Choosing the Perfect RV for Full-Time Living

Discover 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. 

A red and black rv parked in a grassy area.

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.

Sunset view behind buildings with a picnic table in the foreground.

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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?

Interior of a recreational vehicle (rv) featuring bunk beds with a person standing to the side.

How much storage space does it have?

Do you need space for pets? 

Will you be working remotely and need a designated workspace? 

A modern home office setup with a laptop on the desk and a large window providing natural light.

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?

Modern rv interior kitchen with dark wood cabinets, stainless steel microwave, and a fireplace.

Do you want a residential refrigerator?

A stainless steel refrigerator integrated into wooden cabinetry next to a black television set.

​We knew we wanted a master bedroom with a king-size bed.

Interior of a van converted into a small living space with a bed and kitchenette.

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.

Stacked washing machine and dryer housed in a wooden cabinet with doors open.

🚌 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?

Rvs on display at an outdoor recreational vehicle sales event under a partly cloudy sky.

And you also have to decide if you want a Class A toyhauler.

A large rv with an extended awning parked on a blue mat.

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 black camper van parked on a grassy area with its side door open.

A class B motorhomes also come in a B+ which are a size between a class B van and a small Class C.

A black and grey rv parked on a gravel lot beside a building with a blue-green facade.

Class C motorhomes are a middle ground between Class A and Class B, offering space and amenities at a more affordable price point. 

A jayco class c motorhome built on a ford chassis parked outdoors under a clear blue sky.

Super C motorhomes are built on a Freightliner chassis and look more like a semi than the smaller class c version.

A red and black rv parked on a blue surface.

Fifth wheel trailers and travel trailer are towable RVs that offer flexibility and affordability.

A jayco rv parked on grass with a blue mat and stairs extended, featuring an open door and visible interior.

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 vehicle and various items tightly packed into the back of a cargo van for transport.

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.

A pink and white vintage-style travel trailer parked on a green surface under a clear blue sky.

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.

A silver airstream travel trailer hitched to a pickup truck parked at a campsite with other rvs in the background.

You might even want to start out with a pop-up camper or truck camper.

Compact rv on showroom floor with attached kitchen and dining area inside.
Compact trailer with rooftop tent and attached ladder at an outdoor exhibition.

​🏞️ 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?
Small solar panel mounted on a metal surface, connected by a cable, with cleaning tools nearby.

💰 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. 

Used motor oil containers and a bucket for oil disposal on grass near a tree.

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.

Three types of recreational vehicles parked at a rest stop: a fifth-wheel rv, a travel trailer, and a motorhome.

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.

White pickup truck with a side mirror and "sierra 4x4" badging.

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.

An rv parked on the side of a road at sunset.

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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