What Type of RV Is Best for Full-Time Living

If You’re Thinking About Becoming a Fulltimer, You’ll Need the Right RV

RVing is trending, and with more people working remotely than ever before, people are hitting the road year-round. So what’s the best RV for full-time living? Well, it depends on a few factors and individual needs, but there is an answer. We’re about to reveal the best of the best and some great runners up. Ready? Let’s dig in!

Is Any RV Good for Full-Time Living?

It’s difficult for someone who’s never gone RVing to know what brand or floor plan might work for full-time living. Ultimately, the best RV for full-time living is going to be an individual preference. Some solo travelers are content in a conversion van.

Others prefer a large Class A motorhome with multiple slideouts, a large kitchen, and similar amenities to a traditional house. Those traveling with kids often gravitate toward fifth wheels with bunk rooms and lofts for extra sleeping space.

So, yes, there are RVs that are good for full-time living. However, you have to keep in mind that while you can customize an RV, there’s no perfect RV. In other words, you’re subject to whatever the manufacturer builds and is within your budget. That may mean having to give up some wants on your list. This is why we recommend making a want and need list when shopping for your full-time living RV.

What to Look for in a Permanent RV Home

Do you have your want and need list ready? We’ve identified four categories to keep in mind when writing your list and searching for a permanent RV home. 

Size

Size matters when you’re living in an RV full time. Visualize how much space you need in the practical sense and how small of an area you think you’d be happy with for the long term. If you’ve never traveled in an RV, a great way to find out what size you need is by renting some RVs for a trial run. 

Once you’ve determined what size you need, start looking for brands that carry what you’re looking for. If you want a large fifth wheel for a family of four and need to have bunk beds, search for fifth wheels from 36 to 42 feet long. Giving yourself a small range will help narrow down your preferences. Keep an open mind while shopping, but don’t back down on your needs.

Mobility

Consider how you intend to use your RV. For example, will you be traveling every two weeks? Are you planning to boondock? Or will you be stationary on a seasonal lot for six months out of the year and only move the RV a few hundred miles? 

Mobility matters when looking for a permanent RV home. For example, if you’re moving from place to place every two weeks, a large destination trailer isn’t the way to go. Instead, choose an RV based on how mobile you’re going to be. 

Travel Trailer or Motorhome?

Choosing between a travel trailer or a motorhome for full-time living is a common hangup. If you already have a truck to tow a travel trailer, it may seem like the more budget-friendly approach. But consider what will make you happiest. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. 

If you’re remaining stationary for months at a time, a motorhome likely isn’t the best choice. Motorhomes have more longevity when used regularly. They’re great for frequent travelers. Travel trailers require less maintenance and are better for remaining stationary for some time.

Extra Features

As you’re shopping for RVs, keep going back to your list of wants and needs. You’ll find that RV manufacturers differ in the features they offer. Keep track of which ones you discover will add to the comfort of your full-time living. Remember, this is your house even though it’s on wheels. You won’t be disappointed if you add on some extra creature comforts.

What Is the Best RV for Full-Time Living?

So what’s the best RV for full-time living? We found a clear winner. Our recommendation is the Venetian F42, a Class A diesel pusher motorhome by Thor Motor Coach.

Thor Venetian F42

The Thor Venetian F42 has a sleeping capacity of seven and three slide-outs, including one mega slide. It also has one and a half bathrooms. The full bathroom has two sinks and a shower with a seat. You’ll find opposing seating in the living area with a theater-style loveseat on one side and a 92-inch sofa on the other. 

Thor’s Venetian F42 has a large kitchen with plenty of counterspace and a residential refrigerator. In addition, you get to choose from a booth dinette or a buffet dinette with chairs. The rear master bedroom has a king inclining bed, and there’s also a drop-down bunk above the cab.

The Venetian F42 is a diesel pusher with a Cummins 8.9L engine on a Freightliner XC-R chassis. It’s 43 feet. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is 44,700 pounds. In addition, the fresh water tank capacity is 91 gallons, the gray tank holds 70 gallons, and the back tank holds 51 gallons.

The Venetian F42 has 215 cubic feet of outside storage, which gives you lots of room to carry gear. It also has loads of storage on the inside, including a large wardrobe in the master bedroom. You also get a stackable washer and dryer in the bedroom, recessed induction cooktop, and residential refrigerator. 

What Other RVs Are Good for Full-Time Living?

While Thor’s Venetian F42 is the best RV for full-time living, it’s not the only one. Here are three other RVs that are good for full-timing.  

Keystone Montana

About: Keystone’s Montana is a luxury fifth wheel that comes in nine floor plans. The models range in length from 35 to 41.4 feet. They each have large kitchens with islands and plenty of living space and storage. 

Best Full-Time Features: Montana’s are comfortable, modern, and roomy. Each floor plan has living room seating for at least five people, along with a cozy fireplace and entertainment center. In addition, the high ceilings make the fifth wheel seem more open.

Airstream Classic

About: The Airstream Classic has four floor plans. Two are 30 feet, and the other two are 33 feet. Airstream builds quality travel trailers that are long-lasting, which is a perk for full-time RV living. Each floor plan sleeps five people.

Best Full-Time Features: Airstream’s Classic has a large kitchen for cooking at home. It has hardwood cabinetry and Corian countertops. The bathroom is also highly sought after when RVing full-time. It has a residential-style layout with a large shower, mirrored double-door wardrobe, and a heated shower floor and towel bar.

Grand Design Reflection

About: Grand Design’s Reflection fifth wheel has eight floor plans. They range in size from 32.9 to 41 feet. In addition, the Reflection has a four-season protection package with maximum insulation, which makes it a great choice if you’ll be RVing in cold climates. 

Best Full-Time Features: The Reflection offers very spacious floor plans for full-time living. It includes models with bunk rooms in varying configurations. Grand Design also offers several options to build your Reflection out to suit your individual needs. 

Should You Buy New or Used RV for Full-Time Living?

Purchasing a new RV for full-time living means that you’re not inheriting someone else’s problems. In addition, new models come with warranties, so you can rely on them for issues that are the manufacturer’s fault. On the other hand, used RVs have likely worked through any warranty work, and the previous owner will hopefully be upfront about anything they’ve fixed. And used RVs typically cost less than new ones.

Buying new or used is ultimately a personal preference. But we think buying new when you’re living in an RV full-time is a good choice. You may be able to customize the RV, and you know what you’re getting into from day one.

Are You One Step Closer to Full-Time Living?

Are you ready for full-time RVing? If so, we hope you get into the best RV for full-time living that suits your needs. Remember to check off your needs list and try to get as many things on your wants list as you can.