Living in a Recreational Vehicle: A Full-Time Adventure

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are designed for living in, allowing you to travel, work, and explore without giving up much of your comfort. However, living in an RV full-time takes some adjusting and requires careful planning. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and considerations involved in full-time RV living.

Adjusting to Full-Time RV Living

Living in an RV full-time is not as challenging as it may seem, but it does require a significant lifestyle change. Similar to living in a tiny house or a tiny apartment, you need to make compromises, particularly in terms of personal possessions. By decluttering your life and embracing a minimalist lifestyle, you can achieve a simpler and more fulfilling way of living.

Decluttering Personal Possessions: Synthetic items, redundancies, and the desire for convenience often lead to a cluttered living space in traditional homes. However, in an RV, this accumulated mess can quickly become a nuisance, both in terms of space and maintenance. By carefully selecting only essential items, you can maximize the limited space within your RV and reduce the amount of time spent on cleaning and organizing.

Finding the Right RV: Not all RVs are created equal. For full-time living, you need an RV that is well-insulated and designed for year-round occupancy. Many RVs lack the proper insulation needed for colder temperatures, which is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living environment. Modifying or building a customized RV can be a viable solution for those seeking a full-time living space.

Going Off-Grid

For those who prioritize independence and self-sufficiency, going off-grid can be an attractive option. Going off-grid means relying on renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and collecting and storing water. However, for many, having a partially off-grid setup that still connects to traditional services is a practical compromise.

Partial Off-Grid Setup: In such a setup, you can still access amenities like campgrounds, which offer electricity, water, and sewage hookups. This allows you to recharge your batteries, use necessary appliances, and take advantage of modern conveniences while living on the road. Many RVs come equipped with solar panels, but they might not be sufficient for AC use. In such cases, propane can be a reliable backup, but it requires regular refills.

Experiences and Examples

Let's delve into some real-life examples that provide insight into the full-time RV living experience.

Large 5th Wheel Trailer: When I used a 350-square-foot 5th wheel trailer, it felt like a small house. Although it had a full-sized refrigerator, a tiny washer and dryer, and an oven, it required a significant amount of propane and regular refills. The propane heater was occasionally unreliable, which added another layer of complexity to daily living.

Smaller Trailer: My current smaller trailer works as a boondocking setup, with minimal solar and battery storage. While it's not designed for extended periods without hookups, it functions well for short periods and is perfect for vacations or retirement. For those with a day job, having to rely on AC can be challenging, as it significantly drains the battery and makes for short-term use only.

Van Conversion Project: Currently, I am working on a van conversion project. While the goal is not necessarily to live in it extensively, it provides a preview of what a future RV conversion might look like. Proper planning and modifications will be crucial to creating an efficient and comfortable living space.

Conclusion

Full-time RV living is a unique and rewarding lifestyle. By embracing a minimalist mindset and choosing the right RV, you can enjoy the benefits of travel and independence while minimizing the drawbacks. While it may require some adjustments and sacrifices, the freedom, and flexibility it offers can be truly life-changing.