Living stationary in an RV: Tips for Full-Time RV Life
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- Is stationary RV living right for you? After a year of living full-time in my 30' travel trailer, I've got 7 tips for you to consider before choosing to live full-time in an RV.
00:00 Hello again!
00:20 Just do it!
01:40 Climate
03:53 Transportation
04:57 Utilities & Amenities
07:38 Buy a newer RV
10:42 Maintenance schedule
13:30 Make a shopping list
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What are some RV park amenities you MUST have? What tips do you have for stationary RV Living?
Hi Christy. Rent here is reasonable, 715 p/mo. plus utilities. We have metered Water and Electric , flat rate garbage and sewer. 30amp and 50 Amp hookups. Each site has a 10 x 25 ft. Pad for access at ur door. A one time pet fee. Pool with nice club house, tenants required to give 2 week notice to use. There's a laundry facility with 4 washers and 4 dryers, kept nice, reasonably priced, free dry. Shower and toilet facilities for RV tenants. No daily, but weekly and monthly rates. Even with my furnace on propane, I still use both my fireplaces for extra heat. Total expense runs bout 900-1000. I'm on the Delta (just north of Brentwood), it feels like living in the countryside. I'm retired so I take advantage of all and any discounts like Care for pg&e. Tips...idk. I had a porch made for my front door, keep it well lite with solar lites, I recommend the 4pk of round solar lites from Costco, 24.00. And plants, as many as ur allowed. Makes it cheery. And...ORAGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, dollar store or other reasonable stores. Change out all ur kitchen to lite weight dishes, etc. Since my place is brand new, I did put removable liners thru out. Then 😉 enjoy.
I love living in my new Coleman camper and stationary. It's like a studio apartment, solar ready, easy to heat with the built in electric fireplace. 20 minutes to work and the RV location is a campground that's a farm with cows, horses, goats, peacocks, exotic birds. Laundry facility on site, in ground swimming pool, for kids unique outdoor basketball court, jungle gym structures, horseback riding, kayaking, tubing. I have a river view . It's quiet, close to major shopping. ❤❤❤❤❤
@@itslandedwhere is this?
I always swept off my roof once a month and seal coat it every year. I never had a problem or a leak.
Those are some good maintenance habits!
What sealant do you use?
That's a great idea! Thanks!👍
What a unnecessary waste of money and time.
Elastomeric roof coating is designed to last 10yrs...at $80-$100 a 5gal pale your throwing $1000 away...you should inspect every month or after a hail storm...and check any previous caulked areas for cracking(reseal those spots as needed)
Any reputable company would recommend this method...the capitalistic basturds would recommend doing what you suggest on a monthly basis...haha
Hi Christy. I also went stationary full time. Made my decision, after 4 years of research, to sell my house and buy my rv. I'm 70 with limited capabilities, but needed to downsize, and it was quit the lifestyle change. I also moved from the Central Valley to the east bay in a rv park with full amenities and pool. Was able to buy new, very happy with the decision. The only problems I have come across is my rv was built during the pandemic, and the industry had to scramble to replace workers which shows up in my rig as little flaws like, doors hung slightly crooked, screws on latches stripped etc. Minor fixes. I was able to purchase a top end 38ft Jayco Eagle, washer and dryer stackable, 2 slide outs, bedroom with a couch and dresser built in, almost like a 5th wheel. Feels like a spacious apartment, perfect for me. I am going to upgrade my toilet to a higher end brand and also my kitchen faucet. Plan is to move closer to my son in Kansas within a year. Climate has snow but not to many days in freezing weather. But very happy overall.
Thank you for being the only person I've ever heard mention RV parking and the space between sites. It's been my biggest "silent concern",
Back in the 80's "I was in my 20's" I had a mint 32ft Holiday Summer Seasonal for 10 yrs. on the water at York Beach, Maine. What a blast living at the beach in the summer during the 80's. Anyways now retired and ready to "snowbird" Florida winters and Maine beaches in the summer. Can't wait.
Lovely!
The first 30 seconds was so encouraging and welcoming. I’m going for the unconventional way.
Been really enjoying your videos. 22yo guy who can't afford rent in our small town with everyone from other states moving here. Recently bought a a 2021 keystone hideout 38bhd so its a 40 foot model and im getting everything ready to live in. Sun and heat is definitely something I need to figure out, need to get the electrical system up and running before I can use the AC, it's placed out on my parents 5 acres and is at least a bit more independent. Planning to have my partner move in at some point as well so I'm glad to see others are able to live in it as a couple.
I hope it's going well for you guys!
This is what my daughter is doing in our farm!
Awesome Idea. Thinking about doing this!! ❤
What state do you live in??
@@northgeorgiamom8956good on ya for allowing her to do that! Way to go
My only disagreement with your list is buying new. DO NOT BUY new, if you can find a pre-pandemic trailer. Trailers and RVs made during and since 2020 are poorly made with little support by the manufacturers. Avoid Lippert and anything from Camping World.
what’s wrong with camping world??
She said newer not brand new
@@user-fp1ob4wr3q Google them. Awful customer service, poor product, borderline illegal sales tactics. They're just bad.
My hubby and I just bought a 2024 Rockwood 20fbs GeoPro, and we love it. This is a 50th wedding anniversary present to ourselves. It is made very well, is light, so it is easy to pull and the perfect size for a couple. We attempted to find a used GeoPro in our area but found the new ones affordable. We plan to use it a lot!
@@nanaobx That's awesome!! I'm sure there are some well built newer models out there, but from what I keep hearing, it's hard. That's why they stress on insisting you get an outside inspection done immediately. Happy travels! ❤️
One thing to me that is nice about setting up an RV as your vacation home is that it is self contained and can be taken with you if you decide to move to a different spot.
Same here with full time Rv living. This is an easy “hack”. I do this in the winter and or summer. The water hose is put out in the sun. Thus. The free sun warms the water hose and the shower is good. Free heated water hose. ❤❤ happy trails. 😊😊
We are lucky! We own property with my mother in law several acres. We have a fifth wheel it’s not new but we don’t have to fix it up. We own it. We are in the process of making sure our water tank and all is ready for us to have full use of the restroom. Gonna live in it for about two years to get bills paid off and start building on out land.
We started out traveling in our rv, after an accident and some health issues we are now stationary rv'ers we love it. We had a chance to buy a house but decided to buy another rv. It's hard to imagine living in a house we can't take with us and we don't own. We pay fully for our rv's outright, so no they aren't brand new and I get a new house every 4 or so years. We pay 500/months for our spot and that includes all utilities.
Honestly I’m thinking about it for simplicity, it something breaks it’ll be easier to fix, you also don’t have to deal with typical house issues, like if a leak happens in the wall it’s an easier fix. Rats? Highly unlikely even if you live next to someone who has an infestation unless you have something wide open. Heating and cooling due to being a small space is better etc
My daughter also has a 5th wheel on private property and only pays $500 a month for utilities.
What state are you in?
I’m currently living in an RV on someone’s property and it’s well, awkward to say the least, but it’s complicated. We really want to find a nice park to live in but in our area (Delaware), everywhere we look seems to be either too bougie (they don’t want permanent live-ins) or they’re too trashy - drugs and such. We have a newer trailer, so we haven’t run into the same older stigma that we used to have on our boat, which was a 1986….. BUT, we are running into the exact same problem we had on our boat, that everywhere doesn’t want people who live in it permanently- just vacationers. UGH! It’s so complicated.
Is it legal to live on someone’s property. I want to do this myself
Buy a lot
Thank you for all the great input. We, too, are moving to Northern California to live in an RV. So glad I found you on here!
First time watchers, take a shot every time Christy says “water heater”. You’ll thank me later
Super helpful, great tips thank you!!! We have been researching how to start RV living and make that transition and this video helped a ton
Up here in New England most RV Parks-Campgrounds have a 20 yr. age limit on your RV Trailer. Pretty strict on it. You have to be careful if buying a seasonal on a site. If it's a mint condition 2007 or so, you only have 3-5 years w/it. That's after paying good money. Your already behind because now "YOU" have to get rid of a 20 yr old trailer. No one will buy it because of the 20 yr old age limit in RV Parks. Just be careful.
So true, you don't wanna get stuck holding on to something you can't sell later.
Love this. Good, practical tips for stress free rv living. I especially love the tip of buying new/newer rv. 🙌🏾💯❤️
Great tips! Love your planters! Happy Camping!
great video!!
Great overview of things to consider for full-time RV life. Thanks for sharing :)
Me and my wife are remodeling a 30 ft camper to live stationary for a while. Looking forward to it but also holding my breath on everything that’s gotta get done. Thanks for the videos on stationary living! Helps a lot
Yay! Good luck to you all!
I was so excited to start my journey I didn’t go over everything and ended up with a camper that was much older and not enough storage space it has been a nightmare for me , we’re now searching for something it’s just so hard because these campers go beyond what there actually worth so it makes it hard to decide wether to risk getting into something newer.. I’m happy you were able to resolve your mistakes and find a solution that works for you thanks for the video
Wow! This is really good advice, Thank you!!
This has been on my heart for a couple years. And I’ve been doing my research and as time goes on I believe it’s time I take this risk.
Thank you for your video! Really helped a lot 😊
Thats was a very helpful video on where you would park your RV also the other tips ,.Thank you
Thank you for the tips and motivation
I know it is area specific, but, can you give us an estimate of the COST of an RV park rent? or is it cheaper to maybe, buy some land in the country and park for free??
Great video. Just subscribed ❤
We’ve been living full time in an RV. We lived in Texas, it was super hot but we lived in a nice ranch with a pond. Now we live in Georgia, it’s cooler here but we are right next to the forest. So far there has been a huge rat snake they climbed into our RV. Ticks that climb on my dog when we barely walk out our door. And I have a bad case of poison ivy, there are a lot of plants and vines here. The RV park doesn’t cut down these plants but it’s cheaper here than in the city but its you get the good with the bad here. I kinda miss Texas now.
I’ve done the same thing and I love living in my rv!!
Thanks for this informative video. Many interesting hints for people thinking of leading their life in a camper. I am deeply impressed of the size of Americam camping cars each time I see one. They are so big compared to the German ones! Just wonderful!
Very good advice take your time buying the right trailer.
Great information. Thank you
Great video! Thank you!
Love the video. Have plans to buy our first travel trailer toy hauler soon and become snowbirds in mid fall 24. Blessings.
Great advices of all.
We have been living in our camper for almost 7 months…. great tips!
Your tips were "awesome" ...
I am a writer, by nature, and am embarking into the field. I am also a teacher, so I analyze what I do and do research. With your information, and that of others, I will begin to put together a book telling what things to consider, take into account for the purchase, the parking, options to include, etc.
THANK YOU so much for a VERY WELL DONE presentation!
-rich-
I travel with my camper and love the variety, but I know several people who park their camper in the same spot. The big PRO they have is more friends. When I visit my friends who are parked, it is amazing how the community welcomes me and I have made friends at those parks. I don't have that when I travel. My plan is to travel to visit all the states and see all that I want, then park it. I'll then be the "interesting" person in the park who has a bunch of great stores. 😁
I have an RV parked on our land in front of the lake but basically live in our motor home. The RV is my refuge for ham radio and kind of a man cave.
Thanks…this was great
I love all your maintenance tips! I'm considering this but I'm scared I'll fail at maintaining it all.
Yes, there's definitely a need for ongoing maintenance. But if you can't do it yourself, you can either (1) see if a friend/family member/significant other can help you or (2) pay someone. It can get expensive--so I think most full-timers have some tinkering skills
Theres a rv park outside of phoenix az 800 a year
Hello Cristy, I seen your video I liked it, we’re I’m at the have a convenient store, small restaurant ,laundry mate volleyball court there’s another place I stayed and had all of those I mentioned and more like a five star it was very nice
I live full time in a large Rv Resort park in Central Florida. There are thousands of full time RVers in Florida and many other states.
You can be in a membership group and move from park to park every 3 weeks or become an annual and stay put. Another option is seasonal snow birds who spend 6 months here and six months up north etc.
My living expenses are very low. I have great amenities and choices of sites plus many mobile Rv techs available right in the park if I need a repair.
I could never afford an apartment in this area and would not want one. I feel fortunate to have this amazing lifestyle.
You know Amdre is a fortunate man don't you Christi? A cheap diesel heater works amazing. It saved my life through last winter in NJ
Thank you.
What are your thoughts on “the winter package”? And what is that exactly, I’m still learning… thank youuu so much for these no-bs videos
Christy, this video is excellent! Please keep the content coming! I am going to transition from van life to RV life. I live on the Central Coast of CA
Way to go! Even though I imagine you are "expanding" your footprint--an RV is still a small footprint! CA Central coast is extraordinary!
I really appreciated the video! I plan to retire 1-2 years and plan to long term rv in CA. I lived in Monterey for a year in the 80s and absolutely loved it!
Monterey is so beautiful it hurts my eyes! That sounds like an awesome retirement 🙂
In Winter you absolutely will blow through propane. Also I typically had my pipes freeze. I was in the high desert so it would get up to the 40s during the day so my pipes would unfreeze and I could shower then. The newer furnaces in RV's are junk, and I had problems with mine all the time.
Hey guys
Any videos in the queue??
Love all of your videos.
👍👍👍
Hi!! Sorry for the long wait 🙃 I let life stuff get in the way of making videos (which I LOVE doing, btw) I've got some ideas in the works, so I hope to see ya around!
I’m thinking about selling my condo and buying an RV to put in my parents backyard (north, central Alabama). They’re getting older and need more help around their house. The have a backyard that will definitely accommodate an RV. They have city water and septic sewage. Any videos you recommend would be greatly appreciated!
Same here! If you come across some great videos, please let me know. Doing research now! ❤
Same! It’s just too expensive where I live so I’m thinking about buying one and parking it at my sisters house 🤔
My sister been thinking about buying a plot of land and just buy two separate campers. We live in Florida and rent is so expensive right now.
This is what I want to do here in Florida. There are no cold weather issues.
I need to find an RV park for year-round living. I would be sure fiscally worth space rental and rv purchase. Maintenance for a 1 bedroom in my condo building is $600 and is near low end, prices have dropped, now sharing friend's 2bed-2bath, good rent.
Ill be moving in My RV this weekend full time with my husband. Im so excited but scared at the some time.
You can do it! If it's right for you guys, you will make it work 🙂
Jo-jo, how’s it going so far?
I have had RVs for years and live solo full time in a Class A Motorhome at age 92 and still love it all. Check out Thousand Trails membership camping.
I live in Nebraska and the weather here can be criminal 😭 I'm researching stuff for when I move out and I'm contemplating if I want to live in an RV or rent an apartment. If I were to live in an RV when I want to move I'd be able to take my home with me which sounds nice lol
How about using a RV over hang like the ones for cars to stop the tree branch droppings and a outside portable freezer, fitting under the camper or near a door for more frozen foods storage ?
I lived in below freezing temperatures in winter for 5 years
ALWAYS turn off your water at the spicket and your propane when you leave your camper. It seems like a PIA but it really only takes 3 seconds and it avoids SO many potential problems. And dont forget to wash your awning (on both sides) every 2-3 months.
@ChristysDiscountLife I’m considering full time stationary RV living. My biggest concern is WiFi. You mentioned the WiFi offered by RV park not great and you had to get your own. Any recommendations? I currently work full time at home but have a hardwired internet provider. So this is my major concern. Any tips or recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Where in Nor Cal? We are looking for a park now. So far Dutch Flat up I-80 seems best. Im still working and have to go into the office twice a week in Sacramento
I think about doing this in Florida.
I do live in FL and have been stationary RV living for about 8 months now. It's a 2021 36.6' 325BHS Shadowcruiser. Found an amazing RV Resort to stay full time until I start to travel May '25. During the winter it was great, our electric bill was about $12 because we never had to run the air, the trade off is the propane to use for heat but that was only during really cold nights.
Our RV Resort has laundry/shower facilities, a pool, dog park etc. We chose a shady spot toward the back of the park (furthest from the highway to reduce noise) and now that the snowbirds are gone until October we literally have no neighbors.
Right now we're focusing on hurricane prep and nailing that down just in case we need to move quickly.
I really enjoyed your video and we just bought a forest river to do stationary rv living. Just subscribed. We also have a channel and would love to be friends and connect. Totally looking forward to following along!!
Hi there! My husband and I just bought a 2011 Passport and had to completely rip out some of it due to leak damage and mold. 😅 thankfully the mold is all out now and we are waiting for the interior to dry out to repair and paint. I’m so excited for full time living but I’m nervous because we have a cat and a dog in a 34 ft camper 😅 any tips for keeping it clean on the inside??
My RV is a 2000 Winnebago the roof is barely patched up here and there .a lot of mold inside the walls I didn't see any leaks though. Do you think it is still livible for Year's
What state do you live in? we always worry about winter and pipes freezing. We have been considering doing this in Colorado but worry about the winters in an RV
We needed an extra room, so I went out on a lark and found an RV (I have ALWAYS wanted one) - a 1978 22' Nomad, for $300. For that much, I was willing to do extensive work as the only things I knew were salvageable was the trailer bed and the tin. Turns out, that was indeed all that was good - basically, I have built a brand new RV from the ground up and wrapped it in vintage tin. I've encountered the age stigma talking to some RV parks. I've decided I'm just telling them it's a 2022 custom RV from now on, because that's what it is. I mean it looks old but I've got sonar sensors, security cameras, and I'm working at running some automation through an AI my son designed. That is NOT a feature a 1978 camper has, so I'm thinking a brief look inside and maybe a chat with it will take care of any naysayers! LOL
Nice! And I think that sounds like a good approach: 2022 custom RV. Sounds very high tech
How do we find permanent site campgrounds?
How much is space rental in these parks?
Do you use solar at all?
RVs not accepted over 10 years old in most RV parks, amenities, climate, many parks are $800+ month rent plus utilities that’s totally ridiculous.
That depends where u at. There is one that I know of in NC that is 525 a month and the age of camper dnt mater. With amenities except laundry.
Hi I have been living in my R V for 6 years ! The last 2 years l have stayed in Scott Louisiana !
Not quite sure why do you live in the rv stationery and not in the house? I do not see any advantage.
Are you still doing it ?
DAMN.... I just bought my first RV and new to this lifestyle. Should I be worried about my water tank exploding lol?
Are you near Redding?
Can u share ur take care of rv checklist, and how long things r expected to last vs replace, once rv is ten yrs old do u have to replace per park rules
When the water tank gets fixed, something else will die..... guarantied. Sorry for the reality check but that's how RVs are made now and why RV parks require an age limit. As PT Barnum said, there's one born every minute.
I just bought an old Travel Trailer that has been converted (more or less) in a Mobile home park. It has a built on screened in porch/patio that is almost the length of the trailer which the MHP manager said I could enclose as another room. My interest is in how you find people to do construction on these type of homes, since it's a little bit of RV, a little bit of trailer, a little bit of house? Yes there are people here in this park that have done it, but I kinda want my neighbors out of my business. At least to start. I would like to get to know them before I decide whether I can trust them and their advice. So far everything looks pretty good except the floor has a few spongy spots and I know that involved sub flooring, etc. Yours doesn't look converted at all, but have you had to deal with this sort of thing? Who did you talk to about it? Any good channels to recommend? New sub here, I will be looking at your other videos too.
This sounds like a hybrid, not all of any one type of unit, hard to resell.
If your stationery, what do you do about the wheels?
Where do you park? A trailer park??? Isn’t that expensive?? And trailer parks can have sketchy people.
And total buttholes.
There's sketchy people everywhere, even affluent areas you would think are safe. You have to find the right place and if you spend more it alleviates some undesirables. Best part about RV is you can move to another location whereas a house becomes a problem to sell.
Wow Christy you are so amazing
No tour?
Shawn Baker Revero
And I just watched a video where a landowner is fined with more than hundred thousand dollars for letting someone park his RV and live fulltime on his property. I think it was in California.
Invest in solor power
"don't worry, i made a big mistake" ... I just bought a 1978 rv... 😢
I was going to live in an RV full time and I'm 58 and my mother is 82 and she went off on me saying it's stupid. So I went and bought a mobile home instead and I'm not happy with it. I have to wait until she dies before I can enjoy my life.
That's so me😢. I am 63 she 95. Will I ever have a life.😅
You can’t tell what your plans are you gotta just do it! Thats what I did. It’s your money right?
My 93 yr old mother passed away last year … I want to sell my house and buy a destination trailer … everyone tells me dont do it your house is close to being paid off !! I personally feel restless but so worried it’s going to the wrong move , I’m just not happy in my 1500 sq foot home ! I need someone to tell me just do it 😂😂😂
@@CandaceLynnsZenQuest it’s your life. Are you the only child? Even when it’s paid off is that where you want to be?
@@CandaceLynnsZenQuestjust do it, there you go ! 👍🏻🇬🇧
Watch out for snakes in the trees in the hot months.
Hi,
I decided to subscribe to your channel because I love your videos...and for other reasons, as well. The main reason is because I need help. I have a friend named John. He is disabled and lives on disability. He's a foot amputee. For the amount of money he receives, it's not enough to fully support himself and so I've become his crutch, financially. He gets between $1000 to 1200/mo. I live on less than $2500/mo. I work full-time in the kitchen in an assisted living facility. So as you can see, we both live on a tight budget. Due to inflation, everything including eggs is expensive. (they're $5/dz. here in Wisconsin) which tightens my budget even more. Right now, he and his roommate, are renting out a (motel) room and splitting the bills. The amount they pay is equivalent to apartment prices and he cannot afford it. He lives in Pennsylvania. So I brought up the subject abt RV living, full-time. I feel like he would save 50% if not more on all of his expenses by living in a travel trailer or some other kind of RV. That would help him, financially, imho. However, Idk enough information regarding this lifestyle. I could be completely foolish. So I want to make sure that this is the answers to all of these issues. Like, is this going to be a problem solver for him (and myself)? Something has to give cuz I cant keep supporting him, financially. I need him to get on his feet to support himself cuz right now he's on the verge of becoming homeless, again.
Just be honest with yourself about your needs. To live long-term in an RV, you definitely need to be physically capable to do some regular maintenance (or have someone who can help you). Especially if you live in an area that gets plenty of rain and cold weather. RV living can be a great solution and money-saver. You just need to have a plan.
It seems to me that you could be in a condo or townhouse community with similar amenities for the same or less as the RV park, plus it seems like a lot of RVs aren’t built very well.
Where???
How do u feel bout it being a deprecating asset
So you have almost no weather struggles… Probably only applies to 10% of the United States.
Can I hire someone to keep up the maintenance?
Yes, you sure can. There are several mobile RV repair companies, in most city's.
Are you getting eaten up by bugs?
Pretty much just a Mobil Home.
Long term its No way To Live. many reasons, Basically too small, and walls are only about 1 inch thick, Not designed for Long Term Living.
Sounds very complicated and not inexpensive.
lost me at "we live in northern california."