rv living tips and tricks

Tips and Tricks For Stationary RV Living

1. The Bigger RV, The Better. Even the largest RVs aren’t necessarily that big compared to a house. ...
2. Buy A Commuter Car. If your only vehicle is used to tow your RV, buying a commuter car is a good idea. ...
3. Sell Your Tow Vehicle, If Needed. ...
4. Pick Your Permanent Campground Wisely. ...
5. Build a More Permanent Sewer Hose. ...
6. Cover Your Tires. ...
7. Keep The Pests At Bay. ...

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Full Answer

What are some tips for full time RV living?

Top 10 Full-Time RV Living Tips You Can’t Live Without

• Select your Domicile State. Our first full-time RV living tip is to consider your domicile state carefully. ...
• Storage Solutions Tips. ...
• Traveling with Pets. ...
• Life on the Road Full-time. ...
• Camping in your RV. ...
• Boondocking in your RV. ...
• Summer and Winter RV Extremes. ...
• Working Remotely. ...
• Frugal RV Living. ...
• Go Solar. ...

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How to live your best RV life?

• Freecampsites.net: This site gives complete information about free campsites with reviews of boondocking sites from campers.
• Boondockers Welcome : This subscription service has a listing of host profiles and a listing of boondocker profiles. ...
• National Forest Dispersed Camping: Check with USFS to learn more about free camping on National Forest Land.

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How to get into full time RV living?

Your first, simple to-do list might look something like this:

• Research campers
• Research domicile residency
• Start decluttering
• Organize a garage sale
• Research how to earn a mobile income
• Research health care options
• Research where to camp
• Choose a mail service
• Cancel utilities

How to prepare for living in a RV fulltime?

Top 10 RV Living Tips & Tricks

1. Research, research and research some more before you head off. ...
2. Have a rough plan about where you want to go and what you want to see. ...
3. Make sure you build purpose into your everyday life. ...
4. Buy kit (equipment) that’s easy to store and makes life on the road a bit easier. ...
5. Do spend money on good mattresses, especially if you’re a bit older. ...

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How can I make my RV life easier?

Here are a few RV hacks that will make you a happier camper by making your trip easier.Shoe Rack Bed Storage. Beds are a great place for added storage. ... Shoe Rack Shower Storage. ... DIY Travel Cup RV Hack. ... PVC Pipe Hammock. ... Command Hook Curtains. ... DIY Tank Cleaner. ... Dry Erase Board Use. ... Getting Better Wi-Fi Signal.More items...

Is it realistic to live in an RV?

Living in an RV has its moments, but it's not always easy. Moving an RV camper can be expensive and may cause wear and tear on your vehicle. You have little privacy when living in an RV, whether you're inside trying to sleep or outside trying to get some fresh air. Visit Insider's home page for more stories.

How do you live comfortably in an RV?

1:227:505 Pro Tips for Full Time Stationary RV Living Frugal RV Living - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo go as large as you possibly can and I recommend if you can do it to get a fifth wheel. The fifthMoreSo go as large as you possibly can and I recommend if you can do it to get a fifth wheel. The fifth wheels are more home like really they're going to give you that extra space that you're gonna need.

What are the negatives of living in an RV?

CONSFatigue. We'd be lying if we didn't say that living a nomadic lifestyle doesn't get tiring. ... Lack of routine. ... unexpected issues. ... WiFi connectivity and reliability. ... cost. ... connection to friends and family. ... travel days. ... distance to things (mail, grocery, laundry)More items...•

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...•

What are the pros and CONs of living in an RV?

20 PROs and CONs of Living in an RV1 Pros of Living in an RV. 1.1 Unlimited Adventure. 1.2 Quality Time with Friends and Family. 1.3 Traveling with your Home. 1.4 Pets can Travel Too. ... 2 Cons of Living in an RV. 2.1 Ongoing Maintenance. 2.2 Missing Friends and Family. 2.3 Lack of Community Services. 2.4 Complex Budgeting.

Is living in an RV considered homeless?

RVs are larger than trucks and are more likely to have interior space that include core elements of habitability like access to electricity, running water, plumbing, and heat. Thus, persons sleeping overnight in a habitable RV are not likely to be homeless.

Is it cheaper to live in an RV than 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.

Can you live in RV permanently?

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.

Is RV life hard?

RVs are small inside, so it helps to really like all the people around you. It's impossible to get much privacy living in one. It's also hard to entertain other people in a recreational vehicle given the space constraints. Because of the limited space, it helps to keep the inside well organized.

Can you live in a RV in the winter?

RV insulation is essential to keep your RV cool in the summer and warm in the cold weather. You'll improve the comfort inside if you insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor. A well-insulated RV is essential for winter living in comfort!

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.

Who wrote the camping trick Travels with Charley?

This camping trick from Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck is so simple and effortless we’ll be using it all the time.

What is the best tape for RV walls?

Exterior grade Gorilla mounting tape adheres to RV walls much better than Command strips or anything else we’ve found.

What can you put in a campfire tote?

Collapsible storage totes can be used to tote campfire supplies like s’mores ingredients, napkins, glasses, and beverages, and make decent impromptu tables to put campfire essentials on.

How to make a lantern at a campsite?

19. Make a headlamp into a lantern. Strap a headlamp (light side in) to a 1-gallon jug of water to make a lantern that lights up your campsite.

How to find out how high your rig is?

Find out how high your rig is. Write the height on a label or piece of masking tape, and put it on your dashboard. Watch for low-hanging branches and take note of the height of overpasses before you proceed. Use an RV-safe GPS to make sure you have a safe route.

Can you boondock if you run out of water?

When you are boondocking, your time off-grid and unhooked will be much better if you don’t run out of water. Washing and rinsing dishes uses more water than anything besides your RV toilet, so it makes sense to repurpose your dishwater. Use a basin to wash your dishes, and then use gray water to flush your toilet.

Can you play board games in an RV?

Board games will help your family enjoy time indoors if the weather gets too ugly to play outside. Here are a few great board and card games that you can easily play in the RV.

What to do before leaving your RV?

Before you leave with your RV, it’s necessary to make sure that everything in your list is already crossed. There are many things to bring in the RVs so it’s hard to keep track without a checklist. You’ll always forget if you don’t have a checklist with you.

Why is it important to be neat in an RV?

Being neat is a key for a stress-free lifestyle. If you’re organized well, a lot of space can be saved. In addition, it gets shaky with an RV so putting things in storage will prevent breaks.

Why are RVs dangerous?

Conventional houses also have this problem. However, RVs have increased risks because of their closed small space and lack of ventilation. They easily grow in there, especially on the spots you can’t easily reach.

What does it mean to be your guardian in an RV?

You are their guardian, which means that you’re responsible to ensure their safety and comfort. Before you start preparing to live an RV, you need to ensure whether your kids will be happy with the lifestyle. Some kids may not be suitable with such living. It may make them anxious having to move around all the time.

Why is my RV so hot?

It can get really hot and cold in the RV because of its little insulation. Even though you have the AC installed, it can still be really hot during summer. Meanwhile, in turn, it can get really cold during winter. It can be hard to live inside when the weather is extreme.

How much does an RV cost?

The price for an RV usually starts around $ 4000 and it can be as high to over a million dollars. After buying the RV, you will need to have insurance. To be safe, it’s a good idea to have insurance with a big and reputable companies. When living full time, it’s important to insure with fulltimer policies.

Can you bring clothes in an RV?

You will need to leave many things behind. RV space is very limited that you can’t bring many clothes. If you’re a hoarder, living in an RV will be difficult.

How to make your RV easier to live in?

RV living storage ideas include using boxes, plastic drawers, and hanging your clothes. Using nesting bowls is another great way to increase the space in your kitchen. Ideas to save energy include using a vent cushion.

Do you need vent cushion for RV?

You also need RV living hacks to regulate your internal temperature because in an RV it can be a problem. A vent cushion is worth it if you plan on conserving heat. Paying for electricity in parks can be very expensive. Also, if you opt to use propane, you will end up spending more money. So purchasing a vent cushion is definitely a plus, and you can easily find one in supermarkets.

Can you keep an RV dirty?

An RV is not a place you want to keep dirty. Because of limited space, it’s so easy to accumulate dirt. Simply piling up things like dishes or magazines can make an RV look messy.

How many volts does an Ikea camper light need?

25. These IKEA LED lights will run on a camper’s 12-Volt system.

How to keep flies away from awnings?

31. Keep flies away by wiping down awnings, tables, and counters with a 50/50 solution of Pine-Sol and water.

How to keep wine glasses from breaking while traveling?

1. If you’ve ever broken your wine glasses or juice glasses while traveling, this one is for you. Slide koozies over them, and place them back in the cabinet. If they knock together, they won’t break.

Does a campground have Wi-Fi?

38. Although many campgrounds provide wireless Internet, the signal is not always strong. Improve the Wi-Fi reception in your RV with a booster.

What to put over RV seats?

Looking for more space in your RV? Create a bed over your car seats. These folks made them with PVC pipes and some fabric. These car hammocks are best for kids. You’ll be surprised how much they’ll love these beds!

Where to hang measuring spoons in RV?

Hang your measuring spoons and cups on the back of a cabinet door. This is particularly helpful in an RV since there’s very little storage (and often very few drawers)! You might even want to do this for all your other spoons! Depends on how creative you can get and how many cabinet doors you have.

How to keep track of toiletries while showering?

Keep track of your toiletries while using community showers. Put your soap and shampoo into travel bottles and then wear them on a lanyard. You won’t lose the bottles, you can hang them when you aren’t using them.

How to keep remote control in place?

Use velcro to hold your remote controls in place. Not only will they have a specified “home” so you know where to find them, but they won’t slide around as you drive down the road. This is a great idea for your home as well, especially if you live with many people or have toddlers around. Now you don’t have to keep asking everyone, ‘are you sitting on the remote’?

How to hang shower products?

Hang your shower products from a curtain rod. They will stay organized with no bending over to reach your products.

Can you camp in an RV at night?

The invention of the RV brought about a new era of camping. Now people can enjoy the great outdoors during the day while enjoying the comfort of A/C (and a bed!) at night. Although living and traveling in an RV has many advantages, it also has a few challenges. Overcome those challenges and take RV living to a new level of enjoyment with these clever RV hacks.

Is it all sunshine and rainbows in a camper?

But, it’s still not quite all sunshine and rainbows…living in a camper has a few flaws. For example, it lacks space…and whatever you store in it can get tossed around while you drive to your destination. If you find yourself asking how you can make the most of the space you have while still maintaining some order and sanity, we’re here to help!

What is the first thing you notice about RV life?

The first thing you’ll notice about RV life is the limited living space. For most people, especially those who don’t live in luxury RVs, it can be quite cramped. Below, you’ll find space-saving hacks.

How to maximize space in a camper?

Another way to maximize the space of your camper is by installing convertible tables. Pull them out when you need to, but put them away when it’s time to go on the road again.

What can a mobile home sear hold?

For this reason, you shouldn’t discount over the sear organizers. They can hold various things such as tumblers, books, maps, and even toys of your children.

Why use empty tic tac containers?

Still in line with preparing a good meal, using empty tic tac containers to store herbs and spices is a good idea to save space and money. There’s no need to spend money on fancy spice bottles when you have a lot of tic tac containers lying around.

How to expand a tiny space?

One of the best ways to expand tiny spaces is by getting multipurpose furniture. In mobile homes where space is scarce, having furniture that serve several purposes is an advantage. Take, for example, this ottoman bench which can also serve as storage or low table.

Where to put non-slip kitchen liners?

Make sure you put these non-slip kitchen liners at the bottom of your drawers or cabinets.

Is it hard to live in an RV?

It’s no secret that living in an RV can be quite challenging. Going from a spacious and inert residence to a mobile dwelling requires a ton of adjustments. In fact, these adjustments have to do with your living space, storage habits, cooking process, and décor, among others.

Must-haves for full time RVing

When you’re living in an RV full time, there are certain things you need. These RV essentials will ensure you are safe and comfortable.

Tips for living in an RV full time

Now that you have your list of must-haves for full time RV living, let’s go over some additional tips that will make your journey a little easier.

Ready to start full time RVing?

Your dream of living in an RV full time can now become a reality. You may face some challenges along the way, but it will be the experience and adventure of a lifetime. You’ll be able to travel slowly, see amazing places, and meet people who have the same mindset as you.

What are some jobs that can be done while living in an RV?

Most full-time RVers have some source of income while living in an RV. Online jobs are more and more popular. Bloggers, YouTubers, freelance writers, affiliate marketers, these are just a few of the jobs you can do for an income to support traveling on the road full time.

What is boodocking in RV?

Boondocking is when you dry camp in a location where there aren’t any RV hookups, usually a remote location, off the beaten path, so-to-speak. Boondocking isn’t for everyone. It requires a bit more of the “roughing it” mentality, and you need to be well prepared for this type of camping.

How to keep litter box from tripping?

To keep from tripping over the litterbox, you could put the litterbox in the shower. Just be sure to put a mat of some kind over the drain to keep any spilled litter from going down the drain.

Can you live in an RV with a mortgage?

Living in an RV falls somewhere in the middle. You no longer have a mortgage, but you might have an RV loan payment. Gas for an RV can be expensive if you are always driving. And you do have to pay for campgrounds with electric hookups, and facilities to dump and refill your fresh and wastewater tanks.

Can you camp in a national park overnight?

There are some US National Parks that allow overnight RV parking and boondocking, but usually camping is restricted to established campgrounds.

Can you travel with a cat?

Pets are part of your family, too, but traveling full time with pets can be a challenge. Whether it’s a cat, dog, bird, or hamster, you will need to carve some space out of your own space for your furry friend. Cats require a litterbox; some dogs might require a kennel; other pets may require a cage. Whatever the situation, you will need to find space in your already cramped area for your pet.

Can you move from a home to an RV?

Most people end up renting a storage space to store most of their belongings while they are on the road. But you will need to bring as much as you can with you. But where should you put it all? That’s where the challenge comes in. You need to be creative in finding and utilizing all the nooks and crannies in your RV.

How to organize an RV?

The key to RV organization is all about using your space effectively. This sometimes means stacking and storing upwards. Using vertical space will give you more room to walk around, as well as free up counter and table space. Here are some ways to utilize it.

Why do you need to use multi-use items in an RV?

Doing so will free up space in your rig and give you less items to worry about putting away and keeping clean. This translates to more time for the fun stuff!

What is the most cramped space in an RV?

Everyone needs gadgets and utensils to cook with. This is why kitchens are often the most cluttered and cramped space in an RV. Here are a few multi-use items that you can utilize in your food prep space:

What is RV travel?

Traveling in an RV is one of the most freeing experiences to be had in this life. By treating your next RV trip as a chance to minimize stuff, to maximize uses of remaining items, and to utilize every nook and cranny, you can spend more time enjoying and less time stressing about RV organization. List your RV.

Where to hang RV storage?

Hanging Storage. If you can’t stack it from the ground, hang it from the ceiling or off the wall! The vertical area behind cabinet and closet doors can usually be repurposed into vertical RV storage. Placing a hanging wastebasket behind the cabinet door under the kitchen sink is a popular RV organization tip.