Is Full Time RV Living For You?
84
Why Would Anybody Want to Live In An RV?
You have probably thought about living in an RV, but have asked yourself why anybody in his right mind would want to live this way. The campgrounds RVers occupy seem crowded. The people who live there are often packed in like sardines and undoubtedly have little privacy. Their RVs don’t offer much living space, either.
It may interest you to know that although the majority of campers use their RVs for vacations, many actually do live in them full time.
RVers Live Better and Are Happier Than Most People
Most people can’t imagine why anybody would want to live in an RV year round, but they shouldn’t be so critical. For many, RV living is great!
When was the last time you woke up in the morning, decided to take a trip and found yourself driving down the road within an hour?
Traveling and living in an RV is a wonderful way for people to enjoy life. RVers can go just about anywhere in the country, stop when they like, eat their own food, sleep in their own beds and usually don't even need reservations. Sometimes they can even camp for free!
Haven't heard of many hotels that give their rooms away for free, have you?
Those who take the time to investigate the full time RV lifestyle, are often shocked to learn that many full time RVers are living better than they are and are also happier.
Living Full Time In An RV Is Inexpensive
There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is money. In today’s world, money is a bigger issue than ever before, especially for senior citizens.
Full timers can purchase an RV for relatively little money, compared to the cost of purchasing a home.
- They don’t have to worry about paying taxes or getting hit with huge repair bills (unless they just don’t maintain their units). There is no lawn care, so they avoid the work and expenses that go along with owning and maintaining a lawn.
- Their camper utility bills are much lower because it costs less to cool and heat an RV due to its comparatively small size
- The only insurance they pay is automobile type insurance. No more expensive home owner’s policies.
- They don’t have to buy furniture or appliances. RV’s come fully furnished.
Full Time RVing Has Many Other Benefits
Some other benefits of living full time in an RV include:
- People are safer in an RV than they are in a house because they are surrounded by others who live close by, and their campgrounds are usually patrolled.
- In the event of a crisis, such as a hurricane. RVers can simply hook up and drive away from the danger.
- Many campgrounds offer spacious lots and have amenities such as workout rooms and Jacuzzis.
- Today’s RVs have slide rooms which make them spacious and comfortable. Most RVs are more beautiful than the average home.
- RVs often come with luxury amenities such as washer/dryer combinations, big screen TVs, satellite dishes, side by side refrigerators and even king sized beds. No need to make sacrifices to live the life!
- Most campgrounds offer organized activities for residents.
- If a neighbor is bothersome, an RVer can simply hook up and move to another site.
- If a camper has a problem with the campground he’s in, he can simply hook up and leave.
- Other than washing and waxing his unit and taking care of general maintenance and cleaning, there is very little physical labor for RV owners.
- If campers are still of working age, they can easily move to take advantage of job opportunities. Many can work camp and live rent free. Many full timers use Workamper News and Good Sam Club's Highways Magazine to find work. Getting workamper jobs is easy!
- Units can be used for full time living as well as for vacations. When a full timer takes his RV with him, he doesn’t have to worry about leaving his unoccupied property behind. His property and his possessions go with him.
- RVers have total flexibility. They can live where they like and go wherever they like.
- Although their living quarters are small, they are also much easier to take care of.
- RVers have a lot more free time than people who have more responsibility.
- In the event an RVer needs hospitalization, many hospitals now offer on site hookups for their family members who have RVs. This is not only convenient, but it can also save a fortune in hotel and restaurant bills.
For Many, Full Time RVing Is The Best Way to Live
Clearly, full time RV living has its drawbacks. It’s not for everybody. However, for those looking to save money and have a more relaxed and convenient lifestyle, it’s an excellent choice.
Purchase prices for newer units can be as low as $8,000. A good used motor home can be bought for $20,000 or less. Annual insurance will average $500 or less. Utilities will generally be less than $100 a month, sometimes quite a bit less.
The cost of a campsite varies greatly from place to place. Long term camping in a decent campground can cost as little as $225 a month plus utilities. Campgrounds in a major resort area will cost around $600 monthly or more.
The best news is that if an RVer doesn’t like the prices in one place, he can easily move to another.The sacrifices campers make are far less than the benefits offered to them when they choose full time RVing as a lifestyle.
This is a way of living that offers total flexibility and freedom. While there are sacrifices in terms of living space, they pale in comparison to the benefits of full time rv living.
At the very least, this lifestyle is something to think about for those who are looking for an easier, more flexible and less costly way to live. They have nothing to lose. If it doesn’t work out, they can always sell the RV and go back to the old lifestyle. I’m guessing they won’t want to do this, though. Full time RVing is just too much fun and offers too many benefits!
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (11)
- Funny
- Awesome (3)
- Beautiful (1)
- Interesting (9)
CommentsLoading...
Well said...voted up and interesting. Nearly everyone I tell about the lifestyle say they have often thought of doing the same...with the economy as it is, now is the perfect time!
My family was discussing this very question just this afternoon. Our conclusion was that sometimes could be enough for us.
As I said in the article, it's not for everybody. Nothing wrong with "sometimes" either. Rving is great no matter how you do it. Thanks for reading my article and following me!
I agree. RV sales are up and I think it's because people are buying them to live in...a smarter move than they realize.
This last comment was for RVGuy...don't know how it wound up here. Sorry,
Hi TT2, it sounds like fun--do they make plane RV's? I'd like to travel globally. =:)
It IS fun! Full timing in an RV is the closest anybody can really come to feeling free. There actually ARE people who ship their RV's to different countries for travel, but it's a complicated and expensive thing to do. However, there are so many places in the US to explore that just using an RV for that purpose is enough for most. We are lucky enough to live in a big, beautiful country, and seeing it via RV is the best! Thanks for reading and come back soon.
Lots of oil and natural gas fields workers is North Dakota have been living in RVs. I'll likely link your Hub to mine about that topic.Thanks - rated Up and many more.
Yes, I know. Also many people who suffered through Katrina are living in RV's. Thanks for the link and for your support. I'll try to link back to some of your stuff when I write more. I'm still learning the ropes here.
Congratulations on your HubNugget nomination!
http://koffeeklatchgals.hubpages.com/hub/The-Day-T
I think it would be great to live in a RV and travel around the country. I hadn't thought about moving away from the neighbors, but it is another big plus.
We spent many summers living in a "park model" at a resort. I could do it again, but my wife's health won't allow it.
This should prove to be an interesting experience. Never tried it but curious about it! :D
NEWS FLASH: Congratulations on your Hubnuggets Nomination! You are one of the Personal Finance Nominees! Hurry and see for yourself right here: http://koffeeklatchgals.hubpages.com/_hubnuggets6/ Now remember to read, vote and promote! Love and blessings in behalf of the Hubnuggets Team and ME as the Hubnuggets official cheerleader! Enjoy the Hubnuggets and wishing you a year of financial abundance!
Yes, unfortunately health can get in the way of "living the life", and I just hate that. At least you can still read about it and live vicariously through the adventures of others. I'm sorry you can't enjoy the RV life anymore, but I'm sure you have many nice memories. Thanks so much for reading my hub.
There are lots of good things about full timing, and you can enjoy all of them if you like RVing. Thanks for the kudos. I was surprised to see myself nominated a second time in two weeks. I really didn't think people were taking notice of my work, but I'm glad they are...thanks to folks like you. I'm glad to have your support and once again, I thank you for reading my hubs.
Thanks for the kudos. Yes, many people dream of hitting the open road or are curious about it. We used to be cross country truckers and living full time in an RV worked perfectly for the type of schedules we had to keep. It's the closest to being totally free one can experience. If you have questions, ask away. I'll be happy to share...I LUV RVers!!
My husband and I have considered living on a sailboat, same idea, but on water. Congratulations on your Hub Nugget nomination.
I know people who have done that and you're right, it's quite similar. However, since I get seasick easily, my choice is the RV. Thanks for reading and thanks for the congrats.
Excellent hub. Voted up and Interesting. I would love to live in a RV but I live alone so it might not be too much fun for me.
Don't let that stop you! There are RV clubs for singles. They travel in groups and have a great old time. Glad you liked the hub and thanks for reading!
Hey, contratulations on your HubNuggets nomination. Good luck!
Now the downside is you can be house-jacked. You know, I've actually never heard of an RV being stolen like a car though. Hmm. Except in Stripes. And that wasn't at gunpoint.
Thanks for the congrats! I know you've won before, so you know how nice it feels! Never been house-jacked or rv-jacked in all these years, so doubt it will happen now! lol. Thanks for reading.
Thanks for mentioning RV groups for singles. I'm going to look into that.
You're welcome. We've run into many singles on the road over the years and all seem to really be enjoying the lifestyle. A lot of them travel in these groups because it's safer and makes help available if needed. It also provides a nice built in social life!
YES! This is something my husband and I have been talking about ..though we just moved to N. Cali. How interesting this topic is brought up again. Lovely!
Lots of people dream of doing this, and many follow through with the dream. My advice? Don't wait too long. Do it while you are healthy so that you can really enjoy all this lifestyle has to offer. Thanks for reading!
Great story. You gave some wonderful information that I hadn't thought of. My husband has been suggesting this for a while, now I think he might be right.
Glad you liked the article. I have a number of RV articles on this site you might want to read, and I am writing more all the time. I have been an RVer my entire adult life...still am. Lots of people get into it, but they also make costly and upsetting mistakes that can ruin it for them. That's why I'm writing the articles. Read, print and save them for future reference, and if you have questions, don't hesitate to email me. I LOVE RVers!!
Great hub and very informative. I have had some great holidays in caravan parks in France and may give it a go sometime. Sounds like a lot of fun
Voted up interesting and useful
If you do it right, it is a lot of fun. I'd be interested to read a hub about how it is in your country. I've heard camping there is somewhat different than here. Maybe you can write a hub about it?? Thanks for reading.
This is something I may be doing sometime very soon! :) Voted up and useful!
Good luck! I think you're making a good decision, and I think you'll be happy you made the move.
what a great hub-- makes me want to go RV-ing. I love being able to pull up stakes and just go whenever and wherever-- I'm a nomad at heart. Voting up
Very nice I think I could live cheaper in an Rv Although the price of campsites keep going up. I would like to try it on weekends first.
Yep, having that gypsy spirit makes it all the better. Glad this article inspired you. Thanks for reading
This is true, but if you read some of my other articles about how to camp cheaply or for free, you'll see that you can avoid the high prices. Thanks for reading.
I am thinking of doing this sounds like it could be awesome. Your welcome keep writing these good informtive hubs.
I am thinking of doing this sounds like it could be awesome. Your welcome keep writing these good informtive hubs.
I'll be writing more as time goes on. Stay tuned and thanks for reading. I hope it works out for you!
This comment came through twice. Wonder why??
Some cousins sold me on full-time RVing back in 2005. Not that I've hit the road yet, but if I had a 5th wheel decked out like theirs and the vehicle to pull it, you bet I'd be gone. That 5th wheel has ALL the comforts of home and they have hardly a care in the world except where to go next. Sounds like heaven to me!
We used to have a motorhome (as RV's are called in the UK) and we loved it even though we only used it for holidays.
If I didn't have such a cute home I would seriously consider buying another Hymer and living in it full time. Then I could always live in beautiful places in Britain; places where I could never afford to buy a house. Good points made in this hub, TT.
I think a lot of people these days would love to get away from it all because life has become so stressful. RVing is certainly a great way to do it! Thanks for the read.
That's something I forgot to mention. With an RV, you CAN visit places where the rich go, but for way less money. It's always fun to pretend! Thanks for the read.
TT2, the wife half of the cousins I mentioned is an avid genealogist and RVing is how they can afford to travel to all the out-of-the-way-places she goes to research long-dead ancestors.
As for Kansas, if you ever have reason to be in the Topeka area, I (and the cousins) heartily recommend the RV park at Lake Shawnee, on the southeast edge of the city. Another is on the south side of Abilene.
Thanks for the tip. Actually, I have been to the Topeka area, but always stayed in the casino campground North of the city. Back then I could stay for $10 because they belonged to our discount camping club, but they dropped it, so Lake Shawnee sounds like a viable alternative.
Thanks for a great Hub!! I have always thought of living in a RV, making it completly dependent on renewable energy. I think that the sun, wind and veggie oil could be used to do all things. The replenishing of supplies would be a problem, but still the idea of independence sounds great. Great Hub !
Very interesting hub. I've thought about doing this myself. It would definitely be living the minimalist lifestyle, but there are a lot of advantages. I might give it a try someday. Thanks for the info.
MJMIller: You might find it's not as "minimalist" as you may think. The neat thing about full timing is that you can do it as big or as little as you like. I once visited a high end campground in Las Vegas that, while expensive (sites for purchase went as high as $200,000)was unbelievably lavish. They even had personal trainers available there. Me? I stayed in the $15 a night campground and enjoyed Las Vegas just as much as they did!! So you can take your pick. Thanks for the read.
I hope you write more about this lifestyle...it so interests me...I am sure that I have a bit gypsy spirit in me. Blessings
Enlydia Listener: Many people are intrigued with the idea of living less expensively and with fewer responsibilities. I probably will write more about this topic...stay tuned!!
It is something I've thought about doing for the last few years but I can't get any takers. I just think it would be fun for a few girlfriends to get together and hit the road and explore....or.... a couple of couples to do the same stopping when you want to explore...having a plan or not....I just think it would be fun.
Dee aka Nonna: RVing definitely IS fun! I advised another hubber to seek out singles groups that RV together...they do exist, and the people who participate in them really enjoy themselves. Don't give up!
What a great hub. I have always wanted to do this. I recently asked a hub page question about this, and then I found your hub today. Have you actually done this for a specific amount of time?
Karen Hellier: Yes, I was a full timer for 5 years. I've been an RVer for my entire adult life and have written a number of hubs about RVing which you can find on my profile page. I'll be writing more, so stay tuned...and thanks for reading!
OOOH, that's so exciting. I will check them out and look forward to reading more.
Karen Hellier: Uh Oh...I may have created an RV monster here!! So many people dream of RVing, and it IS wonderful...if I can help you with anything, email and let me know. I'm a good source of advice on this one!
You really need to talk to me.........
from a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 'ranch style' house, with garage, patio, and soaker hoses to a 5th wheel rv......
Yeah...........you REALLY need to talk to the people who have actually made the transition........I made it, maybe, 4 years ago.
It is not " an on road" vacation, it is not " for the summer".........it is NOT a get away................Living in the RV is HARD WORK, and takes major rules and planning........
NUMBER ONE........bring something in.........take something out........most people do not want to part with their " things "..................
this life, is not for the weak at heart.......in fact, I have questioned my own resolve.......I fear, to know, the doubts that my hubby has had of me........
come, now, and let us talk without pretense......
Onegoodwoman: FYI: I full timed for 5 years and have been an avid RVer my entire adult life. I'm sorry it isn't working out for you, but as I said in my hub, full timing (or even RVing for that matter)isn't for everybody.
You have misunderstood!
It is working, but it takes discipline.
It is affordable, we travel as we wish.
But it gets crowded and in the winter, I
get the worst case of 'cabin fever'.
onegoodwoman: Maybe your problem is that you live in a cold climate! Winters in Florida, Arizona, Southern California and South Texas are beautiful, green and blue...and WARM!! Come join us down here and you'll be a lot happier.
I have no problem!
I am simply being realistic. Put your romantic and adventours self aside.
It does not matter,where, or how, you live.............life Is NOT a constant picnic!
Been there, done that, and moved on!
Left AZ, the best things about FL are her hiways,
Southern CA.............surely you jest.
Perhaps, YOU, should now stop, taking " issue" with me.
After all, YOU invited commentary, to which I replied.
There ARE thorns among the roses. Get it now?
onegoodwoman: I never said life was a bed of roses, but I do admit to being a bit more romantic and adventurous than most! I am not taking issue with you, and I'm sorry if I upset you. It just seems from what you've written that you are very unhappy with full timing. I know it isn't easy, what is? Life is what you choose for it to be. By the way, I live in Florida and can tell you there are many great things about it besides its highways. I also have lived in Southern California and have been to AZ many times as I have family there. I don't generally write articles if I don't have personal knowledge of the issues, and I give advice and comments based on my personal experiences. And let's get real, YOU are the one who commented first, not me. I simply responded to the best of my ability. Clearly we don't see eye to eye on this issue, and that's OK. I don't expect everybody to see things as I do, but just because we disagree it doesn't mean either of us is wrong. We simply see things differently!! I wish you the best for the future and hope you can find a way to enjoy your lifestyle.
Well, then, ok..............
no harm done, to either of us.,
when are you going to brief your readers on emptying the sewer tank?
Really, you thought that you could leave that,"UNPLEASANTNESS" out?
Let us get REAL.............by the mere posting of a hub........you INVITED commentary............even those that ruffle your feathers.
Life is not a dream, not in a 5 bedroom house, and most certainly not in a single bedroom RV.
onegoodwoman: Actually, I wrote an entire hub devoted to the care of black water holding tanks, take a look!
Diana Lee Level 5 Commenter 4 months ago
Always dreamed of doing this. Good hub.