What is the Best RV to Live in Full-Time?

Let’s start talking about the RV – after all, you’re going to be spending an awful lot of time in your RV!

For those of you who currently RV a lot, you may already own an RV that meets all your Full-Timing needs. But this article is not just for those who are new to extended RVing.

Hopefully, it will provide some suggestions that you may not have thought about in the context of living in your RV full time, and want to consider when you’re ready to upgrade your RV.

The right RV is critical to your success as a Full-Timer. You won’t enjoy your time RVing if you’re unhappy with your “house”. It’s an important consideration from a number of aspects:

• The cost of purchasing the RV.
• The cost of purchasing a tow (or towed) vehicle.
• Storage and layout are going to impact your daily comfort.
• Traveling comfort.

The decision is extremely personal – you may not care about one aspect as much as I do. But this section will provide you with the information you need on which to base your decision.

Although there are many different types of RVs, we’re going to focus on the three types that are most suited to the Full-Timing lifestyle:

• Motorhomes.
• 5th Wheel Trailers.
• Travel Trailers.

Motorhomes

Class A Motorhomes

Class A Motorhomes are the large, long RVs that most people visualize when thinking about RVs. They are built on a truck chassis, and they combine the living space of the RV with the driver’s cab – you actually drive the RV from the inside (similar to a bus).

Class A motorhomes are typically spacious and well-appointed, and often have extensive storage available in cargo compartments underneath. More recent models often offer up to three or four slide outs – where a section of wall slides outward up to three feet.

The integration of slide outs in recent model RVs, including Class A Motorhomes, significantly increases the available living space.

Although a special license is typically not required to drive a Class A, some states may require a non-commercial license for motorhomes that have air brakes, or that exceed certain weight thresholds.

Class A Motorhomes resemble busses. Some are actually busses that were converted into motorhomes – in these cases the outside typically retains the same look, but the interior undergoes extensive remodeling.

Size

As you travel in a motorhome, be aware that there are more limited options if you happen to break down. Due to their size and complexity, all garages are not designed to be able to handle motorhome repairs.

Because of their size, Class A Motorhomes are not suitable for local driving. Most Class A RVers tow a vehicle that can be used for local transportation after arriving at a destination.

One major positive for owning a motorhome is that, not only do you have access to the living compartment while you’re driving, you’re all set as soon as you park. In a 5th Wheel or Travel Trailer, the temperature inside will be very close to the outside air – which means if it’s 90 degrees out it’s going to be awfully warm inside until the air conditioning can cool things off.

Also, upon arrival, it’s usually much simpler to set up. Once the towed vehicle has been unhooked, many Class A Motorhomes can be leveled automatically at the touch of a single button.

Some other advantages to RVing in a Class A Motorhome:

1. Easy to drive. The elevated driver’s seat gives you a good view of the road ahead.
2. Since the driving and living compartments are combined, the kitchen or bathroom can be accessed without leaving the RV – even while driving.
3. Lots of cargo storage underneath – the most storage of any RV type.
4. Can tow a vehicle behind the RV.

Some disadvantages to Class A’s:

1. Most expensive RV to purchase.
2. More difficult to maneuver in tighter spaces.
3. Need to have a second vehicle to drive while at a location.
4. Some people may not like having the driver’s compartment being part of the living area.
5. If in the garage for mechanical repairs, you lose access to your “living quarters”.
6. Can’t back it up easily if towing a vehicle.

Typical Specifications:

• Price Range $60,000 – $2,000,000.
• Fresh Water Storage: 50g – 125g.
• Gray Water Holding Tank 40g – 1000g.
• Black Water Holding Tank 40g – 100g.
• Fuel Tank 75g – 200g.
• Water Heater 6g – 12g.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B Motorhomes are the smallest motorhome, and are built on a van chassis. They resemble a conversion van, and are not typically the RV of choice for Full-Timers due to their small size.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are also built on a van chassis, but are larger than the Class Bs. They typically have an extended section over the cab for a bed.

In the past, Class C’s were significantly smaller than Class A’s. However, in recent years manufacturers are building larger and more luxurious Class C motorhomes.

Some advantages of Class C’s:

1. Easy to drive (similar to driving a moving van).
2. Similar to Class A’s, the living compartment is combined with the driving compartment.
3. Can tow a second vehicle behind.

Some disadvantages of Class C’s:

1. May not provide enough living space to accommodate the needs of many Full-Timers.
2. Bed over the cab may be difficult for older RVers to access easily.
3. Fairly high cost to purchase.

Typical Specifications:

• Price Range Approximately $50,000 and up.
• Fuel Tank 40g – 55g.
• Fresh Water Storage: 30g – 60g.
• Gray Water Holding Tank 20g – 40g.
• Black Water Holding Tank 20g – 50g.
• Water Heater 6g – 10g.

5th Wheel Trailers

5th Wheel Trailers are pulled behind a tow vehicle (typically a pickup or semi truck). They attach to the tow vehicle via a special 5th Wheel hitch located over the axle in the bed of the truck, with a portion of the trailer hanging over the truck.

The raised forward section of a 5th Wheel provides a spacious bi-level floor plan.

The tow vehicle specifications must be able to handle the weight of your 5th wheel. Approximately 15%-25% of the weight of the 5th Wheel is on the hitch – which means the weight is supported by the truck’s axle.

Advantages of a 5th Wheel:

1. Provides more interior space (per length) than a motorhome since it doesn’t have to accommodate an engine.
2. Easier to tow than a travel trailer.
3. Typically, has more storage than a travel trailer, but not as much as a motorhome.
4. Tow vehicle detaches and is used as local transportation.
5. More storage space than a travel trailer.

Disadvantages of a 5th Wheel:

1. Requires a tow vehicle.
2. Larger 5th Wheels require larger (more expensive) tow vehicles.
3. Limitations on towing anything behind the trailer.
4. More difficult to park than a motorhome or travel trailer.
5. Less storage than a motorhome.
6. The trailer tracks to the inside of the tow vehicle tire tracks, so you need to make “wide” turns to accommodate.

Typical Specifications:

• Price Range Approximately $20,000 – $200,000.
• Fresh Water Storage: 30g – 100g.
• Gray Water Holding Tank 20g – 75g.
• Black Water Holding Tank 20g – 50g.
• Water Heater 6g – 12g.

Toy Hauler 5th Wheels

Although we’re not going to do a deep dive into Toy Haulers, we think it’s important to mention them as a type of RV to consider as a Full-Timer.

Toy Haulers are a type 5th Wheel that provides a cargo compartment in the rear in which you can carry your “toys” – motorcycles, ATVs, bicycles, or a golf cart, for example. The back wall of the RV opens up and acts as a ramp by which the toys can be driven into the RV.

The interesting feature of Toy Haulers that could be of interest to Full-Timers, however, is that the cargo compartment doesn’t have to haul toys – it can be set up as a large living area. Some Toy Haulers have an option offering a bed that raises and lowers hydraulically – so during the day the bed is out of the way, but can be lowered at night for sleeping.

Some Toy Haulers are now offering a rear deck as an option – whereby the ramp actually acts like a deck. Not only can you sit out as you would on a deck at home, but you can add screening to protect you from mosquitoes or other biting insects.

Of course, there is a trade off – there is less living space in the mid-section of the RV. But since there’s so much space at the rear that you can customize into a large living space, you may feel the trade off is worth it.

Travel Trailers

Travel trailers are similar to 5th Wheels, since they get towed behind a tow vehicle. They attach to a ball hitch mounted at the rear of the tow vehicle.

Smaller models can be towed by mid-sized vehicles – in some cases even by the family car. Although smaller trailers may not be the best decision for full time RVing, they’re certainly an option, depending on your needs.

Advantages of a Travel Trailer:

1. Provides more interior space (per length) than a motorhome since it doesn’t have to accommodate an engine.
2. Tow vehicle detaches and is used for local transportation.
3. Has a lower profile than a 5th Wheel or motorhome.
4. Floor plan is all one level.
5. A trailer tracks in the tire tracks of the tow vehicle.
6. Easier to park than a 5th Wheel.

Disadvantages of Travel Trailers:

1. Less storage than a 5th Wheel or motorhome.
2. Can impact the handling of the tow vehicle – referred to as “swaying” and “porpoising”.
3. Limitations on towing anything behind the trailer.

Typical Specifications:

• Price Range Approximately $20,000 – $60,000.
• Fresh Water Storage: 30g – 60g.
• Gray Water Holding Tank 20g – 40g.
• Black Water Holding Tank 20g – 50g.
• Water Heater 6g – 10g.

Renting an RV – Try Before You Buy

If you haven’t yet made up your mind as to which type of RV is right for you, or you want to be sure that RVing full time is right for you before you purchase an RV – then renting an RV may be a great option for you.

Many RV dealers rent RVs as well as sell. Renting an RV and taking a trial run trip with it is a great way for you to experiment.

For example, if you currently own a 5th Wheel, you could rent a motorhome and see which type you prefer more. If you don’t own an RV yet, you have the opportunity to try more than one type of RV – although you keep in mind that towable RVs will require you to also have an appropriate tow vehicle.

If you do decide to rent, make sure to maximize the experience – if avoidable circumstances ruin your enjoyment, you may not get an accurate experience on which to base your decision.

Consider the following when planning your trip with a rental:

Make sure you rent a newer model RV. A current model RV will closer approximate the new models (assuming you plan to purchase new over used). Also, you want to minimize the possibility of breakdowns while on the road – a sure way to ruin your experience.

Confirm who’s responsible for the costs of any required repairs or towing service, if you do experience a breakdown.

Also, confirm that you’re covered by insurance – whether through your own or coverage through the dealer.

Confirm whether there are any restrictions on where you can take the RV.

Identify if there is a mileage allowance – and what the cost is for the over mileage.

Be sure to budget adequate funds for fuel – remember that a motorhome will not get anywhere near the mileage that you get with your personal automobile.

Also, be sure to budget for campground and propane fees.

Which RV Is Best?

It goes without saying that choosing an RV is a very personal decision, without an answer that’s right for everyone. There are pros and cons to each type of RV.

For us, we decided that a 5th Wheel was our best option. Since we would be living in it year round, we chose what is referred to as a “luxury” unit – it has higher quality workmanship and amenities than a standard unit. And though the cost for the “extras” was significant, it was still much less expensive than the equivalent Class A Motorhome – which was a major consideration for us.

Another factor for us was we were reluctant to put ourselves in a position where we had to tow a second vehicle. We liked the fact that when we arrived at a destination, we only had to unhook the trailer, and we had our vehicle available to us.

Lastly, for us, was that we found that 5th Wheels typically had more storage in the living space than motorhomes. Motorhomes certainly have more cargo storage in the “basement”, but for us, a 5th Wheel provided sufficient cargo storage for our requirements, and we wanted to maximize our interior storage – living room, kitchen and bedroom.

Like we said – it all depends on what you feel is important, and what you’re willing to spend for them.