8/13/25

So You Want to Live in an RV Full-Time? Here’s the Real Deal.

Hey there, future nomad. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, HARD. You’ve seen the picture-perfect Instagram posts: a sleek RV parked by a serene lake, a couple sipping coffee as the sun rises over a mountain range, the endless promise of the open road. It looks like the ultimate freedom, right? And honestly, it can be. But it's also a lot more... complicated than that.
My husband & I have been living this life for a while now, and let me tell you, it's been fantastic, inconvenient, & amazing all at the same time. Before you sell your house, quit your job, & cram your life into a 300-square-foot box on wheels, let's have a real heart-to-heart about what full-time RVing is actually like. This isn’t to scare you off, but to give you the insider scoop so you can hit the road with your eyes wide open.

The Dream vs. The Reality: It's Not All Sunsets & S'mores

Here's the thing the glossy YouTube videos don't always show you: life on the road is still… life. There are still chores, unexpected problems, & days when things just don't go according to plan.
The dream is waking up to a new, beautiful view every day. The reality is that sometimes that view is a Walmart parking lot because you couldn't find a campground. The dream is leaving all your worries behind. The reality is that you trade one set of worries (a mortgage, property taxes) for another (where do I dump my black tank? Is that noise coming from the engine normal?).
This lifestyle isn’t cheap, simple, or glamorous all the time. It requires a ton of active involvement in your own day-to-day survival. You're constantly thinking about resources: How much fresh water do we have left? Is the propane tank getting low? Where’s the next dump station? It's a level of self-sufficiency that can be both empowering & exhausting.
But here’s the secret: the challenges are part of what makes it so rewarding. Leaning into the struggle is what changes you. You become more resilient, a better problem-solver, & you learn to appreciate the simple things, like a hot shower or a strong cell signal.

Getting Your Wheels in Motion: How to Actually Start

Okay, so you're still in? Awesome. Let's get practical. Transitioning to full-time RV life isn't something you do on a whim. It requires meticulous planning.

Step 1: Make a Timeline & a Plan

This is the most crucial first step. Sit down & get real about when you want to hit the road. Three months? A year? This timeline will dictate everything else. Brainstorm all the tasks you need to complete:
  • Selling your house or ending your lease.
  • Downsizing your belongings.
  • Figuring out your income stream.
  • Choosing an RV.
  • Setting up health insurance & a domicile.
Write it all down. Having a tangible checklist makes the mountain of tasks feel much more climbable.

Step 2: The Great Downsizing

You have more stuff than you think. A LOT more. Getting rid of a lifetime of possessions is an emotional & physical marathon.
Start room by room. Be ruthless. Ask yourself: Have I used this in the last year? Does it bring me joy? Will it fit in the RV? If the answer is no, it's gotta go. You can sell things on Facebook Marketplace, have a garage sale, or donate.
But what about the things you can't bear to part with? The family heirlooms, the photo albums, the out-of-season gear? This is where a little planning goes a long way. Many full-timers use a storage unit for these sentimental items. And for those bigger items you might need later, like furniture or tools, it's worth considering your options. One pretty cool solution that's popped up is Prked, which connects you with homeowners who have unused space like a garage, basement, or attic available for rent. It can be a more affordable & convenient way to store your stuff than a traditional storage unit, especially if you need to access it from time to time.

Step 3: Figure Out Your Finances

Let’s talk money. You need a way to fund this adventure. Some people save up a huge nest egg or use the profits from selling their home. Others, especially younger folks & families, need to work from the road.
The good news is that remote work is more common than ever. You can find jobs in tech, customer service, writing, or design. Some RVers take on seasonal work, like becoming a campground host, which often comes with a free RV site in exchange for a set number of hours per week. The key is to have a plan & ideally, multiple streams of income just in case one dries up.

The Million-Dollar Question: What Does Full-Time RVing Actually Cost?

This is probably the number one question people have, & the honest answer is: it depends. It's like asking how much a house costs—it varies wildly depending on your lifestyle. You can live a minimalist life for around $1,900 a month or a more luxurious one for upwards of $8,500. Most people fall somewhere in the middle, with a typical monthly budget between $2,000 & $5,000.
Let's break down the major expenses:
  • The RV Itself: This is your biggest upfront cost. A used travel trailer can be as low as $10,000, while a new luxury Class A motorhome can top $500,000. Don't forget to factor in the monthly payment if you're financing it.
  • Campground Fees: This will be one of your biggest recurring costs. Fees can range from under $20 a night at a basic park to over $120 a night at a luxury resort. Many full-timers save money by boondocking (camping for free on public lands) or using memberships like Thousand Trails or Harvest Hosts.
  • Fuel: If you're constantly on the move, this will be a significant expense. Diesel for a big rig can easily run you $400+ a month, depending on how far you travel. Many people choose to travel slower, staying in one place for a week or a month to save on fuel.
  • Insurance: You'll need both vehicle insurance for your RV & health insurance. RV insurance can range from $500 to $2,000+ per year. Health insurance is trickier on the road, but there are options for national plans.
  • Food & Groceries: This is highly variable. If you cook most of your own meals, you can keep this cost down. But if you're eating out frequently, it will add up quickly.
  • Maintenance & Repairs: Things WILL break. It’s not a matter of if, but when. Budget at least $50-$100 a month for routine maintenance, & have an emergency fund for those unexpected (and expensive) repairs.
  • Connectivity: If you work remotely, reliable internet is non-negotiable. This might mean paying for a mobile hotspot service, a satellite internet system like Starlink, or a cell signal booster.

The Not-So-Glamorous Side: Common Challenges You'll Face

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Living in an RV isn't always easy. Here are some of the most common challenges you'll encounter:
  • Constant Maintenance: An RV is basically a house on wheels going through a constant earthquake. Things will leak, break, & malfunction. You'll need to be comfortable doing basic repairs yourself or have the budget to pay someone who can. The most common phrase in the RV community is probably, "It's always something."
  • The Space Crunch & Lack of Privacy: RVs are small. Even the biggest rigs can feel cramped, especially on rainy days. If you're traveling with a partner or family, you'll be in each other's space ALL the time. Communication & finding ways to get some alone time are absolutely essential to avoid driving each other crazy.
  • Finding a Place to Park: The popularity of RVing has exploded, which means campgrounds, especially in popular areas, can be booked up months in advance. You have to be a planner. And sometimes, you'll have to get creative, which might mean a night at a Cracker Barrel or a Cabela's. This can be particularly tricky in urban areas where RV parks are scarce. Sometimes you just need a place to park for a day or two to explore a city. This is another area where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can find & book a spot in someone's private driveway, which is often more convenient & affordable than trying to find a traditional RV park in a dense city.
  • Weather Woes: You are much more exposed to the elements in an RV. High winds can make driving terrifying. Extreme heat can overwhelm your AC, & freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, which is a major headache. You'll become an amateur meteorologist, constantly checking the forecast.
  • The Emotional Rollercoaster: The first few months can be tough. You might feel ungrounded, lonely, or even have panic attacks. It's a huge life change! It's okay to feel a mix of excitement & anxiety. It takes time to adjust, so be patient with yourself.

Choosing Your Home on Wheels: Which RV is Right for You?

There is no "perfect" rig. The best RV for you depends entirely on your travel style, family size, & budget. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types:
  • Class A Motorhomes: These are the big, bus-style RVs. They offer the most living space & luxury amenities, making them great for full-time living, especially if you plan to stay in one place for longer periods. Think of them as a condo on wheels.
  • Class C Motorhomes: These are the mid-sized RVs with the iconic cab-over sleeping area. They're a great balance of space & maneuverability, making them a popular choice for families.
  • Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans): These are the smallest of the motorized RVs. They're nimble, easy to drive, & can go almost anywhere. What you gain in mobility, you lose in living space, so they're best for solo travelers or couples who don't need a lot of room.
  • Fifth Wheels: These are the large trailers that connect to a hitch in the bed of a heavy-duty truck. They often have the most spacious, home-like layouts with high ceilings & multiple slide-outs, making them a favorite among full-time families.
  • Travel Trailers: These are towed behind a truck or large SUV. They come in a huge variety of sizes & price points, from tiny teardrops to massive bunkhouse models.
  • Toy Haulers: These can be either fifth wheels or travel trailers & feature a "garage" area in the back. This space is super versatile & can be used to haul motorcycles or ATVs, or it can be converted into an office or a bedroom for the kids.
Pro Tip: Before you buy, rent an RV for a week or two! Get a feel for what it's like to drive, set up, & live in. It's the best way to figure out what you do & don't like before making a huge financial commitment.

On the Road with the Whole Crew: RVing with a Family

Bringing kids along for the ride adds a whole new layer of adventure & challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
  • Space is Everything: When you're looking at RVs, really imagine your family living in it. Where will everyone sleep? Where will you store the toys? A bunkhouse model is often a great choice for families.
  • Homeschooling/Roadschooling: You'll need to figure out your kids' education. The good news is there are tons of options, from online curriculums to more flexible "unschooling" approaches. The world becomes your classroom!
  • Make it Fun for Them: Let the kids help plan your route. Ask them what they want to see & do. Building in plenty of downtime & fun activities will keep everyone happier.
  • Utilize Your Outdoor Space: Your campsite is an extension of your living room. Set up an outdoor rug, chairs, & maybe even a pop-up tent to give everyone more room to spread out.

The Unspoken Truth: Earning Money from Your Unused Space

Here's a little bonus thought. Once you're on the road, your old house or driveway is just sitting there empty. This is a pretty cool opportunity to make some passive income. You can list your empty driveway or garage on Prked. People are always looking for affordable & convenient parking or storage, especially in crowded areas. It’s a simple way to have a little extra cash flowing in to fund your adventures while you’re off exploring the country. Pretty smart, right?

Is It Worth It?

So, after all that, is full-time RVing worth it? For us, & for thousands of other nomads, the answer is a resounding YES.
It's a lifestyle that pushes you out of your comfort zone. You'll see incredible places, meet amazing people, & learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. You'll trade a life of routine for a life of adventure.
It’s not perfect, & it’s not always easy, but it is an incredible journey. I hope this guide has given you a realistic picture of what to expect. If you're ready to trade your picket fence for a set of wheels, I say go for it.
Let me know what you think in the comments! Happy travels.
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