RV Life Explained: Ultimate Guide to the Full-Time RV Lifestyle

If you’re intrigued by the full-time RV lifestyle but aren’t familiar with it, this article will explore the various types of RVs and the numerous ways they can be utilized for full-time living.

An RV, or recreational vehicle, refers to a motor vehicle or trailer equipped with living quarters. There are numerous types of RVs suitable for the full-time RV lifestyle, including campervans, fifth wheels, truck campers, among others. Choosing the best RV for your needs can be daunting. Let’s explore the various types of RVs along with their advantages and disadvantages.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All recommendations are my own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

Motorhomes

Class A

Class A RVs are the largest in the RV classes, with lengths varying from 26 to 45 feet. They are constructed on a single chassis, which may include two or even three axles. These RVs can operate on diesel or gasoline. Their design and layout typically provide many home-like luxuries. Most come equipped with a complete kitchen, including a dishwasher, microwave, oven, stove, and a full-sized refrigerator and freezer. They also feature living areas with sofas, bathrooms, and a bedroom with a king-sized bed.

Class A RVs offer ample space and amenities akin to a standard home, but they are also more costly. When exploring RV options, Class A models initially topped our list. As a family of four, we naturally gravitated towards a larger RV with numerous amenities. However, an RV dealer we consulted advised against this, explaining that most Class A RV layouts are tailored for couples, whereas Class C RVs, despite being smaller, are designed with families in mind.

Pros:

• Spacious.
• Contains home-like luxuries.
• Lots of storage space.
• Does not require a towing vehicle.

Cons:

• Their size may be too large for some campsites and travel destinations.
• Expensive.
• May require a special license to drive.
• Finding parking in certain lots or neighborhoods may be challenging. Although it’s not mandatory, many Class A owners choose to tow a secondary vehicle, commonly known as a toad, dinghy, or tow vehicle.

Class B

While Class A is the largest of the classes, Class B is the smallest. Also known as campervans, these are usually the size of a typical van. While small, the ingenuity to accommodate basic necessities is incredible. Most campervans are equipped with a sleeping space, small sink and counter space, even a toilet and shower! Campervans are great for people who plan on doing a lot of traveling. They are small, easy to maneuver and do not require a special license.

Although it is feasible to accommodate up to six individuals in a Class B under certain conditions, these vehicles are mainly intended for solo travelers or couples. Families with one or two small children might manage in a Class B, but they should be aware that storage space is quite limited. When contemplating a full-time RV lifestyle, the amount of space required for comfort is a crucial factor in selecting the appropriate RV.

Pros:

• Typically less expensive than other RV options.
• Fuel efficient.
• Contains basic amenities.
• Easy to drive and can travel to nearly all campgrounds and sites.

Cons:

• Small living quarters with little storage space.
• Typically, comfortable for no more than two people.
• Not enough space for special amenities or larger appliances.

Class C

Photos courtesy of: Larry Hudson @zebhudson843 and Scott Beeman

Nestled between Class A and Class B, the Class C RV offers a balance of space and amenities. It’s more expansive than a campervan, yet it provides many features similar to a Class A, making it an excellent mid-range option. Class C is particularly suitable for family travel and is generally more budget-friendly than Class A.

Additionally, Class C RVs are more maneuverable and can accommodate most campsites and locations. They also have the capability to tow a small car or vehicle, with most Class C RVs handling between 3,000 and 8,000 pounds. For those who appreciate the drivability of Class C with the desire for the space and amenities of Class A, the Super C might be the perfect fit.

Pros:

• More affordable than a Class A.
• Accommodating for families.
• Smaller in height and length so they can fit in most campgrounds and can drive under most bridges.
• Amenities including a bedroom, bathrooms, kitchen and living area.

Cons:

• Although smaller than Class A vehicles, they are still larger than Class B, which makes them more challenging to drive.
• Average sizes range from 20-28 feet in length. While more spacious that a Class B, they can still feel a bit cozy.

Trailers

Fifth Wheel

Unlike drivable motorhome classes, trailers are towed behind a vehicle. Fifth wheels, similar to Class A motorhomes, are often more luxurious trailers. They vary in size from 22 to over 40 feet in length, offering many of the same amenities as a Class A but at a more affordable cost. Families who embrace a full-time RV lifestyle frequently choose fifth wheels for their ample space, luxury features, and a variety of styles and sleeping arrangements. Our personal choice for a fifth wheel was influenced by the availability of a queen bunk room from Grand Design. Additionally, some fifth wheels provide mid-bunk layouts, as well as multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

Towing a fifth wheel requires a pickup truck, as the trailer’s front extends over the truck bed and connects to a hitch specifically designed for this purpose. This configuration facilitates easier towing, keeping the fifth wheel closely behind the truck. It’s crucial to consider the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Payload Capacity when planning to tow. Overloading the truck with a fifth wheel that surpasses its towing capacity can lead to severe damage to both the truck and the trailer. Therefore, we advise determining the towing capabilities of your truck before investing in a fifth wheel.

Pros:

• Spacious with many modern amenities.
• Multitude of different floor plans and layouts.
• Good option for families.
• Easier towing than a standard travel trailer.

Cons:

• Requires a pickup truck with special hitching equipment for towing.
• The size of the fifth wheel may necessitate a truck with enhanced suspension and a sturdier chassis.
• Passengers are prohibited from riding in a fifth wheel while it is being towed. They must be seated in the towing vehicle, which might not offer the same level of comfort as a motorhome.

Bumper Pull Trailer or Travel Trailer

Photos courtesy of: Kelly Ericksen @kell.why07, Rachel @theadventurebox_, Kyle and Emily @another.amazing.adventure, and Wendyl Hagood

Bumper pull trailers offer a lighter and more affordable alternative to fifth wheels, with a variety of sizes and designs available. They attach to a standard trailer hitch, making it possible for some models to be towed by a sedan or SUV. However, larger travel trailers might need the power of a truck for towing. In terms of size and layout, travel trailers can be anything from snug to fairly spacious, and often come equipped with amenities like a kitchenette and a toilet. Pull-behind travel trailers come in various types, ranging from large model traditional travel trailers with slide-outs to compact designs like teardrop trailers and pop-up campers.

Pros:

• Variety of design options and sizes
• Relatively more affordable than other RV options
• Smaller pull-behinds do not require a truck with a special towing hitch

Cons:

• Larger models may require a larger pickup truck for towing
• Longer trailers are harder to maneuver and control

Skoolie

A “skoolie” refers to a retired school bus transformed into a distinctive and customizable motorhome. Built on robust commercial truck frames with steel tubing and panels, school buses are renowned for their safety and durability. The conversion of a school bus into a habitable space is often undertaken by individuals or specialized firms that install features like bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges. Beyond school buses, other vehicles such as ambulances and even garbage trucks are also being repurposed into recreational vehicles.

Pros:

• Designed for safety and constant travel.
• Low upfront costs.
• Customizable.

Cons:

• Requires significant demolition and reconstruction which can take a long time to complete.
• Cost to convert a school bus into a livable home average between $20,000 to $40,000.
• It can be difficult to drive in certain areas and to find parking. Depending on the type of traveling, a tow vehicle may be necessary.

Truck Campers

Photos courtesy of: Patty Gill @gill_on_wheels

Truck campers come in two varieties: hard side and pop-up. Hard side campers feature walls akin to those of a towable RV, whereas pop-ups have flexible, collapsible walls. Both types offer many standard RV amenities, including a bedroom, kitchenette, and even a bathroom. Truck campers are designed to be compatible with a range of trucks, from full-size to mid-size, and can accommodate long beds, short beds, and flatbeds. They offer the versatility to travel wherever a pickup truck can go and possess the capability to tow various recreational items like boats, ATVs, motorcycles, or other towable gear.

Pros:

• Truck campers are low maintenance compared to RV alternatives.
• Easy maneuverability and can fit in almost any parking area.
• 42 states classify them as cargo instead of an RV, which means no registration fees.
• Good option if you have toys you want to haul.

Cons:

• They have limited space and are not meant for bigger families.
• Truck campers do not have many options for people with mobility issues.
• A one-ton truck is frequently recommended for hauling truck campers due to its high payload rating and the necessary suspension and brakes to transport a truck camper safely.

Full-Time RV Lifestyle

Now that we’ve reviewed the types of recreational vehicles available, you might wonder where you can take them. There are two ways to enjoy the full-time RV lifestyle: stationary or nomadic. Additionally, there are numerous places where you can park and set up your rig. Next, we’ll explore these options and their variations.

Stationary versus Nomadic

Contrary to the common perception that a full-time RV lifestyle entails ceaseless travel, many RVers actually prefer to stay put with the freedom to move at will. Reasons for choosing a stationary RV life vary, including cost savings, employment commitments, proximity to family, or as a temporary residence during home construction. A number of RV parks and campgrounds cater to long-term stays, providing essential amenities for hookups. Alternatively, RVers can park their rigs on their own land or with permission on the property of family and friends. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the property owner consents and to verify whether state regulations permit such arrangements, as some states may require a special permit.

For those embracing the full-time RV lifestyle and the nomadic journey, it’s important to consider certain aspects before setting out. To avoid travel fatigue, many nomadic RVers adhere to the 3-3-3 Rule of RV Travel. This rule suggests not driving more than 300 miles in a day, staying three nights at each campground, and arriving at your destination by 3 pm. Full-time RVers will confirm that travel days can be draining, and too much travel can cause burnout. Although there may be times when longer travel days or more frequent moves are necessary, the 3-3-3 Rule is a useful guideline to remember.

Different Setup Options for Full-Time RV Lifestyle

You’ve got your RV and are ready to park and embark on your full-time RV lifestyle adventure. What parking options are available for your journey? Next, I will break down the types of hookups and camping styles you are likely to encounter on the road.

Full Hookups

“Full Hookups” indicates that a campsite is equipped with electrical, water, and sewer connections. Initially, as we began our full-time RV lifestyle journey, we mistakenly believed that all campgrounds and campsites came with full hookups. Although it’s a bonus to find locations with full hookups, they are not standard at every campground. For sites with full hookups, RV parks and resorts are your most reliable options. Some state parks also offer them, but not necessarily at every site.

Partial Hookups / Electric Only

Partial hookups refer to a site equipped only with electrical and water connections. This implies that sewage will accumulate in the RV’s black tank throughout your stay and must be emptied at a dump station when leaving. Most campgrounds provide a dump station on the premises.

“Electric only” indicates that your campsite will only have an electricity supply, and you’ll need to fill your freshwater tank with drinkable water before setting up. While drinkable (potable) water is typically available at dump stations, there are parks where it’s necessary to fill up at spigots situated near the bathhouses or throughout the park.

Before settling at any electrical site, ensure you inspect the electrical pedestal prior to detaching your rig. Electrical sites may provide 50/30/15 amp outlets, so it’s essential to possess the correct equipment for your rig. For instance, if we have a 50 amp electrical cord and the site offers only a 30 amp outlet, we must use a dog bone electrical adapter to connect. Additionally, we advise having an EMS (Electrical Management System) to safeguard your RV against power surges, high and low voltage, open neutral, open ground, accidental 220-volt connections, AC frequency, and reverse polarity.

Boondocking

Boondocking refers to camping without hookups outside of established campgrounds. This includes remote wilderness areas, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, or even a Wal-Mart parking lot—though it’s important to verify permission from the store first, as not all allow it. Dry docking is a similar concept but specifically involves staying at a developed campground without hookups, such as in a national park, where there are designated camping areas but no utility connections.

When boondocking, it’s important to consider time constraints. Many public areas enforce a limit on how long you can remain. Local ordinances and restrictions may prohibit overnight parking or limit the use of electrical generators during nighttime hours. Additionally, being mindful of your vehicle’s freshwater and sewage capacity is crucial.

Photos courtesy of: Sarah @runningfromnormal

Moochdocking

Moochdocking is essentially what it sounds like, parked and camping on someone’s driveway or land. A few things to consider when staying on someone else’s property is what type of hookup, if any, are available and the laws that may be in place in a city or state. Some cities have rules against RVs parked in driveways. Obviously, moochdocking sounds like something you do when you are staying with family or friends, but believe it or not, there are services that connect those who love to host campers. If you are in need of a spot for a night or two Boondockers Welcome is a great resource.

Photos courtesy of: Courtney @bccampingadventures

There You Have It!

Deciding to embark on full-time RV living is thrilling but can also be scary. With a variety of RVs available for the full-time RV lifestyle, selecting the ideal one for your family presents a challenge. Another consideration is how to approach full-time RVing. You should now have an enhanced understanding of the various types of vehicles and methods to integrate full-time RV living into your lifestyle.

Do you have other questions about the full-time RV lifestyle? Let me know in the comments below

*Author’s Note: The images featured in this post have been provided by fellow full-time RV enthusiasts. There is a wealth of groups and communities dedicated to supporting those who have chosen the full-time RV lifestyle. Should you be interested in discovering the community that best fits your needs, do not hesitate to contact me, and I would be delighted to assist.