The best RVs for full-time living (2024)

There are plenty of reasons why you might be considering living in an RV full time. The ability to live your life wherever you see fit, especially in some of the most beautiful parks this country has to offer, is a very enticing prospect. Why be tied down to one location when you want to get the most out of life? And with the increased feasibility of working from home and online education, along with the ever-improving cellular data infrastructure, it’s never been more practical to live on the road in a recreational vehicle. With how high house prices and rent are getting, you might be able to have a higher quality of life in an RV at an even lower price than you could get from conventional housing.

Just because your home won’t have a permanent address doesn’t mean that you can’t live in comfort, or even luxury. We’ll walk you through some of the best RVs for full-time living.

Forest River Alpha Wolf 30RDB-L

Forest River is one of the biggest names in recreational vehicles, and travel trailers like the Alpha Wolf are a big part of the reason why. If you intend to live with a family of four full-time, the Alpha Wolf 30RDB-L is the first place you should look.

At the front of the trailer is the queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, which is fully closed off from the rest of the cabin with two doors, one of which gives you easy access to the bathroom. There is even room to walk around the front and sides of the bed, and still have a wardrobe on each side plus overhead storage.

At the back end, there is a separate room behind the barn style door where the two kids can sleep in their bunk beds and store their clothes in a surprisingly roomy wardrobe. But these aren’t the tiny kind of bunks they might know from sleepaway camps; these are two full-sized beds stacked on top of each other.

The main living area features a sofa across from the TV mount and a U-shaped booth-style dinette. Both of these can also convert into sleeping areas when not in use. In the kitchen you’ll find a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, a large sink (optionally a farmhouse style sink) and a refrigerator. But you don’t just have storage for cold food— around the corner from the TV area is a walk-in pantry.

Finally, circling back to that bathroom, you’ll find three different doors to get into the bathroom. One from the main living area, one from the master bedroom, and one from the outside. In the room itself you will find a shower, a porcelain toilet, and a vanity sink, plus up above you will see the skylight that comes standard with the Alpha Wolf.

Optional features include a Bluetooth audio system with a 200W subwoofer, an upgraded 12V residential refrigerator with 11 cubic feet of space, and even a fireplace. With a well-equipped base model and lavish upgrades available, this is one of the best RVs for full-time living with a family.

EXPLORE FULL-TIME RV COVERAGE

Are you a full-time RVer wanting to protect you and your home on wheels? We have everything you need to know about the coverage you need in our nifty full-time RV insurance guide. Ready for a quote? We can help you with a full-timer RV insurance quote.

Casita Spirit 17-foot Deluxe

If it’s just you, a significant other, and possibly a pet moving your life on the road, then you might not need to go as big as the Alpha Wolf. A great option at a great price is the Casita Spirit Deluxe.

It packs just about everything you need in a compact package that you could tow with most midsize SUVs or light duty pickups. It uses its space efficiently to create the most roomy possible space in a 17-foot long cabin, complete with a full-sized bed that converts into a dinette, and a dinette that converts into a twin-sized bed. This means that two people working from home could easily get their own space to get work done without getting too cramped.

At the front end is a fully-equipped wet bath.Next to that you still get a wardrobe, and a kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and sink. Plus there is storage in every possible corner in this trailer— under all the bedding and seats, in the kitchen, and overhead all along the back half of the cabin.

It might not be the most luxurious accommodations possible, but the Casita Spirit makes efficient use of its space and has all you need to go wherever your life takes you.

GET THE RIGHT COVERAGE

Learn more about the different insurance policies available to RVers and which one may be best for you and your rig.

Jayco Redhawk 31F

If you don’t have a truck or SUV to haul a trailer and you don’t really feel like getting one, why not get a motorhome that has the engine built-in? The Jayco Redhawk line might not immediately strike you as great full-time RVs, but they have enough floor plans to suit just about anyone’s needs.

The 31F is excellent for families, boasting an enclosed master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a pair of bunk beds, and a bunk space above the co*ckpit that can be used for storage or sleeping. The sofa and dinette have seatbelts at each position when the vehicle is moving and can convert into bedding when you’re parked.

If your party is smaller, Jayco offers more compact options. But whichever layout is right for you, the Jayco Redhawk motorhomes are some of the best RVs for full-time living.

Airstream Classic 30RB

America’s iconic travel trailer was designed over eighty years ago, but it still looks gorgeous today. The polished aluminum, with its soft, organic lines, is only broken up by its multitude of windows. Peek inside and you will find a well-constructed interior with sleek design and premium materials.

In the 30RB model, the power-adjustable queen bed is situated in the back of the trailer in a private room with massive windows on three sides, overhead cabinets, and large nightstands.

Step out of the room and you will see the toilet and sink through a door to your left, and the shower through a door to your right so two people can be getting ready to go at once. Further down the hall you will find a generous closet, a large refrigerator, a roomy kitchen with stove, a convection oven, a sink, a dinette, and a sofa under three large windows at the front.

The Airstream Classic comes at a premium price, starting at over $160,000, but you are paying for a beautifully designed, well-constructed, premium trailer to replace your house. If you have the money for it, the Airstream Classic is one of the best RVs to live in full-time.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT RV FOR YOU

Not all RVs are created equal. Learn about the different RV classes, their pros, and their cons. You might be surprised which one you like best!

Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS

The Grand Design Reflection line has some trailers nicer than most apartments— and probably bigger, too. From the master bedroom with a queen sized bed and three wardrobes to the kids bedroom with two bunks and a couch, and with the booth dinette, theater seats, fireplace, and kitchen island in between, the Reflection 312BHTS embodies luxury on wheels.

If you choose tri-fold sofas in both the bunkroom and the living room, and the booth dinette instead of the optional free-standing dinette, you could conceivably sleep 9 people in this RV. And feeding all of them shouldn’t be an issue, since you have a gourmet kitchen with tons of counter space, a 3-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, and a 16 cubic foot refrigerator.

Keeping everyone entertained should be no issue since there are spots for TVs in the master bedroom, living room, and bunkroom. The bathroom comes equipped with the expected shower, toilet, and vanity, and includes the skylight standard. Who could blame you for considering this the best RV for full-time living with your massive family before we even mentioned the outdoor kitchen?

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The best RVs for full-time living (2024)

FAQs

What is the best RV to live in full-time? ›

The best RVs for full-time living
  • Forest River Alpha Wolf 30RDB-L.
  • Casita Spirit 17-foot Deluxe.
  • Jayco Redhawk 31F.
  • Airstream Classic 30RB.
  • Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS.

Is there an RV you can live in year round? ›

If you change locations frequently, the best RV for full-time living might be a motorhome – it's typically more convenient than a trailer, which usually takes longer to pack up.

What is a good budget for full-time RV living? ›

The cost of full-time RV living can vary widely, with budgets typically ranging from $1,600 to $5,000 per month. Those seeking a minimalist lifestyle can live on around $1,000 monthly by finding free RV parking spots or becoming campground or park hosts.

Is it financially smart to live in an RV? ›

It can be financially smart to live in an RV to pay off your debt. If you're looking for a more minimalistic lifestyle and want to reduce housing expenses, you can save money by living in an RV. Carefully consider costs such as RV costs, insurance, maintenance/repairs, and campground fees.

What is the downside of living in an RV full time? ›

The downsides of living in an RV full-time

Privacy: In campgrounds and some RV parks, privacy may be hard to achieve. You might hear other RVers nearby or barking dogs frequently, for example. If you live with someone else, you'll also have limited privacy within the RV since there isn't much space.

What size RV is best for full time living? ›

The best 5th wheel for full time living is a trailer that is less than 36 feet long. Longer trailers are harder to manage, and some regions have regulations about trailers over 36 feet. A 36-foot trailer is also easier to haul with a 3/4-ton truck. For height, a trailer less than 13 feet, 6 inches is recommended.

Is it worth buying an RV to live in? ›

RV life is affordable, comfortable, and off the grid

Any monthly payments you might need to make will be negligible compared to the mortgage/rent obligations most other people have. Plus, modern RVs have all the amenities you need to live comfortably, anywhere!

What is the best state for full time RVers? ›

RV Domicile in Texas

RVers and full-time travelers consider Texas one of the best states for RV domicile because it does not have income, inheritance, or estate taxes. It also allows the use of a mail forwarding address as a physical address and is another popular state for wintering RVers.

How much income do you need to live in an RV? ›

The total monthly cost for RV living is around $1600 to $5000 per month, depending on the type of RV and lifestyle.

Is it cheaper to live in an RV than a house? ›

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

How hard is full time RV living? ›

If you are living in an RV full-time, you may sometimes find yourself sleeping in your RV overnight without access to RV hookups — meaning you'll have no running water or electricity. Also known as “boondocking,” it can be especially challenging in cold weather.

What is the downside of owning an RV? ›

CON: RVs can be high maintenance

RVs require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep on top of cleaning, which includes dumping RV waste. You also need to make sure fluids are topped up and tired are inflated. Then of course, there could be occasional repairs that need doing.

How to live in an RV full time for beginners? ›

Prepare for full-time RV living by researching and planning your RV setup, income, school, domicile address, travel plans, and campground reservations. Read and listen to others' experiences on blogs, videos, and social media to learn what to expect from daily RV life.

What is the cheapest state to live in an RV? ›

South Dakota also has lower insurance prices, as well as low sales tax, and no personal property taxes. If you are a full-time RVer and flexible about your residency, South Dakota may be the best all-around option to buy and register an RV if you can establish residency there.

Is RV living cheaper than owning a home? ›

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

Is it practical to live in an RV full time? ›

You can live in an RV luxuriously or on a budget. The major expenses of full-time RV life are campsite fees, fuel, RV and vehicle payments, and activities as you travel. Don't forget to account for maintenance, repairs, groceries, mobile phones, WiFi, insurance, and other daily costs like food and supplies.

Which RV lasts the longest? ›

Airstream travel trailers tend to last the longest (about 30 years) because their design is watertight and durable. With an Airstream, you won't have to worry about leaky bump-outs or easily penetrated roofing material.

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