The past few years have ushered in a number of significant economic and social changes prompting many to reconsider what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. For a growing subset of the population, these shifts have led to a realization that experiences, adventure, and quality time shared with loved ones are more important than climbing the corporate ladder.
People from all walks of life are making the decision to trade their stationary 9 - 5 routine for the flexibility and freedom of the nomadic full-time RV lifestyle. But, can you actually live in an RV full time? Absolutely! The full-time RV lifestyle is more popular than ever.
If you are considering taking your life out on the open road, check out our expert answers to the top questions new RV buyers ask about the full-time RV lifestyle.
The resurgence in a free-spirited, nomadic existence has certainly increased the popularity of other forms of full-time travel alongside the rise in full-time RVing. So, what does an RV offer that a converted van or passenger vehicle does not?
Whether you plan to travel solo, with a tribe of like-minded friends, with a significant other, or with the whole family, there is going to come a time when you need a quiet place all your own to get away from it all and just relax. The innovative interior and exterior design of today’s RVs make it easy for everyone to find all of the breathing room they need whenever they need for peace and quiet arises.
Modern RVs offer all of the household amenities and conveniences that we have come to rely on. Making the transition to a full-time nomadic lifestyle is much easier when you know that you will not have to sacrifice the traditional home appliances and fixtures you are accustomed to. Choosing an RV over a van or other vehicle allows you to continue to enjoy the convenience of an indoor kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, and kitchen sink. And, let’s not forget the obvious importance of an indoor bathroom with a flushable toilet and hot water shower.
Of course, it is often the less practical amenities that truly make a house a home, and an RV home is no exception. An RV allows for the comfort of a sofa, dining area, individual full-size beds, and personalized decor, so everyone feels at home when they walk in the door.
Storage space may not seem like a top priority when considering a full-time nomadic lifestyle, but take our word for it; even the most minimalistic lifestyle requires quite a bit of storage space. An RV offers the interior and exterior storage space that you need to store your daily wardrobe, outerwear, utensils, food, beverages, outdoor and sporting equipment, cleaning supplies, and tools.
The renewed interest in the full-time RV lifestyle has led to a dramatic increase in the areas where full-time RV living is welcomed. Today, you will find an array of options for parking your RV, no matter whether you are looking to set up a home base for a few days, a few weeks, or a few years.
Campgrounds and RV Parks are the RV parking spaces that most think of when they think of full-time RV living. These traditional RV parking spaces are a popular choice with RV travelers because they offer easy RV docking with all of the connections and conveniences built right into the space. While campgrounds are often geared towards short-term stays, RV parks generally offer longer-term accommodation, with many RV travelers choosing to set up a home base in an RV park for months or even years. This can give RV parks a familiar neighborhood feel where those who crave a sense of community connectedness can get to know their neighbors and feel at home.
Boondocking, also referred to as dry camping, refers to parking your RV on a piece of land that does not have RV docking connections. The rise in boondocking has dramatically increased the number and variety of places where you can set up your RV Homebase; however, a lack of connections will mean that your RV will need to be properly equipped with the necessary accessories to render it truly self-contained and able to meet you, and your family’s needs without external sources. You will need to ensure that you have ample power, often supplied through the purchase and installation of solar panels, and you will need to have extra water and waste storage tanks. While these extra needs may mean an additional upfront cost, once your RV has been properly equipped, boondocking can be a very cost-effective way to travel.
A fairly new trend, Moochdocking, offers the best of both worlds. The term moochdocking refers to the rising popularity of parking your RV at the home of a willing friend or relative and making use of the power supply and facilities of the property and home. Moochdocking offers an attractive alternative to Couchsurfing and allows for extended visits with faraway friends and relatives while still enjoying home’s personal space and familiar comforts.
One common concern of those considering a full-time RV lifestyle is how they earn an income and manage the expenses of a full-time RV lifestyle. After all, while living in an RV may be less expensive than a traditional lifestyle, it is not without cost. Depending on the lifestyle you choose, you will need to cover the costs of docking fees, RV maintenance, daily supplies, and any extras you may need. The good news is that more and more workplaces have been shifting the work environment to meet the newfound interest in a more flexible work/life balance. Many employers have shifted to remote work options allowing workers to complete their work from anywhere with an internet connection, including an RV.
Additionally, an RV extended warranty purchased through your RV manufacturer or RV Dealership can help you budget RV maintenance costs and avoid unexpected and expensive RV repair bills.
The type of RV you choose can make all of the difference in the enjoyment and ultimate success of your nomadic lifestyle transition. Before you head out to the RV Dealership, take a few moments to consider what type of RV lifestyle you plan on living and what your needs and the needs of your family are likely to be. This will help you to narrow down your search to the type of RV that fits you and your family best.
Fifth Wheel RVs are one of the most popular towable RVs for full-time RV travelers. The unique design of a fifth-wheel RV trailer hitch attaches to a specially designed plate in the back of a truck bed rather than to the rear bumper of the tow vehicle. This system allows for more interior space without adding to the combined length of the trailer and tow vehicle. The fifth wheel design creates a large lofted space that extends over the tow vehicle and lends itself perfectly to use as a bedroom, office, or additional living space.
Rockwood RV offers a superb lineup of fifth-wheel RVs that put the extra interior space to good use by offering all of the comforts of a traditional home, like a private master bedroom space complete with a king-size bed full, size bathroom fixtures, and plenty of closet space.
Travel trailers offer the same towable convenience as fifth-wheel RVs without the need for specialized equipment or modification of the tow vehicle. Travel trailers come in a wide array of sizes and styles to accommodate a full spectrum of full-time RV lifestyles.
Check out the possibilities offered in the Cherokee RV travel trailer lineup. You will find lightweight, compact models perfect for an adventure-filled RV lifestyle off the beaten path, as well as larger models with slide-outs that allow for plenty of room for the whole family and all of the creature comforts of home.
A Toy Hauler is a specialized type of travel trailer that includes an extended “garage” space to house all of your large or bulky adventure equipment, including bicycles and all-terrain vehicles. Check out the selection of Puma XLE Toy Haulers to get an idea of the innovative design and function built into these extreme multi-taskers of the RV world.
For those looking for a true home on wheels, the motorhome offers the complete package without needing to purchase and maintain a separate vehicle to tow the RV from one location to another. There is perhaps no name more synonymous with the motorhome than the Winnebago brand. This classic RV manufacturer offers some of the best Motorhomes on the market today, with features like walk-around king-size beds, full-size kitchen appliances, slide-out living room space, and guest bathrooms for a true zoned living.
When you are ready to make the leap to a full-time RV lifestyle, head on over to RV Wholesalers, we will be happy to show you around our large selection of new and used RVs from quality RV makes like Forest River RV and others. Our friendly team has the knowledge and expertise to help you select the perfect RV to match you and your family’s needs.
We are not just looking for a quick sale. We want a long-term relationship with ALL of our customers built on trust, integrity, fairness, service and support.
