🚐 The Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Living: Is It Right for You?

Jordan Concannon
Mar 28
5 min read

A Road Less Traveled

It’s the dream, right?

Waking up to the sound of birds in the forest. Drinking coffee as the sun rises over the mountains. Skipping winter entirely by driving south when the leaves start falling. That’s the magic of full-time RV life. But behind the scenic Instagram photos and clever camper hacks lies a lifestyle that isn’t always easy—or glamorous.

We’ve been living full-time in our camper with our toddler, a dog, and a cat for over a year now. And while we wouldn’t trade it for the world, we’ve also had our share of freezing hoses, crowded campgrounds, late-night black tank emergencies, and days where we seriously considered parking the rig and calling it quits.

This blog post is for you if you're dreaming about the RV lifestyle—or maybe you're already dipping your toes in with weekend trips or seasonal living. We'll walk you through the real pros and cons of living on the road, not just from a lifestyle perspective, but with the inside knowledge of RV systems, maintenance, and all the invisible work that comes with full-time living.

Let’s unpack the lifestyle—literally and figuratively.

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🗂 Click to Skip Ahead:

Introduction: A Road Less Traveled
The Pros of Full-Time RV Life
The Cons of Full-Time RV Life
What to Know Before You Make the Jump
Questions to Ask Yourself First
Real-Life Stories: RVers Who Thrived (and Struggled)
Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

✅ The Pros of Full-Time RV Life

1. Ultimate Freedom & Flexibility

This is hands-down the biggest draw. Want to chase sunshine year-round? Park by a beach, a lake, or in a forest? You can do that.

We’ve followed the wildflowers in Texas, the fall foliage in Arkansas, and the cool summer breezes in northern Minnesota. You set the pace. Your wheels, your rules.

Perks:

Travel on your schedule, not an airline's
Explore small towns, national parks, and hidden gems
Easily change locations if weather or vibes aren’t right

✨ One of our favorite spontaneous trips happened when we heard about a meteor shower in rural Missouri. We packed up and moved camp within hours, set up under open skies, and watched the show from our folding chairs with a blanket and hot cocoa.

2. Minimalism & Intentional Living

When you live in a few hundred square feet, every item you own serves a purpose. Full-time RV life encourages decluttering—physically and emotionally.

You begin to prioritize experiences over stuff, and life feels simpler. Lighter.

Common Changes:

Downsizing material possessions
Learning to live with less and appreciate more
Creating daily routines around nature, not a 9-to-5

💡 Pro Tip: Before we hit the road, we did a “box test”—packed everything into bins for a month and only unpacked what we used. The rest? Sold or donated.

3. Financial Flexibility (Sometimes)

RV life can be cheaper than traditional living… if you’re strategic.

You can control many of your living expenses:

Choose free or low-cost camping (BLM land, Harvest Hosts, etc.)
Cook most meals at home
Use solar to minimize hookup fees
Stay longer in one spot to reduce fuel costs

However, repairs, fuel, and high-end campgrounds can add up quickly. Which leads us to…

❌ The Cons of Full-Time RV Life

1. Repairs Will Happen—Often at the Worst Time

Let’s get real. RVs aren’t built like brick houses. They’re rolling ecosystems with appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and more—all getting shaken down the highway.

We’ve had:

A low-hanging branch crush our bedroom AC unit
A falling slide tear up our floor
A converter fry on a 97° day with no AC
A strut fail and cause the camper to rock

And guess what? You can’t just call a local handyman. RV repairs are niche, and some techs are booked weeks out.

💡 Pro Tip: Learn your systems. Follow blogs like ours. Keep tools on board. And build a budget buffer for repairs.

2. Internet and Cell Coverage Isn’t Guaranteed

Streaming, Zoom calls, running a remote business—all require good signal. But cell towers don’t exactly follow you to the middle of nowhere.

We've juggled:

Dead zones in national forests
Overloaded cell towers in packed campgrounds
Spotty campground Wi-Fi that barely loads email

Solutions include:

Mobile hotspot plans (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T)
Starlink (expensive but reliable in remote areas)
Signal boosters (we use WeBoost)

But it’s always a juggling act.

3. It Can Be Lonely or Overwhelming

On one hand, you escape the stress of city life. On the other, you leave behind built-in community.

And when things go wrong (like losing heat or a busted tank), it can be isolating if you don’t have a support network nearby.

We’ve built friendships through:

RV Facebook groups
Campground happy hours
Full-time families meetups

But it takes effort and openness. Some days, it’s just… you, your RV, and a problem to solve.

🧠 What to Know Before You Make the Jump

You will be your own repair person (at least partially)

You don’t need to be an RV tech—but learning how to reset breakers, check propane levels, diagnose simple leaks, or winterize your system will save you time, money, and stress.

RV Size Matters

Big rigs feel more like home but can’t fit in tight campsites or off-grid spots
Smaller trailers/vans have more freedom but less space and amenities

Test different styles before committing.

🧭 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Full-Time

What’s your monthly budget, and how flexible is it?
Will you be working remotely, and if so, do you have backup internet plans?
Do you enjoy problem-solving, fixing things, or learning hands-on skills?
Can you handle tight quarters with your travel companions?
Are you comfortable being “new” in every town you enter?

🧳 Real Stories from the Road

“Freedom in a Fifth Wheel”

Sara and Matt, empty nesters from Nebraska, sold their house and hit the road in a fifth-wheel. They travel between national parks, visiting grandkids along the way. With a well-outfitted solar setup and satellite internet, they run an Etsy shop on the road.

Biggest Pro: “Waking up every day where we want to be.”Biggest Con: “Finding decent internet can be tough.”

“Families on the Move”

Lindsey and Rob, parents of 3 from Iowa, homeschool and live full-time in a 32-ft travel trailer. They spend spring in Texas, summer in Minnesota, and winter in the South.

Biggest Pro: “The flexibility to follow good weather and outdoor learning.”Biggest Con: “Laundromats every week!”

🔧 Final Thoughts: Is Full-Time RV Life Right for You?

It’s not for everyone—and that’s okay.

Some people thrive on structure, routine, and home bases. Others crave flexibility, freedom, and movement. RV life will challenge you, stretch you, and force you to be resourceful. But it can also be one of the most rewarding lifestyles you ever experience.

If you’re still unsure, try it for a few months. Rent a camper. Take a sabbatical. See how it feels.

And when you’re ready to commit, we’ll be here with: