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living in rv full time with family

by Rosa Greenfelder Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Best RVs For Full Time Living With Family And Kids

  1. Airstream Classic. Airstream Classic is a legendary name in the world of RVs. The sleek aluminum design has been...
  2. Thor Quantum LF31. Thor Quantum LF31 is a Class C motor home. With the help of heavy-duty van chassis, it is highly...
  3. Grand Design Reflection 28BH. Many individuals are searching for fifth wheels,...

Yes, you really can! Although, you do need to have a legal mailing address and pay taxes to a particular state. Yet, you absolutely can live and travel in an RV with your kids! Many of our members join Escapees with their first year of their Fulltime Families membership, which is FREE when they join Fulltime Families.Nov 26, 2018

Full Answer

Can you really live full time in a RV?

That’s both a yes and no, parking and living in an RV on your own land is not illegal. If you’re planning to live in it full-time, though, you’ll likely be breaking the law that can you live in an RV. Even if you own the land, there are laws prohibiting you from using it as a permanent house.

How much does it cost to live in a RV full time?

Overall, something between $2,000 and $3,000 seems standard for two people RVing full-time. Of course, it can be more or less depending on your lifestyle and lots of other factors including the campgrounds you live in, traveling distance, the cost of your rig, and more.

Is it illegal to live in a RV full time?

It is both legal and illegal to live in an RV full time. It all will depend on where you keep your RV parked and if you managed to make it your full address. You must speak with the HOA or/and the local council and ask whether you need a permit for it.

Can you save money living in a RV full-time?

Absolutely. If you are willing to reduce the number of things that you have in your home, have a bit of adventure in you and really want to focus on saving, you can save money by living in an RV. The best way to save money is to find a cheap place to park as pad fees can add up quick.

How do people afford to live in an RV full time?

Four Steps To Afford The RV LifestyleBe realistic about your RV budget. There are many options when it comes to RV types. ... Create a monthly travel budget. Creating a budget doesn't stop with the RV. ... Find ways to save. There are many ways to save money so that you can afford the RV lifestyle. ... Earn money on the road.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for RVing?

By adhering to this simple rule of thumb, you can make traveling easier for your whole family. What is this? First, limit your travel to no more than 300 miles in one day. Second, arrive no later than 3 p.m. Finally, stay at your destination for at least three days.

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.

Can a family of 6 live in a RV?

Having two bedrooms in the RV is even more ideal! Once you have sleeping space for everyone, you'll want to look at a few other amenities as well. It is possible to survive on the road with six people and one bathroom, but if you have the option to have two that's certainly preferable.

What is the 222 rule in RVing?

The RVing 2/2/2 rule is a safe and effective way to plan your travel. It means drive no more than 200 miles a day, stop every 2 hours, and stay 2 nights in each place. Some RVers also put an appendix on the rule encouraging drivers to arrive at an overnight destination by 2:00 p.m.

How far can you drive an RV in a day?

Drive no more than 200 miles in one day. Stop every two hours for a stretch break. Arrive at the campground by 2 p.m. Stay at least two nights at the same campground. This is the 2/2/2 rule.

Why you shouldn't live in an RV?

Lack of Privacy. Unless you're living the RV lifestyle alone, finding personal space can become an issue. With such a small living area and no walls to divide rooms, it's hard to find privacy. Since you live in a super-cool home, people will want to come and stay with you to get a taste of your RV lifestyle.

Is living in an RV considered homeless?

A person with an RV is considered homeless if they don't have amenities that make it a suitable place for habitation, such as running water or access to a working toilet.

What type of RV is best for full time living?

Drive-able Motorhome RVs for Full Time Living Many RVers believe that Class C or Class A motorhomes are the best type of RV for full time living because they are comfortable for long travel days. Drive-able RVs also give you more flexibility to chose an everyday vehicle instead of having to drive a heavy duty truck.

Is it OK to live in a camper with kids?

It is legal to live in an RV with a child. There is no law that states you cannot live with kids in an RV. But you need to follow laws that specify how you should provide for your children's education and health care. Most states require kids to be in school at least until they are 16.

Is RV living worth it?

Pros: Living the RV Lifestyle Freedom: RV life allows you to change locations whenever you want. You're never obligated to stay in one place for longer than you want. It's a great option for anyone who isn't ready to settle down and for individuals who want to explore and wander. Cheaper: No mortgage.

Can a camper be a permanent residence?

Yes, an RV can be a permanent residence for tax purposes or to claim residency in many states. The IRS considers any structure as a possible primary (or secondary) residence if it has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. For other purposes, you can get an address assigned to your RV property like any other home.

3. You can drive to better weather each season

Being able to travel wherever you want is probably the best thing about owning an RV.

4. No commuting daily to a job

The average American spends around 54 hours per year sitting in traffic.

8. Meet interesting new people regularly

When you go on RV road trips, you are going to meet a lot of interesting people.

9. A good way to see family in other parts of the country

Family members are constantly moving around, at least in some families.

10. Go where you want, when you want

We all have freedom. However, we also have responsibilities, and those responsibilities can keep us from doing whatever we want, whenever we want.

11. Easy to earn an income on the road blogging or YouTubing

Just because you now live in an RV doesn’t mean you don’t need to work.

12. No yard work!

I want you to think about how much time or money you spend on maintaining your garden.

Preparing for RV Life

Preparing for RV life with kids isn’t just about getting your equipment together and making sure you have plenty of snacks for the road. One of the big things you have to think about is getting everyone in the family mentally and emotionally prepared.

What Do You Do When the Kids Become School Age?

Many people have kids that aren’t school-aged yet, but some of you are up for the challenge of homeschooling. We homeschooled four kiddos on the road and since I was also homeschooled as a kid, it wasn’t that big of a deal—but it still was hard figuring out your school schedule and what you want to teach.

Where Do You Stay When You Live in an RV Full Time?

There are a lot of cool places you can stay when you start RVing full time. Many people start out by hanging out on a loved ones’ land so they can get used to it or they go to a local campground.

How to Become a Full Time RV Family

If you want to become a full time RV family, it’s just a matter of taking the leap and getting your RV. Some people even choose to live in a van to get started if they’re nervous about hauling an RV.

Are You Ready to Start the Full Time RV Lifestyle with Kids?

If you’re ready to be one of the full time families and see so many amazing places, the best thing you can do is dip your toe in the water. I kind of had a little headstart since my parents took me on the road for about 7 years of my life. From 5 to 12, we RVed mainly up and down the east coast seeing family and friends.

The Good Bad & the Ugly of Full Time RVing with Kids

Now that I’ve lulled you into a false sense of security, it’s time to share the good, bad and the ugly of full time RVing with kids. Some of these things you might not even think about and others you might have heard rumors about.

Taking Kids RVing Full Time – Frequently Asked Questions

Answer: If your kids are used to a certain area, it’s likely they will miss it and the people there but if you keep them busy, they barely notice it.

Can a Family Live in an RV?

If you’re curious as to whether a family can live in an RV, the answer is yes, absolutely!

What Type of RV is Best for Full-Time Living?

The type of RV you choose is dependant upon the number of people in your family, whether (or not) you have pets and how much you can afford to spend on the rig itself.

How to Live Full-Time in an RV with Your Pets?

Just as it’s possible to live full-time in an RV with your family, so too is it possible with pets. As space is limited, it’s usually better to travel with smaller pets who seem to adapt easier to close quarters.

How to Live Full-Time in an RV on a Budget?

The average cost of living the RV lifestyle is anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000 a month. Many factors come into play, including parking fees, insurance, gas, food and utilities (such as phone and internet).

Can an RV be Considered a Primary Residence?

Stationary RV living or using your RV as your primary residence is possible, however, this doesn’t mean you can park your rig just anywhere and call it home!

How Much Does Full-Time RV Insurance Cost?

Full-time RV insurance costs approximately $1,500 per year. On average, it ranges between $1,000 to $2,000 for most rigs, however, the policies and prices can vary.

Can You Live Full-Time in an RV and Homeschool?

While RV living on a full-time basis with a family isn’t typical, it’s definitely ‘doable!’ Pretty much anything you do in a home you can do in an RV and that includes homeschooling your children.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

Do RV parks allow pets?

They also take up space, which isn’t exactly easy to come by. You’ll also want to keep RV parks in mind. Some parks do not allow animals or require you to pay an additional fee, which can be a pain if you’re on a small budget.

How often do you move in an RV with kids?

We tend to travel a lot and move about every 4 days.

Is it easier to travel with kids?

Travel days can be hectic. Especially when the kids are little. Plan for this and don’t plan to do much else but travel on those days. As the kids get older it gets easier. Also we are the first to say just give the kids the electronics while traveling. It makes it easier on everyone.

Do RVs have washers and dryers?

RV Laundry – Yes we have a washer and dryer in our RV – but it is mini! So when you see one with industrial size washers and dryers that will dry everything in 25 minutes (instead of 2 hours like the RV one) you get really excited :)!

First, can you live in an RV?

Yes, you really can! Although, you do need to have a legal mailing address and pay taxes to a particular state. Yet, you absolutely can live and travel in an RV with your kids!

How does a family live in an RV?

How does a family of 3, let alone a family of 8, live in an RV and fit? Well, most of our members will agree that there is an adjustment period. Yet, we’ve all made it work!

What is the cost of RV living?

One of the most common questions we get asked is “What is the real cost of RV living?”

How do you earn money while traveling?

There are many ways that full time RVing families earn money on the road. Start by thinking about what skills you have that can be translated into a remote or work-from-home job?

How can we keep our RV living costs down?

A great way to keep your RV costs down is to minimize campground expenses and spending at each new location. To learn all about the top camping memberships, check out our blog post on Which RV Membership is Right for You as well as an in-depth explanation of Thousand Trails.

What about school?

Most Fulltime Families teach their kids through Roadschooling, a form of homeschooling that takes advantage of the opportunities presented by traveling. Many zoos, museums and science centers are part of one or more reciprocal programs.

How do you make friends on the road?

One of the primary missions of Fulltime Families is to provide a community for full-time RV families. As a member, you have access to the many private Facebook groups, branches, and future events.

1. Keystone Montana

This beautiful RV is perfect for full time living with all the features that make life easy, comfortable, and fun! The Four Season Living Package will finally end your quest of chasing the warmer climates. The package includes amenities like AC and furnace, insulated water lines, dump valves, and more that help you survive cold seasons.

2. Airstream Interstate

You can describe an Interstate with two words: comfort and luxury. Choose the 24GL Touring Coach model since it’s been one of the most-selling Class B diesel motorhomes for several years.

3. Thor Four Winds

Thor Four Winds is the best RV to live in full time if you are looking for a family-friendly trailer. It’s an impressive motorhome that offers 31-foot of living space.

4. Newmar Dutch Star

If you want to settle down in an RV, then this is the perfect choice for you. Newmar’s Dutch Star has an aluminum frame that offers solid protection despite being lightweight. Whether it’s hot or cold outside, staying comfortable inside the RV will never be a problem because of the heat/air controls onboard.

5. Grand Design Reflection

The Reflection from Grand Design is one of the best RVs to live in for those who like to live life on the go. It comes with an impressive list of features that are perfect for full-time living. It has spacious floorplans and focuses on an all-weather design.

6. Roadtrek CS Adventurous

If you love the outdoors and want to explore nature, then this lightweight class B camper van is perfect for your next camping trip! It’s also the best RV for stationary living if you like to travel solo or with your partner. No need to worry if you have a kid because there are comfortable sleeping arrangements for three people.

7. Northwood Arctic Fox

If you want a luxury fifth-wheel for full time living, then the Arctic Fox is a perfect choice. Equipped with plenty of high-end features, it will never let you miss your home. All-weather flexibility makes it the first choice for year-round travel.

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