Before choosing your new home on wheels, you need to look at your travel and day-to-day plans to best decide on the best type of RV for full-timing.
Some major things to consider when choosing an RV for full-time living: – How much space do you need? – Where and how often will you be traveling? – What's your budget
If you spend most of your time indoors, you will want a larger RV with nicer finishes and amenities.
If you work from home, you may require dedicated office space. Again, if you're honest with yourself, will you be happy working daily at a dinette table?
Space includes not only living space but also storage space. Whether it's crafting or paddle boarding, everything needs space, and those spaces add up.
If your travel will be state-to-state visiting parks and big serviced campgrounds, considering it's in the budget, Class A looks like a great option.
Perhaps you will often be traveling, but in more rural areas, off-road areas, and boondocking. A 4x4 van would be better suited than that big Class A.
If you want a vehicle to unhook easily and drive daily or explore cities, having a towable gives you this option.
If your dream is a large motorhome, but the budget only allows for something 40 years old, you need to consider the total cost.
There is nothing wrong with older RVs. However, you need to consider maintenance and repairs in your choice.
Financing a new RV will be something that may or may not fit into your budget. If this is your route, don't put yourself in significant debt to fund this dream.
The obvious benefit of motorhomes is the comfort of travel. Motorhomes are great if you will be putting on lots of miles.
Motorhomes eliminate the towing experience. This is a big draw for many people who don't want to bother with hooking up, unhooking, towing and maneuvering of a trailer.
Vans provide freedom unlike any other type of RV. That being said, they are definitely not for everyone.
Active people who plan to spend much of their time outdoors will be happy with van life. Those with a lot of pets or large families may not find it as enjoyable.
Vanlife looks dreamy on Instagram, and for many, it is. However, there are some significant considerations before going full-time in a van.
Towables probably make up the largest portion of full-timers. The sizes and models available are extensive and a great way to live full-time.
Having a towable means you have a home, and a separate vehicle, just like you likely do now. For families, towables offer the space needed for kids, work, and storage.
Newer fifth wheels are being designed with full-timers in mind. They are becoming more house-like and offering office space, well-equipped kitchens, and living areas.
People who do lots of travel and jump from campground to campground can become disenchanted with the towing aspect of this type of RV.
A big cozy fifth wheel can be a perfect home for anyone who is more stationary.
There is no best type of RV for full-timing that fits everyone. The decision to go full-time is a big one, and there are many things to consider.
Get an in-depth look with the extended article version on Camper Smarts.