living in a travel trailer to save money

25 Crucial Pros and Cons of Living in an RV Full-Time

I have lived in my RV with my kids for 4 weeks at a time. But someday, I may decide to live in ours all the time, and so I wondered about the pros and cons of living in an RV full-time.

The pros of RV living include:

• Saving money on ownership (compared to a house)
• Saving money on ongoing maintenance (compared to a house)
• The freedom to move to better weather
• Meeting new people
• Seeing new places

The cons include:

• Having to place items in storage
• Having to grocery shop more frequently
• Being away from family and friends
• The RV not gaining equity the way a traditional home would
• The RV will eventually need to be replaced
• Learning how to live in a small space

But those are just a few of the biggies full-time RVers have to adjust to.

Before you decide whether or not you want to live in an RV full time, you should read this article. I’ll get into the above pros and cons in greater detail.

But also share 25 of the most crucial pros and cons you’ll want to be aware of before diving into the full-time RV lifestyle.

Let’s jump right in.

PROS of Living in an RV Full-Time

1. 41% cheaper than owning or renting a home.

Renting a home is more expensive than taking out a mortgage or living in an RV, so we won’t discuss it in detail.

Buying a home can work out to be a lot more expensive than buying an RV. Buying a house can cost upwards of $250,000 while buying an RV, even a class A RV can only cost between $50,000 and $200,000.

Spending around $100,000 on an RV means that you will get everything you need for full-time RV living. And even with gas, campground fees, and RV maintenance, you still come out on top by as much as 41% over homeownership.

And if you opt for a travel trailer or fifth wheel, your ownership costs can be even lower.

For now, if you are wondering how to buy an RV to live in , we have the ultimate guide for you in this recent article . Here you will find everything you need to know to go out and buy an RV to live in comfortably.

Just click that link to read it on my site.

2. Maintenance costs can be 53% cheaper than owning a home

When you own a home, you do a lot of regular maintenance.

You might find yourself spending quite a bit of money every month, or you will pay quite a large sum of money once a year to fix that AC or roof that needs fixing in your home.

This is where you start to save a lot of money by living in an RV.

When you live in an RV full-time, you can save up to $200 per month on maintenance costs.

That really starts to add up after three or four years. Your most considerable maintenance cost will come from servicing an RV vehicle, but it is essential to remember that you will still own one or two cars even if you live in a home. So, we usually do not factor in the vehicle to these maintenance costs.

If you want to know more about the costs of living in an RV vs. living in a house , I have written a recent article about it.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to about comparing the costs and much more. Just click that link to read it on my site.

3. You can drive to better weather each season

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

And it is one of the reasons that most people who own one bought it in the first place. You will find that a lot of people who live in an RV full-time have developed routines.

For example, during the summer, you can stay in the northern part of the United States in Colorado, Ohio, and so on.

During the winter, you can evade cold weather simply by starting your engine and driving to Southern California, Florida, Texas, and other warm climate areas.

It is all about choice, and if you choose not to deal with the cold weather, rain, and snow, you don’t have to. If you like the snow, well, start your engine and drive to where ever you want.

The first and foremost rule for winter driving in snow or ice is this: Just don’t. Pull off the road, turn up the heat, put on the coffee, and wait until the weather clears and the road crews get the roads back in safe (snow- and ice-free) conditions. #albanyrvresort #rv #GA pic.twitter.com/izVboCOl6k — Albany RV Resort Inc (@AlbanyRVResort) December 13, 2019

4. No commuting daily to a job

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

This number is expected to increase to approximately 64 hours by 2025. That means that you waste more than two days every year simply driving to and from work. For a lot of people, this is unacceptable.

When you live in an RV, you will most probably be working from home or running your online businesses as I do.

When you eliminate the need to commute to and from work, you essentially eliminate a lot of stress from your life, contributing a lot to your mental well-being and happiness factor.

5. Increased connection with your spouse and/or kids

One of the biggest pros of living in an RV is spending quality time with the people you care about the most.

Spending more time with your spouse and your children will create a strong connection between your family.

However, the strongest bond will be formed from something else.

You can significantly increase the connection and bond between you and your family by creating enjoyable experiences together.

While living in an RV, you will experience new challenges and adventures every day. This will create stronger memories within each individual in the family. It is these memories that will bring everybody closer together.

6. Get to see all areas of the country

The United States of America covers around 3.7 million square miles.

The country is quite massive. Most people will never have the chance to see a lot of what the country offers them. For people who live or even go on holiday in an RV, this is different. It would be best if you think to yourself, how many states have you flown over when going on vacations?

When you live in an RV and travel in it, you see more of the country than most people. 

You also get to experience different ways of living and different cultures within each state. Keep a record of the places you have been.

Trust me, after four or five years of living in an RV and traveling in it, you will realize just how much of the country you have seen.

I wanted to check out the beautiful state I’m from so I rented a RV, drove it around California and it was awesome ???? pic.twitter.com/3NeNI09Fpb — katieryan (@katiemakerdao) June 8, 2019

7. If you don’t like an area you’re in, it’s easy to move

When you live in a home, it is easy to control and account for what you and your family do to maintain and upkeep that area.

But, you cannot account for what other people do, and you cannot account for how the economy of that town, county, or state fluctuates over time.

If the place where you are living starts to degrade, you can end up losing a lot of money when selling your home.

When living full-time in an RV, you will not face this problem even if you are permanently situated somewhere. See, if the economy within a local town, suburb, or state starts to decrease, all you have to do is start your engine and drive to the next best place.

Also, sometimes it is just fun to move somewhere else and experience new challenges.

8. Meet interesting new people regularly

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

Not only are you going to meet like-minded individuals who are RV enthusiasts like yourself, but you are also going to meet with the locals, and you will quickly find that each town has its own culture.

You will learn exciting things and have great conversations with these people. 

You might also make lifelong friends, and because you are in an RV, you will see them more than you think because going to their destination is now a lot easier than what it would have been before.

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

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

Sometimes it is hard to control where you get job offers or where you end up going to university. Finding time to visit your family members spread out across the country can be challenging at best.

If you live full-time in an RV, you can make more time to visit your family members.

When you visit your family members, you can either stay with them or stay in your RV without the need to rent hotels, cars, and things of that nature.

So we wanted to say a big thank you to the team @AutotrailVR for all their effort in the 2020 campaign. It involves a lot of people from design, production, marketing and everyone in between. This is the Adventure Range #motorhome #photography #photographer pic.twitter.com/P9il8q4DZN — Kamara Photo, Video & Drone (@kamaraphotos) February 23, 2020

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.

When you live full-time in an RV, you still have responsibilities. However, you take those with you on the road instead of allowing them to hold you back.

If you live in an RV full time, you probably work from home. Therefore, taking your work with you should not be a problem, leading us into our next section.

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.

You still need to bring in money. Working from home has become more normal than it has ever been, but if you are not lucky enough to have a job that you can do from home, don’t worry because there are other ways of making money online.

You can either start a blog and with some good SEO training, you can have your blog reach millions of people.

Ultimately, this will bring in money. 

You can also start a YouTube channel, and as long as you pick a specific niche and have some knowledge on how to create videos that get views, you will begin to earn money from YouTube.

I do say that it is easy; however, it is essential to remember that things take time, and if you plan on living in an RV full time, it is recommended that you start working on these online businesses before you even set out to buy your RV.

Want my help in setting up a blog or YouTube channel? I do consulting on that since I now earn 5-figures per month doing just that.

Just CLICK HERE to schedule a 30-minute meeting with me for only $100.

12. No yard work!

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

For new homeowners, this is a novelty that can feel therapeutic at first, but as time goes by, you find yourself resenting the idea of having to mow your lawn, plant plants, and get rid of weeds.

You don’t have this problem in an RV.

Your only concern is maintaining the structural integrity of the RV while also keeping it clean inside. Other than that, it is the responsibility of whichever campground you are on to maintain their facilities.

???? “Work From Home” is ANYWHERE When Your Home is an RV… Does Anyone Else Dream to Live Like This?! pic.twitter.com/ulBcgK3GRQ — Your Best Life Co. (@YBLCompany) November 18, 2020

CONS of Living in an RV Full-Time

It is never good to dwell on the negatives and cons. So, for this section, we will try our best to deliver solutions while discussing each con.

1. Having to sell most of your belongings or rent a storage unit

Depending on your age, you might have quite a lot of belongings that you don’t want to get rid of.

You have a few options when it comes to your belongings. I know, getting rid of your belongings may seem daunting.

If you don’t want to get rid of anything, you can rent a storage unit.

Who knows, maybe one day you settle down in a house again or at least get a small home base somewhere, and you can fetch your stuff. However, if you plan on selling everything, I recommend that you do so at least a month or two in advance.

This is because selling second-hand goods, especially when you do so privately, can take more time than expected.

But not having a permanent address does have its downsides.

2. No way to have downtime from your spouse or family

Whether it is a class A, B, or C, an RV lacks enough space for you to get some alone time in an RV.

Yes, you can get away from everything. All you have to do is do an activity by yourself. This activity could either be a sport, a hike , a hobby or even just going to a restaurant by yourself.

With all of that said, if you are looking to relax in the RV by yourself, the number of times you will get to do this will be limited.

This is great for creating connections between you and your family, but it can also become pretty stressful when all you want to do is sit by yourself with your thoughts.

3. Inconsistent Wi-Fi

If you live full-time in your RV, chances are you need to be connected at all times for work and school. You also have to keep up with your family.

You also need a stable internet connection to keep your kids entertained when you cannot do so yourself.

And while most RV parks claim to offer Wi-Fi, the truth is most campground Wi-Fi will be limited and slow.

So I recommend that you upgrade your current cell plan to offer mobile hotspot/tethering data.

AT&T, notorious in some eyes for customer service, still has the best network and coverage range. But check with your current provider and see what they can offer.

Our hard standings are open all year round for any size caravan or motorhome. 16 amp power supply, personal water supply, grey waste, satellite and Freeview connection, Wifi and ethernet and the serene tranquillity of this beautiful valley #camping #caravanning #ElanValley #Wales pic.twitter.com/AtKjM5ENMj — Elan Oaks Camping (@ElanOaks) February 7, 2019

4. Kids won’t see their friends regularly

If you are permanently situated in a town or area, this won’t be much of a problem.

Yes, your kids won’t see their friends while traveling, but being permanently situated is almost the same as having a home with a lot less responsibility and more freedom.

If you move around a lot, there is a way to keep your kids connected with their friends.

You can do this by allowing them time to stay connected online via social media and even on Skype calls. One of the best ways for your friends to stay connected with their friends is to play online games.

Make sure you have a good mobile data plan to use their phones as hotspots for whichever platform they game on, and they will always stay connected with their friends.

For people with kids, you might also be concerned with education.

So, here is a recent article where I discuss “road schooling.” I talk about everything you need to know, including the logistics and laws of homeschooling your kids in an RV. I also give you some essential tips and tricks my wife and I used when we road-schooled our oldest daughters.

5. Easy to feel isolated from family and friends

It is not only your kids that won’t be able to see their friends regularly.

It will also apply to you, and the more social you are, the more this can affect you. However, the best thing for you to do is stay in contact with your friends via social media.

Also, if you are a very friendly person, it will be easier to meet people on your journeys.

And you will find that your list of friends will grow significantly within the first two years of your travels on the road. So, while this is a con, there is a silver lining.

6. Having to find new RV repair shops everywhere you go

You are going to have to maintain your RV.

There is absolutely no way around this. It is best to fix the minor issues that may arise rather than allowing them to build up and cause more significant problems with the RV. For this reason, you will want to know where the best repair shops are before you get to any location.

If your passenger is bored, it will be best to plan and look for repair shops along the way to your destination.

As you travel to the more secluded parts of the country, it will become harder to find a repair shop, let alone a reputable one.

Always try and have your repairs done by a reputable repair shop.

Your RV or trailer isn’t just a vehicle, it’s your home away from home. When it breaks down, you’ll need swift assistance to get you to a repair shop. Road Heros is available 24/7 to handle any emergency. https://t.co/46Lket94MA #RoadHeros … pic.twitter.com/esctRPyg1g — ROADHEROS LLC (@RoadHerosLLC) March 13, 2019

7. Road fatigue

You have most probably heard of road rage, but did you know that there is also such a thing as “road fatigue”? Many sales reps suffer from this at some point during their career, and it can take a toll on your well-being.

If you start to feel road fatigue, you should stay in one place for at least a month or two.

At the same time, you might begin to feel cabin fever from staying in the RV. At this point, I recommend finding a short-term rental or even staying in a hotel for a little while.

Maybe visit your friends and family in one part of the country and hope that they are kind enough to put you up for a week or two.

And of course, if you are just sleeping in a stock RV bed, it may be physical fatigue as well as mental.

But you don’t have to settle for a mediocre mattress or pay through the nose to upgrade. Check out my recent article which explores all the ways you can improve sleep quality in an RV, and do it on a budget!

8. Having to always find new doctors or clinics and making sure they are in-network

It is becoming easier and easier to check the reputation of a doctor, thanks to online sources.

Before seeing a doctor, you can check up on them and see their reviews, and if you are not on health insurance, finding a doctor is a little bit easier.

If you are on health insurance, you need to make sure that you know which doctors are covered by your insurance.

9. Increased food costs

Living in an RV full-time means spending more time and money eating out and getting fast takeaway food.

While at first, it may not seem like such a big issue, the cost does start to build up as time goes by, and when you factor in things like tipping your server, these costs can be pretty high.

Glorious weather is going to be an absolute mind-bender for a lot of people. Cabin fever turned up to eleven. As a very outdoorsy person myself exploring the great outdoors in my motorhome, it’s going to quite a test of endurance this year. pic.twitter.com/IMBB4P1e3o — ???????????????????????????? Bradley Dare ????????????????????????????• ⚖️ (@doctorwhotardi8) April 5, 2020

10. RV insurance is 63% more expensive than homeowners or renter’s insurance.

Insurance companies tend to charge around 63% more for RV insurance than homeowners or renters insurance. That’s because it’s not only like a house, but it’s also like a car. So you are paying for both.

I want to add that even with this extra cost, it is still cheaper to live in an RV than in a house.

What makes this extra cost terrible is that you know that you are paying extra. It is the knowledge of it rather than the actual act of paying more.

11. Not a great option for cat people

I know that it is easy to assume that your cat will enjoy traveling.

After all, a lot of cats roam around at night. Even though cats roam around, it is important to remember that they only roam in the areas where they are comfortable.

They are not a pet that likes leaving their familiar surroundings.

We have discussed extensively how to travel with your cat in an RV in a recent article . In that article, you will learn the best practices to make traveling or living full-time with your cats in an RV the most pleasant experience possible for you and your cat.

Just click that link to see my cat tips right here on my site.

If you have dogs, things get a little bit easier. Dogs are loyal to their owners. The more time they get to spend with you, the happier there are, so you will find that some dogs prefer the RV as it means they are closer to you.

If you have dogs and want to take them with you , we have written a recent article that acts as the complete guide to living in an RV with dogs. Just click that link to read more on my site.

12. Not a great option for those with a regular day job

If you have a day job, you can still live in an RV. However, you lose one of the most remarkable features of living in an RV which is being able to travel the country whenever you want. You will need to be permanently situated at an RV campsite.

And you will most probably need to have a separate vehicle to get you to and from work.

I would still recommend owning an RV, although you might only be able to use it during vacations, and this would mean having a storage unit for the RV.

13. More frequent trips to the grocery store

Even if you are a magician when it comes to stocking your fridge and pantry in a way that maximizes the amount of space you have, you will still end up making more trips to the grocery store.

Remember, in an RV, everything is smaller.

Your storage cupboards and your refrigerator won’t hold as much groceries as regular appliances and storage cupboards will.

Basically, you won’t be able to buy in bulk. 

You will have to buy what you need and the exact quantities that you need. So, not only will you make more trips to the grocery store, but you will also have to put a lot more planning into the groceries you buy.

Final thoughts

This article has been an extensive one.

Hopefully, you now understand what you are getting yourself into when you decide to live in an RV full time. This is also where I like to give my personal opinion.

Look, living in an RV is not always going to be easy. It is the good times that make the tough times worth it.

At the end of each day, going to bed in an RV , you will be able to reflect on a productive day where you did what you wanted to do and that freedom is hard to find.

Jeff Campbell

Jeff Campbell travels on and off with his 3 daughters in a Newmar Baystar Class A Motorhome. He writes extensively on both RVs, campgrounds, parenting on the road tips, remote learning & schooling, and much more! Click Here to learn more about me. Click Here to learn more about my site. Editorial Policies.

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15 Smart Tips for Full-Time RVing on a Budget

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RVing can be a great way to travel and live more simply, and you CAN do it on a budget. The key to full-time RVing on a budget is finding opportunities to stretch your money and make it last as long as possible.

You might already know that some of the big RV monthly expenses include campsite fees, fuel, and maintenance. These costs can skyrocket (especially for newbie RVers) if you don’t know some of the tricks to save money and keep your budget in check.

After many years of full-time RVing on the cheap, I’ve put together 15 smart tips to help you find the best deals and save the most money in these areas to maximize your RV budget.

What is a Good Budget for Full-Time RV Living?

The cost of full-time RV living can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you need. On the high end, you can choose to park at luxury RV resorts in popular destinations, and enjoy dining out, and paid activities. On the other end of the spectrum, you can spend most nights boondocking for free, enjoy meals at the campsite by the fire, and travel slower to save on fuel costs.

By planning ahead and watching your spending, you can RV for as little as $2,000 a month or less. However, most people live somewhere between the two scenarios above and travel on a budget between $3,000 and $5,000 a month.

Here are tips to help you hit your target budget and get you out on the road!

1. Find Free or Cheap Camping Spots

The cost of camping spots can be one of the biggest line items in an RV budget. Research and planning ahead will help you secure the best deals.

Here are five options for reducing RV living costs for camping spots.

• Sign up for campground discount memberships such as the Thousand Trails membership or Passport America to save huge on camping spots and even camp for free .
• Utilize discounts from AAA and Good Sam. Most campgrounds have a 10% discount for one of these programs.
• Take advantage of Cracker Barrel , Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s for free overnight RV parking when traveling long distances.
• If you are in one state for an extended period, look into the state park pass. Some state passes offer significant discounts for camping in their parks, such as Texas, Nevada, and New Mexico. You can also find camping discounts for residents, seniors, and the military.
• Consider booking a site with few or no hookups (there is usually a discount associated with these sites), this is a great way to save while still enjoying the benefits of a campground.

For more information on the cost of camping sites, check out  What Is The Average Cost Of Camping from the Let’s Travel Family .

2. Moochdocking

When you moochdock in your RV , you park at a residential house or other private property where you have permission to park your RV.

Moochdocking is a great affordable way to RV camp, and it’s a nice way to visit with family or friends.

There are also moochdocking membership clubs like Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts . These memberships allow you to pay an annual membership fee for access to thousands of moochdocking sites that you can book around the country.

READ NEXT: For more on moochdocking, check out our full post What is Moochdocking? Free Camping & How to Do It Right .

3. workamping.

Workamping (work camping) is a term for staying and working at campgrounds. It allows you to save money on campsites by providing work hours in exchange for free or reduced-rate camping fees. You may also be paid for work depending on the contract or offer.

Here are a few resources to learn more about workamping.

• Workamping Jobs Facebook page – this Facebook page features job ads and information on workamping
• Workamper News site – this is a paid newsletter with job ads but could be worth it if you are serious about workamping
• Follow Chasing the Cashes on Instagram – this couple travels full-time in their RV, workamping along the way, and they share a lot of great info

Workamping can be a great way to minimize full-time RVing costs while making a little extra money too!

READ NEXT: For the full guide to workamping, check out our post Workamping Jobs: The Best Work Camping for RVers in 202 4.

4. extend your stay.

Staying at RV campgrounds for a week or month at a time is a great way to save money.

Most private and resort campgrounds have a discounted rate for more extended stays , including weekly and monthly rates. Some will even have seasonal rates, allowing you to save even more if you travel slower.

Extending your stay will also keep more fuel in your tank , allowing you to budget for less. Exploring one state or area over the course of a couple of months instead of a couple of weeks is a great way to RV on a small budget.

5. Avoid Peak Season

Avoiding peak season at RV destinations is another good way to save on campground fees. 

In places like Florida, traveling in the summer can mean large savings compared to winter rates. If you can book travel on the edge of the peak seasons, you can usually take advantage of discounted rates and still have a shot at decent weather.

Even if you can’t (or don’t want to) avoid peak season, try to avoid holidays and holiday weekends in popular destinations. This could mean an increased rate at the campgrounds.

Check RV campground websites for their seasonal pricing and plan accordingly.

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6. Boondocking

When you’re going full-time, boondocking is one of the best ways to save money on campsites, and it’s a great way to get out in nature and enjoy the RV lifestyle.

When you boondock, you are camping on public lands, such as BLM, without hookups or any amenities. 

Of course, the huge plus to camping this way is the ‘free’ price tag, but it’s also a nice way to enjoy the outdoors and get away from the crowds.

We like to boondock or dry camp for about a week at a time and then head to the campground for a night or two to dump the tanks, catch up on cleaning and laundry, and enjoy a long shower!

If you think boondocking sounds like a great way to camp on a budget, consider this camping style when choosing an RV to purchase.

You’ll want to look at these features when choosing an RV for boondocking:

That said, many newb RVers can get caught up looking at larger solar and battery bank setups that can cost upwards of $10K.

If you’re willing to go without a few amenities, you can boondock on small portable solar setups and still make it work. (Also, see #7.)

PRO TIP: For shorter boondocking stays, purchase a portable solar generator with solar panels (Jackery and Bluetti have good ones) that you can use without any installations.

7. chase 70-degrees.

Many of the struggles with boondocking for more extended stays stem from not having a sufficient solar system and battery bank to run an air conditioner.

By traveling with the seasonal weather changes, you can dry camp and boondock without the need for AC.

Dry camping will allow you to reap the benefits of a ton of savings on campground fees.

As a bonus, cooler, more comfortable temps mean less sweating and less need for showering. Minimizing showering can help tremendously in stretching your water resources while dry camping.

READ NEXT: For more on dry camping and how to successfully camp without hookups, check out our guide to dry camping.

8. plan ahead when filling up your gas tank.

It’s easy to pull into the most convenient gas station and fill up your tank, but simply planning ahead can save you money on fuel.

Here are a few ways to find the best deals on fuel for your RV or tow vehicle.

• Use GasBuddy to research gas prices on your route and find the best deal.
• Plan to fill up in states where gas is cheaper.
• Carry jerry cans to take advantage when you find great fuel prices.

Remember to do other simple things to get the best fuel efficiency. Ross and I use a tire pressure monitoring system to ensure the right amount of air in our RV and truck tires. We also drive a steady 60 – 65mph on the interstate for the best fuel mileage.

I also use an RV gas cost calculator to budget accordingly for fuel expenses on our big RV trips.

9. Fuel Discount Cards & Loyalty Programs

Gas discounts and credits for your motorhome or tow vehicle are a great way to maximize your budget for this significant RV monthly cost.

Here are a few tips to save money when filling up your RV.

• If your RV or tow vehicle is diesel, a fuel discount program such as Open Roads (formally TSD Logistics) will get you good discounts on diesel fuel at the pump.
• Use a credit card that offers a percentage back at gas stations (we get 5% back with our Citi Custom Cash card).
• Sign up for loyalty programs with gas stations and receive discounts at the pump.

I recommend using multiple methods, also known as “stacking” discounts, to get the maximum savings on fuel.

READ NEXT: Check out more tips for fuel saving for RV owners and our complete guide to saving at the pump.

10. electrical appliances instead of propane.

Traveling full-time in colder locations can lead to massive increases in propane expenses.

When your RV is hooked up to shore power at a campground or park, take advantage!

• Use an electric kettle to heat up water for coffee or cooking needs.
• Use an electric space heater to stay warm instead of your RV’s ducted heat system that runs on propane.
• Use an electric blanket at night to keep warm in bed.
• Turn your fridge to electric power (if you have a two-way absorption fridge).
• Use a portable electric induction cooktop instead of a propane stove.

These little adjustments can really stretch your propane resources, especially if you find more creative ways to keep your RV warm.

PRO TIP: Electrical heat is better for controlling mold in an RV than your propane system which adds moisture to the air and causes mildew.

11. invest in a water filter.

Buying bottled water can get expensive while traveling in an RV, and the inline hose filters you pick up at Walmart don’t always create safe drinking water.

Investing in an advanced water filter allows you to feel good about drinking water straight from your RV water line or tank.

Here are a few water filtering options that will save you money in the long run on bottled water.

• Acuva ArrowMAX Water Purifier – this UV-LED water disinfection system is mounted under your kitchen sink and filters water between the RV tank and the kitchen faucet (for 10% off, use discount code: thehomethatroams10)
• Clearsource Ultra™ RV Water Filter System with VirusGuard™ Protection – this water filter is an advanced inline system that filters water between the water spigot and your tank (or RV pumping system)
• Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter – this filter sits on your RV counter and filters the water that is added to the chamber (the RV community loves this one)

HOW WE FILTER WATER: Ross and I rely on a combination of the Clearsource filter system shown above and Acuva’s system to ensure water is filtered before it enters our RV water tank and then purified right before it goes into our drinking glass.

These advanced systems come with a bigger price tag, but if you are a full-time RVer, you will easily make your money back in purchased water. Plus, you’ll have clean water without feeling guilty about plastic waste!

12. DIY Maintenance and Repairs

Some of the most costly areas of RV living are repairs and maintenance of your RV and tow vehicle.

Learning to do basic upkeep will allow you to save more money over time and ultimately become better equipped to take care of your rig.

Here are some things you can learn to do yourself to save money on repairs and maintenance.

Ross and I have been able to save money on maintenance by tackling our oil changes and basic truck repairs. We also replaced a portion of our RV awning system and installed our lithium battery and solar setup.

PRO TIP: YouTube videos are an excellent source for learning how to fix just about anything on your RV or tow vehicle.

13. embrace cooking in an rv.

We love experiencing the local cuisine at different places we travel to in our RV. But if you want to travel on a budget, you need to make sure eating out is more an exception than the rule.

Find recipes that work for your family and are easy to put together in a small space. Make eating at the campsite fun by cooking on the grill or over the fire regularly or setting up a griddle outside.

Get creative with your camping meals and make it a fun part of the RVing experience!

READ NEXT: For more on meal planning, outfitting your RV kitchen, and storing food, check out our 5 Tips to Master Cooking in an RV .

14. find affordable internet options.

Whether you work from your RV or just want to check your email occasionally and stream a little Netflix, an internet connection is essential to your home on wheels.

The good news for full-time RVers is there are lots of options for finding internet on the road. Since campground wifi can be unreliable, we don’t suggest it as your only internet source, especially if you are working from the road.

Here are some key strategies for reliable, affordable internet in your RV.

• Opt for a phone plan that includes hotspot data
• Invest in a router/modem device for the RV that allows you to use multiple prepaid SIM cards (this will give you the ability to use multiple carriers)
• Look into prepaid, digital wireless carrier options such as US Mobile or Visible (these are more affordable than the large cellular networks)
• Combine cellular data with satellite internet such as Starlink to get high-speed internet in remote camping destinations

HOW WE GET INTERNET: Ross and I use a combination of Visible phone plans with unlimited hotspots and a prepaid 100GB AT&T data plan to ensure we (almost) always have RV internet access.

There are many ways to combine data plans, cell phone plans, and even satellite internet to suit your needs. This topic is often discussed in RV Facebook groups. I recommend searching those groups to get ideas for a variety of internet options and then researching what makes sense for you.

15. Opt for Free Things to Do

Before you roll into a new destination, do your research and come up with some free things to do in the area.

Free entertainment options are usually more accessible at State and National Park locations, where you can hike and bike on local trails, visit historical sites or national monuments, and enjoy time outside in the parks.

However, urban destinations typically have a lot of free activities, including free museum days (or discount days), a farmers’ market, botanic gardens, walking tours, and more. They might also have free events, including concerts, movie showings, and foodie and art events – the possibilities are many!

If you don’t know where to start, search the web for “free things to do in ( insert city ).” Or check the area’s Chamber of Commerce or tourism website for a calendar of events and local activities.

Don’t forget to bring along entertainment as well! A nice assortment of playing cards, board games, and yard games are perfect for nights full of fun too. Adventures with Tucknae’s, Janae, has a great post on their favorite games for the RV and how to organize them .

PRO TIP: If you plan to visit National Parks, consider signing up for the National Park Pass ( American the Beautiful Pass), which will get your vehicle into all the national parks for $80 a year.

Cost of full-time rv living on a budget.

Full-time RVing can be a great way to see the country on a budget. By being flexible and knowing where to find affordable camping and activities, you can minimize the cost of RV living while still enjoying the lifestyle.

The best way to come up with your full-time RV living cost is to start putting together a preliminary budget. Use the tips above and your knowledge of your personal financial habits to map out a budget that works for you.

These tools can help you get started with your RV budget:

• Use our RV Living Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly RV expenses.
• For an in-depth breakdown of the cost of RV living and our monthly expenses, check out this post – The Real Cost of Full-Time RV Living .

We sure hope these tips have given you some ideas for saving money while still enjoying the full-time RVing lifestyle!

Want to learn more about how to live in an RV?

For more on essential RV gear, the pros and cons of RVing living, and how to get out on the road, view our complete guide.

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Or view our web stories.

Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

Thk you for all your hindsight, insight, and foresight on the RV lifestyle of living – very informative and important to know, we will definitely take this to heart have a blessed day 🙏

As a new RV owner with long term travel plans all this information will be a great help in learning the best way to travel full time! Thank you!

No problem Angel, I’m glad you found it helpful. Best of luck in your RVing journey 🙂

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Journey With Confidence

What No One Tells You About Living In An RV Full Time

What I Wish I Knew Before Full-Time RVing

Traveling in an RV full time is a lifelong dream for thousands of people, and it is a decision that can change your life and your perspective, but it’s not just one long vacation.

There are issues that can make this experience more fun or less enjoyable, so I want to share what no one tells you about living in an RV full time before you start on this journey.

Size matters

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when becoming full time RVers is what type and size of RV will meet your needs, and bigger is not always better. 

In the five years that we have been full time RVers, and in the 20+ years as active weekend warriors before that, we’ve met dozens of full time RVers who regretted their RV choice, and that decision impacted every aspect of their full time RV adventure. 

RVs that were too big

Some of these folks went to RV shows where massive fifth wheel toy hauler trailers were all set up with their dropdown back and side patios, open kitchen with a freestanding island, and lots of extra play space for the kids and pets in the back. These models were all on display, beckoning the would-be full timer to imagine how much fun they could have in these huge RVs.  

We met a couple who got sucked into this illusion, but they had never even camped in an RV before they bought a 45-foot fifth wheel trailer. They quickly learned the stress of towing it, backing it, and setting it up in a campground. They remembered how tall it was, and that had already resulted in two accidents that damaged their new RV.  

This couple was a nervous wreck. They had sold their house and everything in it to begin this new adventure, and they were absolutely miserable. They deeply regretted their decision and were not coping with the stress of their new lifestyle. Perhaps they might have been happier with an RV that was smaller and more manageable. After all, did a couple with no kids or pets really need an RV that large?  

Another couple’s trailer was so large they refused to tow it themselves, so they hired a towing company to move it from one campground to another. They loved all the extra space, but it was extremely limiting to the spontaneity and adventure of being full time RVers.  

Additionally, we met a couple with three children who bought the largest RV they could afford to give their children plenty of space for schoolwork and activities, but they quickly learned they didn’t need that much space, and their large RV was difficult to fit into many state parks and even some private campgrounds. 

RVs that were too small

On the flip side of the size issue is an RV that is too small to meet your needs. Again, we have encountered many people who thought a small RV would be the perfect fit for their full time adventure, only to realize after buying one that the sink was too small to even wash the dog bowl, there wasn’t enough storage space for their gear, the space in the refrigerator was very limiting, the holding tanks were so small they could only boondock for a day or so, and not having an onboard shower required some creative outdoor gear and adaptations.  

Certainly, smaller RVs are lightweight and nimble and can go almost anywhere a car or truck can go. They fit into almost any campsite, which makes them a very attractive option. Most of the smaller RVs provide a great base camp for an outdoor camping lifestyle, which is great until you discover that the weather conditions in many parts of the country are not conducive to an outdoor lifestyle.

Be prepared for winter weather

As full time RVers, you’re going to be living in your RV year-round, which will include all the winter months. We full-timed in Oregon for several winters and met numerous other full time RVers struggling to find shelter from Oregon’s constant winter rain.

One Canadian couple was full-timing in a teardrop trailer; another single man was using a pop-up Alpine trailer; a single woman and her dog were in a brand new van conversion; and another couple and their two dogs were in a very small Class B+ motorhome. 

Oregon winters are not compatible with an outdoor lifestyle, and the people who were camping in these very small RVs had little to no room to move around, cook, recreate, or even shower without walking a few hundred yards through the rain to the public restrooms. 

Try renting an RV first

Therefore, for new full time RVers, the first and most important consideration is to fully understand what size and style of RV will really meet your needs. The best way to do that is to rent a few different types of RVs and then go camping in them to see how they fit.

Don’t be in a rush to buy the biggest or smallest RV before you consider the pros and cons of each option. Take your time to explore all the features, benefits, and limitations of each type and size of RV. Know where you think you want to travel and what your objectives are, then spend time talking to current RVers to learn from their experiences.   

Do you just want to live in an RV to save some money, or do you want to be continuous travelers on an extended adventure of discovery? How do you want to use your RV, who will be using it, where do you want to travel, how long will you be full-timing, and what is your exit plan? These are all important upfront considerations that will help you find the right RV for your full time RV lifestyle.

Uncertainty can be stressful

Another thing people don’t think about when they’re considering a full time RV adventure is that uncertainty can cause a lot of stress. When you’re in a daily routine, you follow familiar patterns. You shop in the same places, take the same route to and from work, know your neighbors, have favorite restaurants, and basically do the same things without really thinking about it. This routine may become monotonous, but at least it’s familiar.

But when you’re a full-time RV, everything is new and uncertain. This may be one of the allures of becoming a full-time RVer, but most people don’t appreciate just how pervasive this uncertainty can be. You have to think about everything and plan ahead, like where and when you will be traveling , how are you going to get there, and what weather or climate issues will you encounter.  

Even after doing all this planning, you still have no idea what you may encounter when you arrive at a new destination. Even stopping for gas or diesel can be a stressful and frustrating experience.  

Plan your travel days ahead of time

We often try to drive ahead in our tow car to our next destination to make sure the road is suitable for our 38-foot motorhome. We scout the road, gas stations, campgrounds, overpasses, tunnels, and any other travel hazards so we can reduce the stress of the uncertainty.

On several of these scouting trips, we have discovered roads that simply were too narrow or too long to justify the trip, or we discovered that the internet description of the campground where we had made reservations was completely false, and the campground was just not a good fit for us or our RV. 

Another stressful uncertainty of full time RVing is the weather. Many full time RVers report this as their biggest concern. Snow, ice, hail, wind, lightning, hurricanes, and tornadoes are all potential dangers if you live in an RV.  

You might think that being in a house on wheels would allow you to avoid dangerous weather conditions, but in many of these devastating storms, you do not have time to get away from the hazard, nor do you know which way to go to avoid it.  

Lightning can cause a forest fire to surround you, and there’s no way to predict where a tornado will touch down. In one case, we had less than 15 minutes warning that we were in the direct path of a damaging hailstorm. Fortunately, it slipped past us just beyond the campground, but even with the biggest hail missing the RVs, it sounded like we were in a war zone, as thousands of smaller hail stones slammed into the windows and roof. 

Disconnected from community, friends, and family 

Many new RV adventurers underestimate how they will be affected by being disconnected from their communities. We are, after all, social beings, and we rely on family, friends, churches, clubs, organizations, teams, and loose affiliations to help us feel grounded and mentally well. 

When you start a full-time adventure, you trade the familiar in for the unfamiliar, and many full time RVers express frustration with the superficial interactions between RVers that are common in this lifestyle. You may actually get to know some other RVers, and you may even choose to travel with a group, but sooner or later the rally will break up, and either you or they will be onto another destination. 

Of course, you can keep in touch with family and friends via social media and technology, but it’s not the same as bowling with your team or playing gin with your usual group of friends. Holidays, family events, birthdays, big occasions, and celebrations, plus all the small routine visits from the kids and grandkids are no longer part of your routine. Being home sick may be a much bigger problem than you ever anticipate when you start on your full time RV adventure.

Full time RVing can be surprisingly expensive

Lastly, what no one tells you about living in an RV full time is that it may be more expensive than you originally thought. This may not be true for everyone, but our personal experience is that it is significantly more expensive. 

You try to anticipate your costs, RV insurance , car/truck payments, fuel expenses, park fees, groceries, pet food and supplies, supplies for the RV, maintenance costs, emergency costs, etc. But for some reason, all these things may cost more than you anticipated.

Then there’s the admission fees to parks, museums, attractions, dining experiences, and sightseeing opportunities. It all adds up. 

When we first started our full time adventure, we met a couple who had already been full timing for about three years, and we discussed the issue of the budget. They told us that their goal was to stay as close to $100 per day as possible with a monthly budget of $3000. At the time, we thought that was a little extreme because our budget indicated monthly expenses less than that.  

We were wrong! Now after having spent over five years on the road as full time travelers, we have discovered that their goal of a $100 a day would be a huge victory for us because our average monthly expenses are closer to $5,000. Every month, we record all of our expenses, and we analyze these costs to see if we can economize anywhere, but we’re never able to shave much off the bottom line.  

Be prepared to budget

We spend more on technology than most people, but we work from our RV and need reliable connectivity. We started our journey with several dogs (now we’re down to two), and we refuse to economize on their food and supplies, so we continue to economize and dream of getting down to $100 a day.

To be completely transparent, it’s worth mentioning that we do not have a car payment, motorhome payment, or an extended warranty. We have had a couple of significant RV maintenance bills, and two expensive dog health procedures that impacted our budget, but those are the types of emergencies you have to plan for when you are thinking of becoming full-time RVers. 

Another relevant fact is that we do not like to boondock or camp in rustic campgrounds without electricity, sewer, and water. Our RV is set up for boondocking, but we just prefer full service campgrounds.

When you add up the fees for camping for 365 days a year, it will have a significant impact on your budget. We know many campers and full-timer RVers who only use full service campgrounds, for a few days a month, and I believe they might be able to hit the $100 daily goal more easily. Some other campers, only use membership campgrounds like Thousand Trails , and that will also lower your monthly costs. These are all personal decisions and only you know what will work for you.

Get tips from other full time RVers

One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.

Related articles:

• The Dirty Truth Of Full Time RVing
• 10 Common Myths About Full-Time RVing

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How Much Does it Cost To Live in an RV? Pros and Cons

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been some significant increases in the sales and use of RVs. Whether you’ve recently caught on to the RVing trend or you’ve been curious for a while, understanding the pros and cons of living in an RV can help you decide if you want to move forward with RV living.

Read on to learn more about the costs of living in an RV and whether it’s right for you.

The Costs of Living in an RV

Living in an RV can cost anywhere from $1,500 a month to $2,300 a month or more — assuming expenses for two adults — depending on a variety of factors, like where you park at night, the repairs you need, how connected you want to be to the internet and what kinds of activities you end up paying for. And that’s not including a monthly payment for buying the RV, which can vary widely depending on your down payment, credit score and what kind of RV you buy.

Some expenses that you’ll need to consider while living in an RV include:

• Gas and propane
• Campground fees
• RV maintenance

Connectivity

Entertainment, gas and propane.

Gas and propane are often one of the biggest expenses for full-time RVers. There are many factors that can affect how much you’ll spend on gas and propane, including your RV’s fuel economy, how often and how far you drive, weather and fluctuating prices.

Campground Fees

The price of campground fees will depend on your personal preferences for the kinds of places you want to stay. More expensive RV parks may vary between $50 and $70 per night, whereas national or state park campgrounds range between $25 and $40 per night. RVers can also choose to camp on public land for free.

Maintenance

RV repairs can add up, so it is always advisable to stay on top of regular maintenance, such as oil changes and brakes and tire upkeep. You may want to keep an emergency fund on hand to help cover unexpected repairs.

Your insurance expenses will vary depending on your individual needs. You’ll need to insure your RV and other vehicles, but some insurance companies won’t provide coverage for full-time RV living. You may also need to buy health insurance if you don’t already have it through your employer.

You should also consider paying for phone and internet connections. Verizon and AT&T have large networks, and signing up with the smaller companies that use their towers can help save you some money. You can include a hotspot in your phone plan to connect other devices using your phone. However, you might also want to purchase a separate mobile hotspot device, which is especially helpful for people who work as they travel.

Lastly, when you’re on the road, chances are you’ll want to pay for some sightseeing or tourist activities. Entertainment costs are likely to fluctuate based on your preferences, but it’s also easy to reduce as needed.

Financing Your RV Purchase

RV prices can vary drastically. A small travel trailer can start as low as $10,000, whereas a luxury motorhome can be more than $500,000. Many people will need to consider seeking financing if they want to buy an RV, unless they have a large sum of money saved up to pay for it upfront.

With that being said, you can’t use a regular car loan to buy an RV. You’ll generally need to get either a personal loan or an RV loan from a lender or dealership. Personal loans may be an easy option, but getting an RV-specific loan will ensure that you’re being intentional with the funds. You’ll likely need good to excellent credit to be approved for these types of financing and reduce your down payment and interest rates.

However, some dealerships may be able to provide financing for individuals with less-than-stellar credit.

Pros and Cons of Living in an RV

Living in an RV can be an excellent experience for the right person. Here are some benefits and drawbacks to RV life.

• You have the freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want — as long as you can reach it on wheels.
• You get to travel in your home and avoid the hassles of packing and having to find accommodations.
• You have the opportunity to minimize your spending and live a cheaper lifestyle.
• You may feel more at peace because of the opportunities for minimalism, spending quality time with your travel partners and being closer to nature.
• You get to explore new places, learn about different cultures and have unique experiences.
• You have to adjust to living in a smaller space with less storage room.
• Weather, especially storms, can have a bigger effect on you than if you were living in a physical home.
• You may find travel days stressful due to factors like packing up camp, planning routes and accounting for traffic.
• You might have a hard time sticking to a routine.
• Internet access may be tricky, which is especially stressful for people who work while they travel.
• You need to find somewhere to park your RV every night.

Rules and Tips for Living in an RV

There aren’t many hard-and-fast rules for living in an RV. The most important RV rules you’ll have to consider involve where you park your RV for the night. You should also be aware that there are laws regarding whether you can live in an RV on your own land.

Here are some tips for living in an RV that can be used to plan for your travels and save money:

• Embrace minimalism . Only take the essentials and cut down on things like extra kitchen accessories, clothes you don’t wear, toys and other unnecessary items.
• Simplify your groceries. Learn how much you can store in your fridge and limit impulse buys. You may also want to invest in a slow cooker for easy meal prep.
• Try renting before you buy. Renting for the short term will give you an idea of whether the RV life is right for you before you put a lot of money into buying an RV.

Should You Live in an RV?

Living in an RV can be both exciting and overwhelming. Making the decision to pack up your life and hit the road is huge, and the RV lifestyle isn’t right for everyone. If you want to get a better idea of whether you’ll like living in an RV, make your own list of pros and cons based on the research you’ve done. What sounds like fun, and what doesn’t? Are there obstacles you’ll need solutions for? Could you make RV living work for you?

Answering these questions can help you decide whether you want to live in an RV and begin making a plan to do so.

• You can live permanently in an RV. You'll want to consider all the costs, benefits and drawbacks before you make the choice to move your life into an RV, but it's definitely possible.
• You will need a permanent address somewhere, though – for things like your driver's license, vehicle registration and bank accounts.
• Whether living in an RV is a good idea or not is something only you can decide for yourself. If you're the type to embrace a minimalist lifestyle and enjoy seeing new places, and things like being on the road a lot and having to find parking every night don't bother you, you might find it worth it.
• If you're not sure, consider renting an RV for a while to try it out before you buy your own.
• Living in an RV can be a great money-saver if you keep track of your spending and don't splurge on expensive tourist attractions too often.
• However, it's important to note that while a house is an investment that gains value over time, an RV is the opposite – the longer you have it, the less it's worth.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy .

• Motor1. 2022. "How To Buy An RV."
• Cruise America. "Cruise America."
• Money Crashers. 2022. "Living in an RV Full Time – Average Costs vs. Savings Breakdown."
• Nomads in Nature. 2022. "Cost of Living in an RV Full Time [2022 Update]."
• RV Industry Association. 2021. "2021: The Year of the RV."

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Can Living In an RV Save You Money?

Is it possible to save money by living in an RV? Maybe, but it depends on your lifestyle! That’s the question we hope to answer for you today.

YES, living in an RV can help you save money on housing, but we’re going to cover all expenses here because some people are expecting a free life when that’s simply not the case.

Living in an RV to save money seems like a great plan at first, but you need to consider all of your expenses and the type of lifestyle and RVing you want to do before you make the leap. Nobody wants to be surprised by unexpected expenses, and it’s hard to know what you don’t know before you’ve begun.

It’s absolutely possible to live in an RV for cheap especially if you find free or cheap camping, and again your biggest potential savings is on your HOUSING expenses – since you can boondock , find free camping , or stay in parks that are cheaper than rent – but you also need to keep in mind repairs, variable park fees unless you’re boondocking, and other unexpected expenses.

We all know it’s possible based on RVers like Bob Wells CheapRvLiving on YouTube, who is the king of affordable, cheap, long term fulltime RVing . I’m sure if you’re already researching this topic you’ve seen his channel. But what’s the reality? Let’s break down the best case scenario for living in an RV very cheaply.

Now, keep in mind, everybody’s expenses vary. So what we’ve tried to do here is create a guide for the most basic expenses, which you can modify to suit your own needs.

Best Case Scenario for Cheap RV Living

Upfront cost: 10-20k for an RV RV upgrades: 3-5k for solar if you’re boondocking

Yearly costs: $600-1500 for RV Insurance $1000-2000 for RV maintenance

Monthly costs: Food budget: $200-400 Gas budget: $100-200 Misc: $100-200 (Phone, internet, entertainment, etc.) Camping budget (unless you’re boondocking): $500-900 Healthcare budget: ???

This means the cheapest scenario, if you buy a $10,000 RV, install solar for $3000, and have the lower end expenses with NO camping fees since you’re camping for free by boondocking: $15,000 to start + 2000/mo + your healthcare costs and any other fees not listed here.

If you’re using campgrounds, your startup costs could instead be $10,000 with $2,500/mo in expenses (again, plus your healthcare fees and any other costs not listed here.)

Can RV living be even more affordable?

YES! I know of RVers who got steals on their RVs as low as $5,000, did small solar installations themselves at a lower cost, are thrifty with their other expenses, and don’t travel often. You could also finance your RV, have a small monthly payment, and save a LOT of money compared to typical rent options particularly if you’re a young couple with successful careers. On a fixed senior income, the amount you can spend each month while still saving money might be different.

That’s why I’ve included a range of “affordable” options here since nobody should go into RV living surprised, and yet everybody has different definitions of “affordable.”

Compared to rent in a large city, you can absolutely save money by living in an RV, especially if you do it over time. However compared to rent in a smaller town, your expenses may even out unless you commit to RVing for a few years.

Also keep in mind RVing can really be as expensive (and even more expensive) than living in a house depending on your lifestyle. If you have the means, you may like to go out to eat a lot, explore a lot of national parks or theme parks, and immerse yourself in the local sights and flavors. This is another perfectly acceptable way to RV – but it isn’t cheap! If you’re living as if you’re on vacation all the time, you’re simply not going to save money, whether you’re paying rent or not.

How to Save on Taxes, Healthcare, and Insurance while RVing

One benefit of living in an RV is that you can also domicile in whichever state you prefer, which is another way to help you save money.

For example, if you’re currently a California resident, you can move into an RV and move to a state without income taxes and immediately gain back that portion of your income.

You can also shop around for the best insurance rates and healthcare plans among the states that you’re planning to domicile in. This can amount to savings of hundreds of dollars per year. That may not sound like much, but for some people it really adds up.

Tips for saving money while living in your RV:

• Plan ahead for RV maintenance and save for it. You WILL have unexpected repairs especially if you’re buying an older cheaper rig, so do not go into RV life thinking you will skip this expense.
• Also consider signing up for a service such as AAA (make sure to upgrade to their RV coverage) or Good Sam in case of roadside emergencies, as this will save you money.
• If you enjoy national parks, buy an annual pass at the cost of $80 total instead of paying each entrance fee, which can add up quickly.
• If you don’t want to move around too much in the winter, consider staying at an LTVA (long term visitors area) managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You will likely save gas costs by doing so because you can boondock in one general location for much longer.

Mistakes to Avoid Buying a new RV since they depreciate quickly. Living as if you’re on vacation. Spending too much on expenses like healthcare and income tax by remaining a resident of the wrong state. Paying for expensive RV parks – if you’ll be enjoying park life, shop around for rates and ask for monthly discounts.

Editorial Staff at DIYRVLiving.com is a team of RVing and travel experts led by fulltime RVers. Trusted by RV users since 2016.

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How to Live the RV Life for Cheap

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More Adventure, Less Money

RVs aren't cheap to buy  and they're pricey to maintain, but that doesn't mean you can't afford a life of leisure  and adventure on the road . The key is to save money in ways big and small wherever you can. Here are some tips, tricks, and strategies from experts who have learned from real-world experience in their campers, trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes. Do you have more advice to pass along? Tell us in the comments.

Related: What It's Really Like to Retire in an RV  

Plan, Plan, Plan

As with all great money-saving ventures, RV living on the cheap is a whole lot easier if you plan. The more time and energy you invest in research, the less you'll be forced to invest in money. "Conducting research and planning ahead is crucial, especially when it comes to saving money," said Luca Sumberac, category manager at RV parts and accessories supplier CAMPERiD . "If you're a new RVer, it's helpful to explore all of your options to see what's out there. You'll learn as you go along, but researching free campsites and deals is a great start. When you map out your trip, think about your gas mileage, which can help you budget when it comes time to refill your tank. Use technology to your advantage and download an app that can help you find the cheapest gas prices in your area ."

Related: How to RV Without Going Stir-Crazy

Ask For a Deals — You Just Might Get One

Although this concept is certainly not exclusive to RVing, sometimes a simple phone call can land you an unadvertised discount or the chance to get in on a deal that recently expired after hitting it off with whoever answers the phone. "It might go without saying, but you should always ask if a campground has seasonal sites and special rates for extended stays, veterans , groups, etc.," said Dean Geracimos, chief operating officer at Blue Water Development , a developer of campgrounds on the East Coast. Geracimos pointed out that his properties offer special deals and discounts, and although they keep them updated online, "double-checking never hurts."

Related: Travel Discounts for Seniors

It's natural to want to buy as much RV as you can possibly afford, but big floor plans come with big ongoing expenses. "Trailers tend to be cheaper than motorhomes," said Kelly Beasley, co-founder of RV education and product review site Camp Addict . "Go small. A smaller trailer will likely cost less to purchase, maintain, and drag around. A smaller trailer means getting by with a smaller truck. Smaller truck means less gas. If you get a motorhome and you want to have a toad (towed vehicle) to get around in, that's two engines to maintain, two pricey insurance payments, etc. The larger, more complicated rig you buy will cost you more in every department. So keep it simple for true savings ."

Related: Affordable Camper Alternatives to an RV

Monetize Your RV

There are two kinds of RVs — the ones that make money for their owners  when they're idle and the ones that do nothing. "Your RV likely sits in storage for about 90% of the time you own it," Beasley said. "Why not rent it out  for some extra income? There are RV rental companies out there that make it very easy for you to list yours and find people to rent it. It's like an Airbnb for RVs. If you rent it out enough, it could help you with your RV payment, and maybe even fund your trips." Beasley recommends Outdoorsy.com , which gives owners 80% of the income on rentals, up to around $30,000 annually.

Play Host During Long-Term Stays

Brooke Baum is the co-founder of TrailingAway . Baum and her husband, Buddy, are full-time travelers who spent a year exploring the United States and Canada in a 25-foot motorhome. She recommends asking about hosting at campgrounds that are willing to barter with site fees. "If you will be RVing long-term and want to explore an area in-depth, some campgrounds provide 'host' opportunities in exchange for a free site," Baum said. "This is different for each campground, but will often include helping check other campers in and out, cleaning up the campground sites and amenities, or being available for certain shifts in case of emergencies. Some campgrounds even give a wage in addition to the free camping."

Related: Budget-Friendly RV Campgrounds to Check Out This Summer

Get Creative With Refrigeration

When you're on the road, little expenses can add up quickly. One of them is refrigeration. "Use freezer packs to keep your fridge cold while driving," said Grant Sinclair, who along with his wife, Bonnie, runs the blog Our Wander-Filled Life , which documents their time on the road with their travel trailer. "While there are some folks who run their fridges using propane while driving, we do not. Instead, we use reusable freezer packs to keep the fridge cold on long drives. It saves money and allows you to keep more food in your fridge."

Related: Best Restaurants for RV Road Trips

Cook Your Own Food

If you make the leap to free refrigeration, you might as well pack your fridge with food you can make yourself to save even more money on the road ."Cook your own food instead of eating out," Sinclair said. "Also, don't forget to bring home leftovers. You are traveling with a fridge, after all."

Related: Amazing 5-Ingredient Recipes for Cooking in a Camper

Rough It During Short Stays

For all but the most hardcore, boondocking  can get grimy and tiresome relatively fast. But for shorter trips, you should consider going without amenities to save some cash for when it counts. "Make use of campgrounds with limited hookups for short stays to save money," Sinclair said. "There are tons of campgrounds out there, like state parks and Corps of Engineers campgrounds, which only have electric or electric and water. While you are limited by your water holding tanks, they easily allow you to save money on short stays. Indeed, knowing it was 90-plus degrees out and we didn't want to boondock, we found a fairground in Nebraska with just electric hookups. We could run our AC to get cool but only needed the site for one night. Cost? $7."

Related: Scenic RV Trips You Can Enjoy Over a Weekend

Rough It During Long Stays

Beasley agrees with the concept of no-frills RVing, but in her mind, there's no sense in limiting boondocking to quick jaunts. "Campgrounds are likely to be your biggest RV living expense — aside from a very large RV payment," she said. "Therefore, the biggest savings that can be made is on campground fees. Save the most by boondocking full-time, which is easiest done out West. If you want to go to places that have zero-to-little boondocking, join discount camping clubs such as Passport America , Boondockers Welcome , Harvest Hosts , or Thousand Trails ." Camp Addict maintains a page called Boondocking Without Fear  that can help you get over any low-amenity RVing anxiety.

Related: How to Find Places to Boondock or Free Park in Your RV

Park in Big-Box Lots

"There are plenty of ways to save money while RV living," said Megan Buemi, senior manager of customer experience for the RV rental marketplace RVshare . "One way is to find free or affordable camping. Parking in a retailer parking lot is free, just be sure you have permission to be there." RVshare offers a list of places to camp for less than $25 a night .

Join Membership Clubs

You can save real money every time you travel by signing up with clubs that cater to the RV lifestyle. "Get Good Sam  and AAA  memberships," Sinclair said. "Many campgrounds offer a 10% discount for those groups. If you are a veteran, sometimes you can get a discount for that. Good Sam will also get you 5 cents off per gallon  at Pilot and Flying J."

Although you'll be eager to get to the site, remember that RVing is about the journey, not the destination — and driving fast equals burning more gas. "Take it easy on the gas pedal," Sinclair said. "You will find speed will cost you in terms of fuel. Most travel trailers are not rated to be towed faster than 65 mph anyway." Bob Hamilton, founder of RV Dream New Radio , concurs: "Gas can be a huge part of the expense of being on the road," he said. "Staying at a reasonable speed and using your air conditioner sparingly are important. And, every RVer should have the Gasbuddy app to find the cheapest gas nearby. Gasbuddy also offers discounts for shopping with stores like Walmart and many others."

Related: Ways to Save Money on Gas for Your RV

Best Travel Trailers For Full Time Living

What is the best travel trailer for full time living? A dream of many is to live life on the road. Whether you're retired, a digital nomad, or just want to live life away from the hustle and bustle living full time in a camper is an amazing life experience.

It gives you the freedom of living in pretty much any location you want, you can take your work along with you, and you can even follow the work. The options are endless when you choose to live life on the road.

Of course, this is an option for many people, but which rig to choose? There are many travel trailers for full time living and the choices can get confusing.

Fear not, we've compiled a short list of what we believe to be the best travel trailers for full time living. Yes, we could have chosen the most luxurious campers and be done, but not everyone can afford the largest and most luxurious travel trailers , so we've included, different sizes and budgets.

As well as reviewing the best models to suit full time living, we've also included a guide on what general things you should look for. And we've included a Pros and Cons section of living life on the road, just to remind you of the good and bad.

And if you're still left with some unanswered questions, we have an FAQ section dedicated to all things travel trailers for full time living to round things up. So, with that said, let's get into it...

Can Any Travel Trailer Be Used for Full-Time Living?

Technically you can live full time in any travel trailer, but we wouldn't advise it. Most full-timers prefer to live in travel trailers , fifth wheels , or motorhomes , because they're spacious enough, boast all the amenities you need, and have enough capacity in the water tanks and stuff so you don't have to do all the dirty work every single day.

With travel trailers, it's also a good idea to choose a lightweight travel trailer for full-time living, because they can be more awkward to tow than 5th wheels .

What Makes a Travel Trailer Great For Full-Time Living

Travel trailers can be great for full time living, because they possess many features you need.

Appropriate Layout

Designers and manufacturers of travel trailers are more focused on the right layout rather than making it more spacious by increasing in size. Optimizing the space keeps it light and ensures a trailer is easier to tow.

• Impeccable LED lighting
• Easily affordable by most people
• Fully furnished sink and cabinets
• Adequate space to install seating arrangement
• Enough place for microwave oven, refrigerator and washing machine
• Sleeps: 2-6
• Number of Floorplans: 4
• Length: 24 ft
• Weight: 8,620 lbs

Fireplace, fridge, TV, sink, sofa, master bedroom, everything is present in this budget Evoke Model A travel trailer – you name it! It is perfectly equipped with optimal fresh water tank, gray water tank, and a wastewater tank. 

The Model A is the smallest of the Evoke railers, but the floorplan makes the most of the space. The kitchen is spacious enough to cook a delicious meal thanks to the corner units. When dinner is ready, you can dine with the family on the spacious dinette, which also converts into a large double bed.

At night, you can turn off all the lights and switch on LEDs that are installed behind the cabinet and create a beautiful view. Plus, the master bedroom boasts a good sized window, so you can wake up to those amazing panoramics you go chasing.

All these features make this lightweight travel trailer a perfect compact box to hang out and live full-time with family. In addition to all of these stellar features, the best thing about it is that it is easily affordable.

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow

Pure Living for Life

Off Grid Homesteading Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Living in a Travel Trailer

We are a young couple on a journey to start an off grid homestead 100% from scratch. As we want to do this with as little money as possible, we are living in a travel trailer while we work on building our home.

As we’ve been living fulltime in a travel trailer for months now, we’ve come up with a huge list of tips for living in a travel trailer and thought we’d share them!

We hope this list gives you some ideas to implement to make travel trailer living as easy and fun as possible!

To use this guide, feel free to navigate by the table of contents below. Simply click on the area you are interested in… otherwise, just keep scrolling and read them all!

Quick Navigation

Trailer & RV Layout Considerations Protecting your Travel Trailer Setting Up a Comfortable Outside Area Meeting Your Power Needs (Solar Power?) Dealing With Septic Dealing With Greywater Meeting Your Freshwater Needs Cooking in a Travel Trailer Tips for Dishwear & Doing the Dishes How to Store Enough Food Keeping Your Travel Trailer Organized Organizing Clothing & Closets in a Travel Trailer Getting Quality Sleep in a Travel Trailer Keeping Toasty in Cooler Weather Keeping the Travel Trailer Clean Recommended Books, Blogs & Other Resources

Trailer / RV Layout

When you go to buy your travel trailer, one of the things you want to think about is the layout of the RV.

If you will be living in your camper fulltime, then you want to be sure to find an RV that suits your lifestyle and your spacial needs.

Here are some things we found you can look for to make your trailer feel most like a home.

• Size doesn’t matter, layout matters more: We found that bigger was not necessarily better! Bigger did NOT mean that the travel trailer felt automatically bigger, because it was! We looked at travel trailers all the way up to 25’ in length and they just didn’t seem to do the trick for us. We never thought we’d find a 19’ trailer that would feel spacious but after looking around enough, we found a Fun Finder which are known for great layouts. Because everything is laid out as well as possible, we feel like we have all the space we need and everything is fairly ergonomic.
• Pull outs: One think you can look for is a trailer with a pull out. These are typically designed so that they enlarge the living room, but they are pushed in during travel. We didn’t find any of these that we liked or that were within our price range, but they are out there, especially if you have a higher budget.
• Think about your “must haves” and your “can do withouts”: There were some things we knew we would need in our RV and other things we could live without. We didn’t really NEED an oven. We didn’t need to be able to walk on both sides of our bed. We didn’t really want a bathroom that was RIGHT by the bed. I can’t think of anything else at the top of my head, but you catch my drift. Decide what you absolutely need and what you can live without.
• Decide whether you want a 5th wheel or a simple tow-behind trailer: One thing you need to keep in mind is what type of vehicle you will be towing with. When we were trailer shopping, we didn’t yet have a vehicle to pull the trailer so we were open-minded. We ultimately decided that we didn’t want to deal with a 5th wheel camper trailer, nor did we find any that felt great spatially, so that all worked out well.

RV Protection

If you are planning on living in your camper trailer long-term, then it could be a great idea to give it a little bit of protection.

Ours already has some dry rot in the front, and it’s also prone to leakage, so here is what we’re doing to protect our RV (or things you can do):

This is much more sturdy than your average carport. Ours is 10×20′ which is just perfect for our travel trailer.

To give it a little extra height, we built a platform for the RV carport to give it an extra 12″ or so.

Outside Your Travel Trailer

If you’re living in your travel trailer long-term, it may be a good idea to give some thought to the outside of your RV.

In our case, it seemed that nature was just TOO CLOSE to our trailer, and we wanted to do some things to keep tidy and give us some outdoor living space!

• Have a quality doormat: When we first arrived on our land, we had an old, carpeted door mat that didn’t do a very good job collecting dirt off of our shoes! We’ve since discovered this doormat that does a much better job keeping the dirt outdoors!
• Have a couple of camping chairs: We didn’t really think about this before starting our journey, but we quickly realized that we needed a place to sit outdoors, especially so that if guests were to come by, we could sit and chat for a while! We recommend these camping chairs because they aren’t “sinky” like others. They’re easier to get in and out of, and more enjoyable to sit in.
• Have a place to store propane, water, and other outdoor stuff: If you are boon docking in an RV as we are doing, then you will likely want a place to store some of your “outdoor stuff”. We have a couple extra propane tanks, eight 6-gallon water jugs , and things of that nature. Having a portable RV garage really helps with that because we can contain our stuff within some walls rather than just having it all sit piled outside of our RV!

Meeting Your Power Needs

If you are living in a travel trailer that is tied into the grid, great! You have endless electricity! If you are boon docking like us, then you will need to come up with some sort of power solution like a portable generator or solar power of some kind. Here is what we have found works for our off grid power needs.

• Buy a quality generator: We did a lot of homework and bought a 3000 watt generator for our power needs. While this is more power than needed to simply power an RV, we also have a lot of power tools we use simultaneously, so having a powerful generator really gives us the freedom to work as much as we can. We use our generator a couple hours a day to charge our RV battery. The exact generator we have is the Honda EU3000i Handi … read the review of the generator here . We love this generator because it is lightweight and has a built-in wheel kit that allows for easy transportation of the generator. Check out our best portable generator reviews .
• Buy a battery charger: Many trailers like ours have a trickle charger, which means that you can only charge the battery so fast. It was taking us 8+ hours a day of running the generator to charge our battery, and if we were in the trailer using the lights, we were draining the battery faster than we could charge it! By using this battery charger , we’re able to charge to the battery directly and it helps the battery charge quickly and as efficient as possible.
• Buy LED lights: If you’re travel trailer is not already equipped with LED lighting, that can be a great way to reduce your power consumption! We wasted an entire year of time on cheap LED lights but once we upgraded to these ones , they got much brighter and lasted longer! Worth the extra cost.
• Get portable solar panels: After living in our trailer for about nine months, we invested in some portable solar panels , more specifically this one , and in the summer we’re able to NOT run our generator to keep our trailer battery topped off, saving us around $90/month in generator fuel! These will pay for themselves quickly. Setting them up is easy peasy.

Black Water / Septic

This is probably our largest pain point when it comes to living in a camper trailer.

As you may know, black water is anything that comes down from the toilet.

Right now, we are having to dump our black water maybe every 5-7 days.

• For men (or even women who aren’t picky), try peeing outside during the daylight hours: This will save you a lot of space in your black water tank. Save the peeing indoors for nighttime when you really would rather not go outside.
• Be mindful of the amount of toilet paper you use: I’m sure I’m not the only one that has a tendency to grab a huge wad of toilet paper when I really don’t need it! Try using less to reduce the risk of having a clog develop at the valve. Or, try throwing some of the toilet paper in the garbage. Or, try using this Rapid Dissolve Bath Tissue which is designed for RV us.
• Use the restroom when you are away: When you’re out and about there are many opportunities to use a public restroom. While I’m not encouraging “holding it” per se, if you can, using a public restroom will prevent your black water tank from filling up quickly.
• Be sure that your black water tank is actually emptying when you dump it: One time, we heard the tank empty so even though the sensor said full, we believed it was empty. It turns out that just days later our black water tank was completely full and we couldn’t flush the toilet! This was a careful drive to the septic dump. Check and double check that it is indeed, empty.
• Fill the tank up completely before dumping it: Once we had our septic system in, we left the portal open which created quite the stink… don’t do this! It’s actually better to just dump it when it’s full that way there is no stink and that also helps your tank stay clean.
• Be aware that the sensor may get blocked: Our sensor frequently doesn’t work. This is probably because solid waste is built up on it (eww, I know). Even if it says empty, the first time we use the toilet the sensor will say the tank is full which is not accurate. We try to use common sense.
• Flush out the black water tank and toilet at the dump station: To keep things clean and sanitary, we frequently run a lot of water through the toilet at the dump station. We also sometimes pour a small amount of bleach down the toilet to sanitize things.

As you probably know, grey water includes anything from the shower, bathroom sink or kitchen sink.

When you’re camping this probably isn’t a huge deal if the weather is warm and you’re showering and / or cooking outside.

When you live in your trailer fulltime and the weather is chilly, this is a bigger issue.

If you aren’t careful, your grey water will fill up much more quickly than your black water.

Here are our tips for keeping your grey water tank as empty as possible.

• Use a bin in the kitchen sink to catch your water: We use the sink on our RV… A LOT. The first month of having our RV we didn’t even have the BBQ hooked up so we did all of our cooking indoors. For breakfast we make coffee and some sort of breakfast skillet. We cook our dinner too. We also make our own cat food so we have storage containers to wash out frequently. It is critical that we use a bin to catch the water that would normally go down the kitchen sink. We then toss this outside when it’s full.
• Use hot water to wash your dishes: Whether you use cold water or hot water, it doesn’t make a difference in your fresh water tank level, so use hot for cleaning. We cook a lot of meat so hot water helps to dissolve the fat quickly. We use less water for cleaning when the temperature is hot, so a few drops of detergent and a little water goes a long way.
• Take quick showers (like really quick): Sorry to be a party pooper, but say goodbye to really long showers if you have nowhere for the water to go AND are on strict water rations! We turn on our hot water heater a bit before showering. We use enough water to get wet, lather up, and then use just enough water to rinse it off. I don’t use shampoo daily as this takes a while to get out of my hair. We also use Dr. Bronner’s Fair Trade & Organic Castile Liquid Soap as it’s extremely “clean” and seems to wash off with a little bit of water, unlike other soap that sticks around forever. If we don’t do any heavy work and aren’t particularly dirty then we will skip showering for a day.
• Get your shower fix at a truck stop: We are fortunate enough to have a truck stop just a ways up the road from us that offers $5.00 showers. Not all are this cheap. We both get unlimited, hot showers for this price combined. I’d say we do this on a weekly basis… sometimes more if we’re really filthy at the end of the day. Once we have our septic system installed and a cistern we won’t be so picky about short showers but right now it’s still something we have to be mindful of.
• Use as little water as possible when you don’t have a bin to catch it: We don’t have a bin in the bathroom sink because the sink is so tiny. We barely use any water when we brush our teeth, and I try to use as little as possible when I wash my face before bed.

Using these tips, our grey water has never been full when we dump it. Our black water tank always fills up first and there’s only so much we can do about that.

Fresh Water

Needless to say, but fresh water tanks vary in size from RV to RV.

Our 19’ travel trailer has a 25 gallon fresh water tank.

As we love water for showering, staying hydrated, making coffee, cooking and doing dishes, we seem to go through this quickly.

We’ve blown through this in 3 days before and at max, if we don’t supplement, it will last 5 days or so.

If you have a well you can hook into then great, but if not, here are our tips for conserving water.

• Clean dishes with hot water: As stated previously, clean your dishes with hot water from the hot water heater or the stove. Hot water will loosen residue and fat better than cold water. You will simply use less water when you’re doing dishes.
• Use an easy-to-remote soap for showering: As stated previously, I love Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap because it’s easy to remove. It washes off almost instantly where other soaps I have seem to never come off. This helps me to reduce shower time.
• Skip the daily or bi-daily shower: I hate to say it if you love showers, but try increasing the length between your showers if you’re not getting that dirty. We spend many days running errands and don’t break a sweat, so showers aren’t always necessary especially when they are a luxury.
• Buy 6 gallon tanks to fill for backup: We can fill up on fresh water at the septic dump, but moving the trailer is a pain in the butt so we’d rather not do it when we simply need more water. We shopped all over and finally found these 6 gallon tanks to restock our supply with. Any heavier and you may risk hurting yourself lifting it to dump… and for us, we have to pour them in slowly. We also have maybe (5) 1-gallon water jugs. When we dump our septic, we fill up the trailer, (2) 5-gallon tanks, and multiple 1-gallon jugs. Once we discovered this, we never again made a special trip to fill up the trailer with water.

For us, cooking our own food is critical.

During our first few weeks after moving to our land we at out a lot, and our bellies were unhappy.

We simply feel our best when we cook our own meals so even though we live in an RV, we do what it takes to nourish our bodies properly.

Here are our tips to making cooking and food preparation a breeze.

• Keep meals simple: In the past, I’ve sent a lot of energy trying to cook new and creative meals. This resulted in a lot of random, leftover ingredients in the fridge which simply took up a lot of space. We now keep our meals really simple, and cook the same meals again and again because we love them and rarely have waste accumulate in the fridge. We also pick meals with relatively few ingredients.
• Cook in bulk (within reason): Since we’re busy, and preparing food isn’t always the easiest in a crowded travel trailer, we cook many things “in bulk”. For us, that means cooking the entire 1-pound package of meat rather than half of it. Breakfast always consists of sausage or beef, potatoes and eggs. We will cook the meat and potatoes in bulk, that way, the next morning half of the work is already done and we can just heat the food + toss in a few eggs. We will also cook a large pot of chili (2-pounds of meat + veggies) which stores well in the fridge and provides dinner for at least three nights.
• Prep veggies in bulk: We don’t like doing dishes so when we get them dirty, we’ll get as many miles out of them as we can. I also hate cutting onions because they burn my eyes like nobody’s business, so I simply cut a lot and put them in plastic containers in the fridge. Veggies store quite a while so they rarely go to waste. When they’re nearing the end of their life, we can simply toss them in a soup or salad and call it a day.
• Use a BBQ: If you use a BBQ then there is usually less (or no!) cleanup. We’ve been using this a bit lately now that it’s working. If you’re unsure what to cook on the BBQ, head on over to Pinterest and get loads of ideas! If you make something like kabobs you may not even have dishes to do after dinner.
• Use an outdoor cooking stove: In addition to having a BBQ, we also have an outdoor 3-burner propane stove . We do ALL of our cooking on this in summer as it keeps the heat out of the trailer.
• Use a solar stove or oven: We recently had the opportunity to try out a GoSun Stove . Many solar stoves such as this can cook food using strictly sun alone. This means that you don’t even need to worry about propane or even firewood for cooking. These may be the way of the future, who knows?
• Use a french press for coffee: We are coffee addicts. We had a hard time putting our espresso machine in storage for a while (it’s kinda silly to fire up the generator every morning for a cup of coffee) but are trying to adjust to our french press . This works great when you get a coarsely-ground coffee. No electricity required and tastes just as great.

If you love cooking and spending time in the kitchen like I do, then it may be hard to live without your favorite appliances and dish selection for a while.

Because we like to keep our RV tidy and have as little in it as possible, we said goodbye to the majority of our kitchen.

Here is what we do to ensure we have what we need while having realistic expectations.

• Have one set of dishes for each person: In our old home we had at least six of everything. We rarely had guests, but we still had six of everything including big plates, small plates, bowls, wine glasses, mugs, silverware and more. We decided that since we always do the dishes after each meal that we really only needed one of everything if that. We have two plates, two bowls, two cups, two travel mugs, two spoons and two forks. It seems to be working so far.
• Only include the things you use daily / weekly in the RV: Be honest… you probably use 1/5 of everything you have in your kitchen frequently! In our RV we have our Vitamix , meat grinder , french press, glass bowls for mixing and salads, ice cream scoop, can opener, measuring cups, measuring spoons and a few other items. We use all of those things on a frequent basis. After the one month mark in our trailer, we got rid of stuff we didn’t use including a colander, wine glasses, and a few other items.
• Think twice before including dedicates: Even in the largest RVs, you will be tight on space. Even if you’re are small, fit and agile, you will bump into things, things will move around on the road, and things will fall out of place. We already said goodbye to one glass that was displaced on the way to the septic dump. If you have something delicate that you care about, maybe you should put it in storage for a while.
• Don’t be lazy and toss your silverware into the dishwater bin: I did this one or two times before learning my lesson. Our dishwater bin is never clean (except the 3 minutes after we thoroughly clean it). Once a spoon or something dives into the dishwater bin, it’s always annoying to clean because you have to fish it out and clean the handle in addition to the part that touched your mouth or food. It’s a small thing, but it’s the small things that really matter when boondocking in your RV.

Food Storage

When living off grid (or even NOT living off grid) it’s a great idea to have some sort of food storage.

In the RV, it’s really hard to do this at all as the space is so minimal.

Regardless, we’ll share our tips to storing food, staying organized, and even thinking more long-term in case some situation happens where you can’t run out to the grocery store to restock.

• Keep everything organized in bins: You will quickly learn on this blog that we love bins! We’re highly organized people and the availability of bins just feeds our obsession. We have a couple different spots for food bins in our trailer. We have a couple styles of bins and organize them by spices, cans, things we use daily, snack storage and more. We picked bins that are aesthetically pleasing so that it feels like we have more of a home than a travel trailer. Our bins also do a great job at hiding whatever is in them. We’d rather look at a pretty, white, basket-woven bin than hot chocolate packets and chips.
• Save your storage space for food rather than things like clothing: We have a decent amount of unused storage space in our RV so we are trying to fill it up with non-perishable food. As we cook a lot of soup, we have stocked up on boxed broth, canned veggies and canned tomatoes. We also have a lot of no-bake cookie supplies like oats, peanut butter and sugar. Basically, if you prepare something often, have a lot of those ingredients on hand in storage. Even if you only have 1-2 weeks of food stored in your RV, this is better than 3-5 days.
• Canning is your friend: We just started canning and love it because we don’t need freezer or fridge space to store our food! How much more perfect can it get? Look into canning – it’s worth it, especially if you have access to free or low-cost produce.
• Buy things you use frequently in bulk when on sale: There are some things we cook with frequently including broths, canned tomatoes, salad dressing, and microbrew root beer! When our favorite items are on sale, we stock up and do what we can to store it! As said above, we save most of our storage for food so that we can go many days or weeks if necessary without stopping by a grocery store.

Organization / Keeping Tidy

Jesse and I are both neat-freaks… we like everything to have a place so that we can quickly find what we need.

It took some trial and error to find places for everything, but here are our organization tips.

• Try to put things in an intuitive place: Think about the flow of your lifestyle throughout the trailer. Make sure items you use daily are easily accessible, and in a convenient location. Put kitchen-related items right by the kitchen. Put things you use outside right by the door. Don’t be afraid to change the location of things a couple of times… it will take some effort to find spots that work!
• Shop for organization tools after analyzing the trailer: Rather than buying a bunch of bins and knick knacks before organizing your trailer, organize first and then go buy what you need to finish the job. We measured various cubbies and cupboards in our RV, thought about what we want to put where, and then bought bins designed for those spots.
• Bins are your friend, use them often: As stated a lot on this homesteading blog, we love bins! Almost every cupboard in our RV has a bin in it. This is extremely helpful for taller cupboards when you can’t reach the back of them! We have all of our food in bins which makes it easy to find what we need. We even have a bin for our electronics, chargers, and cameras! They work so wonderfully, you can never have enough!
• Clean up as you go: One thing that is extremely important when living in small spaces is to clean up as you go! If we neglect cleaning up just one activity, we always regret it later. We clean up dishes immediately after eating. We make the bed after getting up. We put away clothes that we take off so that they aren’t laying around. When we’re done with our laptops, we put the laptops and chargers away so that they don’t add clutter. We do a lot in our trailer so if we don’t clean up after each activity, it will look like a bomb went off, and that’s not good for anyone’s energy!
• Don’t be afraid to hold out for exactly what you need: After several trips to Lowes and Walmart, we did look online in hopes we would find the organization tools we really needed. One thing we have is an office organizer that fits in the TV cubbie hole (we took out the TV) that allows us to easily organize pens, paper, receipts, small tools and more. We really wanted this one because it is white and fits in with the rest of our trailer. It was worth it to buy exactly what we needed and wanted rather than to save a few bucks and settle for something that would just “get us by”.
• Look online for organization stuff: One of our favorite websites is The Container Store… they have oodles of organization stuff! Just looking through their website may give you some ideas on how to organize your RV.

Clothing & Closet Space

When you live in a small space, you really need to pick over your wardrobe with a fine-toothed come.

If you’re accustomed to having your own 200 sq ft closet, you have a lot of work to do!

Jesse and I don’t have much storage for clothing; we only have a tiny closet and some space above the bed. Gotta be creative!

• Be honest with yourself and think about what you actually wear any given week: If you’re like most people, you only wear about 10% of your clothing in any given week, month or year. Try as hard as you can to only pack that 10% and put the rest in storage, or even donate it to Goodwill.
• Don’t plan on going to dinner with the queen: We all have those few outfits that we have JUST IN CASE the queen invites us to dinner, and we need a REALLY nice outfit! If you aren’t living that kind of lifestyle, put those types of clothing in storage unless yo actually wear them on a monthly basis. If you really need to go get your nice clothing, you can go get it.
• Pack according to the season: Since we have limited space, I only have in the trailer what is appropriate for the current season. If it’s winter, I don’t have any tank tops, shorts, dresses, or anything of that sort. If you have the space or are living in your trailer solo, you may be able to pack your seasonal clothing into bins under your bed. Basically, if you don’t wear it, don’t make it accessible!
• Have warm clothing: Here’s an article I wrote on how I dress warm in winter . I only have a handful of items, but those items are quality and critical to my wardrobe.
• Have a laundry bag that is easily accessible: Unless you have a way of doing laundry in the trailer, plan on going to the laundromat often! We have a laundry bag that is easily accessible so that we are encouraged to pick up as we go! Also, when laundry day arrives, all we need to do is grab our laundry bag and we’re set!
• Keep laundry supplies in the car: One thing we do is keep our laundry detergent and quarters in the car. On a good day, we’re thankful to simply remember the fact that we need to do laundry and we’re lucky if we grab the laundry day! As we always have a million errands to do when we are in town, we try to keep some stuff in the car because otherwise, we would forget it at the trailer.
• Redefine your definition of clean: Some people wear a shirt once and then toss it into the laundry bin. Unless you are getting filthy on a daily basis from head to toe, see if you can’t get away with wearing the same clothes at least a couple days in a row. If we’re simply doing light work around our property, or just working in town all day, we can wear the same jeans and sweater for many days!

Sleeping Well in a Travel Trailer

I don’t care who you are… sleep is important.

When you’re living in a travel trailer, things can get tense at times due to the lack of space and frequency of bumping your head on things, so sleep is extra critical to keep grumpiness to a minimum!

• Buy a quality mattress: We were lucky enough that our RV came equipped with a memory foam mattress! We love the thing, and feel that having a quality mattress helps us to get good sleep at night! However, check the mattress dimensions in your trailer… some trailers have shorter mattresses that need to be special ordered to fit.
• Have some ear plugs on hand: When you sleep in a travel trailer, it seems that the slightest movement makes a lot of noise! If you are not sleeping alone, then your chances of getting poor sleep go up because if one of you wakes up in the middle of the night, chances are both of you will! While ear plugs don’t reduce movement, they can mask some of the sound.
• Turn the heater down at night: One thing that wakes Jesse up a lot is the sound of the heater kicking on. We try to keep the heater as low as possible at night without turning it off completely so that our pipes don’t freeze in winter!
• Have dark sheets: If you’re living out in the wilderness and/or not taking showers daily, one thing that can help is having dark sheets. This isn’t an excuse to never wash your bedding, but it can help hide some of the grit and grime!
• Make your bed daily: Now I’m not your mom, but you’d be amazed at how having the bed made makes the trailer feel cleaner! On days we don’t make the bed, the entire trailer just feels messy, which can wear on our mood.
• Run a fan at night: After we got our portable solar panels , running a fan at night for both cool are and white noise was an option, and our sleep quality increased as well. This was because we could afford to run the battery down at night as it would begin charging again by about 7am.

Keeping Warm in a Trailer

We are boon docking in a colder climate, and having snow on the ground all winter long is not uncommon!

Weeks with below freezing temperatures aren’t uncommon, either!

There are some things you can do to winterize your travel trailer while you’re living in it.

• Use heat tape: If you’re fortunate enough to have access to electricity, you can try wrapping your hoses with heat tape which should prevent them from freezing.
• Insulate your carport: One of the things we’re trying is insulating our RV carport with fiberglass and high density foam! It’s not sexy but it helps keep some of the cold out. We also built a 3-sided cabin onto the end of our carport which we heat with a wood stove, so overall we’re able to keep the inside of the carport 20-30 degrees warmer than the outside.
• Keep your heater at 50 degrees minimum: During winter, we never turn the heat completely off. We set it at the minimum temperature possible which helps keep things from freezing. Freezing is bad! For the most part, it doesn’t come on during the day but it does come on at night.
• Keep cupboards open: When it’s really cold outside, keep cupboards open that would normally hide things like plumbing and water tanks. You need all the heat you can get so be sure to leave all appropriate cupboards open so that the heat can infiltrate the area.
• Insulate windows and air vents: This isn’t something we do because we have a fully-insulated carport, but others suggest insulating the windows and putting some insulation in your air vents.
• Remember to air out your trailer: One of the byproducts of propane is moisture, so if you’re running your heater but have everything sealed up, you will have a lot of moisture accumulation. We always leave the top air vents open a little when the heater is on, but other days we would open them fully and crank the heat up high! Heat can dry your trailer out a bit but you also need proper air circulation for this to work.
• Dress warm: While you do need to keep your trailer a little bit warm to prevent freezing, one simple solution is to dress warm, then the inside temperature of your trailer isn’t so critical! Here’s how to dress warm in winter .

Keeping the Trailer Clean

Somehow, when you’re living in a travel trailer, things get dirty quickly!

I’m not sure if this is because travel trailers are typically in wilderness-type settings or because you notice every detail when your home is small, but either way it’s great to be clean!

• Sweep daily with a compact broom: We sweep out our trailer daily with this compact broom . It folds up nicely so that we can store it in the closet. Even if the trailer doesn’t look dirty, we always get a decent amount of dirt off of the floor!
• Wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber towel: We frequently wipe down the floors and all surfaces in the travel trailer with these microfiber towels . A general rule of thumb is to try to clean dry, otherwise you just make mud!
• Have a lot of rags on hand for cleaning: What we can’t clean dry, we clean up using a simple wet rag. We use these to clean up after dinner, and to wipe off random marks off the trailer walls and doors.
• Have a wet vac on board: Since accidents are bound to happen (even just sipping spaghetti sauce on your kitchen table seats!), it’s a great idea to have a wet vac in your trailer or car! We try to keep our trailer extra clean and not accumulate stains, so as soon as we spill something on upholstery we clean it up ASAP. We also have a couple of Bengal cats that have been known to place hairballs on our bed, so the wet vac works great for that too. However, you will need electricity for this or at least a generator to plug it into.
• Leave your shoes at the door: As a general rule of thumb, we try to avoid wearing shoes in our trailer when we can. This isn’t always possible as sometimes it’s too cumbersome to remove our shoes, but this will really help to reduce the dirt in your trailer.
• Have a dirt-collecting doormat: Another thing we do is have a dirt-collecting doormat at the entrance to our trailer or RV deck. IF you’re going to wear your shoes in the trailer, at least knock the dust off of them first! Or, if you have some sort of RV deck, place it at the beginning of the deck so that you track less dirt right outside the trailer door! A great way to clean is not to get something dirty in the first place.

Books, Blogs & Other Resources

Trailersteading: how to find, buy, retrofit and live large in a mobile home, travel-trailer homesteading for under $5,000, electronics.

Coming soon!

Tips for Saving Money While Living Full-Time in an RV

After living on the road full-time for over a year now, we’ve discovered lots of ways to save money on RV life costs. We hope these tips help you to lower your costs and make full-time RVing more affordable and achievable. If you’re looking for a break down of how much it costs to RV full-time, consider reading the following posts:

How Much Does it Cost To Full-Time RV (+ a FREE Download) : In this post, we breakdown exactly how much RV life costs us each month. We also surveyed 7 other RVers and had them share their monthly costs. These RVers are different from us – we surveyed a retired couple, an empty nester couple, a couple with a baby, a family of 6, and even a solo traveler. This will hopefully give you the best idea of what full-time RVing will cost YOU.

The Cost of Full-Time RVing: Affording a Life on the Road : In this post, we share every cost you’ll need to consider before hitting the road. We also give a basic breakdown of the monthly expenses you can expect with RV life. This should give you a greater idea of whether you can afford to take your life on the road.

Here are our tips for saving money while living full-time in an RV:

1. find free spots to park as often as possible.

There are many apps and websites that help you find free RV spots across the country. We use Campendium, All Stays, and Ultimate Campgrounds most often for this. FreeCampsites.net has a good guide for finding free spots to park as well and gives a good explanation of your options for “dispersed camping” on BLM, USFS, County and City Parks, and more.

Also, for quick overnight stays, you can always park for free at Walmarts, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, and Cracker Barrels. Keep in mind though, that not all locations allow it across the country, so you need to verify ahead of time.

If you are hoping to find free camping as often as possible, consider reading our “Boondocking For Beginners Guide” , where we share how to find the best free spots to park, tips for conserving water, getting power, and other helpful resources!

2. Utilize RV Memberships

The RV industry is full of memberships that help you save money on various RV costs . Their greatest benefit is discounted RV park and campground fees. If you want our list of the most popular memberships, their benefits, which ones we recommend joining (and even some discounts on memberships), check out this post: “RV Memberships: Which Ones Should You Join?” .

3. Stay in one location longer

If you prefer staying at RV parks and campgrounds, another good way to save money is through extended stays. Most parks and campgrounds offer weekly or monthly rates, which reduces the nightly cost. Plus, you’ll save on gas too!

4. Keep a Budget

We are constantly asked how we afford to full-time RV. We don’t make a lot of money, we don’t come from wealthy families, we simply just manage our money well and stay on top of our finances while living within our means. However, we could not do this without our budgeting habits and process . Budgeting helped us pay off our debt and save money so that the leap into a full-time travel lifestyle (with only one of us having a job at the time) wasn’t quite as scary.

If you don’t know exactly where your money is going each month, it’s going to be very difficult to know whether or not you can afford to full-time RV. We started diligently budgeting 4 years ago and it completely changed our life. We not only got on the same page with our finances, but we discovered ways we were wasting money or could cut back in order to free up money.

We completely changed our habits with our money and its allowed us to achieve the lifestyle of our dreams . We’ve written all about our budgeting journey on the blog (including ways we freed up $600 a month and the budgeting process we use).  If you’re interested in reading more about how we manage our finances and budgeting tips, click here .

We honestly could go on and on and on about budgeting and we strongly believe that it’s crucial to have a budget before you hit the road . If you don’t have a budgeting strategy or tool that you currently use and find to be successful, we’d love to help. We actually created our own budgeting program called Finance Your Detour when we realized that money is the number one barrier that keeps people from achieving the RV life dream! If you want more information on Finance Your Detour, click here.

We know finances are sometimes a scary thing, but we hope we made them seem a little less scary in terms of affording the full-time RV lifestyle.

Do you have other tips for saving money while traveling full-time?

We’d love to hear them in the comments below.

Great info available here .Thank you for posting. Hope to learn lots more.

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed and found the material useful.

Thanks and everything is shared in this blog in an unique way. keep it up.

You made an interesting point when you talked about how people who are living in RVs can save money by figuring out where their money goes each month. In addition to that, I would think that it would be worth the investment to purchase some small solar panels. That way the electricity that an RV uses can come from renewable energy.

amazing article i really like for this.. thanks for this informative article

thanks Justin!

when you travelling first you need to save money as much as you can save so this blog tells many things about saving money when you travel. great tips you are sharing thanks