Every day, more people are electing to downsize from their homes or apartment into some type of RV to fulfill their dream of living year round in a travel trailer. It may appear to be a cost-effective and exciting alternative to living in a standard home, but every significant life decision has benefits and drawbacks.
So, can you live full time in a travel trailer?
The short answer: Yes, you can absolutely live full time in a travel trailer and thousands of people are doing so right now.
Let’s dive in and go over the pros and cons of full time life and see if it’s right for you. Below are the answers to some key questions before moving into a travel trailer and living in it year round.
Can I Make The Transition From a House To an RV?
The biggest disadvantage of living in an RV full-time is the limited space. Even with multiple slide-outs and a length of 45 feet, the median living space for full-time RVers is roughly 400 square feet.
Transitioning from an average-sized house to living in around 400 square feet of space can prove to be difficult for many people.
A fireplace, washing and dryer, and even dishwashers are available in some travel trailers. Even though almost all have elaborate entertainment systems and most RVs have more storage capacity than a normal tiny house, the living space and features are still much less than a traditional brick-and-mortar home.
Many full-time RVers drive cars that are significantly smaller, campers live full-time in van conversions, while many others have lived full-time in a tiny truck camper for many years.
These structures are typically the size of a small cottage. They’re basically miniature homes on wheels with full hookups and holding tanks.
What Are Your Adventure Needs?
If hauling a lot of supplies and equipment is crucial to your enjoyment of the full-time RV lifestyle, you may acquire a toy hauler.
In such instances, 5th wheel trailers, travel trailers, and RVs with a built-in garage where the back of the RV serves as a ramp for motorized equipment will come in helpful.
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One of these garages might hold a lot of gear, but there are always constraints. All of this additional gear adds weight to your RV or truck, and trailers, trucks, and toy haulers can only carry so much.
Where Will I Be Allowed to park my travel trailer?
Another disadvantage of full-time RVing is that you have to find suitable places to stop or camp every day of the year. You don’t get a break from that commitment even if you’re boondocking.
If you live in an apartment or home and only use your RV part-time, you can leave it parked on your property or in a storage facility for many days out of the year. When you live in an RV all year, though, you have to find places to stay every night.
Organizing an RV trip requires time and work. When compared to house payments, it may appear that you will save a substantial amount of money, but you may be surprised at how quickly the expenses on the road accumulate.
Are RV Parks a Feasible Option?
A long-term RV park is one that allows year-round occupancy of RVs. Many of these parks designate a portion of their land for long-term use and the remainder for short-term use. You might even be able to purchase a spot at an RV park.
Almost often, staying at a park for an extended period of time results in cost savings. RV park costs can quickly mount up when paid on a nightly basis. Monthly and even yearly rates are frequently significantly cheaper.
In addition, most RV parks in the United States today offer a variety of services, such as a grocery shop, a gym, and even a pool!
An RV park will prove to be a viable option if you plan on staying in one spot for a few months to renew and recoup yourself.
Can a Travel Trailer Be an Investment?
Another downside of living full-time in an RV is that you do not build up equity in a home. Your recreational vehicle depreciates like a car, regardless of how much you spent on it when you acquired it. Over time, even a million-dollar RV will depreciate in value.
RVs are not investments, and you will never recoup your costs unless you retain them and rent them out.
Protection From Harsh Climate?
Another significant disadvantage of year-round RV life is that a motorhome or trailer does not give the same level of physical security as a traditional home.
RV residents are more vulnerable to severe winds, hail, heavy rain, ice, snow, and other weather concerns like tornadoes than those who live in permanent structures.
You would think that RV residents can just relocate their vehicles if the weather becomes bad, but you never know when the weather will change or which route to take to avoid it.
Can I Move Wherever and Whenever I Desire?
As previously stated, one of the biggest advantages of living in an RV full-time is that you will remain adaptable and movable. You are not required to stay in a residence that is in danger of flooding, tornadoes, or wildfires.
If the conditions become unpleasant due to severe heat, smoke, rain, or even if your neighbors are driving you insane, you have the choice to leave.
Nothing binds you to a specific location. You can camp in one area for a night, a few weeks, or even a few months, but if you get tired of it, you can quickly move to a new spot that better matches your needs.
What Will Life on the Road be Like?
Last but not least, living in an RV all year allows you to spend your money on experiences rather than stuff. You will make memories daily that will last a lifetime!
You have unlimited opportunities to meet new people, travel to new locations, try new activities, sample different cuisines, and visit historic sites. Spending your money on experiences rather than tangible belongings is the biggest attraction provided by the full-time RV lifestyle.
When we travel on vacation, we normally rush from one attraction to the next, trying to cram as much experience as possible into as little time as possible.
When you live in an RV full-time, on the other hand, you can take your time and spend as much time as you need in each location to fully understand and experience the local culture, history, and cuisine.
You can go to any location and find all of the hidden jewels and sites that tourists usually overlook. The slower pace is one of the most advantageous aspects of the full-time experience. You have the ability to make time work for you!
So the last question to ask yourself is,
Is Living in a Travel Trailer Full-time Right For You?
Living a full-time lifestyle is not for everyone. Some people dislike the concept of not having a place to call home. When they are removed from their family and friends, as well as their daily routines, they struggle.
Anxiety is exacerbated by uncertainty, the sensation of living in a tin can, never-ending planning, and the difficulties of always being on the move.
So, before you take this thrilling leap, be sure you’re well informed of all the challenges you’ll face along the way and that you’re ready to meet them!
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