full time rv living must haves

12 Essential Must Haves For Full Time RV Living

• 12 Essential Must-Haves for Full Time RV Living. ...
• WeBoost Cell Signal Booster. ...
• RV GPS. ...
• Surge Protector for 30 or 50amp. ...
• VIAIR Air Compressor. ...
• Water Pressure Regulator. ...
• Water-Saving Showerhead. ...
• Comfortable Mattress. ...
• Wheel Chocks. ...
• Leveling Blocks. ...

More items...

Full Answer

Do you want to live in an RV full time?

Whether you want to live in a RV full time or just experience more freedom or control over your life, creating a super clear vision is imperative to living out your dream life. Hailey and John say: Choose a rig and go from there.

What are the must haves in an RV?

1) Water hose + Water Pressure Regulator + Filter At the top of the list of RV must-haves is a hose dedicated to drinking water. Freshwater is a commodity on the road. When you fill-up you want to make sure you have a hose isolated for freshwater.

How long have we been living in our RV?

We've been living full time in our RV for nearly 3 years as we've traveled throughout North America. We've been from Florida to Alaska to Baja and nearly everywhere in between in our pursuit of Abundant Life. Join us in our journey as we hope to inspire you to pursue Abundant Life on the road!

Is full-time RVing a good idea?

Digital nomads have brought tiny houses, van living, full-time RV living and full-time travel to the forefront of American life. Never before has full-time RVing been such a realistic idea for so many people. If you’re part of the massive group that is intrigued by this non-traditional lifestyle, then go for it!

Is it hard to live in an RV full time?

Life on the road can often get lonely, even for couples or families who travel together. Committing to the full-time RV lifestyle often means forgoing a sense of community, missing out on family events and waking up every day in a new, unfamiliar place. For the Nealys, this is the greatest challenge of full-time RVing.

What Every RV owner should have?

While each RV will have different essentials, based on the type and it's features, here's a basic list of must-haves.Sewer hose.Fresh water hose.Leveling blocks.Wheel chocks.15M/30F amp power adapter.RV septic-safe toilet paper.Water pressure regulator.RV cleaning items (wash, wax, ladder, bucket, sponge)

What is a good budget for full time RV living?

We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.

What You Need to Know Before living in an RV?

10 Things to Know About Living in an RV Full-TimeDifferent Types of RV Dwellers. ... Choose the Right Travel Partner. ... Select an RV That Meets Your Needs. ... You'll Need to be a Minimalist. ... Roadside Assistance is Worth it. ... Campsites Range From Cheap to Pricey. ... You Can't Boondock Just Any Old Place. ... You Can Find Work on the Fly.More items...•

How do I stock my RV?

The easiest and cheapest way to stock up your RV kitchen is to raid your kitchen at home for any duplicate or underutilized items. Most people more pots, pans, mugs, and cooking utensils than they need to be stuffed into in their kitchen cabinets.

Is it financially smart to live in an RV?

It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.

Is RV living cheaper than owning a house?

So the initial cost of RV living is certainly lower than buying a house, and you'll save money by not having to stay at expensive RV parks every night. After all, the average cost of an RV park is around $30 a day.

How do full time RVers make money?

Read on to understand six of the most essential ways you can use your recreational time to generate substantial income to support your needs and goals.Telecommuting. Many businesses allow people to work online full-time. ... Freelancing Online. ... Workamping. ... Start a Blog. ... Amazon CamperForce. ... Become an RV Technician.

What type of rig is best for a full time RV?

Which type of rig will make the best RV for your full time RVing adventure depends on your personal travel style and preferences, but most campers prefer a fairly sizable rig like a Class A motorhome or fifth wheel travel trailer — though no matter what you choose, it’s important to pick a rig that’s rated for four-season use!

What do small comforts do for a motorhome?

Whether it’s a candle whose scent reminds you of somewhere you love or your favorite comfy-cozy blanket, when you’re constantly on the road, small physical comforts can really help you feel more anchored and ensure your motorhome really is home, no matter where you park it!

Can you live in a camper all year?

If you live in your camper all year, that includes winter. And although chasing the sun is a great plan, you may just find yourself in freezing weather despite your best efforts to the contrary. (After all, you’ve still got family to visit up north over the holidays, right?)

Can you live without a sewer hose in an RV?

For example, yes, having some great folding camp chairs or a portable grill can be handy if you like taking advantage of an RV’s outdoor living space. But one RV household item you absolutely can’t live without is a sturdy sewer hose. (Trust us: it’s worth spending the extra cash for quality when you’re talking about dumping your black tank. That’s one mess you don’t want to deal with.)

Is RVing fun?

But as in any other area in life, RVing is the most fun when you have the right tools along for the job. And some of the most essential RV items — the ones that ensure you stay a happy camper — aren’t necessarily the ones you first think of.

Propane Tank Gas Level Indicator

This is the coolest thing! All you have to do is stick the sensor magnetically to the bottom of the tank, and with the included smartphone app, it tells you to the single percentage value, what the level of your DOT propane tank is. It will work with 20lb, 30lb, and 40lb RV tanks.

Motorhome Extend-a-Stay

For those of us with a motorhome, when we stay for more than a few weeks in the cold weather, the ASME propane tank empties quickly! That means breaking camp to get the tank filled unless you have one of these.

Portable Air Compressor

We all know the importance of correct tire pressure when it comes to traveling in an RV! Pam and I check out pressure each morning of travel by just the simple act of turning on our Tire Pressure Monitor System .

Wireless Battery Backup Camera System for Trailer Hitch Up

I just found this cool little device. I have the hand-held version, but now it is available in the blue tooth version that works with smartphones. When backing to the trailer this is always a needed device. I found it invaluable in getting the 5th wheel hooked to the truck! I have used it to back into sites where I had blind spots.

Heated RV Water Hose

Having a heated RV water hose can make full time RV living in the winter more comfortable! Instead of having to disconnect and use the onboard water tank and water pump, a heated RV water hose can allow usage of the RV park’s city water service.

What to use to hold RV together?

Aside from screws, nuts and bolts of various sizes hold your life together when you are on the road in your RV. From this standpoint, having a good ratchet set and/or a few different pliers will come in handy.

What is the best griddle for RV camping?

This Blackstone griddle is by far our favorite RV grill and the centerpiece of your RV camping kitchen. We’ve had a few grills in our years of full-time RVing and the Blackstone quickly became the best.

Do you need to have a power adapter for an RV?

Depending on your RV electrical setup and needs, you will want to have several power adapters on hand to step up or down the current that your RV requires. You may find yourself in a campground where only one type of power source is available and you may need to step up or down to meet your RV power requirement.

Can you cook in an RV kitchen?

Although your RV kitchen will likely be many times smaller than what you’re used to, you can still turn it into a fully functional space where you can cook your favorite meal s. These are our top recommendations for your RV kitchen based on our years of trying to make the most of our love for cooking food on the road.

Do RV power cords reach the power source?

Sometimes your RV power cord will reach the power source on its own. Other times you will need a power cord extension.

What is the biggest consideration when it comes to motorhome living for beginners?

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to motorhome living for beginners has to be budget. Does living in an RV full time cost as much as living in a traditional home? How much does it cost to RV full time? Are there ways to save money on the cost of full time RVing ?

What do Dustin and Jen say about RV living?

Dustin and Jen say: RV living can be exactly what you need it to be, with options ranging from a small camper-van to luxury motorcoaches—it’s customizable to your lifestyle. Just know what you want up-front, do your research, and know what you are committing to. We love it for this season of our life!

What does Brittany say about the camper?

Brittany says: Expect to always be in someone’s way! As a family of five, we’ve had to learn to communicate better when it comes to moving & navigating through the camper (something you rarely ever do in a stocks & bricks home). Although this has been a huge obstacle for us, it’s also brought us so much closer as a family.

What does Ashley H. mean by "living small"?

Ashley H. says: I say if living small, being debt free, traveling the world or any other reason is something someone wants to do then go for it. We get one life to live and I say we live it. The way we choose to and not the way others want us to.

How to save money on the road?

There are tons of ways to save money on the road like free parking, cooking in , utilizing RV memberships, traveling less often to save on gas, etc. But overall, you buy less since you have less space and avoid monthly bills like cable, trash, utilities, and the costs of maintaining a house.

Do full timers have the same journey?

Know that no two full-timers have the same journey. You will encounter your own obstacles, your own mistakes, and your own wondrous surprises. Even if you don’t know how to do something right now, trust in yourself, that you will figure it out, that your life experiences have prepared you for this journey.

Is it easy to live a life of adventure?

Gwen & CJ say: This lifestyle isn’t necessarily easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. There will be times in the first few months of your adventure that you may take a step back and wonder what the heck you were thinking. Know that no two full-timers have the same journey. You will encounter your own obstacles, your own mistakes, and your own wondrous surprises. Even if you don’t know how to do something right now, trust in yourself, that you will figure it out, that your life experiences have prepared you for this journey. And know that the challenges you overcome will bring you a sense of great accomplishment and gratitude that you were brave enough to take it on in the first place.

What to know before buying land for RV?

If you do find a parcel of land in a location that allows full-time RV living, there are several things to keep in mind: Sewer: Most areas that allow you to live full-time in an RV will not have access to a public sewer.

How many tanks does an RV have?

Here’s a rundown of how most RVs work to see if you may be able to handle it. Most RVs will have three tanks: freshwater tank, gray tank, and black tank.

What are the different types of trailers?

The different types of trailers include: 1 Pop-up or foldable trailers: compact, but need to be physically folded before they’re usable 2 Travel trailers: wide range of towables ranging in size 3 Toy haulers: feature a “garage” so you can haul a large “toy” like an ATV or snowmobile 4 Fifth wheels: largest RVs on the market, heaviest, require a specific type of in-bed truck tow hitch

What is a pop up trailer?

Pop-up or foldable trailers: compact, but need to be physically folded before they’re usable. Travel trailers: wide range of towables ranging in size. Toy haulers: feature a “garage” so you can haul a large “toy” like an ATV or snowmobile.

How much does an RV park cost?

A trailer park, on the other hand, is a more permanent residence. RV parks typically cost around $35 per night, but can easily get more expensive.

What is RV in motorhomes?

RV stands for recreational vehicle, so in itself, it isn’t a single vehicle. Rather, it’s a category of vehicle, just like an SUV is. Let’s dive into the main categories of RVs, so you can get a feel for what you’d like. Motorhomes: Motorhomes are what you’d think they’d be based on their names.

Can you claim a lot as your residence?

You can even claim the lot as your residence for mailing and tax purposes.

1. Comfy Chairs

The very first thing we purchased after moving into the KOA is some chairs for our campsite. It was apparent that our camping chairs just weren’t going to cut it. We ended up opting for a versatile chair, so we could use them at our folding table or around the campfire.

2. Solo Fire Pit

When my husband and I moved into our fifth wheel, he bought me a Solo Fire Pit as a “house warming” gift! We have gotten SO much use out of it and truly love it. We’ve had a lot of people ask if it’s really worth all the hype…. And we recommend this fire pit to EVERYONE… it’s really that awesome!

3. Large Outdoor Rug

Since we have a toddler, having a large outdoor rug has been essential. But even if we didn’t have a child, we would definitely get a large outdoor rug. It adds a bit of coziness to the space and keeps things a bit cleaner!

4. A Small Mat for in Front of the Door

When living in a campground, they typically don’t have a nice concrete pad. Full-timers get gravel or dirt, which means you will be tracking this into your RV. We ended up getting a cute little mat from Hearth and Hand @Target. I think this also adds a homey feel even if you didn’t need it to keep your RV clean.

5. Outdoor Table

If you don’t plan on moving often, getting a semi-permanent table would be a nice touch! We ended up opting for a black folding card table, so when we travel from SC to ID each year we can easily fit it in our undercarriage storage.

6. Grill

Every RV owner needs a grill! On those super hot days when you don’t want to make your AC units work any harder, you will have the option to cook outside. Again, if you don’t plan on moving get something that’s more permanent. But if you plan on traveling at all, purchase something that’s portable.

7. Skirting for Your Trailer

Most people that were permanently living in their trailer had skirting around the bottom. This helps to keep critters from getting in your trailer, looks cleaner can hide things and helps regulate the temperature.

Technology

GPS GPS are not infallible, but still danged handy for just plain getting us there. We enjoy having a dedicated Garmin GPS. We purchased an aftermarket Dash Vent Mount - it’s easily flipped between driver and navigator and is easier to reach. Our GPS has voice-response and we named it Mr.

Vehicle

On-Board Air Compressor Improper inflation causes most flats while traveling. Elevation and temperature change affects tire pressure. You can get fancy monitoring systems but a tire gauge works for that.

Trailer Exterior

X-Chocks Simple and quick to put in, these X-Chocks eliminate a lot of trailer shimmy. Not all of it, but noticeable when we don’t put them in.

Trailer Interior

Electric Heater Most of the time you are paying for electric at your site so there’s no sense in using your propane to heat your trailer with. Pick up an electric ceramic heater for around $50 and it will keep the trailer in the 60’s even when the outside temps are in the 30’s. Pays for itself the first 2 propane refills it saves.

Clothing

Simplified Wardrobes Clothes storage is limited, so it works better to not have clothes that can’t be worn together. We’ve simplfied down to a limited color range, gotten rid of 95% of our whites (hard to keep them white in public laundromats), so everything coordinates.

Food and Food Preparation

Electric Fry Pan Cooking inside the trailer can really heat it up - great when it’s cold out but not when it’s hot out. Being able to cook outdoors is handy, so an extension cord and the electric fry pan comes out in those cases.

Personal Care

Camp Towels These quick-dry camp towels are the bomb - they pack very tightly for shower trips and dry in minutes (especially in the Arizona desert). We put up hooks for them in the shower.

Kitchen, Living, and Bathroom Gear

Fun, Tech, and Living

Water, Power, and Utilities.

• CO Detector and Fire Extinguisher
  It’s impossible to overstate how important adding a Carbon Monoxide detector and a highly-effective fire extinguisher to your RV or tiny house is. Carbon Monoxide is odorless and potentially deadly. Given that many of the best tiny house appliances are natural gas or propane powered, it…
• Jack Pad
  Many RVs and tiny homes include built-in levelling jacks for campsites that aren’t quite flat and comfy. They allow you to get your home flat, level, and fully set up for a comfortable night’s sleep in minutes without any guesswork. One problem for new RVers or tiny lifers is how to level your …

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Final Thoughts