Author: Jan Childs
So you’ve decided that full time RV’ing is right for you. Congratulations! Now all you have to do is pick the right rig for your lifestyle. Sounds easy, right? Not so fast. RV manufacturers have countless models to choose from, and the differences between them can look small but make a big difference in how happy you are on the road.
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Full time RV’ing requires thinking very carefully about how you use your space – especially if you work from home, have hobbies that are important to you, or if you are traveling with a family.
The first thing to consider when shopping for an RV specifically for full time RVing is exactly how you plan to spend your time. What kind of full time RV’ing lifestyle do you want to have? Do you plan to park in one place and never move, or do you dream of visiting every state in the U.S. in one year? Answering those questions will help decide how big (or small) of an RV you want and need. If you’re staying in one place, size doesn’t matter much. But if you hope to be mobile, smaller and lighter is better.
You also have to think about the vehicle you’ll drive while full time RV’ing. Are you going to tow a trailer, or drive an RV? Either way, you’ll either need a heavy duty truck to pull your trailer or a small car to tow behind your RV.
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Next, think about how you will use your space. Do you need office space to work from home, dedicated to a computer and printer and other office supplies? Do you need a place to store bicycles, power tools, or skis? Do you have a motorcycle or other “toys” to bring along? It’s important when full time RV’ing to think about how much space each person living in the RV actually needs.
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Look closely at your RV storage space and how you can use it most efficiently. A few shelves added here, or some hooks on the wall there, can really make a difference. If possible, measure the closets and cabinets and compare them to what you have in your home. Also measure things like your kitchen plates or your favorite sauté pan to see if they will fit.
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Think about climate. Do you plan to spend your time where it is hot most of the year, or will you experience four seasons? Be sure to look at what kind of insulation the RV has, how big the air conditioner and heaters are, how much power is needed to run those systems and whether you’d be comfortable year-round where ever you are.
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Are you “glamping” or camping? In other words, do you plan to stay mostly in paved campgrounds with full hook ups and amenities like a swimming pool and clubhouse? Or are you going to boondock (camp without hookups) in more remote locations? If you plan on the latter, you’ll need to make sure you have a generator or solar power supply, and that you understand how all your systems work.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take a drive through an RV park in your area, or at your next vacation destination, and talk to some of campers about what they do and don’t like in their rigs. Visit multiple dealers and do your research diligently. Choosing the right “home on wheels” for full time RV’ing is the most important step in starting your new lifestyle.
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