Best RV for Full Time Living: Essential Checklist
People move into an RV full time for all kinds of reasons—downsizing for retirement, avoiding rent or mortgages, or simply wanting to live closer to nature. Whatever the reason, choosing the right rig is the single most important decision you’ll make. The wrong choice can break your budget or your spirit, while the right one can make RV living a sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle.
Some thrive in a compact camper van, while others need the space of a fifth wheel or Class A motorhome. I’ve lived both stationary and nomadic since 2009, and each setup taught me what really matters when choosing a home on wheels.
Size and Layout Matter for Full Time RV Living
The size of your RV directly affects how livable it will be day-to-day.
5th Wheels: Spacious, residential feel, and plenty of basement storage. These rigs are great for people who want comfort and don’t mind staying in one place for longer stretches. My first rig was a 35’ Keystone Everest, and while it was perfect for stationary living, towing it never felt right for me. Many people do tow these beasts around but it just didn’t tick all my boxes.
Class A Motorhomes: More mobile while still comfortable. They’re a solid choice for solo travelers since you can drive away without stepping outside—a safety feature I came to really value. My Triple E Commander has carried me through everything from Baja Mexico to Alberta winters. Keep in mind the ware and tear on a motorhome is a lot more prevalent when bouncing down the road at highway speeds.
Class B Camper Vans: Compact and easy to drive, perfect for those who want freedom of movement or need something for work travel. Storage and shower setups can be limiting, but the flexibility is unmatched. I have had three different camperized vans and my current one is a Pleasureway that I absolutely love.
👉 If you’re just starting out, check out my post on van life for beginners to get a feel for what smaller rigs offer and what daily life in them really looks like.
Full Time RV Living Must-Have Amenities
Bathroom Setup
A bathroom you’ll actually use is non-negotiable for me. Wet baths can work for short-term travel, but for full time living, most people want a proper shower. I learned this the hard way with my 1989 Chevy Van20—it had a toilet but no shower, and after long workdays, that quickly became a dealbreaker.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Whether you’re in the desert sun or deep Canadian winter, climate control is essential—especially with pets. My Class A came with a winter package and handled –40°C in Alberta. My Class B doesn’t, and it struggles in the cold.
Counter Space and Kitchen
Even if you’re not a big cook, counter space is one of the biggest quality-of-life features in an RV. I actually removed the broken oven in my Class A and added a dishwasher and I have had a few different floating kitchen island set ups in order to make food prep and storage more accessible.
Laundry Options
Not everyone cares about onboard laundry, but I’ll be honest: I wouldn’t go without it. My Splendide washer-dryer combo in the 5th wheel and Class A was a lifesaver compared to endless laundromat runs.
Power, Storage, and Off-Grid Capabilities
Generator and Solar Power
If you plan to boondock, a generator is critical, and solar gives you even more independence. Without them, you’ll be stuck relying on RV parks. My 2003 Leisure Travel had no generator, and that made full time living really challengin. My current Class B has onboard power, and I’ve since added solar panels and a solar generator for complete off-grid capability.
Storage Space
Storage is what makes or breaks long-term comfort. 5th wheels and Class A rigs shine here with basement storage. Vans force you to minimize and get creative, which can work—but only if you’re truly comfortable living with less.
Cost of Full Time RV Living
Full time RV life can be cheaper than a traditional house, but it’s not automatically inexpensive.
RV Parks: Some charge over $1,200 a month—similar to rent or even a mortgage.
Repairs: Every RV will need them, and often at the worst times. I’ve had to spend months learning to fix things myself, and enrolling in RV repair school helped me build confidence and save money.
Fuel: The bigger the rig, the higher the fuel costs. Downsizing saves on gas but comes with trade-offs in space and comfort.
Rules and Restrictions for RV Parks
It’s not just about buying the right RV—you also need to know where you can park it.
Many RV parks won’t allow rigs over 10 years old.
Some don’t allow tiny homes or converted buses.
Local bylaws can restrict long-term stays.
I ran into these issues firsthand. Always ask about park rules before committing to a rig you plan to live in full time. PS location, location, location it’s applicable here.
Towing Considerations for Full Time RV Living
If you’re leaning toward a 5th wheel or travel trailer, you’ll also need to think about your tow vehicle. Towing isn’t for everyone—I never enjoyed driving a big truck with a massive trailer behind me.
It was 12 years before I towed a car behind my Motorhome, It’s worth reading up on how to tow a car behind an RV if you’re considering a setup that requires one.
Essential Checklist Before Choosing Your RV
Here are the core questions to ask yourself before committing to a rig:
Can you stand up comfortably inside?
Does it have a usable shower and bathroom setup?
Is there reliable heating and AC for year-round comfort?
Do you have enough counter space to cook?
Is there onboard power (generator and/or solar)?
Can it stay off-grid for several days without stress?
Is there enough storage for pets, hobbies, or gear?
Does the layout make sense for your daily life—stationary or mobile?
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best RV for Full Time Living
There isn’t one universal “best RV.” The right rig is the one that fits your lifestyle and priorities. Some people want the stability and comfort of a 5th wheel, others need the flexibility of a van, and many fall somewhere in between.
After living in multiple rigs for more than a decade, I’ve learned that what really matters is comfort, adaptability, and knowing your non-negotiables. If you take the time to walk through different layouts, imagine your daily routine, and plan for your budget, you’ll find the RV that makes full time living possible—and enjoyable.