Best RV For Full-Time Living: How To Pick Your Perfect Rig

There are many benefits of full-time RV living. It’s a great way for retirees to explore national parks and check other US destinations off their bucket lists. It can be cost-effective for young couples to see the country and stay in state parks with a safe roof over their head. But it’s not so easy if you don’t choose the best RV for full-time living that suits your lifestyle.

Best RV For Full-Time Living Featured Image PC Willian Justen de Vasconcellos via Unsplash

Most RVs are best suited for part-time use. They’re designed for three-season camping and require proper winterization during the colder months. While these models can be used for full-time living if you fly south for the winter – aka “snowbird” – they’re not all made for full-time RV life when dealing with freezing temperatures. 

There’s a lot to consider with your choice. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best RVs for full-time living in all the major recreational vehicle categories. Don’t forget to read through our guide to choosing the right full-time RV for you and our tips for full-time RVers after you browse these awesome rigs!

What Is The Best RV For Full-Time Living?

Let’s be honest: it’s a tough question to answer definitively. In my 10+ years as an RVer (not counting the many years I spent traveling in an RV with my parents), I’ve used a 1986 Class C Tioga Motorhome, a 1998 Fleetwood Bounder Class A Motorhome, and a 2021 Sunset Park RV Sunlite Classic 18RD Travel Trailer for full-time RV living. 

I found pros and cons for each of these recreational vehicles, but what I prefer might not match your personal preference. In the interest of providing a comprehensive list of RV options, I’ve chosen one model for each of the major RV types – motorhomes (Class A, B, and C) and towables (travel trailer, fifth wheel, and toy hauler). 

I’ve also provided a list of alternatives in each category to help you compare models and make the best choice for you. After all, when we’re talking about full-time living in an RV it pays to do your homework to be completely sure before you buy. 

Let’s start with motorhomes.

Best Class A RV For Full-Time Living

Class A RVs tend to provide the most living space for full-time living. That’s why it’s the first type of RV on our list. Here is our choice for the best class A RV for full-time living. 

Newmar Dutch Star

Newman Dutch Star is one of the best RVs for fulltime living
PC Newmar Corp
RV Specs
  • Lengths: 37’11”, 40’9”, and 43’9”
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Height: 13’1”

The Newmar Dutch Star is our choice for the best class A RV for full-time living because this RV is the epitome of luxury on wheels.

Standard interior equipment on this class A RV includes two recliners with reading lamps, a front passenger seat workstation, and pull-out pantry shelves for easy access to all your cooking supplies. 

You can choose from a total of 13 unique floor plans and this motor coach is available in three lengths. The shortest length is available with four different floor plans. The medium length offers two distinct floor plans and the longest model provides seven floor plans to choose from. 

Standard exterior features on this best RV for full-time living include a rear hitch for towing, hydraulic leveling jacks, an assist handle at the entrance door, and much more.

This RV can also be equipped with a wheelchair lift, a patio hammock package, and several other optional exterior features. 

This best RV to live in year-round is also meant to help you ride in style. The chairs in the cockpit offer six-way adjustment with power lumbar and support. They also include a power recliner and footrest for relaxing while you’re not driving.

But when you are, this rig is also compatible with the optional Rand McNally navigation system to help you find your destinations with ease. 

“With a full super slide of one side and two slides on the left side you have lots of room. I’m 6’5 and I feel very comfortable in this unit. Having any problems with this unit and with the extended warranty we have a piece of mine also with it. It has all the bells and whistles that you could ever want. Very fun to drive also.”

Explore Newmar Dutch Star motorhomes near you.

Interior of the best class A RV for full time living
Dutch Star Kitchen PC Newmar Corp
Pros
  • Hydraulic Leveling Jacks: Makes it easy to level your rig with the touch of a button. 
  • Multiple Pop-Outs: Expands the interior space for more comfortable year-round RV living. 
  • Floor Plan Options: You’ll be able to choose your favorite of the Dutch Star’s 13 unique floor plans. 
  • Optional Add-Ons: There are plenty of optional features to choose from when building your Dutch Star, such as electric radiant heat below the main floor tiles, four flexible 100-watt solar panels on the roof, and much more. 
Cons
  • Price: This RV comes with a price tag comparable to that of a small home in some areas. 
  • Size: The large size of this class A RV may be a bit much for just a couple.
Luxurious interior of this Class A RV, one of the best RVS for full time living
Dutch Star Living Area PC Newmar Corp

Alternatives for the Best Large RV for Full-time Living

Best Class B RV For Full-Time Living

Class B RVs might look like what so many folks these days are calling ‘camper vans’. If you’re interested in van life, this is the best class RV for full-time living. 

Winnebago Revel 44E

The Best Class B for Full Time RVing parked in the desert
PC Winnebago
RV Specs
  • Length: 19’7”
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Height: 10’

The Winnebago Revel is our choice for the best class B RV for full-time living because it’s the perfect compact solution for a couple jumping into full-time RV living.

The Revel sleeps two and has a drop-down rear bed with a power lift. This allows you to lift the bed to the ceiling during the day and enjoy more interior living space until it’s time to rest your head. 

This best RV for full-time living features a diesel engine for better fuel economy than most gas-powered camper vans.

With a length under 20 feet, this RV is also easy to navigate if you’ve never driven one before. That shorter length also means that you’ll fit in pretty much any RV park or campground that you come across on your travels. 

The Revel comes with a rooftop solar panel and battery charger. This allows you to keep your essentials charged while exploring off-the-grid camping spots. Two 125-amp-hour Lithium-ion batteries are also standard with the Revel.

When you do pull into a campground or RV park, however, the Revel can plug into most power stands in RV parks with its 30-amp power cord. 

Because of its smaller size, the Revel comes with several standard features that help you create a cozy indoor-outdoor living space. The powered patio camper van awning extends with the touch of a button and includes LED lighting so you don’t run into it at night.

It also includes a rear screen door with a blackout panel for added privacy. That screen is also great for keeping light out on the mornings when you want to sleep in.

Here’s what one Winnebago Revel buyer had to say about their ownership experience: 

“Easy to drive, decent gas mileage, enough room for two for about five plus days off grid. Pulls a light trailer with four wheeler easily. Overall really great van, for the price there could have been some better finishes, but overall it is a great camper van and really fun to take to those hard to get places.” 

Find Winnebago Revel Class B RVs in your region.

You may also like: The best Class B RVs to live in

Solar panels on top of the Winnebago Revel, the best Class B RV for full time living
Revel Rooftop PC Winnebago
Pros
  • Power Lift Bed: This allows you to lift the bed to the ceiling during the day for added livability.  
  • Length: Because it’s less than 20 feet, you’ll have an easier time negotiating crowded parking lots and finding places to camp with this RV. 
  • Powered Patio Awning: Gives you the freedom to create a protected indoor-outdoor living space. 
  • Rear Blackout Screen: Maintains cabin privacy even when the back doors are open. 
Cons
  • Price: While it’s available at less than half the price of the Dutch Star, the Revel is still no small investment. 
  • Size: This class B RV for full-time living is only suited for 1-2 passengers. It will get cramped with anything more than that, which also means minimal space to host guests.
Back shot of the Winnebago Revel, the best class B RV for full time living
Revel with Exterior Doors Open and Bed Down PC Winnebago

Alternatives for the Best Compact Motorhome for Full-time Living

Best Class C RV For Full-Time Living

Class C RVs are the best choice for small families or a group of friends heading out for an extended RV adventure. This is our choice for the best class C RV for full-time living. 

Thor Motor Coach Chateau 31E

Best Class C RV for fulltime living
PC Thor Motor Coach
RV Specs
  • Length(s): 32’7”
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline
  • Height: 11’2”

The Thor Motor Coach Chateau is our choice for the best class C RV for full-time living because it offers a great sleeping capacity and one of the best towing capacities of any full-time class C RV. It sleeps a total of seven people and has an 8,000-pound towing capacity. 

When you’re in the driver’s seat, you’ll be able to use the Chateau’s backup camera to keep an eye on whatever you’re towing. But that dash camera also converts to the display for your radio once you’re underway.

You’ll also be able to adjust the exterior side mirrors with remote operation and these mirrors are heated so that they don’t ice up on really cold nights. 

The Chateau offers a total of 55.7 cubic feet of exterior storage space. Automatic leveling jacks and a powered patio awning with integrated LED lighting make it easy to set up this RV for indoor-outdoor living in minutes.

These features are standard on the Chateau 31E, but it also gives you the option to add several features that make it much safer for families with young children. 

Some of those optional features for enhanced safety include a cab-over child safety net and a single child safety tether in the dinette.

If you prefer to use your exterior living space under the patio awning for entertainment purposes, you also have the option of adding an exterior 32-inch TV on a swivel bracket with Bluetooth Sound Bar and Radio. 

Check out this review from a Thor Chateau owner: 

“The Thor Chateau 31 E has been a great RV for the money. Thor has been great with answering questions and providing information. The Owner’s portal has a wealth of information and all the systems manuals are online and easily accessible. We have had a ton of great family memories in our RV and would definitely buy Thor again. The bunk beds are definitely worth having, especially with a family. The Ford E450 Chasis is a bulletproof workhorse and provides plenty of power for towing. It has the Triton V10 engine which is such an upgrade from the old V8. Thor has made a great product. We are definitely happy campers!!”

Check the pricing and availability of these Thor motorhomes.

The cozy interior and kitchen area of this best RV for full time living
Chateau 31E Kitchen PC Thor Motor Coach
Pros
  • Sleeping Capacity: The Chateau includes one queen-sized bed, two bunk beds with a ladder, the cab-over bed in front, a fold-down couch, and a convertible dinette. That gives you the capacity to sleep up to seven people.  
  • Towing Capacity: You’ll be able to tow another small vehicle or trailer behind the Chateau with its 8,000-pound towing capacity. 
  • Heated Side Mirrors: Prevents mirrors from icing over in cold temperatures. 
  • Powered Patio Awning: Extends and retracts at the push of a button to create a shaded lounge space outside your RV. 
Cons
  • Privacy: The Chateau 31E doesn’t include the window privacy shades that come standard on other Chateau models. 
  • Cooktop: The 31E includes the standard two-burner cooktop that doesn’t include a protective cover with task lighting. Some other Chateau models include the protective cover and come with an upgraded three-burner cooktop.
Interior of the Chateau - one of the best RVs for full time living
Chateau 31E Living Area PC Thor Motor Coach

Alternatives For the Best Family Motorhome for Full-Time Living

Best Travel Trailer for Full-Time RV Living

Jayco Jay Feather

jayco jay feather travel trailer
Photo by Jayco
RV Specs
  • Length(s): 24’ up to 36’1”
  • Dry Weight: 4,775 up to 6,970 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10

I’ve chosen the Jayco Jay Feather as the best travel trailer for full-time living because of its versatile floor plan and exceptional holding tank capacity. The Murphy bed in smaller models as the main sleeping area allows it to quickly convert to a sofa during the day – providing maximum living space for indoor activities like yoga or an exercise routine. 

The smaller floorplans make for excellent couples-friendly RVs for full-time living. The larger models provide bunks or even a separate bunk room for families. All models offer a huge 55-gallon fresh water tank, an on-demand 60,000-BTU water heater, and a 13,500-BTU roof-mounted air conditioner. 

The insulation and optional upgrades are two additional reasons I identified the Jay Feather as a great trailer for full-timers. All models are built with Jayco’s Climate Shield, which is a weather insulation package tested for 0 to 100 degrees. 

Plus, the options include 120-volt heated pads for the holding tanks, a second A/C unit on select models or an upgraded unit on smaller RVs, and an electric fireplace in select models. Jayco’s Overlander 1 solar package is standard on the Jay Feather, which includes a 200-watt solar panel and a 30-amp digital charge controller. You can upgrade to the Overlander 2 package to equip the Jay Feather with a second 200-watt solar panel and an 1,800-watt inverter.

Here’s what one Jay Feather buyer said about their experience after two years of ownership: 

“I waited two years before posting a review on our 2021 Jayco 16RK since buying new in July of 2021. We have camped over 75 nights in this trailer and towed it over 7500 miles. This trailer has been outstanding. It is well made and has not had any issues. The propane regulator had to be replaced due to a recall but that has been it. It is a small trailer and is extremely comfortable for my wife and I. We often camp for up to ten nights at a time and never feel cramped. The interior and exterior design is very nice. Jayco’s customer support has been very helpful in answering any of my questions or providing more detailed information and drawings. The trailer is very easy to tow and is extremely stable at any speeds I have driven. I have taken it on many curved and steep mountain roads with no problems. We love this trailer. I was very nervous about the quality of these things but so far it has exceeded all expectations. Our Jayco experience has been very good.”

Explore Camping World’s selection of Jayco Jay Feather travel trailers.

jayco jay feather living room best rv for full time living
Photo by Jayco
Pros
  • Insulation Package: The Jay Sport package with Climate Shield and the optional climate control upgrades make it perfectly suited for extended-season camping.
  • Navigation Preps: It’s ready for the installation of backup and/or side marker cameras to help you navigate into campsites and on the open road.
  • Indoor/Outdoor Cooking: The outdoor kitchen on select models makes it easy to split meal prep duties on hot days or when hosting company.
Cons
  • Mattress Quality: You’ll likely want to upgrade the mattresses in the bunks or install mattress toppers for better sleep quality. 
  • A/C Capability: You should strongly consider upgrading to a larger air conditioning unit if you choose one of the larger models.
jayco jay feather kitchen best rv for full time living
Photo by Jayco

Alternatives For The Best Budget RV for Full-Time Living

Best Fifth Wheel RV for Full-Time Living

Grand Design Reflection

grand design reflection fifth wheel
Photo by Grand Design
RV Specs
  • Length(s): 32’10” up to 41’7”
  • Dry Weight: 9,854 up to 12,552 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 4-8

Grand Design consistently ranks among the top fifth wheel manufacturers in the nation, and I chose their Reflection line for full-time living because it’s built with Arctic 4-season protection that allows you to enjoy year-round comfort when you’re parked and numerous safety features to help ensure safe travels when you relocate. 

That 4-season protection package catches my eye because it’s tested from 0 up to more than 100 degrees. It includes an upgraded furnace and fireplace combination that can deliver up to 35,000 BTUs of heating power. Additional weatherproofing features include: 

  • Heated holding tanks and enclosed low-point drains
  • A 12-volt tank heater controlled by the RV’s thermostat
  • Heated utility center and storage bay
  • Dual attic vents and enclosed gate valves

When it comes to the driving safety features, it’s equipped with an advanced anti-lock braking system, Goodyear Endurance Tires, MORryde CRE3000 suspension, and a tire pressure monitoring system for real-time updates. 

But let’s face it – full-timers spend most of their time inside their RV. The Reflection certainly doesn’t come up short there either. It stands out to me because there are a wide variety of floor plans to choose from – bunkhouse, rear living, mid-kitchen, mid-bunk, rear bunkroom, and more. 

One of my personal favorites is the Reflection 362TBS, which boasts a private rear bunkroom with a queen bed on the floor and a ladder up to a second 54” x 74” top bunk. The main sleeping area is at the front and the mid-kitchen is super spacious with an exceptional central kitchen island. 

Here’s what one full-time RVer had to say about their Grand Design Reflection fifth wheel: 

“This RV is awesome! It’s a great size to downsize to if leaving your home while still having the majority of the same amenities as a house. Full-size appliances, on-demand water heaters, smart home features! Anyone interested with a family or just looking for a solid RV needs to look at this model.”

Find Grand Design Reflection fifth wheel RVs for full-time living near you. 

grand design living room best rv for full time living
Photo by Grand Design
Pros
  • Four-Season Protection: Beyond locations where you regularly experience sustained temperatures below 0, this fifth wheel is built for four-season living. 
  • Spacious Kitchens: Each floorplan boasts a beautiful kitchen layout with that coveted central island.
  • Standard Solar Package: Upgrades are available, but the standard package includes a 370-watt solar panel, a 60-amp charge controller and solar disconnect, and a 12-volt refrigerator.
Cons
  • Closet Storage: Some users have noted that the wardrobes aren’t long enough for clothing to hang and not be wrinkled at the bottom. But, in my experience, this is an issue you’ll find in many RV wardrobe closets and not necessarily something that’s unique to Grand Design.
  • Batteries Not Included: You’ll need to purchase compatible RV batteries to make full use of the solar features listed above.
grand design reflection kitchen best rv for full time living
Photo by Grand Design

Alternatives For The Best Large Trailer for Full-Time Living

Best Luxury Toy Hauler for Full-Time RV Living

DRV Luxury Suites Full House

drv mobile suites full house
Photo by DRV
RV Specs
  • Length(s): 46’
  • Dry Weight: 19,660 up to 20,310 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: 5-6

I had to go with at least one more luxury towable RV – the DRV Luxury Suites Full House certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard. Built on a solid box steel frame that’s 101” wide, DRV delivers a fifth wheel on the industry’s largest, most rigid frame (in the fifth wheel category). 

But I chose it as a top option for full-time RV living for other reasons. One is that the DRV name has become synonymous with models best suited for full-time living. Another is that the Full House lives up to its name in delivering amenities that go above and beyond what you’ll find from other manufacturers. 

That starts with an AI-enabled voice assistant that allows you to use voice commands to control many RV controls and features. Yes, it’s like Alexa for your residential home. You can use your voice to change a thermostat setting, turn on a streaming radio station, check security cameras, and much more. Plus, it works with Amazon Alexa in online and offline modes. 

And yes, don’t gloss over the fact that I said this fifth wheel for full-time living has security cameras that deliver 270-degree observation whether you’re in camp or on the road. This is one of the industry’s first wireless observation systems and even allows you to enjoy a birdseye view when navigating into campsites, allowing you to set up your RV in the ideal spot in much less time than you’d need without it. 

Each of the three floor plans features a spacious front sleeping area with a king-sized bed and a full-width wardrobe closet. The central kitchen boasts an island for easier meal prep and cleanup. The rear toy hauler garage ranges from 10 to 13 feet long and allows you to include an electric, drop-down queen bed or a split bench seat/bed.  

Here’s what one full-time DRV owner had to say about their Full House fifth wheel: 

“I moved into my unit not anticipating to live in it more than 1 year. Life circumstances happened and I decided to stay living in it. It’s been 8 years of full time RV life and I was very comfortable. This unit is a 4 season rig and a pre Thor build. Outside of normal maintenance, it’s been a great rig. DRV has been good about responding when I needed them. I went back to a sticks and brick home to be closer to my kids; and the unit is currently for sale. It’s in great shape!”

Check the price of new and used DRV Luxury Suites toy haulers in your region.

drv mobile suites full house kitchen and living area best rv for full time living
Photo by DRV
Pros
  • Adaptable Garage: This can be used for storing recreation gear, converted to a mobile office, set up as a workout room, or for many other purposes.
  • Washer/Dryer Prepped: The ability to do laundry in your “Full House” is a huge bonus for full-time RV living.
  • Indoor-Outdoor Living: With the option for three exterior awnings and the ability to convert the ramp to a rear deck, plenty of comforts can be enjoyed inside and outside this fifth wheel toy hauler.
Cons
  • Floor Plan Availability: DRV only offers three floor plans for this model, so you won’t have as many options as with some other manufacturers.
  • Price: Luxury comes at a cost – the Full House is loaded with features, but you’ll have to pay for them!
drv mobile suites full house bedroom best rv for full time living
Photo by DRV

Alternatives For A More Affordable Toy Hauler for Full-Time Living

How To Choose The Best RV For Full-Time Living

When you begin your search for the best RV to live in year-round, I know you might feel overwhelmed. There are many features and specifications to sort through. Fortunately, this guide will help you prioritize the most important factors for choosing an RV for full-time living. 

Towable versus Motorized

Since I provided an option in each category, let’s start with a discussion of the pros and cons of towable versus motorized RVs. This is the best way to begin narrowing down your search. 

Towable ProsTowable ConsMotorized ProsMotorized Cons
Keep a separate vehicle for exploringExtra wear and tear on your tow vehicleNo need for towing equipment or experienceNo alternate vehicle to travel once you reach a destination
Can be more affordable due to lack of engineSome require a heavy-duty tow vehicleSingle unit to use and maintainPoor fuel economy in larger models
Retain your vehicle when your trailer needs repairsSetup and breakdown can take longer due to the hitching processPassenger access to the entire RV while travelingStuck when your unit requires service or maintenance
Wide variety of floorplans and accessories availableCombined length of tow vehicle and trailer can limit campground selectionCan tow a small vehicle behind if desired and compatibleCan require more expensive maintenance

Having lived as a full-time RVer in two motorhomes and one towable, I see both sides. I love the flexibility of my travel trailer now, for the ease of unhitching and getting around in my truck. But I enjoyed a lot more living space in the Class A motorhome I lived in, and it was more insulated for winter living. 

If you already have a vehicle that’s capable of towing a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or toy hauler, I’d recommend exploring towable RVs for full-time living. For everyone else, a motorhome might be a better option, even if you or your partner has to drive your regular vehicle separately when you relocate.

Floor Plan

Floor plan in an RV
PC Winnebago

Many guides will tell you to consider the length of an RV first. But my take is that the floor plan has the biggest impact on the livability of an RV. You probably won’t feel a major difference between 30 and 32 feet once you get used to that space. In other words, RV size isn’t everything.

But you will certainly feel the difference in floor plans. For example, some RVs feature a straight walkway leading from the kitchen back into the bedroom. With this floor plan design, any guests entering your rig will have a clear view of your bedroom.  

Others include an angled walkway that provides more privacy for your sleeping quarters. This is just one example of floor plan differences, but it illustrates how impactful these differences can be.

So I recommend prioritizing the layout of the floor plan over the RV’s total length. This will help you analyze whether you’ll truly be comfortable with the function of the space for full-time living.

Number And Location of Slide-outs

Pop outs extended in some of the best RVs for full time living
PC Paul Brennan via Pixabay

In my opinion, slide-outs are a must for full-time RV living. They go a long way towards increasing the livable space inside what can be an otherwise minimal living space. Do the math. Most RVs are about eight feet wide. So even a large RV with a 40-foot length only offers about 320 square feet of interior living space. 

That’s honestly smaller than most people’s living rooms. So having at least one slide-out is a must for the best RV for full-time living. More slide-outs are even better. But the location of the slide-outs is also important. 

For example, an RV with a bedroom slide might look great when you’re initially shopping for RVs. But consider how much time you spend in your bedroom at home. For many folks, you only go into your bedroom to change clothes, sleep, or watch television while you’re falling asleep. 

So do you need extra living space in your bedroom? Or would you be better served to have an additional slide-out in the living or dining area of your RV?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. I would urge you to prioritize slide-outs in the most frequented areas of your RV.

Storage Capacity

Storage space inside a Winnebago, one of the best RVs to live in year round
PC Winnebago

If you’re moving from a home or apartment into a full-time RV, you’ll have to downsize. But you don’t have to give up all of your belongings if you pick an RV with enough storage capacity. This includes the storage inside and underneath the RV. 

Honestly, it can be hard to estimate whether all of your belongings will fit in your new RV. But not all RVs offer enough underneath storage capacity. In my opinion, you should look for an RV with as many underneath storage compartments possible for year-round living.  

But the layout of an RV’s storage is also important. If you have more household items that you like to keep inside, interior storage is more important than underneath storage.

On the other hand, if you have outdoor recreation equipment that you’d typically store in a shed or garage, you’ll need a full-time RV with extra underneath storage capacity. 

Automatic Leveling Controls

Leveling control in the front of an RV for full time living
PC Winnebago

Most new RVers wouldn’t think about it, but it’s important to know that some RV appliances only work when your rig is level. That can be a challenge when you’re changing RVs spots frequently. 

Even the best RV camping destinations probably don’t have sites that are perfectly level. As an RV owner, you’ll be expected to level your rig every time you park at a new site. And certain rigs are outfit with features that make it easier to level them than others. 

In my opinion, hydraulic leveling is a must-have feature for the best RV for full-time living. This gives you the ability to level your RV with the touch of a button. Otherwise, you’ll need RV chocks and set them in place by hand every time you pull into a new campground. 

If you’re new to full-time RV living, it’s a good idea to put a chock or wooden block underneath your hydraulic leveling jacks. This reduces the likelihood of fully extending your hydraulics and wearing them out. It also keeps your leveling legs out of the dirt or soft mud.

Fuel Type 

Gas pumps with different fuel types - an important factor in picking the best RV for full time living
PC IADE-Michoko via Pixabay

The type of fuel that your full-time RV requires is also an important consideration. The two main options are gasoline or diesel engines. This is, of course, unless embark on an adventure to convert your RV to run on vegetable oil

In many places, diesel fuel is actually more affordable than gasoline. So if you plan to move around frequently in your full-time RV, you might want a rig that relies on diesel fuel. RVs with diesel engines also tend to be more powerful if you need to tow an additional vehicle. 

So the only real drawback of diesel fuel is that it’s not readily available everywhere. If you travel a lot in your RV, not all fuel stations will offer diesel fuel. This might cause you to opt for an RV with a gas-powered engine. 

But if you want a large class A RV for full-time living and you plan to tow a vehicle behind your rig, I’d advise looking for a diesel-powered RV.

And if you know the areas where you travel always advertise diesel fuel at lower prices than gasoline, then a diesel-powered RV is certainly going to be best for you. 

Pro Tips For Full-Time RV Living

From experience, I know that full-time RV living can be tough. But with these pro tips for full-time RV living, I’d hope to make your experience more enjoyable! 

Decorate Your Space

Interior of one of the best RVs for fulltime living
PC Jens Behrmann via Unsplash

My first pro tip for full-time RV living is to take the time to decorate your space. This can look however you like it to look, but adding a tapestry here or a dreamcatcher there can go a long way towards making your RV feel like home. 

Lighting is a great way to change the feel of your RV’s interior space. Even the best RV for full-time living might not come with lights that are particularly friendly on the eyes.

That’s why installing plug-in string lights can be a great way to change the mood and vibe inside your RV while you’re decorating. 

Maximize Your Storage

Storage space above the sink in an RV for fulltime living
PC Winnebago

Perhaps the biggest challenge of full-time RV living is finding enough space for all of your personal belongings, tools, and outdoor recreation equipment. So you’ll need to maximize your storage space if you want to bring everything that makes you feel comfortable with living in an RV year-round. 

My best pro tip for maximizing the storage in your RV is to nest smaller gear inside larger gear. Maybe that looks like storing socks inside shoes. Maybe it looks like storing smaller bowls inside larger ones.

Your solutions will be unique to your belongings, but try your best to remember that empty, unused space is your enemy when it comes to full-time RV living. 

Whether it’s nesting small gear inside larger gear or remembering to pack softer items in your RV’s upper cabinets so that they don’t cause damage if they fall, there are many tips for organizing an RV.

For more, check out these 17 RV Organization Tips For A Small Space!

Create Indoor-Outdoor Living Space

People sitting in front of the best RV for full time living
PC Koun G via Pixabay

In my opinion, the best part about living in an RV full-time is the ability to see new places and explore nature. But if you don’t make an effort to create a comfortable and functional indoor-outdoor living space every time you park at a new destination, it can be easy to feel confined to the small interior dimensions of your RV

There are a number of solutions for creating your ideal indoor-outdoor living space. You might look into a complete awning enclosure if you want to keep the area under your awning completely protected from bugs, for example. 

You’ll also need the right patio furniture for relaxing, cooking, or eating in your outdoor space. In our book, chairs and a folding camping table are the bare minimum.

But you might also look into one of the best portable grills for an RV if you want to enjoy the ability to barbeque outside your RV on a warm summer evening! 

Final Thoughts on The Best RV For Full-Time Living

Living in an RV year-round sometimes requires moving around and finding new places to park. But it will also allow you to see parts of the country that others would only dream of visiting. 

At the end of the day, the best RV for full-time living will depend on your unique preferences. We hope you’ve found the insights and tips here useful. But we still urge you to trust your intuition if you feel like a certain RV is calling your name for full-time living.

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2 Comments

  1. jennifer leonardo says:

    The best RV is one which is always ready to hit the road when you want to. A lot goes into making an RV road-worthy and comfortable for the camping season. While it takes all kinds of different parts, it should go without saying that the roof is the most essential part. Even the tiniest of leaks could become a big problem if you don’t quickly repair it with RV Roof Magic.

  2. The Thor Quantum KW29 class c has stacked washer dryer, king bed, sofa, dinette, large wardrobe, prep space, gas and induction, and a large shower.

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