The excitement of a road trip, the freedom of camping, and the comfort of home all in one. If you’ve got an appetite for adventure with a hint of domesticity too, then an RV might be the answer to your call. These mobile homes can travel wherever their owners do, which means it’s easy to find affordable and accessible accommodations almost everywhere.
And as they lack certain constraints and restrictions that other types of housing have, RVs are great options for those who want to live in the city but also enjoy country getaways from time to time. Here is everything you need to know about living in an RV with low maintenance, low cost of ownership, and safety as top priority.
What is an RV?
RV stands for Recreational Vehicle. You might also hear them referred to as Travel Trailers or Mobile Homes. They’re designed for people who want to travel but are also willing to temporarily give up some conveniences. They’re a lot like apartments, but with a few key differences. RVs are designed for outdoor living—so you won’t find a stove, a sink, or a dishwasher.
Instead, you’ll find a fridge, a microwave, and a coffeemaker. RVs are meant for recreational use only, and you can’t use them for work. What you can do with an RV is go on weekend trips; stay at a campground or a park; or travel across the country.
How to Live in an RV on a Budget
RVs are great because they take up very little space and can be moved easily. They’re especially good if you’re traveling full-time and need to park at different locations every few days. You can rent a U-Haul and transport your RV during the weekends. You can also get a friend or a family member who’s willing to help you move it to different places.
You’ll save on the cost of renting a U-Haul if you’re moving an RV. You’ll also save on the cost of gas if you’re driving the U-Haul instead of the RV. And finally, you’ll have more time to spend on the road with your family or friends.
Safety While Living in an RV
Because RVs are meant for outdoor living, they don’t have all the safety features of house-based living. That’s why they’re not recommended for people who intend to live in them full-time. However, instead of worrying about living in a house, you can worry about safety while living in an RV. You can buy an RV that’s built for safety.
It should have side guards, roll-cage doors, and an ignition interlock to prevent an accident from happening. It should also come with safety features like an automatic evacuation system, an engine kill switch, and a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication system.
Maintenance of an RV
Living in an RV can be very low maintenance. Some RV models come with washer/dryer connections, but many do not. To keep them clean and in working condition, you should aim to use a mild detergent and hot water. You can easily wash clothes, clean dishes, and do dishes inside the RV using a bucket and sponge.
Use mild dish soap, not soap that has chemicals that are harmful to the outside of the RV. Also, make sure you’re not using water outside of the RV; this can cause problems with rust. Find a spot where you can easily wash the RV with the hose and where there’s no chance of water getting into the undercarriage of the RV. This will help ensure that your RV is safe from getting rusted out. You should also perform an annual checkup to make sure there aren’t any issues with the RV.
Finding Affordable Accommodations on the Road
Many people who live full-time in RVs forgo renting an apartment or house each month and instead choose to travel around the country. This can work well for budget-minded individuals who want to explore the country but don’t want to compromise on comfort or safety.
You can find furnished RV rentals that come with a bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom for as little as $400 per month. Moreover, RV rentals allow you to stay in a clean, safe, and affordable place while you travel. You can search online to find affordable and available RV rentals. You can also rent an RV on sites like Flea Market RV that allows you to search for rental RV models by state.
Conclusion
RVs are great housing options for those who want the freedom to travel but also want the comfort of home. Living in an RV requires low maintenance and low cost of ownership, and safety is always a priority while living in one.
If you’re ready to get started living in an RV, you can find one that’s affordable and suitable for your lifestyle. These mobile homes can travel anywhere their owners do, which means it’s easy to find affordable and accessible accommodations almost everywhere.