, but it’s not without its issues. Especially when staying in campgrounds.

First, I am not sure what you mean by 2 bills. 2K? Without knowing the cost of each of the items, I don’t know how to let you know what would be most cost effective. I’d say the long-term prohibitive part will likely be the campground fees and the monthly payments on whatever you buy. I’d look into those costs the hardest. (And don’t forget to look at final cost- how much you paid for X WITH interest when all is said and done.)

I WILL advise you to make sure you have your own transportation. The van route sounds best. You do not want to be stuck in a campground without having reliable transportation. This is no good. I’d stick with practicality so it sounds like the Outlaw would be the way to go. Who wants to drive a huge truck around all the time, anyway? Not me! I just sold my Ford Raptor and got a Toyota 4Runner and COULDN’T be happier!

I hope that helps to answer your question. It’s hard to know how many variables and factors you need to take into consideration to give a good answer. Just do your math on all the parts (payments with interest, campground fees, gas money to get into town, insurances, etc.) Keep in mind that campground RV life can be as expensive or more expensive than having a mortgage or renting!

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