Many individuals are bitten by the full time RVing bug and decide to head out for a permanent life on the road.
It can be a reality rather than a dream, and many individuals are doing the same thing. While some have ultra-modern motorhomes, and others have a used camper, they renovated.
Every one of them needs to go through preparation before they can become full-timers and hit the road.
Our ultimate guide shows all you need to know about how to live in a camper full time, and more importantly, what you need to do for preparation.
Full Time RVing Basics
You may already be doing your research on which is the right camper travel trailer or RV for your situation.
You can learn a lot online, but you need to focus on specific areas instead of compiling a general list of what sounds essential about living in a camper.
Here are the fundamental areas where to guide your learning:
- What clothes will you need for RVing?
- What are the different types of campers and RV’s? (Size matters)
- Which are the best RV’s for living on the road
- Which are the best domicile and residency states for a full-time RVer?
- What will you be doing with your mail?
- What is the best healthcare and insurance?
- What are your opportunities for an income on the open road?
If you think this isn’t too much to research, you are wrong, as there is much more to learn when you have a complete lifestyle change.
Full-Time RV Living Tips for Preparation
Here are more in-depth answers to the questions you need to be asking before undertaking full-time RV living.
Set Your Start Date
You will get to the stage when your research isn’t adding much else to your list, and setting a date is crucial. Once you have a date in mind, you have the focus to do the things you may have put off.
You may not stick to things, yet when you need to start insurances and possibly sell or rent your home out, and then you do need a date to aim for.
Get Your Finances in Place
Many individuals who see living in a camper full-time as the way to spend less than living in a conventional home. It isn’t always the case, because you can end up paying more than you expect, and more than you want.
In your research, you need to calculate costs against the following:
- Cost of all your equipment
- Estimated repair costs per month
- Your campground fees (Check National Parks that allow primitive camping, Boondocking free on BLM land)
- Calculate all your utility and communication bills (Propane, internet, cell phone charges, etc.)
- Additional expenses for your RV upkeep
It isn’t an extensive list, and that is because it isn’t complete. Depending on your circumstances, you can have a second list of things you need to consider.
Electric (available hookups on some campgrounds)
- Vehicle loan if any
- RV fuel (the further you drive, the more it will cost)
- Special equipment (picnic tables, grills and many more small items you may pick up along the way)
- Others items
A smaller RV will indeed cost less for heating or cooling. In comparison to your cost-saving analogy, a large RV can cost the same as an apartment to heat or cool.
Areas you may have an idea about, but don’t give too much thought in the beginning, are windshields or window replacement on your RV.
Additionally, you will need to spend more on your health insurance when hitting the road. Besides this, you need to arrange your domicile state, which is where you will open your bank accounts, pay taxes, or anything else to remain legal. (Read RV Air Conditioner Troubleshooting)
Don’t forget mail forwarding when living the full-time RV life. You won’t get this delivered into the middle of a National Park, so you do need to collect from a designated place.
Every full-timing RVer will have different costs, and you may find yourself spending more in the beginning. It can be a great way to save money when living full-time in a small place.
Things to Do Before Hitting the Road
Once you have your date, you have all your information from your research, and you find you can go full-time RV living across the United States.
Your work may just be beginning; you will slowly slip from your home life into your camper van life.
Here are the final things you need to consider as you leap traveling around the great outdoors.
Compile Your Task List
- Finish your research for campers and RV’s. Find out what they need to maintain, and where you can park them. Some campgrounds only allow vehicles up to a certain length.
- Begin to de-clutter your home (organize a garage sale for unwanted items)
- Arrange your domicile state (Texas, Florida, and South Dakota domicile friendly)
- Driving licenses need to be from your domicile state (check vehicle type a sit can affect your license)
- Cancel the utilities associated with your old home
Once you begin filling your RV with all your necessities, you quickly find that life will be much different from your home. You will discover many living tips useful because the amount of space will reduce. (Learn How To Paint RV Exterior Fiberglass)
You may end up with just the things you need, rather than something you think you need. One of the last things you will do is to be giving your fond farewells to your friends and family.
However, this doesn’t mean you won’t see them again, as you can arrange to meet them when they are on vacation, or as you are traveling where you wish, you can pop back at any time you want.
