Full-Time RV Living Review: Pros and cons of living stationary in an RV
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- My honest review of full-time RV life after living in a 30' trailer for one year. I share the pros and cons of living in an RV in California. Keep in mind that I live stationary in an RV park.
00:00 I live stationary in my RV
00:29 Money saved!
00:59 Live cheap in a beautiful place
01:45 More time outdoors
02:38 Buy less stuff
03:35 Outdoor Space
05:07 Easy to clean
06:06 Maintenance
07:19 Poor insulation
08:48 No washer/dryer
09:30 Is RV life worth it?
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Solo empty nester. Full time RV Nomad since Jan 2019. Been stationary since July 2020. 45ft triple axle toy hauler. I pay less than $650 / mo including electric, cable and water. I have washer and dryer in my rv. I use to pay $2100 / mo for 1000 sqft apt. First time viewer, new subscriber.
What state are you in? $650 is more in my price range especially if utilities are included. Are you full time at a park or do you have your own land? Ive never lived in or traveled in an RV but I am super interested!
@@dollhouseq1530 south Texas.
Hi, what about insurance? Is it like a car.
Hey! How do you set up a permanent address?? Asking for myself, Im clueless and plan on going full time next month
Nice rig! But I gotta ask. U live in a 45ft toy hauler by urself? That's a big ass rig for 1 person. Lol congrats either way!
Nice to see a young person discover the benefits of such a lifestyle. I started Living full-time RV life in 2006. I have done a lot of traveling in my different RVs. Now I am 68 years old and I think I have seen quite enough. I found a place, like you have, that I can probably stay as long as I like. It's close to friends and family and is easy on the finances. I have considered other living situations but I keep coming back to the fact that this is best for me.
That is awesome! It's nice to travel and it's also nice to have a home base near your support system 🙂
My travel trailer has a washer and dryer in the home. There are several retired gentlemen who hire themselves out cheaply to do maintenance and even wash the trailer and the windows, etc. There are NO cons for me. It was difficult to get rid of many of the "things" I had, but it's been so worth it for the freedom of being responsible for the care of them, even if it was just having to dust them. I would never want to go back to the upkeep of a larger home.
My sentiments exactly!! Just the thought of a large home gives me anxiety!
This is awesome,I myself live in an RV, I was paying way to much rent living in my house and I finally got to the point to where I had to make some serious financial decisions and I moved out into a 25 ft travel trailer that has everything I need except now I have to go to the laundromat but it's in town about 10 miles away so it's not to bad. I have sewer, power, water, garbage for 650.00 a month and great neighbors. I really like this style of living and I'm able to afford to live 👍
I've been stationary since 2021 , 3 slide out RV ,34 ft ,$600 mo ,power included, Bradenton ,FL ,5 miles to the beach ,cheers !
Leave a window cracked and bathroom vent open also use an electric space heater. We used a mini washer and dryer. Love stationary Rv life!
The little electric heater is the best advice! Though I'm getting a bigger dehumidifier myself.
After 15 months of full-time RV living ourselves, we agree with you that the pros outweigh the cons for us. We travel in our RV so we have a few additional pros and cons. Great video!
I did it for 2 years and 10 months in a Jayo Jay Flight 30ft with a slider. Paid 600 a month to park with water and electric..
How did the Jayco Jay Flight hold up, I hear there are quality issues with this brand?
I'm currently in college and living with my parents. Wanting to move out and get an RV as soon as I can. This has given me a lot of information thank you so much
Lovely video. Thank you from 1 stationary to another☺.
Condensation during the winter can be mitigated by keeping 2 windows slightly open for a cross draft (we should always have a cross draft going). This will help with the condensation build up... Damp Rid helps a lot. I also have a tiny dehumidifier, it creates excellent water for plants. Also to keep warm in the winter time ( 4 years living in an RV). I have thick shag rugs in walking areas and a small space heater or 2 in super cold. It heats the area up quickly and can be lowered within minutes.It also decreases propane use. Picked mine up at Dollar General. My personal luxury is a heating blanket which I use to warm up my bed keeping winter cozy and manageable. Again, great video! xoxox
Quick ? how do you like living in your RV full time. I'm trying to decide if this is something I will do in the near future. My sons are grown. I have my own small plot of land. I am also close to my parents which is a bonus. Please give your honest feedback. thank you
I move in on the first. Thank you for ur video. I can't do this rent anymore it's literally killing me
There is a lot of difference in the quality of campers.
Which greatly affects your comfort.
A good used Doubletree Elite Suites is more comfortable than a brand new whatever.
It’s not all about the glitz & glamour.
It’s better insulation, double pane windows, stuff like that.
Most RV’s aren’t even rated for full time living.
Dehumidifier is a must for trailer living. Keeps mold away.
Not going to lie, I was just browsing looking for rv videos for me in a future and I found this video and I love the energy you have. It feels very fun but calming. Love what you do! keep it up! :)
Nice! And thank you 🙂
Hi I just found your channel And I have been doing Rv living for 30 + years and think I might have more tips for you you might need to get the space heaters that are sold at walmart and just put them on the lowest setting 1heater for every 5ft 2nd you might need to get the painter's plastic and put it on your window's and use a hair dryer to shrink it and a heavy curtain ( FYI this will block the cold air and help keep it cool too ) You get Jugs for your water and put tubs in your kitchen sinks and carry it to the shower house Bags in the toilet Double bag and put it in a bucket and toss in either the dumpster or the shower house toilet empty the bag and throw the bag away As I've said I've been Rving for 30plus years and love living this way
Hello. This video came up on my recommended videos. I have lived stationary in trailer trailer going on 12 years this coming Feb. It has its challenges. Great video.
Thank you for the "visit". You are such a capable and multi-talented soul. Love how you take charge of what has to be done. Looking forward to seeing what you conquer next....
Thank you, always!
Super helpful. So glad I found Stationary RV Living content, as it's been hard to find. Thx!!
Love this video and I have been researching living in an RV I’m in Arizona and I’m really thinking about doing it so thank you for the information🙏🏼
Great pros and cons.
Looks like you are very blessed and enjoying the beauty of your area.
You inspired me to “get out” and enjoy what’s around me.
Yay! There's always something to enjoy 🙂
I use the Mr heater buddy during the winter to help save on the propane and electricity costs. My rv heater runs off propane but can eat a 20lb setup pretty quickly. Using the mr heater it works awesome and keeps the entire 40ft rv pretty toasty on a lot smaller propane usage.
Thanks for the tip! I'll check out the Mr. Heater 🙂
She has electric she can just use a space heater.
Thank you for the tips. Getting ready to take the leap and do this. Fortunately mine will be parked on my daughter’s property. Storage will be my main issue but I’m working on that. Learning to live small 😊
Yay, good for you!
Thanks for the great video! There are quite a few fixes for condensation regardless of the weather or even cooking in a variety of price points. You can also get a portable washer to use in the yard or shower. The spin on them almost dries the clothes. They don't weigh much and can be moved around. You have an affordable lifestyle envied by many.
Thanks for watching, Bess! I didn't know that portable washers are a thing!!
@@ChristysDiscountLife Amazon. I've loved the ZenStyle. Does about 10 pounds a load. You can even do large sheets. Plenty of TH-cam reviews.
Propane heating tends to create moisture as well. You could get a dehumidifier and you would be more comfortable and reduce the risk of mold growth. It is also easier to heat dry air so you would save on energy.
Smart woman. Not as glamorous as some ladies might think, but in my view this is great lifestyle and easy on the finances. The RV life even part time takes work and chores give us structure. You’ve got the good life.
What a great and well balanced review of RV living thank you!
Loved this video. Thank you for this video. I’m considering full time Rving , and want to be stationary for the winter months.
Im saving to move into an RV!! ❤️❤️ Next Year would be THE YEAR!
Thanks, great video. I have same issue with condensation during winter here (Oz) and run the air-cond. in dehumidify mode and it works well.
Thank you for your insights. Soon, I will be camper living for a couple of years.
Thank Youuuuu, for your video! Grateful for the realness and non- Pinteresty-spin. I just moved back to the SF Bay, and I'm now seriously thinking of getting an RV and living stationery too. It was so useful to hear your review about the local climate conditions and maintenance issues. I know you can't give away your location on the internet -- but Wow. How gorgeous, I'm trying to see if I recognize the topography 😅because that's exactly what I'm envisioning as my home too. Would love to hear about safety and security too, if you have any advice suggestions or warnings.
I agree! They are lots of fun when they are set up for a while.🙂
Thanks for this, I'm picking up my first RV Wednesday and will full time RV. This could not have come at a better time. Thanks.
Yay! Good for you, Bob! How are you liking it so far?
@@ChristysDiscountLife I love it, but downsizing is tough.
I too am VERY close to going FT in a class b+. I’m selling home and all inside it except my needed clothes toiletries and misc. Net equity in home allows me nice down payment on brand new one. Thank uuuuuu
@@rayhunsakerwouldacouldasho510 I am enjoying this lifestyle greatly so far. Go for your dreams.
@@bobnelson2499 Oh yeah, that's a thing. I think I went through several iterations of downsizing before I finally was ready to move into a smaller space. Some RVs are surprisingly spacious though!
Very thoughtful review. Worth watching.
Very informative. Im in cali myself and im exploring the whole rv thing. Im h trying to find out as much as possible before pulling the trigger.
Great video! Thanks for sharing! I also agree that the pros outweigh the cons.
My husband and I are 16 months in living in the middle of the Forrest with a creek running through our property, it’s amazing. We were SF Castro city boys before this and this experience has been amazing.
We also have 2 Chihuahua’s and a Great Dane with us too… maybe we should start a Vlog😊.
Thank you !! 😊 this was the positivity I needed today as I work on my RV
Yay! Get that work done--it's always worth it in the end 😀
I’m looking into doing this! I love the outdoors and over spending the ridiculous amount of rent on an apartment. It might not be perfect, but I like the idea of not being stuck in the same place forever.
Yeah, the ridiculous rent is what pushed me into to RV living! Everything has it's tradeoffs. RV life has been 110% the right choice for me (and my wallet!)
You are the first one to talk about the laundry problem. Thanks
Yeah, It's not too big of an issue for me but I'm sure it can be for some!
I'm going to be moving into my camper full time in a few months and although the park I'm going to has a laundromat I'm going to buy a portable washer and dryer so I can do laundry whenever I want because for me that would be a major inconvenience and never want to deal with a laundromat. my camper also doesn't have a dishwasher like most don't and I'm also getting a countertop dishwasher so I don't have to hand wash dishes. these things cost a few hundred dollars upfront but for the convenience they're worth it to me and I will virtually have no cons to rv living :)
Nice video. I also live in a camper. My very own vacation home. Smiles! I wanted to share I purchased a wonderful 1.6 liter Black and Decker washer from Amazon. It is one of the best investments I've made in years. It hooks up to my kitchen sink and I purchased a dolly with wheels to sit it on and roll it out of the way. Just wanted to share. Have a beautiful day!
Thank you for sharing I was looking for something like this! We are looking for content like this!
Well said with your honest opinion.
Nicely done and u seem so chill and pleasant happy for you so I joined and thumbs up hoping u grow your channel fast. Stay blessed. Frm Texas
Hey! Thanks, Karen!! 😊
Thank u for sharing im looking to move full time into an rv u really inspired me!
Thank you for sharing, I'm single and in Northern California as well and was considering full-time RV living
I love where and how you live , making me think about RV living
I love it! There are so many beautiful places to live and RV life can be a good way to experience it. Cheers!
This was such a helpful video thanks!!
This is a great video! I can so relate.
Yay, thanks!
thanks for the tips. very informative video
Great tips we are fixing to do this because of high rent at our house
Thank you great video I'm gonna start this kinda living myself here soon
I love how your living, totally jealous.lol you go girl. Keep us informed.
Following...we begin bus life in March. Thanks for leading the way.
Yay good luck to you guys!
Sounds wonderful to me!! 🤗
Great video thanks
I plan on doing this keeping one on my parents property beside their house and just pay electric
Loved this. Thanks for sharing. :)
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Love your video.
I bought a Keystone 385 BR to put in my backyard actually to rent out. Also in California. Unfortunately after I bougt it, had it beautifully placed with 10 peopke interested, the neighbors called code enforcement cuz apparently I can't do that on MY OWN LAND.
I've been using it as a little getaway for myself and I love it. I'm trying to sell it and get a less expensive one for myself. New to all this.
Loved your self sufficiency
Ah, yes. That's unfortunately common. Some places are getting less strict about building ADUs but I don't think too many CA cities have gotten more RV-friendly over the years.
Where in California are you located??
You could get a rv mini washer, they cost 200 new in Amazon, it is small but you can chose 12 or 20 pounds
Get yourself a portable washer...they work great and small on size perfect for RVs
Paving New Paths their first 3 problems was their washer machine- took 3 times until they fixed it correctly it had been flooding out the floors.
Nice Review!
Thank you! Cheers!
Use the small brightown plug in heaters. Very good heat, very small, looks nice and uses hardly any power. Best thing ive ever used for heat and no moisture.
Love your setup I would love to live like that
Thanks! Yes, I am very lucky. Nothing is perfect but finding something you enjoy and that is manageable is key.
She is super honest, I can see anybody leaving Oakland ( unless you live in Montclair. 😊
Keep going sister 🥰🙌🏼
Hey! Thank you 😊
Great video. You could try some skirting for the winter a 2x4 Foam insolation is $20 so a $140 investment could save in the long run.
That sounds like a great tip and something I can definitely look into! I'm a big fan of efficiency at a low cost!
Love your container garden! If Andre has different pros/cons, I’d love to hear his take.
He would say "It's cold!" It was a colder winter than what we were used to in our Oakland apartment...but summer will be perfect :)
Nice setup!
Thanks! I'm super happy with it 😊
Amazing video
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
I came across your video and it made me so happy. I always see people living full time traveling but I also have been living full time in my 29 foot rv for 7 years and love it. I am also stationary in california and live next to a body of water where I can kayak and do out door activity. I was curious if you live northern california and what city? I have had a hard time finding affordable rv parks in california. Where I live now it's great but summers are harsh and hot. So i would like to live in a cooler area. Keep up the great videos. 👍
I live in the SF Bay Area. The coastal breeze definitely keeps things cooler 😎
Thank you for a great video
Aww thanks for watching!
This is great. Where would you recommend starting to look for parking? I am scheduled to move to bay area for work mid year. Plan to buy trailer. Thank you for the video!
A google search should do the trick! You should find options in the south bay, east bay, north bay, and beyond! Welcome to the Bay 😀
You went from the very dangerous Land of The Spookaboo to paradise. Well done.
In winter try not to use propane but heat with electric if you have that hook up because propane is a damp heat and builds condensation and thus causes issues like rot and molds.
Nicely done "review"
Nice!
I've been thinking about doin this. And I think you're in an area I wanna go to.... I'm from valley. Very much a minimalist. I spend more time listening to music on headphones and reading. I always think apartments are too big. And I miss outdoor space too..... Oh man I might work toward this.
Always enjoy watching your videos. Where do you keep your clothing if you have such a tiny closet?
Thanks! I don't have a whole lot of clothes to start. I keep the seasonal clothes I'm not wearing in the storage compartment under my bed. I've created additional shelf space. You find a way to work with what you got 😝
Most RV Parks & Campgrounds don't allow you to work on your vehicle at your site or anywhere in the park. Always check first. Condensation problems?? Buy a small portable dehumidifier at Walmart or Amazon for under $40. Takes care of any condensation problem or possible mold growth which can be a problem. When replacing water heater suggest installing a tankless on demand water heater. Doesn't make sense wasting electric or propane heating a tank of water when not using. They last longer w/less wear & tear compared to a hot water tank. Some laundry mats have a cleaning service where you drop off your dirty clothes in the morning and pick up end of day or next day. Clean folded laundry service for about $15-$20. Worked out great for me at that time. Also always shut off your main water supply to the trailer whenever leaving. Even on a 30 minute grocery run. Good habit to get into. Just a couple of ideas to throw out there.
Thanks for all these tips!!
I wish they would make laundromats also coffee shops with seating and wifi! I’d love visiting the laundromat!
They do it in Atlanta,ga . Where do u live?
Nice life style. Congrats.
I've lived in my 5th wheel for over 5 years
They make small compact washers now for fairly cheap
great vid
Thank you!
Your so majestic, all due respect
Thank you
I am literally a little in love.
Whenever my family and I go camping I love it so yeah I thought of moving to a Camping ground, we don't have rv parks in europe like you do so yeah Camp ground haha
SOOO glad I live in NC. I haven't finished your video yet, but you can get a 3 bedroom house here for $700 dollar rent. I would consider moving if you don't want to work until you're 90 or you unless you just make a lot of money lol. We also have all the things you mentioned you enjoy.
NC has gotten expensive, too (NC native here). It all depends on where you live + what you do 🙂
We live in a NM rv park full time for $150 + electric unheard of but we love it 😍 enjoy every minute let sold our stick & bricks 2 bed rooms 2 bath for a 5th wheel 2 bedroom 2 bath it’s a lot smaller but we love it have my craft room with a extra bed 2 doors too!! It’s like a small house on wheels we just a few minutes from a state park that has a nice lake…it’s our home base we have a small camper to do local traveling for camping it’s not for everyone but we’re retired it’s working for us…
What a lovely setup! Congrats to you all!
Hey there, as a full time RV owner have you found that you can keep your slides (if you have them) open for months at a time without concern? If I'm going to make an RV my home I'm looking to have a 30-footer with slides but would be concerned about keeping them open more or less year-round.
I'm getting ready to start solo travelling in a RV for a couple years on the East coast, my biggest concern is towing without a passenger to help if I need to get turned around towing a 38'. Your list of cons don't really apply with my camper I don't think so we'll see. Looking forward to migrating with the seasons.
They make a plastic wrap for your windows which will help with the moister and save on propane !!
Cool video
Thank you!
Cool video and lifestyle. I'll have to check out your cooking videos. Cheer's
Thank you! I started with cooking videos on the channel...then moved into the RV. So, I'm making videos about cooking and RV life, with a focus on getting the most out of life while living on a budget. Thanks for watching! 😊
You seem handy, why not install an electric fireplace so you can save money on propane in the winter, plus combustion of propane creates water as a biproduct, switching to an electric fireplace will reduce your condensation. Good video, wish you the best luck.
How is the internet? What internet service is the best for you? Also, how does mailing work? Do you receive mail? Or Amazon packages? Thanks for the info video
You’re getting the condensation because you’re using the wrong type of heater. I bet you that you’re using an electric heater. If you’re using a lot of propane you need to change your tanks and also the fitting that connects the tank to your gas lines. Trust me it makes a major difference when you have new tanks compared to the old ones that leak. I know you think they don’t, but believe me they do. That’s why they have a shelf life. There’s numbers on your tanks that will tell you how old they are. Once they reach a certain point they start to leak. When you get new tanks you’ll see a major difference in how much propane you’re using. When you’re using your propane heater you don’t get condensation. That means you’re using some other type of heating source in your RV that’s causing the condensation buildup on your windows.
Thanks for the tips--I will check the dates on the propane tanks. We tried an electric heater but quickly ditched that because it used too much electricity. New as of this week: our hot water heater has been leaking....probably all winter...and certainly has contributed to the humidity!