Pros and Cons of Living in a Recreational Vehicle (RV)

Living in a recreation vehicle (RV) may sound adventurous and fun, but there are some complications and challenges you would have to face as you switch from a house to a permanent RV residence. We are going to discuss the pros and cons of living in an RV to help you decide between a regular home and a camper van.

Pros:

1- Freedom:

Living in an RV gives you the freedom to move anywhere you want, as you are not bound to stay on a single land. Not liking the current season in your city? Start the engine and move to another city to spend a couple of months there.

2- You Can Travel Affordably:

Living in an RV enables you to move around the whole country in a minimum budget. Traveling in your RV will save you hundreds of dollars in air tickets and hotel reservations. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about packing clothes and other essentials, as all your stuff would be in the RV.

3- Selling an RV is Easy:

Selling a house may take months or even years with all the paper work and customer surveys. On the other hand, if you don’t like your RV, you can sell it easily in a couple of weeks and buy a new one.

4- Reduced Utility bills:

Living in an RV, you won’t be paying those high utility bills, compared to someone living in a standard house. If you are moving with your family, you might need the best RV generator to run different electric appliances. A typical generator costs around $400 and gives you the freedom of using it as per your needs.

5- No Property Tax:

Since owning and living in an RV does not count as owning a home, you do not have to pay the property tax.

6- Easy Maintenance:

Accommodation in an RV is smaller in size compared to a regular home, thus it can be easily maintained and cleaned personally. You won’t have to hire a maid on the weekends to do the cleaning, thus would help save a great deal of money.

Related: 7 Ways To Earn Money While Traveling

While pros of living full-time in an RV sound very convincing, there are some challenges, which you must take into consideration.

7- Connection to nature:

Living in an RV offers a unique closeness to nature that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts. Parked amidst picturesque landscapes or along serene riversides, RV dwellers wake up to stunning vistas, breathe in fresh air, and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature. 

The ability to effortlessly relocate to different natural settings fosters a profound connection to the environment. Nature becomes a seamless extension of their living space, encouraging hikes, stargazing, and spontaneous outdoor adventures.

8- Flexibility is an option:

Living in an RV grants unparalleled flexibility in shaping one’s environment. With the ability to effortlessly relocate, RV residents can adapt to changing weather conditions and seize opportunities offered by various events.

Whether chasing warmer climates during winter or embracing scenic mountain vistas during summer, the RV lifestyle accommodates swift adjustments. This dynamic environment-hopping enables residents to curate their surroundings to match their desires, effectively transforming their living space to align with their mood, preferences, and the ever evolving tapestry of experiences.

Cons:

1- High Gas Costs:

Although, comparatively it is cheaper living in an RV compared to a regular home, but the amount of gas you would be putting in your vehicle can disturb the budget. Gas is not cheap in America and if you are a travel enthusiast, the fuel charges might ask you to give traveling a second thought.

2- You Can’t Fit in All the Stuff Inside:

Unlike your house, where you can install the latest full-size refrigerator or a big LCD, an RV has some limitations. Due to its small size, it might not be possible to decorate it with the stuff you like.

3- Tiny bathrooms:

Bathrooms and washroom inside an RV are usually very small due to cramped space and are not very comfortable. In case your RV does not have a bathroom, you have to regularly use communal bathrooms and showers, which is definitely not convenient.

4- Outside noises:

Living in house, you are free to shut your room’s door and windows, if you are getting disturbed by outside noises. However, in an RV, the constant traffic noise or the sound of the dog barking is a disturbing factor.

5- Mail delivery and receiving problem:

A recreational van does not have a proper residential address, thus you will most likely face problems in receiving and sending mails.

6- Maintenance of the vehicle:

As you might be on the move constantly, it is crucial to maintain the RV by taking care of engine oil and following service schedule. You might be saving on utility bills and taxes, but vehicle maintenance could eat the major chunk of the saved money if your RV is old.

7- Legal Issues:

Navigating the legal landscape of RV living involves grappling with a patchwork of regulations that differ across regions. Many municipalities have zoning laws that restrict where you can park an RV for extended periods.

Some areas may permit temporary stays, while others might have stringent restrictions, preventing long-term residency. Additionally, safety concerns related to parking along roadways or in public spaces can arise.

This challenge can be a significant factor in determining the feasibility and comfort of RV living for individuals seeking a stable and lawful arrangement.

8- Social Isolation:

The transient essence of RV living can hinder the cultivation of enduring relationships and a robust sense of community. Frequent moves to new locations make it challenging to establish deep connections with neighbours or engage consistently in local activities.

The lack of continuity in interactions might lead to a sense of detachment and prevent the formation of meaningful bonds. As a result, sustaining friendships and building a supportive social network becomes more demanding.