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8 Best RV Travel Trailers for Full-Time RV Living Adventure in 2024

• Last Updated: May 25, 2024
• 25 minutes read

Selecting the right travel trailer for full-time living can be an overwhelming decision.

Yet, after rigorously testing over thirty models myself, focusing on comfort, durability, and practicality, I’ve come to find that not all RVs are cut out for the lifestyle.

Finding an RV that can truly be called a home is key for those looking to transition into full-time RV living .

Some crucial factors include space, amenities, and how well they can support the everyday needs of full-time dwellers, from solo adventurers to families .

Out of the many I explored, the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS stood out for its exceptional balance of comfort, functionality, and mobility, making it my top pick for the best overall travel trailer for this purpose.

It’s a prime example of how a thoughtful layout and design can make a space feel like a true home on wheels.

Based on my experience, the top travel trailers for full-time living are:

• Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS : Best overall for full-time living with its compact efficiency.
• Grand Design – Imagine XLS 22RBE : Great for couples seeking comfort and luxury on the road.
• Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS : Ideal for families, offering spacious living and sleeping areas.
• Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office : Perfect for remote workers, featuring a dedicated office space.
• Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH : Top choice for entertainment, featuring multiple TVs and spacious seating areas.
• Coachmen – Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS : Excellent for larger families, with generous living spaces and multiple bedrooms.
• Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 Toy Hauler Travel Trailer : Best for adventure lovers, with ample storage for outdoor gear.
• Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS Destination Travel Trailer : A fantastic option for those preferring stationary living with the comforts of a full-size home.

IN THIS ARTICLE

What to Look for in a Travel Trailer for Full-Time Living

Your preferred travel and lifestyle are going to be the biggest factor that determines the features you prioritize in a travel trailer for full-time living.

When shopping for the model that suits your family best, consider the following factors.

Where You Will Stay

Are you the type of person/family that likes to stay in well-appointed RV parks with tons of resources available, or do you love to boondock off the grid for several days at a time.

If you do love to dry camp, then you’ll want to prioritize a travel trailer with large waste and fresh water storage tanks.

You might want to also move things like a generator or solar panels higher up your list of priorities as well. 

Size & Floorplan

What this ultimately comes down to is just how many people will be living full-time in the travel trailer.

If it’s just you enjoying the open road with perhaps a four-legged best friend for companionship, you might lean more toward a travel trailer that’s under 20 feet long, and has one very well-decked-out master suite.

On the other end of the spectrum, a traveling family with two small children might prioritize a travel trailer over 25 feet with a master suite in the front, bunk beds in the back, and a large dinette area for mealtimes.

Power slide-outs can also buy you more precious interior living space as well. 

Length of Stay

Just how long you will stay in one spot might also be a factor. If you will be moving around every week or two, then a travel trailer that hooks up easily and deploys an awning with ease might be a preference.

If you are planning to set up camp and put your feet up for months at a time at the family lake lot, then a destination travel trailer that steps out onto a prepared deck space might top your priority list. 

Where You’ll Be Staying & HVAC

If you plan to live in the sunbelt 12-months out of the year, then a travel trailer with a robust rooftop air conditioner will be a priority.

If you are a tradesman who lives in his travel trailer on remote job sites during the summer but wants to live on the ice fishing all winter, then insulation and a powerful furnace will top your list. 

Payload Cargo Capacity

Since you will be living in it full time, you will likely need to haul more gear and personal effects to maintain your preferred lifestyle full time.

To spare you from living a Spartan existence, you might want to prioritize travel trailers with an above-average payload or cargo capacity. 

If you are going to be towing your full-time travel trailer a lot, then you want to put extra scrutiny into the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) compared to the maximum towing capacity of your intended tow vehicle.

Ideally, you want the GVWR to be 80% or less than the pickup truck’s GVWR to keep from constantly straining the tow vehicle with all the journey’s from Point A to Point B and Point C.

The gross weight becomes less of a factor if you are going to do something like park a travel trailer at the family lake lot and leave it there year-round. 

Key Travel Trailer Appliances for Full-Time Living

People who live full-time in their travel trailers tend to place a higher priority on certain appliances compared to people who just want to camp in their travel trailers.

This makes appliance choices their own separate category to factor into your traveling lifestyle. 

Washer & Dryer Prep

Most people who live in their travel trailer full time bemoan having to take time out to sit in a laundromat.

If this sounds like you, then you might want to prioritize a model that either has a washer & dryer included in the purchase or comes prepped to have one installed. 

In the same vein as laundry, washing the dishes can be a real pain. Especially if you fall in love with a travel trailer that has a small sink or a single basin sink in the kitchen.

A high-efficiency dishwasher will use only a small amount of water while cleaning the dishes and sparing you a lot of elbow grease.

It also frees up precious counter space that might otherwise be lost to an unsightly dish drainer. 

Large House Batteries

If you are going to be staying off the grid for even a short amount of time, you will likely need to rely heavily on your RV’s house batteries.

A larger battery bank will hold more charge, while also giving you the opportunity to parallel wire them for a longer run time between recharging. 

Generator Prep

While most travel trailers don’t come with a built-in generator, there is a fair number that does .

This is a great way to power your travel trailer when you are camping off the grid, or simply staying at an RV park that doesn’t have compatible shore power available. 

Optional Solar Power

Solar panels are a great way to recharge or maintain the charge on house batteries.

They can also be a great way to save money on the cost of electricity when you are at a campsite that offers shore power.

You ultimately end up paying far less per unit for solar in the long run than you pay per unit when plugged into an RV park’s resources. 

9 Great Travel Trailers For Full-Time RV Living

1. winnebago micro minnie 2108ds.

• MSRP around $31,000
• Length of 22.42 ft.
• Dry Weight of 4,140 lbs.
• GVWR of 7,000 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 410 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 31.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 25.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 25.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 4 people
• 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner
• 18,000 BTU heater

Winnebago is one of the most popular RV manufacturers of all time, and the Minnie travel trailer is one of their most popular platforms.

So, it only stands to reason that they would make a model that is geared toward an individual or couple who loves full-timing like you see with the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS.

With an MSRP of around $31,000, it is one of the most affordable options on this list. This makes for easy financing.

Its overall popularity also means that dealerships are likely to have a wide range of optional upgrades for you to customize the creature comforts to your travel style. 

The interior of the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS has a sofa that converts into a queen-size murphy bed with his and hers wardrobes on each side.

This gives you a couch to lounge on during the day and a bed, all in the same area to save space.

If one of you wants to stay up late, there’s a privacy curtain that can be drawn to enclose the front master suite. 

In the back, you will find a spacious full-size bathroom to meet all your full-timing needs. The shower is separated from the toilet and the rest of the bathroom to give you a true dry bath. 

The towing statistics are another nice thing to appreciate about the Winnebago – Micro Minnie 2108DS.

It has a dry weight of 4,140-pounds, which is well within the range of what a robust mid-size SUV with a towing package can handle. This saves you having to invest in a half-ton truck tow vehicle. 

Just keep in mind that the Minnie’s massive cargo capacity means that you can potentially stuff it with so much gear that it will tip the scales with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of up to 7,000-pounds.

So, keep your equipment and packing style in mind when you are choosing the right tow vehicle to pair this travel trailer with. 

2. Grand Design – Imagine XLS 22RBE

• MSRP around $30,000
• Length of 25.92 ft.
• Dry Weight of 5,125 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,870 lbs.
• GVWR of 6,995 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 497 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 43.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 82.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 37.0 gallons
• 25,000 BTU heater
• 18 Gallon Water Heater
• Four Season Protection Package

The MSRP of $30,000 for the Grand Design – Imagine XLS 22RBE is just one of the many impressive factors that make this travel trailer a good choice for full-time living..

With a gross vehicle weight rating of under 7,000-pounds, it is comfortably towable by a half-ton pickup truck or a full-size SUV.

The floorplan is also very appealing for a single person or a couple who wants to live in their travel trailer full-time. 

One of the major things that jump off the page with the Grand Design Imagine XLS is the Four Season Protection Package.

This makes it one of the best travel trailers for full-time living for a couple or a small family that needs to handle everything the four seasons can throw at them.

It includes key features like an upgraded 25,000 BTU High-Capacity Furnace, Heated & Enclosed Underbelly with Suspended Tanks to prevent freeze-ups, as well as a heat ducted floor and residential grade ventilation system throughout. Even the roof and front cap offer superior R-40 insulation. 

When you take a closer look at the interior layout you find a queen-size master suite in that well-insulated front nose cap to keep you and perhaps a spouse toasty warm on a cold winter night.

A single power slide-out section expands the available floor space in the open concept living area to give you a truly homey feel.

The exterior of the Grand Design Imagine XLS also has a lot of the touches that help transform a travel trailer into a home.

The 18-foot awning expands to give you an outdoor porch area with plenty of elbow room.

There’s also an unobstructed pass-thru storage bin to let you conveniently stow all your outdoor gear, to keep from tracking dirty inside.

There’s even an LP quick connect for your favorite gas grill and a retractable spray nozzle hose to rinse off the dog.

These exterior creature comforts go a long way toward feeling like you are “Living” instead of “Camping.”

3. Coachmen Apex 284BHSS

• MSRP around $50,000
• Length of 32.58 ft.
• Dry Weight of 6,022 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,578 lbs.
• GVWR of 7,600 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 810 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 50.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 70.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 35.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 10 people

With its queen-size master suite in the front, bunk beds in the back, and a ton of creature comforts the Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS is one of the best travel trailers for full-time living to meet a family’s needs.

The bunk beds in the back are great for school-age children, but also big enough to accommodate a teenager’s needs and give them a place to feel is truly their own. 

The MSRP of the Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS ranges around $50,000, though there are a fair number of national dealerships who are willing to offer promotional sales, or will wrap optional extra’s into the initial purchase price. 

It’s when you turn your eye to the weight and storage statistics that things start to get interesting with this full-time-capable travel trailer.

With a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,600-pounds, it is comfortably within the range of what you can pull with a half-ton pickup truck or a full-size SUV.

This spares you from having to invest in a larger vehicle to tow it, which makes it appealing to traveling families who are on the go. 

The large power slide-out section of the Coachmen – Apex 284BHSS gives it a lot of interior living space.

It gives you enough elbow room to let everyone feel like they have their own area.

It also makes the most out of the open concept living room and kitchen combo to feel like a real “Home.” The bathroom in the back even has a basin deep enough to bathe a young child. 

If there is a minor complaint about this family-friendly travel trailer for full-time living it’s the lack of any sort of washer & dryer prep.

If you are okay with spending a few extra hours each week at a laundromat, this isn’t a big deal. 

4. Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office

• MSRP around $110,000
• Length of 30.83 ft.
• Dry Weight of 6,757 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 2,043 lbs.
• GVWR of 8,800 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 903 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 52.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 41.0 gallons
• Sleeps up to 6 people
• 28,500 BTU Air Conditioner
• 30,000 BTU heater
• Tankless Water Heater

Airstream is the classic American travel trailer, and one of the most popular travel trailer brands embraced by full-timers of yesteryear as well as today.

The problem is that their “Classic” model tends to have a price tag based on brand recognition, while also feeling like they skimped a little on modern amenities to preserve that “Classic” feel. 

That is where the Flying Cloud travel trailer comes perfectly into play. It has all the look and feels of a Classic Airstream travel trailer, though it carries a price tag of around $110,000 instead of $160,000.

There are 15 different floorplans available, though we chose the Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office for its ability to appeal to a traveling tradesmen, or a job site supervisor who needs to stay in comfort while living on a remote job site. 

When you look at it from the outside, you will see all the signature gleam and aerodynamic shapes of a classic Airstream travel trailer.

When you step on the inside, you find a modernized travel trailer with a lot of creature comforts and innovation.

This includes things like a tankless water heater for on-demand hot water, a large bathroom, and a lounge area that separates itself from the front bedroom. 

In the back, there is also a small, yet functional office. It’s the perfect place for a foreman or job site supervisor to take care of the paperwork and keep important documents in one orderly place. 

When it comes to the towing statistics, the GVWR of 8,800-pounds and the heavy Hitch Weight of 903-pounds means that the Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office is better suited to being towed by a three-quarter or one-ton pickup truck.

This is the typical pickup truck you see a lot of “Bosses” having at construction sites, to begin with.

Though it might put this travel trailer out of your range if you already have a half-ton pickup truck that you love. 

5. Palomino Solaire 320 TSBH

• Length of 36.25 ft.
• Dry Weight of 7,958 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,865 lbs.
• GVWR of 9,825 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,085 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 44.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 98.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 30.0 gallons
• 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner
• Washer & Dryer Prep (Optional)

The Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH is a relatively heavy 36-foot travel trailer with all the comforts of home and then some.

While it can technically sleep up to 10 people on paper, it is arguably better suited for a couple or retirees who want to have the grandkids come to stay for a weekend. 

The master suite is one of the things that jumps off the page right away.

It has a true king-size bed built into one of the three slide-out sections, with floor space for two people to walk around. This is rare in a lot of front-mounted king-size master suites. 

The other thing to like is the corner closet that comes with washer & dryer prep. A dealership will have affordable stackable models for you to choose from, which lets you save time and money, without having to go to a local laundromat.

Palomino also made sure to build this version of the Solaire with a large enough gray water tank to handle the washing machine water, which isn’t always the case with the competitors. 

A large slide-out at midship gives expands the livable space for the open concept kitchen and living room.

It has a comfortable sofa, a cozy dinette, and a large entertainment center just like you would expect in a brick & mortar home. 

The rear of the Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH has a separate small living room area with its own entertainment center.

There’s also a sofa sleeper with a fold-out bunk. This gives teenagers or visiting family members their own living space. 

The exterior of the Palomino – Solaire 320 TSBH is also well-appointed with the creature comforts of a home on the road.

The 21-foot awning gives you a huge sitting area out of the sun. There’s also a large outdoor kitchen area with a refrigerator and sink to replicate the feeling of a grill on your back deck. 

6. Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS

• MSRP around $52,000
• Length of 38.5 ft.
• Dry Weight of 8,620 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 2,180 lbs.
• GVWR of 10,800 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,252 lbs.
• 35,0000 BTU furnace

The Coachmen – Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS is another travel trailer set up for full-timing that includes a washer and dryer prep.

Adding a stackable unit saves you a lot of money in laundromat costs, without taking up a lot of space in the queen-size master suite’s corner closet.

Though this isn’t the only way in which this well-appointed travel trailer feels like a “Home” instead of a “Camper.” 

When you step into the bathroom you are treated to the kind to the kind of quality features you want to live with.

This includes things like a large shower with a true glass door instead of plastic, as well as a large RV toilet and a deep basin sink. 

The rear of the Coachmen – Catalina Legacy Edition 343BHTS is essentially a separate living room with an entertainment center and a comfortable couch.

If your children or your grandchildren want to visit for a weekend the entire rear transforms into a comfortable guest bedroom without robbing you of any of the living space in the midship open concept kitchen and family room. 

When you step outside you’ll also find a lot of like-home convenience features.

Including an outdoor camper kitchen and a rear bumper gear rack for things like mountain bikes or hanging outdoor clothes. Not to mention a large pass-thru exterior storage bay. 

All this comes with an impressively comfortable MSRP of $52,000 new. Though the gross weight of nearly 11,000-pounds does mean that you will need at least a three-quarter-ton pickup truck to tow it.

If you are going to be moving around a lot you might want to lean toward a one-tone truck for your tow vehicle. If you don’t already have one, this can factor into the overall cost of ownership. 

7. Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 Toy Hauler Travel Trailer

• MSRP around $64,000
• Length of 33.5 ft.
• Dry Weight of 7,860 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 3,546 lbs.
• GVWR of 11,406 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,206 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 100.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 76.0 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 38.0 gallons
• 40,0000 BTU furnace

The Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 is a toy hauler travel trailer that is nicely geared for a couple or a small family that loves full-time living.

Yet it is also geared to let you live in comfort when you want to take your travel trailer home off the grid for a week or so of boondocking. 

The MSRP of the Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 is also very friendly for a toy hauler travel trailer.

It only costs around $64,000 totally loaded and ready to pull off the dealership’s lot.

Though the gross vehicle weight rating does push the limit of what a half-ton pickup truck can safely pull when it’s fully loaded.

If you don’t already have a three-quarter-ton truck to pull it, you will need to factor that into the overall cost of ownership. 

The living and sleeping accommodations in this toy hauler travel trailer are the definition of the word “Spacious.”

You see this with the truly king-size master suite in the front with enough room on each side of the bed for his and hers nightstands, and wardrobe closets.

There’s also enough floor space to dress and walk around easily, which isn’t always the case with a lot of other master suites that basically jam a king-size bed into the bedroom. 

The large power slide-out section adds to the overall floor space that flows through to the kitchen.

It houses a family-size dinette as well as a comfortable jack knife sofa that feels like a true living room, as it faces the entertainment center and pantry. 

The rear cargo area garage is large enough, and the payload capacity is high enough to easily hold an ATV, golf cart, or UTV.

Though it is much more than that. When you pull your “Toys” out the rear ramp converts into an outdoor porch or deck where you can sit back and enjoy a pleasant summer evening, just like you would on your deck at home. 

The Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 is a great option for couples who like to spend the summer “Hosting” a private campground or contract operating a primitive campground for the forest service.

You can set it up as a seasonal home in the summer, with a golf cart or ATV to let you patrol the campground. Then it packs up to let you head south before the snow flies. 

8. Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS Destination Trailer

• MSRP around $56,000
• Length of 41.3 ft.
• Dry Weight of 11,825 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 1,825 lbs.
• GVWR of 13,000 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 1,495 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 38.0 gallons
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 71.5 gallons
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 39.0 gallons

While destination travel trailers like the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS are truly mobile, they are geared more for families who want to park up their travel trailers for months if not years at a time.

You see this in the signature large sliding glass door that is intended to step out onto a semi-permanent deck.

It makes this a great travel trailer for full-time living at the family lake lot or your own private retirement village. 

For all the comfort and luxury you get the MSRP of the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS is a very friendly $56,000.

Though this doesn’t include the cost of some of the optional extras like the washer & dryer prep in the spacious master bath. 

Where you want to keep this destination travel trailer and how often you want to move it can be a factor in the overall cost of ownership.

With a gross weight of 13,000-pounds and a hitch weight of nearly 1,500-pounds, you will need a three-quarter to a one-ton pickup truck to safely tow it.

If you are planning to park it at a seasonal or long-term campsite, then this is a non-factor.

If you are going to move it around every month or two, then you will need to factor in the tow vehicle cost or the cost to hire a tow company to move it for you. 

The interior of the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS is well appointed and designed to be a true home for a couple or a small family who wants a weekend retreat that is ready 24/7/365 days a year.

It has a comfortable queen-size master suite in the front with tons of storage.

A spacious master bath, and an open concept kitchen, and a living room with an entertainment center that houses a 40-inch flatscreen TV. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get homeowner’s insurance on a full-time travel trailer.

If you are living in your travel trailer full-time you need to carry comprehensive full coverage, which will replicate the coverage you would get in a brick & mortar homeowner’s insurance policy.

Though with so many people turning to full-timing in their RV, insurance providers are becoming more willing to consider homeowner’s insurance for travel trailers. Though conditions may vary. 

How Much Does It Cost To Insure A Travel Trailer For Full-Time Living?

Comprehensive coverage for a travel trailer will average between $1,000 to $2,000 a year and will be influenced by the MSPR as well as the current value.

Many insurance providers will offer additional coverage options for high-value items that you keep full-time in your travel trailer.

How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Travel Trailer?

If you don’t want to make a major investment in a large pickup truck just to tow your travel trailer every few months, you can usually hire a towing service for around $3.30 per mile within 100 to 250 miles.

Beyond 250 miles, you might want to consider “Shipping” your travel trailer on a flat-bed semi-truck, which could cost as low as $1.25 per mile. 

Full-timing in a travel trailer is an increasingly popular trend that has many people enjoying life without all the hassles of taking care of a yard or being forced to deal with the same old neighbors.

It’s also a great way for couples and retirees to enjoy life in some exotic locations, without the exorbitant costs of investing in a traditional timeshare. 

The type of travel trailer that’s been for you to live in full-time will vary depending on the size of your family as well as your travel style.

You will also need to factor in the cost to tow it or the investment in a tow vehicle for some of the larger models. 

If you are a tradesman or project supervisor at a remote job site, then the Airstream – Flying Cloud 30FB Office might be the best travel trailer for full-time living to meet your needs.

It has Airstream’s classic look at a more reasonable purchase price than the “Classic.” It also has great living accommodations and an office for all your important papers in the rear. 

If you are looking to retire to the family lake lot, or you don’t have intentions of moving around a lot, then a destination travel trailer like the Jayco – Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS might be the best option to meet your lifestyle.

It has a sliding glass door that lets you step out onto a separate deck, as well as the master suite and well-appointed living room that a couple needs to feel truly at home. 

If you love to bring a runabout golf cart or ATV with you, and you want to bask in a pleasant evening on the porch then a toy hauler travel trailer like the Forest River – Cherokee Wolf Pack Gold 27GOLD10 might be perfect for full-timing.

It lets you bring your toys with you from campsite to campsite, then transforms the rear into a spacious back deck.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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Not sure why out of all of the awesome choices made by Grand Design and Winnebago you picked their smallest and least luxurious models. It almost seems like you skewed the choices so people would naturally gravitate towards the larger ones you offered. Not sure anyone wants to full-time in an Imagine XLS or Micro-minnie unless they have a smaller Truck and can’t pull something larger. Those two models are suited for Non full-time people in my opinion.

James Lehman

This is by far the most useful and concise article about travel trailers I’ve ever read. You really chose a percise and well-rounded list. Thank you for posting it.

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Best Travel Trailers For Full Time Living

What is the best travel trailer for full time living? A dream of many is to live life on the road. Whether you're retired, a digital nomad, or just want to live life away from the hustle and bustle living full time in a camper is an amazing life experience.

It gives you the freedom of living in pretty much any location you want, you can take your work along with you, and you can even follow the work. The options are endless when you choose to live life on the road.

Of course, this is an option for many people, but which rig to choose? There are many travel trailers for full time living and the choices can get confusing.

Fear not, we've compiled a short list of what we believe to be the best travel trailers for full time living. Yes, we could have chosen the most luxurious campers and be done, but not everyone can afford the largest and most luxurious travel trailers , so we've included, different sizes and budgets.

As well as reviewing the best models to suit full time living, we've also included a guide on what general things you should look for. And we've included a Pros and Cons section of living life on the road, just to remind you of the good and bad.

And if you're still left with some unanswered questions, we have an FAQ section dedicated to all things travel trailers for full time living to round things up. So, with that said, let's get into it...

Can Any Travel Trailer Be Used for Full-Time Living?

Technically you can live full time in any travel trailer, but we wouldn't advise it. Most full-timers prefer to live in travel trailers , fifth wheels , or motorhomes , because they're spacious enough, boast all the amenities you need, and have enough capacity in the water tanks and stuff so you don't have to do all the dirty work every single day.

With travel trailers, it's also a good idea to choose a lightweight travel trailer for full-time living, because they can be more awkward to tow than 5th wheels .

What Makes a Travel Trailer Great For Full-Time Living

Travel trailers can be great for full time living, because they possess many features you need.

Appropriate Layout

Designers and manufacturers of travel trailers are more focused on the right layout rather than making it more spacious by increasing in size. Optimizing the space keeps it light and ensures a trailer is easier to tow.

• Impeccable LED lighting
• Easily affordable by most people
• Fully furnished sink and cabinets
• Adequate space to install seating arrangement
• Enough place for microwave oven, refrigerator and washing machine
• Sleeps: 2-6
• Number of Floorplans: 4
• Length: 24 ft
• Weight: 8,620 lbs

Fireplace, fridge, TV, sink, sofa, master bedroom, everything is present in this budget Evoke Model A travel trailer – you name it! It is perfectly equipped with optimal fresh water tank, gray water tank, and a wastewater tank. 

The Model A is the smallest of the Evoke railers, but the floorplan makes the most of the space. The kitchen is spacious enough to cook a delicious meal thanks to the corner units. When dinner is ready, you can dine with the family on the spacious dinette, which also converts into a large double bed.

At night, you can turn off all the lights and switch on LEDs that are installed behind the cabinet and create a beautiful view. Plus, the master bedroom boasts a good sized window, so you can wake up to those amazing panoramics you go chasing.

All these features make this lightweight travel trailer a perfect compact box to hang out and live full-time with family. In addition to all of these stellar features, the best thing about it is that it is easily affordable.

Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow

8 Best Travel Trailers For Full-Time Living

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Susan and I considered selling our Class C RV and living full-time in a travel trailer. Our plan was to buy a trailer we could tow with my 2015 Toyota Tacoma. We ended up purchasing a Class A motorhome, but we were close to pulling the trigger on a new travel trailer.

Susan owned a Trail Lite travel trailer for about ten years, so she had some great insights that helped us decide. We will share her experience throughout the article.

Living in a travel trailer full-time probably seems like an interesting and attractive concept for those new to the RV lifestyle. However, it does come with some caveats and unique advantages that are often overlooked.

One thing is for sure: a full-time lifestyle on the road is more difficult than it looks on paper. It seems like the least expensive option compared to living at a traditional, residential address. It also looks so simple. After all, how hard is it to haul up stakes and move around the country any time you wish?

For those who lack the experience, it’s easy to overlook the advantages of portable power, and the disadvantages of fuel consumption or campground costs. In short, much more goes into living in a travel trailer full-time, and your best ally will always be knowledge and the wisdom that comes with hitting the road.

Can You Live Full-Time In a Travel Trailer?

You can live in a travel trailer full-time. After all, people do it in campervans, often turning their entire experience into a video content creation gig. If you ever sit down and watch some of these life-on-the-road stories, there are some concessions that these RVers have to make.

There is also a degree of freedom you simply can’t find anywhere else. If people can make it work in campervans, surely they can do the same in travel trailers. Right? Well, there are some parallels and differences worth noting, but the point remains the same: you can live full-time in a travel trailer as long as you’re ready for a more significant lifestyle change than you might imagine.

Unlike a traditional home, a travel trailer generally requires more routine maintenance, a break-in period, and the occasional major repair. Individually, these issues are not as expensive as a major A/C repair at a residential home.

However, they add up. In a nutshell, there are hundreds of small gains and losses that come with living in a travel trailer full-time. The good news is, that there are several travel trailers out there that are exceptional and tailor-made for life on the road, mitigating those disadvantages while bolstering the advantages.

If you’re planning on extensive boondocking or living off-grid, the dynamics change to a large degree. You’ll be far more dependent on the portable power capabilities of your RV, such as solar panels, propane, generators, inverters, etc. But it can be done, with the proper setup and some trial and error.

Some are large and some are smaller, but these travel trailer floorplans are designed to maximize comfort and accommodate a mobile, traveling lifestyle for families large and small.

1. Jayco Eagle 312BHOK

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Perfect for kids or guests because of its private, secondary (guest) room

⛔ Entertainment center is located where the open door or kitchen activity will block

• Length:  38′ 9″
• UVW:  9,870 lbs
• GVWR:  11,400 lbs
• CCC:  1,630 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,350 lbs
• Sleeps:  10

Living in this travel trailer full-time would be a breeze. The Jayco Eagle 312BHOK is known for being an incredibly spacious option. It has more of a 5th-wheel feel to it than some 5th-wheels. One of the best parts is the private bedroom in the back, which includes a bunk bed and another bunk over a tri-fold sofa.

The kitchen is enormous, though the only true counter space is on the island. A second tri-fold sofa sits across from a sizeable entertainment center and fireplace. The bathroom is large enough to accommodate most and the queen bed leaves plenty of walk-around space, along with dual wardrobes and a washer/dryer prep area.

2. Heartland Mallard 335

✅ Very large hidden storage area behind the TV, plus extra storage everywhere

⛔ Carpeted slides

• Length:  39.7′
• UVW: 8,840 lbs
• GVWR:  9,900 lbs
• CCC:  1,028 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  780 lbs
• Sleeps:  4

The Heartland Mallard 335 is a mid-tier travel trailer that is more than capable of being a full-time RV, depending on where you are. As a three-season RV, you don’t want to winter in north Minnesota. The glass-top, three-burner stove is surrounded by a sizeable kitchen and an island with a large sink.

If you happen to be in a cold area, the 5200 BTU fireplace will help knock the chill out of the room. There aren’t many sleeping options here, but the sofa is a sleeper option for guests. The free-standing dinette with a fold-up leaf option helps with that as well.

3. Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office

✅ The star of the show: large corner office area with all the amenities needed for remote work

⛔ TV is in an awkward position

• Length:  31′ 2″
• UVW:  6,804 lbs
• GVWR:  8,800 lbs
• CCC:  1,996 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  814 lbs
• Sleeps:  6

Out of all the travel trailers for full-time living on our list, the Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office is the purest. Thanks to a full-fledged office in the back, this travel trailer offers life and work on the road, simplifying an aspect we all have to deal with—making a paycheck. The office isn’t just an afterthought add-on either. It’s well-made, spacious, and comfy.

As an added bonus, it’s a classic Airstream, with all of the gleaming, interior brilliance you expect from an all-aluminum travel trailer. The large interior has enough sleeping real estate to accommodate 6 people, so it’s more than enough for a mid-size family or hosting family members and guests.

4. Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS

✅ Large, private room with TV prep, wardrobe, bunks, and a tri-fold sofa

⛔ Leaf spring suspension system

• Length:  37′ 4″
• UVW:  9,291 lbs
• GVWR:  11,295 lbs
• CCC:  2,004 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  995 lbs

The second travel trailer on the list that has a massive sleep capacity is the Grand Design Reflection 312BHTS . With enough room to sleep 10, this travel trailer is perfect for a full-time, on-the-go lifestyle with family members, guests, or friends in tow. The theater seating is an optional toss-up between it and a tri-fold sofa, depending on your personal preference.

The private rear bedroom has opposing bunks with TV prep. It’s also easy enough to convert into a remote working space. If you decide to do that, you’ll have an enormous workspace for a travel trailer. For pet lovers, the 312BHTS is ideal, as it includes an exterior leash hitch for the times you need to stay in a campground.

5. Living Vehicle HD30

✅ Massive off-grid setup that heavily caters to luxury off-grid or boondocking lifestyles

⛔ You get a full-fledged, residential-style home…for a price

• Length:  30′
• UVW:  14,000 to 16,000 lbs
• GVWR:  18,000 to 20,000 lbs
• CCC:  4,000 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,400 to 1,600 lbs
• Sleeps:  4 to 8

The Living Vehicle HD30 welds together the RV, on-the-road lifestyle with residential home living, while also offering one of the most robust power packages on the planet. This is a travel trailer for full-time living at a steep price. It makes sense when you see what this beast has to offer, which is just about everything you can imagine in a traditional home.

You get enough solar to produce 6kW of power, along with a 72kWh lithium battery and a backup generator. There’s enough portable, green energy flowing into the Living Vehicle to charge every device you’ve ever owned in your life, including an EV. That’s a lot of juice, so boondocking and extensive off-grid living are in the cards for anyone willing to pick one of these up.

6. Forest River Alpha Wolf 23LDE-L

✅ Massive awning over a dual-entry setup offers a ton of shade for outdoor activities

⛔ Toilet is at an awkward angle, leaving little in the way of leg space (watch your knees!)

• Length:  28.8′
• UVW:  5,608 lbs
• GVWR:  7,770 lbs
• CCC:  2,162 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  770 lbs

To flip the script a little bit, it’s important to include some of the smaller travel trailers too. Remember, people live on the road in campervans, so even a smaller travel trailer, like the Forest River Alpha Wolf 23LDE-L , has a surprising amount of potential. With over a ton of CCC, this travel trailer offers a lot of storage in the form of drawers, cabinets, and hidden storage.

The rear kitchen is an excellent design decision since it removes obstacles in the center of the RV and allows for more counter space in the back. The pass-through bathroom may be split, but it expands the spacious feel even more. You can also take advantage of a large pantry, theater seating, and a huge dinette with its own set of extra drawers.

7. Black Series HQ21 Balcony

✅ x4 AGM 100Ah batteries, x2 flexible solar panels, and a 2k-watt pure sine wave inverter are standard

⛔ The Black Series HQ21 has a low sleeping capacity—best for couples, rather than families

• Length:  27′
• UVW:  6,733 lbs
• GVWR:  10,000 lbs
• CCC:  3,277 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,000 lbs
• Sleeps:  3

Comparable to the Living House, in terms of raw, green energy potential, the Black Series HQ21 Balcony is more than capable of taking you off the grid when and where you want. You can also stay off-grid. The HQ21 is the kind of travel trailer that makes full-time living so much easier, thanks to its robust power infrastructure and design features.

It’s built tough, with diamond plating, a premium suspension system, 16″ off-road wheels, and a 360° jockey wheel hitch. You also get four 100Ah AGMs, a 2k-watt pure sine inverter, an Anderson plug, and two large, flexible solar panels. The HQ21, along with the other Black Series options, are state-of-the-art, and tailor-made for disappearing into the wild unknown.

8. Keystone Bullet 330BHS

✅ Includes a bath and a half with one being a part of the private bedroom in the back

• Length:  37′ 7″
• UVW:  7,278 lbs
• GVWR:  8,600 lbs
• CCC:  1,322 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  800 lbs

Yet another 10-sleeper, the Keystone Bullet 330BHS travel trailer is a full-time champion for life on the road. It includes a very large, private bunkhouse with double-over-double bunks, TV prep, and multiple wardrobes. On the other side of the wall is an exterior kitchen with a two-burner stove, fridge, cabinets, and drawers.

The base model comes with a tri-fold sofa, but if you enjoy family movie nights, you can opt for the luxury cinema recliners, which are fantastic and comfortable to boot. Another major and very welcome feature is the bath and a half. The kids or guests have their own bathroom while you have yours.

9. East to West Alta 3100KXT

✅ Nifty washer/dryer prep behind TV and next to double-over-double bunks

⛔ Lone bathroom is in the back

• Length:  35′ 6″
• UVW:  8,830 lbs
• GVWR:  11,605 lbs
• CCC:  2,775 lbs
• Hitch Weight:  1,205 lbs
• Sleeps:  8

The last travel trailer for full-time living is the East to West Alta 3100KXT . The interior aesthetic on this one is maybe one of the best of the bunch, with the possible exception of the Living Vehicle. The long cabinets with dark glass contrast well with the cream and tan interior.

Capable of sleeping 8, there’s plenty of room for families or guests throughout, with double-over-double bunks in the back and a somewhat sizeable corner bathroom. With plenty of space and a king bed up front, it’s hard to argue with the seriously attractive qualities of this large travel trailer .

Is Full-Time RV Living Doable in 2024?

The answer to living in a travel trailer, full-time, in 2024, is mostly a matter of personal wants and preferences. Just like anything else in life, there are ways to save or blow money while living in an RV. There are a lot of things you have to consider.

• Where do you plan on going and staying?
• Accumulation of costs, such as campgrounds, fuel, food, accommodations, and activities
• Maintenance and potential repair costs
• You’re remote working status and capability
• General living expenses
• The unknowns

The unknowns are general things that people rarely account for—the sudden, surprise expenses that almost always seem to catch us off-guard. While full-time RV living is certainly doable in 2024, you should make out a list, carefully tailor it to your needs and potential setbacks, and match it with your income.

Are Travel Trailers Easier To Tow Than 5th-Wheels?

Travel trailers are mostly more difficult to tow than 5th wheels. For the most part, 5th-wheels are larger and heavier. However, due to the hitch connecting in the bed of your truck, maneuverability and turn radius are much improved over the travel trailer.

Travel trailers also experience more sway again, thanks to the hitch style. This is especially true when handling some of the larger travel trailers, some of which are on this list. Smaller travel trailers, like the Black Series HQ21, are easier to handle but still won’t trump a 5th-wheel of similar size or larger.

The only area where a travel trailer might have an edge on a 5th-wheel, in terms of driveability or maneuverability, is when you’re reversing. Otherwise, the center of mass when towing a 5th wheel, is closer to the driver, making a 5th-wheel the easier towing option in most scenarios.

The only thing you might miss out on is less space in your truck bed. However, most 5th wheels have a very solid cargo-carrying capacity, so you can make up for it that way.

Are Travel Trailers 4-Season?

Some travel trailers are four season, and if you want one with full-time living capability in a northern climate, you’ll be glad of it. For instance, the Oliver is a smaller travel trailer built for all climates, with plumbing lines between the inner and outer shells, double-hull fiberglass insulation, ducted furnaces, and dual-propane tanks.

If you’re looking for a larger option, the massive, unique-looking KZ Sportsmen Destination is an option. Ice Castle Fish Houses are wholly unique and easily four-season capable. In the meantime, Heartland, Lance, Jayco, and Keystone all make four-season travel trailers.

If you’re on the lookout for a four-season travel trailer, you should keep a keen eye out for the above-mentioned features, as well as enclosed and heated underbellies, premium insulation infrastructure, room for extra propane, and heated, enclosed tanks.

Final Thoughts About Travel Trailers For Full-Time Living

Living in a travel trailer full-time is its own kind of sacrifice. However, that just makes it identical to everything else in life. The difference is, if it’s the lifestyle you want, it’s certainly doable, making the sacrifices worth it, while the gains are exceptional.

The travel trailers on our list are more than capable of accommodating your or your family’s desire to hit the road and see the country, with little regard towards setting down roots and remaining stationary. If you want to live the experience of a lifetime, make one of these travel trailers your own, and ride out into the sunset.

Related Reading:

– 10 Largest and Longest Travel Trailers for 2024 – 14 Best Travel Trailers With Murphy Beds – Are Fiberglass Campers Better Than Aluminum? – 12 Best Camper Trailers Under 25 Feet: 2024 Models

About the Author:

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

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The 10 Best Small Travel Trailers for Full-Time Living

There are many things to love about small travel trailers, including their compact size, easy towability, and more affordable price.

But one of the biggest drawbacks of small trailers is they don’t always make great RVs for full-time living.

As small campers often lack interior space, features, and amenities that make full-time RVing not only doable but actually enjoyable.  

The good news, however, is there are actually quite a few small trailers on the road today that make ideal full-time RVs.

So to help you find all the best small travel trailers for full-time living , we’ve highlighted 10 of the most popular choices among full-time RVers.

By providing a quick overview of each camper, including its specs, floorplan, and why it’s great for full-time living.

Plus, we also include a video tour of each trailer from actual full-timers, to show you how they live in the RV full-time .

Popular Small Travel Trailers for Full-Time Living (Smallest to Largest)

1. scamp 13 standard trailer, quick specs.

• Average Cost : $17,000
• Length : 13 Feet
• Dry Weight : 1,200 – 1,500 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : 4
• Bathroom : N/A
• Slide-Outs – None

Even though the Scamp 13 Standard Trailer won’t be for 99% of RVers looking for a small travel trailer to full-time in, due to its tiny size.

We still chose to include the 13-foot Scamp on this list.

As this ultra-compact lightweight camper from Scamp provides an important reminder that you can really live in any small camper, no matter its size or features.

And that’s exactly what Elsa Rhae and Barron from the above video prove, as they’ve lived in a 13-foot Scamp trailer for years.

Scamp 13 Standard Layout 1

Living in such a small space that’s technically only 10 feet of actual living space does require some pretty major sacrifices though.

As their Scamp floorplan, the Standard Layout 1 only offers a rear convertible dinette booth, a front bench that converts into tiny bunk beds, a little kitchenette, and a small amount of storage space. 

This means that this little stand-up camper has no bathroom, which can be a real issue if you’re trying to live in the trailer.

There is, however, a 13-foot Scamp floorplan, the Standard Layout 2 that does offer a small wet bath though instead of the front bench.

But adding this bathroom reduces the sleeping capacity of the trailer by two and makes the trailer feel even more cramped inside.

Regardless of floorplan though, the Scamp 13 is only suited to full-time RVers looking for the smallest and lightest camper possible that don’t mind sacrificing convenience and comfort to do so.

Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living

• Offers Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
• Includes a Front Bench that Converts to Bunk Beds for Extra Sleeping Capacity
• Provides a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
• Lots of Windows Helps the Trailer Feel Bigger Than It Is

For more information on the Scamp 13 Standard Trailer and to find out how to order one, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here .  

2. Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer

• Average Cost : $29,000
• Length : 16 Feet
• Dry Weight : 2,200 – 2,600 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : 3
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Wet Bath

If you like the idea of the above 13-foot Scamp trailer but feel like it’s just too small for full-time living, you might want to check out the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer.

As the 16-foot Scamp offers not only an extra three feet of living space but also offers a wet bath on most of its floorplans, including the one featured here.

Because of this, the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer is what’s considered a self-contained camper, as it has everything you need to be self-sufficient.

Including a place to sleep, a place to cook and eat meals, and a place to use the restroom, all without leaving the trailer.

Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer Layout B

Because of the 16-foot Scamp’s smaller size though, this camper is really only suited for singles or couples like the ones in the above video, which upgraded from a tiny Toyota motorhome .

It’s amazing what you can do with such a small trailer that’s only 16 feet in length and 13 feet of living space though.

As this couple has everything they need to not just survive but thrive inside their ultra-compact lightweight camper.

And the best part is because this Scamp trailer is so small and lightweight, it can go places other RVs can’t and be pulled by smaller tow vehicles, like SUVs and small trucks .

Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living

• Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
• Offers a 3-Piece Wet Bath
• Wood Cabinetry Provides a Homey Feel Inside

To learn more about the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer and see its other floorplans, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here . 

3. Airstream Bambi 16RB

• Average Cost : $55,000
• Length : 16 Feet 1 Inch
• Dry Weight : 3,000 Pounds
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Wet Bath

Another great small travel trailer perfect for full-time singles or couples is the Airstream Bambi 16RB, which has a length of just over 16 feet and an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds.

Putting the 16RB squarely in the ultra-lightweight compact travel trailer category.

Despite the camper’s smaller size though, the 16RB still has everything you’d need to full-time in the RV, including a fixed rear east-to-west full-size bed, a front convertible dinette booth, a little kitchenette, and a compact two-piece wet bath.

Airstream Bambi 16RB Floorplan

To be fair though, because of the camper’s tiny size, it’s not going to be for everyone looking to full-time in a small travel trailer.

As the Bambi 16RB has a very tiny wet bath, which might be fine for short camping trips but can get annoying long term.

As the bathroom is not only very cramped to use but everything is constantly wet inside, including the toilet seat.

Plus, the bathroom is only a two-piece wet bath and lacks a sink, forcing you to use the kitchen sink, as both the kitchen and bathroom sink.

In addition, because this camper is an Airstream, like all other Airstream models , the Bambi offers no slide-out, which can make the trailer feel cramped inside.

Also, it’s worth pointing out that while this Bambi trailer can sleep four, thanks to its front convertible dinette booth, for everyone’s sanity, it’s best not to use this camper for full-time family living, as it’s just too small for families.

• Provides a 2-Piece Wet Bath
• High-End Finishes Offer a Very Premium Feel Inside
• Has a Fixed East-to-West Bed Providing a Permanent Place to Sleep
• Offers a Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
• Includes a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals

For more info on the Airstream Bambi 16RB, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here .

4. Forest River Viking 17SBH

• Average Cost : $21,000
• Length : 20 Feet 5 Inches
• Dry Weight : 2,896 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : 5
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Dry Bath

If at this point you’re thinking that only solo RVers or couples can full-time in a small travel trailer, the family of four in the above video should show you otherwise.

As this young family, with two little ones is living their best life in a 20-foot camper .

Specifically the Forest River Viking 17SBH, a bunkhouse camper capable of sleeping five, thanks to its front full-size bed, mid-convertible dinette booth, and rear single bunk beds. 

Forest River Viking 17SBH Floorplan

Popular with families or anyone needing to sleep a lot of people, bunkhouse travel trailers make the perfect small camper for full-time living.

As bunkhouse models offer sleeping capacity not possible in other RV trim levels and floorplans.

The Viking 17SBH offers more than just a large sleeping capacity though, as the trailer also offers a nice-size kitchenette for all your cooking needs and the first dry bathroom on this list.

As the 17SBH has a dry bath with a separate shower and toilet, which is always preferable to a wet bath in an RV, especially when you’re full-timing in one.

The bathroom in the Forest River Viking 17SBH is missing one component though to make it a true full bathroom, which is a bathroom sink and vanity.

Because of this, like the above Bambi 16RB, the Viking 17SBH requires you to use the kitchen sink as a bathroom sink as well, which is less than ideal when full-time RVing.

Overall, though this bunkhouse trailer is a great option for families wanting to full-time RV in a small travel trailer.

• Large Sleeping Capacity Ideal for Full-Time RV Families
• Bunkhouse Design Provides a Separate Private Space for Kids
• Offers a 2-Piece Dry Bath
• 12-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space
• Fixed East-to-West Bed Provides a Permanent Place to Sleep
• Includes a Nice Size Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
• Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space

To learn more about the Forest River Viking 17SBH, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here . 

5. Dutchmen Coleman 17B

• Average Cost : $20,000
• Length : 21 Feet 5 Inches
• Dry Weight : 2,985 Pounds

Another great bunkhouse camper great for full-time family living is the Dutchmen Coleman 17B, which has a very similar floorplan to the above Forest River Viking 17SBH.

In fact, these two compact travel trailers have pretty much the exact same layout, with a front east-to-west bed, a mid-kitchen, and a rear dry bath.

As well as rear single bunk beds, which is always great for kids.

As bunk beds provide a personal space in the RV kids can call their own, acting like their bedroom.

Dutchmen Coleman 17B Floorplan

As similar as these two trailers are though, there are a few differences between the two.

Starting with the front fixed bed, as this camper offers a short RV queen bed , while the above Viking 17SBH only offers a full-size bed.

In addition, this model features a side-mount air conditioner, while the Viking 17SBH offers a roof-mount air conditioner.

Overall, though both bunkhouse campers are great, and so similar that if you’re trying to decide between the two it really comes down to personal tastes more than anything else.

As both small bunkhouse trailers make a great home for full-time RVing with kids.

• Has a Large Fixed East-to-West RV Queen Bed 
• Includes a Nice Size Kitchenette with Lots of Cabinet Space

For more information on the Dutchmen Coleman 17B, check out Dutchmen’s website by clicking here .

6. Airstream Bambi 22FB

• Average Cost : $65,000
• Length : 21 Feet 11 Inches
• Dry Weight : 3,900 Pounds
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Dry Bath

There’s nothing cheap about Airstreams, as this Airstream Bambi and the above Bambi (#3 on the list) prove.

As Airstreams are some of the most expensive travel trailers you can buy.

As the old saying goes though, “ You get what you pay for ”, and this is just as true about RVs as anything else.

Because while the Airstream Bambi, which is the smallest “Silver Bullet” trailer Airstream makes is expensive, it also offers features, finishes, and benefits you won’t find on any other camper.

Including an all-aluminum hand-riveted interior and exterior shell, high-quality modern finishes and components, excellent value retention, superb build quality and longevity, and an iconic timeless brand.

Airstream Bambi 22FB Floorplan

And while these things might not be as important to weekend warriors on a budget, for full-time RVers, spending a little more on the camper might make sense.

Because let’s face it, you’ll be spending far more time in the RV than your typical RVer that might only spend a few weeks a year in the trailer.

Speaking specifically about the Bambi 22FB though, this premium small camper from Airstream continues to be a top pick for full-time RVers and Airstream Owners , thanks to its well laid out floorplan and top-notch amenities.

As the Bambi 22FB offers a private front bedroom with panoramic windows, a large fixed east-to-west bed, and a privacy curtain.

As well as a large U-shaped convertible dinette booth and a well-equipped kitchen, with everything you need for meal prep and cooking.

Plus, the 22FB is also the first trailer on this list to offer a true three-piece dry bath, with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.

Why It’s Great For Full-Time Living

• More Premium Finishes and Appliances
• Has a Private Front Bedroom with a Divider Curtain
• Offers a Full 3-Piece Dry Bath
• Has a Large Convertible U-Shaped Dinette Booth for Lounging and Eating
• Includes a Larger Well-Equipped Kitchen
• Ample Interior Storage Space

To learn more about the Airstream Bambi 22FB and why it makes a great camper for full-time living, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here .

7. Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE 

• Average Cost : $33,500
• Dry Weight : 4,674 Pounds
• Slide-Outs – 1

There are many things that make the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE the perfect small couple’s travel trailer for full-time living.

However, there are four main ones that really stand out.

Starting first with its Murphy bed, as the Imagine XLS 17MKE features a front queen Murphy bed that folds away to reveal a large couch underneath.

Allowing the front of the trailer to serve as both a living room and a bedroom, which is ideal for a camper that’s only 22 feet in length.

As the Murphy bed layout allows you to maximize the space inside the trailer.

Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE Floorplan

Another noteworthy feature of this Grand Design Imagine that makes it ideal for full-timers is its mid-slide-out.

As the trailer’s slide helps to open up the interior and gives it a much more spacious feel, which makes living in the trailer much more comfortable as well as enjoyable.

The large rear corner dry bath is also a nice touch on this trailer.

As Grand Design managed to fit a surprisingly spacious and well-equipped bathroom with an extra large countertop in this compact camper.

The best and last feature that makes the trailer perfect for full-time RV living though has to be its large L-shaped kitchen.

As the RV kitchen in the Imagine XLS 17MKE is second to none for a travel trailer its size.

As the 17MKE has tons of cabinet and counter space, an 8 cubic foot double door refrigerator, a three-burner gas stove with an oven, a microwave, and a deep stainless steel sink with a residential-style faucet.

Making this trailer perfect for amateur chefs or for anyone that just loves to cook.

• Murphy Bed Layout Maximizes Interior Space
• Slide-Out Provides a More Open and Spacious Interior
• Has a Massive Upgraded L-Shaped Kitchen
• 14-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space

For more info on the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE and to see a virtual tour of the interior, check out Grand Design’s website by clicking here .

8. Forest River R-Pod RP-192

• Average Cost : $25,500
• Length : 22 Feet 2 Inches
• Dry Weight : 4,059 Pounds

The Forest River R-Pod is one of the most popular small campers on the road today.

But what many people don’t know is that they also make great full-time RVs.

As all R-Pod trim levels, except for the smallest teardrop (RP-107) are fully self-contained campers with a wet or dry bath .

There’s more to this Forest River R-Pod RP-192 than just its bathroom though.

As the camper is also packed with other amenities that allow it to function as a home.

Including a queen Murphy bed with a comfy sofa underneath, a well-equipped kitchenette with a large double-door refrigerator, a convertible dinette booth for two, and plenty of interior and exterior storage space.

Forest River R-Pod RP-192 Floorplan

Just because the RP-192 has everything it needs to function as a home though, doesn’t necessarily make it one, as it’s often the interior and its decor that really help the camper feel like a home.

The good news though is that this is where the R-Pod RP-192 really shines.

As the trailer has a spacious interior despite its curved teardrop shape, residential-style shaker cabinetry, designer carefree flooring, decorative window treatments, accent lighting, and mini blinds in the kitchen.

• Has a Well-Equipped Kitchenette
• Upgraded Interior Decor Help it Feel Like a Home
• 11-Foot Power Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space

For more info on the Forest River R-Pod RP-192 and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here .

9. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S

• Average Cost : $33,000
• Length : 22 Feet 4 Inches
• Dry Weight : 4,977 Pounds

Another popular small couples trailer that makes a great RV for full-time living is the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S.

As this Rockwood Mini Lite, which the above couple calls home is loaded with comfort and convenience features.

Beginning with the trailer’s Murphy bed layout, which allows you to use the front of the camper as both a bedroom and a living room, thanks to the trailer’s fold-up RV queen and sofa underneath.

A nice feature the 2104S has though that not all Murphy bed floorplans have is a privacy curtain separating the front of the camper from the rest of the living space.

Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S Floorplan

Which makes the RV particularly ideal for full-timers.

As the privacy curtain helps to provide some separation and a semi-private front bedroom, allowing one person to stay up without disturbing the other.

Beyond the trailer’s Murphy bed layout though, the couch under the bed isn’t the only place to sit in this camper, as the Mini Lite 2104S also features a large comfy U-shaped dinette booth as well.

Which not only provides a place to share a meal but also makes a great place to just hang out and relax.

And because the U-shaped dinette booth is built on a slide-out, it also helps to open up the interior of this tiny camper.

Giving the RV a much more open and spacious feel than you might expect from a travel trailer that’s only 22 feet long. 

The amenities don’t stop there though on the 2104S, as the camper also offers a full three-piece dry bath as well.

Plus, an upgraded small L-shaped kitchen with a battery-saving 12-volt fridge, a three-burner gas cooktop, a 21-inch gas oven, a microwave, a pantry, and solid surface countertops.

• Has an Upgraded L-Shaped Kitchen
• Oversized 15-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space

For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here .

10. Lance 2285

• Length : 27 Feet 6 Inches
• Dry Weight : 5,775 Pounds
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Split Dry Bath

The last trailer on this list of small campers for full-time living certainly isn’t the least.

In fact, the Lance 2285 is the largest trailer on this list with an exterior length of 27 feet 6 inches and an interior length of 22 feet 6 inches.

Comparatively speaking though, the 2285 is still a pretty small travel trailer, as there are many campers that are 30 feet long and some that are over 40 feet long !

With that extra length and size though, the Lance 2285 is able to offer interior space and amenities smaller campers never could.

Making the 2285 model a great option for those wanting a smaller full-time trailer, but don’t want to go too small.

As they still want some of the comfort and luxury that only a larger travel trailer can offer.

And the Lance 2285 trailer does a great job of accomplishing this.

Lance 2285 Floorplan

As this semi-small camper is on the shorter and lighter side while offering features a 24-foot camper and even a 26-foot camper never could.

As this condensed trailer offers over 22 feet of floor space, both a large U-shaped dinette booth and a couch, dual entrances, a larger kitchen, and a private front bedroom with a fixed north-to-south bed.

And because this trailer is a Lance , it offers true 4-season capability for year-round living in the trailer.

Thanks to numerous cold-weather features, like high-density block foam insulation, an enclosed underbelly, insulated and heated holding tanks, and Thermopane windows.

Making the trailer ideal for RVers that want to full-time in colder weather, and don’t always want to head South when the temperature starts to drop outside.

Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living  

• Four Season Capability
• Has a Private Front Bedroom with a Separate Entrance
• Offers a Split 3-Piece Dry Bath
• Lots of Seating
• Includes a Larger Well-Equipped Rear Kitchen

To learn more about the Lance 2285, check out Lance’s website by clicking here .

Finding the perfect small travel trailer for full-time RV living is no small feat. 

As every RVer is going to have different needs and wants for their full-time rig, whether that be a spacious living room with a slide-out, a well-equipped kitchen, a large sleeping capacity, a full bathroom, or lots of extra storage space.

However, with a little research and some careful consideration, finding that perfect small camper is definitely achievable.

So to help you get started, we explored 10 of the most popular options for full-time small RV living , each offering unique features and benefits that cater to different RV lifestyles.

From the ultra-compact and lightweight Scamp 13 Standard Trailer to the spacious and luxurious Lance 2285.

Regardless of which trailer you choose though, we hope this list has helped narrow down your search or at least shown what’s possible in a small camper.

So you can embrace the minimalist lifestyle, enjoy the beauty of nature, and have the freedom to immerse yourself in diverse experiences only found on the open road.

To see some of the top RV Parks for full-time living, check out our blog post “ Best RV Parks for Full-Time Living: By State” .

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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Travels with Ted

The 8 Best RVs for Full Time Living (Expert Picks!)

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.

There are many factors to consider when selecting the best RVs for full time living:

• Is buying new or used a better value?
• What size RV is best for your family?
• Is a travel trailer or motorhome better suited for full time travel?
• Which features are most important for your everyday life?

To help you narrow down which RV is best for you, 8 experts and full time RVers share why they picked their RV and what they would change about their current rig.

• 1.1 Dan and Lindsay McKenzie of Follow Your Detour
• 1.2 Alowetta and Marc Terrien of Explorateurs
• 1.3 Shirley and Erez Weinstein of Zula Life
• 1.4 Leigh and Austin Ducworth of Bounding Around
• 2.1 Adam and Lindsey Nubern of Nuventure Travels
• 2.2 Jesse and Rachael Lyons of The Taste for Adventure
• 2.3 Tina and Craig Klinefelter of Free as Wheel Ever Be
• 2.4 Justin Baney and Christina Pate of Travels with Ted
• 3.2 Drive or Tow

Best Motorhome RVs for Full Time Living

Many RVers believe that Class C or Class A motorhomes are the best RVs for full time living because they are comfortable for long travel days. Drive-able RVs also give you more flexibility to chose an everyday vehicle instead of having to drive a heavy duty truck.

Dan and Lindsay McKenzie of Follow Your Detour

Their RV: 2018 Winnebago Navion, 25 foot Class C

Family Size: Couple with 2 Dogs (Kyla and Pepper)

Why their RV is great for full-timing:

We started with a fifth wheel and found that we weren’t as mobile as we wanted. We decided we wanted something a bit more maneuverable – where we could pull off the side of the road for photos or pit stops and not have to stress about where we could and couldn’t fit. So length was a huge part of it. Since we travel fast, it’s so much easier to just hop in and go, we can park anywhere, and travel days are a breeze. I (Lindsay) even feel comfortable driving it, so we can take turns! But we also loved the layout, which makes 25 feet feel spacious because of the murphy bed. When the murphy bed is up, we also have a couch under it, which gives us a separate dining area and sitting/lounging area. Another great thing about it is the workspace option. We have a detachable table that can be put between the passenger and driver seat or in front of the couch and also a comfy dinette so we have 3 workspace areas! 

What they wish they could change:

The price tag. We pay a pretty big monthly payment, and we also don’t love the interior design. We don’t have a lot of windows because of the murphy bed so it feels a bit dark and dingy at times! Other than that, we love it!

Alowetta and Marc Terrien of Explorateurs

Their RV: 2003 Travel Supreme, 40 foot Class A

Family Size: Couple with 1 Dog (Mac)

Early on, we decided that a motorhome fit our needs better than a fifth wheel. We did not own a truck, and motorhomes provide more storage, which is very important for full-timers. Also, we decided that we would search out an older, high-end motorhome with more solid construction. We were fortunate to find a motorhome that was a one-owner (they purchased brand new from the factory), with only 46,000 miles on it. The previous owners spent winters in it, but really didn’t drive it that much. Our motorhome has full maple wood cabinetry throughout the home, and the wood is all very light-colored. This gives the home a much larger feel.

We love our home, and even though we have frequented many RV s hows over the years, we have never found a better RV for full time living than our own. Our RV has lots of storage, both inside the rig and below in the basement. We took out the dinette because we needed workspace and that continues to serve our purpose. We would love to have the carpet and tile replaced, but because it was a high-end coach, the tile and carpet go completely under the kitchen slide and bathroom, so we would have to have an RV shop remove the slides to replace everything. Maybe someday!

Shirley and Erez Weinstein of Zula Life

Their RV: 2012 Fleetwood Bounder 34B, 34 foot Class A

Family Size: Couple with 2 Kids (8 and 10 years old) and a Cat

We chose this setup mostly because our drive days are super easy. The setup and tear down is a breeze and during the drive the kids can use the bathroom and grab stuff out of the fridge. We like to move fast, and don’t stay long at each stop so those features were very important to us.

We really like our setup and added some improvements to fit us like adding solar system and cosmetic changes like adding more whites vs. all that dark brown and beige. I really wish the RV industry would have more design options that fit younger generations and not just retirees .

Leigh and Austin Ducworth of Bounding Around

Their RV: 2000 Fleetwood Bounder, 31 foot Class A

Family Size: Married Couple

We wanted a smaller RV so we wouldn’t be limited by size on where we could go (especially National Parks).  The layout of the Bounder worked well for what we wanted too.  Also, we knew we would be remodeling a bit, so we could both have office space in the RV (we both work remotely).  So, it didn’t make sense to us to buy something newer only to rip out part of it!

Honestly, we really love our Bounder!  Sure there are some features that come with newer rigs that would be nice, but we really do love our Bounder like it is!

Best Travel Trailers and 5th Wheel RVs for Full Time Living

On the other side of the argument, many families think travel trailers are the best RVs for full time living because of their price and layout. The range of trailers these nomads recommended for full time living is quite wide with their rigs raging from 17 to 40 feet.

Adam and Lindsey Nubern of Nuventure Travels

Their RV: 2009 Casita Spirit Deluxe, 17 foot Travel Trailer

Family Size: Couple with a Newborn Baby

We started off living in a minivan in New Zealand. The seats were taken out of the back for bed. One week of constant rain on the Coromandel Peninsula had us thinking that there has to be a better way. The other issue is that we always had to pack up the van to head into town. After chatting with some Kiwi folks that had travel trailers, we figured out that is more our style. A travel trailer allows us to drop the home but still use the tow vehicle to go explore. We tend to stay at least two weeks in one place at a time, so this works great for us.

Now that we have a 3rd Nubern on board, We’re curious if we will have enough space for us all.

Jesse and Rachael Lyons of The Taste for Adventure

Their RV: 2002 Keystone Cougar, a 29 foot Fifth Wheel

We were shopping from the get go for full-time living. We also needed enough space in the “main room” for both of us to work at desks since we work full-time as digital nomads. When we first starting looking at RVs we knew we wanted a trailer for the flexibility to unhitch and have a day vehicle. Once we started visiting RV shows to explore models it was immediately apparent that we wanted a fifth wheel. We love fifth wheel layouts. The high ceilings make it feel more like an apartment and the bedroom is usually separate which makes the space feel bigger. Once we knew we wanted a fifth wheel, our biggest requirement was lots of windows, in particular a big back window. Since there’s only two of us we wanted one bedroom space, and we wanted the shortest fifth wheel we could get to make it easier for us newbies to haul.  Finally, we bought used and renovated, so our final decision was based on price and condition of the trailer.

We ended up changing a lot about the RV when we renovated! To open up the space, we took out the cabinets in the slide. We also converted the media center into a second closet, replaced the battery, installed a solar suitcase , replaced the dining booth, sofa and bathroom sink, installed a desk, painted everything and installed laminate floorboards. We really created an RV we love from a good layout. But our fifth wheel is old, so sometimes we talk about upgrading to a newer model. Our wish list for a future trailer includes a kitchen island, higher bedroom ceilings, automatic leveling, better tank gauges and a better solar set up.

Tina and Craig Klinefelter of Free as Wheel Ever Be

Their RV: Jayco Pinnacle, 40 foot Fifth Wheel

We wanted something that didn’t feel cramped since we would be living, working and traveling in the RV full-time, so we went with a 40 foot fifth wheel which is around 400 square feet. The fifth wheel not only has more space than most motorhomes but it also has high ceilings that make the rig feel bigger. We chose a model with 1.5 baths because we wanted to encourage guests to join us on the road and feel comfortable knowing they didn’t have to share a bathroom. It also allows us to have more storage space, and we get a larger master bath with double sinks as a bonus.

The only thing I would change about our RV is to have a separate working area to get a tax deduction.

Justin Baney and Christina Pate of Travels with Ted

Their RV: Grand Design Reflection, 34 foot Fifth Wheel

Family Size: Married Couple with a Dog and a Cat (Ted and Mr. Man)

Our RV has a great layout for full time living. The main room has a large kitchen, room for a desk and a comfortable living area. The fifth wheel also has high ceilings for Justin, who is 6 feet, 7 inches tall. We preferred a towable RV with a truck, so we would have a vehicle for day trips. We also loved the amount of storage space in our Reflection, which has a large closet in the bedroom. A fifth wheel was also a great choice for us because the area behind interior staircase provides the perfect place to keep our cat’s litter box .

The only thing we would really change is the size of our RV. The 34 foot length limits where we can park and boondock. For our next RV, we will still choose a fifth wheel, but we will select a model under 30 feet.

How to Select the Best RV for Full Time Living

Now that you’ve seen the experts’ picks for the best RVs for full time living, it’s time to start shopping for your own home on wheels.

When shopping for an RV, always set your budget before you start browsing RVs. You do not want to find your perfect RV only to discover that you cannot afford it.

Unsure of what your monthly expenses will be like living in an RV? Use our RV Living Budget Calculator to better understand the real cost of RV life.

Drive or Tow

The next major consideration when selecting an RV is whether you want to drive a motorhome or tow a trailer.

The main advantage of motorhomes is comfort during travel. In a drivable RV, you have easy access to your kitchen and bathroom on travel days. However, motorhomes generally cost more than travel trailers. Full time RVers who live in a Class A or Class C typically need to tow a car for everyday use.

Travel trailers and fifth wheels are the preferred RVs for many full time families. These towable RVs generally have homier layouts and are less expensive. However, trailers will require a tow vehicle large enough to handle the weight of the RV.

If you are unsure what type of RV is best for your needs, see our guide to the best RVs for every family size .

The final major consideration when selecting the best RV for full time living is size. There is no perfect size RV, but the length of your RV will impact your travels.

Some full time families choose large RVs to maximize sleeping space and privacy for kids. On the other hand, adventurous full time RVers often choose smaller RVs so they can access smaller, more remote camping areas.

Thanks for reading out guide on the best RVs for full time living!

As you can tell, there are several factors that will play into the decision of which RV is best for your full time lifestyle. Before shopping, consider how fast you will travel, how many beds you need and what size workspace you require.

Whichever RV you choose, I can assure you that full time RVing will be an amazing journey. Check our article on the pros and cons of RV life for more inspiration.

Are you already on the road or dreaming of full time travel? Share your dream full time RV in the comments below.

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book .

2 thoughts on “The 8 Best RVs for Full Time Living (Expert Picks!)”

Great tips and ideas from this newsletter. We’re looking at 5th wheels also, retiring next year. I’m doing the research since Brad is still working. I love the double vanities and additional 1/2 bath. I do not like the open concept of living room and kitchen together, so we’re looking at separate living areas. Having a laundry room is a must also.

As for brands, my little survey among friends are coming up with Grand Design 380WB-R and Cedar Creek champagne 38EFK.

I CAN’T WAIT TO GET STARTED!!

That is great! We love our Grand Design but it is open concept

Comments are closed.

Your Ultimate Guide to Full-Time RVing: Choosing the Perfect RV for Your Adventure

By Interact RV Support

Embarking on a full-time RVing adventure is a dream for many, but choosing the right RV is key to making that dream a reality. With so many options available, deciding which type of RV is best suited for full-time living can be overwhelming. Fear not! In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of RVs and explore the benefits of each for full-time RVing so you can hit the road with confidence and excitement.

1. Class A Motorhomes : Home on Wheels

If you crave luxury and space, look no further than Class A motorhomes. These behemoths of the RV world offer all the comforts of home, including spacious living areas, fully-equipped kitchens, and luxurious amenities. With ample storage space and the option for slide-outs, Class A motorhomes provide plenty of room for full-time living. Whether parked lakeside or in the mountains, you’ll feel right at home in a Class A motorhome.

2. Class C Motorhomes : Compact and Versatile

For those seeking a more compact option without sacrificing comfort, Class C motorhomes are an excellent choice for full-time RVing. With their distinctive cab-over design, Class C motorhomes offer additional sleeping space and storage options without the bulk of a Class A. Perfect for solo travelers or couples, these RVs provide a cozy and versatile living space, making them ideal for long-term adventures on the road.

3. Fifth Wheel : Spacious and Luxurious

Fifth-wheel trailers are hard to beat if you’re looking for the ultimate in space and luxury. These towable RVs offer the most living space of any RV type, with multiple slide-outs and high ceilings that create a residential feel. With luxurious amenities such as gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites, and entertainment centers, fifth-wheel trailers provide all the comforts of home on the road. Perfect for families or couples who value space and comfort, Fifth Wheels are an excellent choice for full-time RV living.

4. Travel Trailers : Lightweight and Affordable

For budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer a more streamlined option, travel trailers are a popular choice for full-time RVing. Lightweight and easy to tow, these RVs come in various sizes and floor plans to suit different needs and preferences. From cozy couples’ trailers to spacious bunkhouse models for families, travel trailers offer a comfortable and affordable option for full-time living on the road. With their compact design and versatile amenities, travel trailers are perfect for adventurers who want to explore without breaking the bank.

Choosing the perfect RV for full-time RVing is an exciting and important decision. Whether you crave the luxury of a Class A motorhome, the versatility of a Class C, the spaciousness of a fifth wheel, or the affordability of a travel trailer, there’s an RV out there to suit your needs and preferences. Considering size, amenities, and budget, you can find the perfect home on wheels for your full-time RVing adventure. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Contact us today.

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Journey With Confidence

What Type of RV Is Best for Full-Time Living

• Full-Time RVing
• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

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 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.

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.

Camper Outdoor

All about RVs & Campers

Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple

This article summarizes the Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple under the following categories: travel trailers under 26 feet and 30 feet for a full-time living couple . Options with a king-size bed and more luxury options include couples’ travel trailers with a washer and dryer , a desirable feature for full-time living. Floor plans reviewed in this article are on the current market, and prices are 2023 updated. Consider your budget, and if you are looking for more affordable options, the same floor plans may have been manufactured in previous years, so that this information could be valuable for orientation.

Also, for couples looking to establish their business and working from home on wheels, we highlight some travel trailer floor plans that offer a great space and working area. This video is just a sneak peek of some top picks featured in this buyer’s review.

Table of Contents

What to Look for In a Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple  

Couples should prioritize certain elements that will make their full-time living travel trailer more comfortable. However, we will provide our personal opinion during this travel trailer review based on our experience as RVers; the preferences of each individual or couple, in particular, take precedence. Therefore, you and your partner should list all the preferences and must-haves, prioritize them, and then search for floor plans according to the budget .

For instance, when we did this prioritization exercise in Camper Outdoor , my wife and Amy (our assistant editor), put first must-have a travel trailer with laundry or at least a travel trailer with washer and dryer connections for full-time living.

I enjoy cooking and preparing delicious gourmet dishes (and I’m actually quite good!). I enjoy chopping garlic and onions, combining spices, and growing aromatic herbs in my RV. So, when it comes to food preparation, I prioritize the space I have in the kitchen . I also seek the finest ventilation possible in the kitchen. I really don’t like the smell of food in my bedroom. Summer ventilation is simple, especially if you have an outdoor kitchen.

Living in a travel trailer full-time entails needing to ventilate during the winter and not always being able to use the outside kitchen. This is why the kitchen’s location in a full-time travel trailer is critical. In my case, I prefer a rear kitchen travel trailer with the master bedroom at the front of the camper.

Likewise, if you are going to live full-time, comfort, according to the activities you like to do, is key. Pantry space is also important. The size of the appliances is quite essential in everyday living. It may only be a couple, but a minibar refrigerator will not provide the same level of comfort as a residential refrigerator.

Of course, it all adds up to the budget you are thinking about. However, if at all feasible, couples considering permanently relocating to a travel trailer to live full-time should examine the aforementioned concerns.

Tips When Choosing the Best Couples Travel Trailer

• Nothing is more practical than having a travel trailer with a laundry room.
• The larger the kitchen, the easier it will be to prepare gourmet meals.
• It is advisable to opt for residential-sized appliances .
• While the outside kitchen is desirable, kitchens located opposite the bedroom (e.g., rear kitchen and front master bedroom) allow for better ventilation to avoid odors in the bedroom.
• Full-time living may require opting for 4-season travel trailers. It all depends on the lifestyle of the couple. Snowbirds? Permanent Florida residents? Or will they winterize the travel trailer during the winter?

Lastly, for couples planning to work from campers and remotely, we suggest they have several surfaces to support notebooks/laptops, monitors, etc. Throughout the post, we have suggested full-time travel trailers for a couple working from the RV with options that fit this. On the other hand, senior couples will also find that these trailers also fit their activities.

Of course, we only consider during the review the best quality travel trailers and built and the RV brands providing only excellent customer care. At the end of the day, any camper owner can have an issue even with a new RV, so how manufacturers deal with these issues is critical to choosing one brand or another.

In this article, we review the following floor plans on the current market for couples and senior couples looking for a travel trailer for long-term living.  

• Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for A Couple Under 25 Feet: Keystone RV Passport SL 189RB and the new 2023 Passport SL 18RB travel trailer
• Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for A Couple Under 30 Feet: 2023 Jay Feather 24RL by Jayco

Best Couples Travel Trailer with King Bed for Full-Time Living: North Trail Ultra-Lite 22RKSS by Heartland RVs

• Best Full-Time Luxury Travel Trailer for Couples: Reflection 315RLTS by Grand Design RV

Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple Under 25 Feet for 2023

Keystone RV has a couple of floorplans worth seeing for couples looking for something brand new at a starting MSRP of $40,000 . Two-floor plans, in particular, captured our attention.

Passport SL 189RB and Passport 18RB are in our list of the Best Full-Time Travel Trailers for a Couple looking for lightweight travel trailers under 25 feet (precisely 21 feet long), less than 5000 lbs (UVW).

This time, we propose the best couples travel trailer under 25 feet, lightweight (Dry Weight 4,825 lbs.), and with a queen size-Murphy bed if you choose the floor plan 189RB or a traditional fixed queen-size bed if you choose the brand new 2023 floor plan 18RB.

As you can see in the floor plan below, this Passport SL 189RB couples travel trailer has an outside kitchen, a 10 ft awning, and two pass-thru storage compartments outside.

You will find a fully kitchen-equipped area at the left of the entry door. Across from there is a single slide-out booth dinette, which can accommodate two more guests to sleep if needed. A theater dinette is optional and may be the best choice for a full-time couple living in this travel trailer (see the photo below). On the other hand, if you are looking for floor plans for a full-time living travel trailer for a couple working remotely , the booth dinette offers a great working space area for two people with computers.

The full dry bath is located rear, opposite the front Murphy bed and sofa. The bathroom is enormous and has everything you need to live in this travel trailer. This dry bath includes a medicine cabinet with a mirror, a hand basin with plugs and enough space, a foot flushable toilet, skylights and vent, and a walking shower.

Between wardrobes and cabinets, this couple’s travel trailer, only 21 feet long and under 5000 pounds, offers plenty of space for full-time living. Versatile and according to the price, it is one of our recommendations.

Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple: Passport SL 189RB Couples Travel Trailer Under 25 Feet

• Make: Keystone RV
• Model:  Passport SL 189RB
• Trim: 189RB
• Region: East
• RV Type/Class: Travel Trailer
• Sub Class: Small Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple Under 25 Feet
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,430 lbs
• Dry Weight (UVW): 4,825 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 615 lbs
• Max Cargo Capacity: 1,605 lbs
• Length: 23 ft 1 in
• Height: 10 ft 8 in
• Tire-Size: ST205/75R14D
• Fresh Water: 37 gal
• Gray Water: 30 gal
• Waste Water: 30 gal
• Number of Propane Tanks: 2
• LPG: 40 lbs.
• Heat Pump: No
• AC Units: 1
• 50 AMP Service w/ 2nd A/C Prep: No
• Sleeping Capacity: 4
• Living Location: Center
• Kitchen Location: Center
• Bedroom Location: Front (Murphy Bed Queen Size Bed)
• Private Master Bedroom: No (No Sliding Doors)
• Queen Bed: Yes (Murphy Bed Queen Size)
• Bunkhouse: No
• Bathroom: 1 (Full Dry Bath)
• Large Shower: Yes
• Kitchen Pantry: Yes
• 12V Refrigerator: Yes
• Gas/Electric Refrigerator: Yes
• Refrigerator Size: 8 cu ft
• Washer & Dryer Prep: No
• Fireplace: No
• Outdoor Kitchen: Yes
• Extended Season Camping: Yes
• Awnings: Yes
• Front Windshield: No
• Towing Hitch: No
• Accessory Receiver: No
• TV Hookups: 1
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Prep: Yes
• Back-up Camera/Camera Prep: Yes
• Side Camera Prep: No
• Automatic Leveling: No
• Electric Stabilizer Jacks: Yes
• Smart RV Control System: No
• Optional Generator: No
• Generator Prep: No
• Solar Power Prep: Yes
• Solar Power System: Yes
• MSRP: $40,461

Best Couples Travel Trailer Under 30 Feet

Let’s check out options for the Best Couples Travel Trailer Under 30 Feet .

Jayco Jay Feather 24RL is the Best Couples’s Travel Trailer Under 30 Feet and the Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple with a budget starting at $43,980. Being a lightweight travel trailer of 29 feet but colossal inside, with tons of comfort, is a great deal.

Don’t feel overwhelmed with a sleeping capacity of 6 people. May you work from home? I can assure you this is the best full-time travel trailer for a couple working remotely and establishing their business place in an RV . Believe me. Between the slide-out booth dinette and the optional theater seats, you will find more than enough room to set your workstation area without having to move laptops around for dinner. 

Also, the Jay Feather 24RL travel trailer offers privacy to the couple if having guests as the master queen size bedroom in the front has sliding doors, separating the living room and bathroom.

Let’s see the Jay Feather 24RL Travel Trailer floor plan below.

Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple: Jay Feather 24RL Couples Travel Trailer Under 30 Feet

• Make: Jayco
• Model: 2023 Jay Feather
• Sub Class: Full-Time Travel Trailer for A Couple Under 30 Feet
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 6,600 lbs.
• Dry Weight (UVW): 5,325 lbs.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity: 1,275 lbs.
• Dry Hitch Weight: 660 lbs.
• Exterior Length (overall): 28′ 7″
• Exterior Height: 10′ 1″
• Exterior Height (with A/C): 10′ 9″
• Exterior Width: 8′ 0″
• Exterior Width: 11′ 0″ (with slides out)
• Interior Height (main): 6′ 6″
• Awning Length: 20′ 0″
• Fresh Water Capacity: 55.0 gal
• Gray Water Capacity: 30.5 gal
• Black Tank Capacity: 30.5 gal
• Propane Unit: 40 lbs.
• Propane Unit additional: 60 lbs.
• Sleeps: up to 6
• Water Heater: Tankless
• # of outside storage compartments: 3
• Furnace BTU: 35000
• Tire Size: ST205/75R14’D’
• MSRP: $43,980* *(MSRP shown in USD. MSRP excludes freight and dealer preparation fees)

Click to see the 360-Tour Best Couples Travel Trailer Under 30 Feet

Best Travel Trailer with King Bed for Couples for Full-Time Living

Here is our selection for couples looking for comfort, quality, space, and a king-size bed. The North Trail Ultra-Lite 22RKSS Travel Trailer by Heartland RVs is one of the best full-time travel trailers for a couple, including a king bed.

As you can see in the floor plan of this new 2023 North Trail 22RKSS travel trailer , at the right of the entry door, you will find the front master King bedroom. The bedroom includes a king-size gel-infused mattress (72″x80″) , LED reading light on both sides of the bed, 110 v outlets on both nightstands, ceiling lights, a dresser, huge under-bed storage, and a wardrobe. It is also possible to access the ensuite bath from the living room.

The bathroom is a fully equipped comfortable dry bath , with a toilet, medicine cabinet, vent fan, shower with skylight and tub surround, and a complementary outside shower.

The kitchen offers a good area according to the space a couple needs with hardwood cabinets. The appliances are stainless steel, and the refrigerator is 10.7 cubic ft. Excellent upgrade for the conventional oven with an exclusive air fryer oven.

The weather defense package is advisable for couples who want to live full-time in all seasons, as the block foam insulation, the 4″ thick vacuum-bonded roof, and the heated and enclosed underbelly are recommended features.

A 50″ HDTV and a 26″ fireplace are good optional features couples may consider to add for a full-time travel trailer.

• Make:   Heartland RVs
• Model:  North Trail Ultra-Lite 22RKSS ( New 2023 Travel Trailer Floor Plan )
• Trim: 22RKSS
• RV Type/Class:  Travel trailer
• Sub Class: Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple with King Bed and Rear Kitchen
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 7,620 lbs.
• Dry Weight (UVW): 6,180 lbs.
• Hitch Weight: 620 lbs.
• Cargo Capacity: 1,408 lbs.
• Width: 8′-0″
• Height: 11′-4″
• Length: 26′-1/2″
• Sq Ft: 207′
• Max Sleeping Capacity: 3-4
• Axles: 2 X 3,500 lbs.
• Fresh Tank: 45 Gal
• Grey Tank: 80 Gal
• Black Tank: 40 Gal
• Water Heater: 6 Gal
• Furnace: 30,000 Btu
• Air Conditioner: 13,500 BTU
• LP Tank Capacity: 2 tanks X 20 lbs. of capacity
• Refrigerator: 6 Cu Ft/110/LP
• Converter: 55 Amp
• Shore Power: 30 Amp
• Number Of Slides: 2
• Main Slide Height: 5′-7-1/4″
• Bedroom Height: 6′-8″
• Awning Length: 17′
• Cook Top: 3 Burner
• Traditional Oven: Yes
• Convection Oven: No
• Bed Size: King Size Bed  (72″x80″) Gel-infused mattress
• MSRP:   TBD

Although this King Bed Couples travel trailer is an excellent option for full-time living , you should consider the absence of washer and dryer connections and maybe a limited space to add them. Therefore, our next section, “ Best Full-Time Luxury Travel Trailer for Couples ” covers a full-time travel trailer with laundry and the previous features highlighted in the North Trailer camper.  

Best Full-Time Travel Trailers for a Couple Including a King Bed – Bonus

Best Full-Time Travel Trailers for a Couple Including a King Bed – Bonus Information, the 2023 White Hawk Travel Trailer floor plans by Jayco are worth seeing for couples and senior couples looking for luxury, lightweight, and king-size mattresses for full-time camper living.

For instance, the 2023 White Hawk 27RB Travel Trailer is an excellent option for couples . Starting at MSRP $62,459, you will find great deals.

Click to see the 360-Tour

Best Full-Time Luxury Travel Trailer for Couples

When we talk about good quality travel trailers and good built of sure Grand Design RV comes to mind. Synonymous with luxury, Grand Design RV only offers luxury travel trailers and fifth wheels. Therefore, the proposal we are reviewing today is certainly full-time luxury travel trailers for couples . Moreover, this is one of the most popularly selected as the best travel trailers for senior couples.

We started this article by mentioning that we are going to give particular importance to some features that we want to make our full-time living travel trailer more comfortable, such as the kitchen location, ventilation while cooking, space for cooking, washer and dryer prep, pantry space, over the head cabinets and exterior storage, residential-sized appliances, king-size bed, easy winterization or four-season features, etc.

Of course, it all adds up to the budget you are thinking about. But, if possible, couples thinking of moving permanently into a travel trailer to live full-time should consider these mentioned points, and Reflection 315RLTS travel trailer by Grand Design RV covers all these desirable features as the best luxury full-time travel trailer for a couple.

As you can see on the floorplan below, the luxury Reflection 315RLTS full-time Travel Trailer for couples and senior couples is fully equipped with everything you may need and want for your long-term RV living . Two awnings outside (13′ & 10′ 6″)and cooking connections to enjoy the outdoors. One huge pass-thru external storage, an outside shower, and solid aluminum steps at the entry door.

At the right of the entry door, you will find the front queen or king master bedroom with a dresser, over-the-head cabinets, a wall-to-wall functional wardrobe closet, and drawers. Inside the wardrobe is a large area prepared for a washer and dryer combo. Although the standard is a 60” x 80” queen-size mattress with a residential bedspread, it is possible to change to a king-size mattress, including oversized bed base storage, which is great for couples living full-time in the travel trailer .

A fully equipped dry bathroom is next to the bedroom, in the middle of the camper trailer. You will find a large medicine cabinet with a mirror, a large vanity top with a deep hand basin, a linen cabinet, a foot-flushable toilet, a spacious walk-in shower with a skylight, a vent fan, and a sliding glass door.

The living room and kitchen area are the most spectacular part of this full-time living travel trailer. The rear kitchen (opposite the front private master bedroom) is easy to ventilate, fully equipped, and includes a full-size pantry and a kitchen island, giving you all the space you need to prepare gourmet meals. No small appliances in this kitchen. Only residential size and upgraded appliances. Perfect for a full-time living camper trailer.

With enough seating space, couples may choose where they feel more comfortable to set computers and notebooks and create an office or a workspace area without needing to move everything for dinner.

Also, couples wanting occasional guests can accommodate up to 2 more people in the convertible tri-fold sofa.

As mentioned, the Grand Design Reflection series is a full-time 4-season travel trailer. It includes heated and enclosed dump valves and underbelly with recirculating heat, thermo-foil insulation under holding tanks, the EZ winterization valve, and insulated walls and slide-out floors. Precisely what a couple needs to live full-time in a camper trailer. Additionally, the furnace and the fireplace are good features.

Check out this fantastic 360-tour

Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple: Luxury Grand Design RV Reflection 315RLTS Travel Trailer

• Make:   Grand Design RV
• Model:  Reflection 315RLTS
• Trim:      315RLTS
• Sub Class: Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple with King Bed, Laundry, Rear Kitchen
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 11,295 lbs.
• Dry Weight (UVW):         9,443 lbs.
• Hitch Weight:     1,099 lbs.
• Length: 37′ 11″
• Max Sleeping Capacity: 4
• Number of Bedrooms:    2
• Number of Bunk Beds:    0
• Private Bunk Room:         No
• Washer/Dryer Available
• Rear Kitchen with Pantry and Kitchen Island
• Number of Queen Size Beds:        1 (60″ x 80″) (King Opt.)
• Number of King Size Beds:            King Size Bed Optional
• Private Bedrooms: 1
• Number of Convertible Beds:       1
• Number of Slides-Out:    3
• Awning Length: 13′ & 10′ 6″
• Number of Bathrooms:  1
• Bathroom Type: Full Dry Bathroom
• Shower Door Type:          Hard Sliding Doors
• Outdoor Kitchen:              No (Prep)
• Fresh Water Capacity:    54 gal
• Grey Water Capacity:     118 gal
• Waste Water Capacity:  43 gal
• LP Capacity:       60 lbs.
• Furnace:              35000 BTU
• Fireplace:             5000 BTU
• MSRP:   $77,464

Final Thoughts Regarding Travel Trailers for Full-Time and Long-Term Living for Couples & Senior Couples

While budget can be a constraint, it is vital to spend a lot of time looking for a floor plan that will make the couple feel more comfortable with the advantages and disadvantages that the chosen travel trailer will bring to their daily lives.

Especially couples who have not had the experience of living full-time in a camper may find this new stage of their lives quite challenging.

That is why we emphasize that it is essential that both members of the couple prioritize what the camper should have, which issues are preferable, and which ones are a must.

We hope that our selected options in this short review with our Best Full-Time Travel Trailer for a Couple will help you to approach the subject and continue exploring different floor plans until you find what you have in mind, your perfect couples’ travel trailer.

About John Smith

For more than 30 years I worked in the exciting world of RV manufacturing. I liked knowing that I could improve the campers with customer feedback and see the improvements and upgrades on floor plans, delivering the best designs and the best quality RVs, year after year. After traveling with my family in RVs and small rented campers across the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and even North Africa, I feel that I must share personal experiences, guidance, concerns, tips, and news. At Camper Outdoor, we share our biggest passion, weekend getaways in a camper, RV vacations, extended stays in RV parks, the quiet life of senior couples who choose to spend more time enjoying their RV, and boondocking experiences (which as in the beginning was unsuccessful, we have good tips to avoid the same thing happening to you!). Enjoy this website created just for you!

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Which Rear Living Travel Trailer Is Right For You?

• Length: 34’5”
• Dry Weight: 7,088 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

Favorite Feature: Heating & Massaging Theater Seats? Yes, Please!

It’s not a surprise that the Alpha Wolf 26RL-L is one of the more popular rear living travel trailers on the market. With dual opposing slide-outs, a large kitchen island, and–wait for it–heating and massaging theater seats, you’ll feel more like you are in a luxury 4-star hotel than at your favorite campsite. 

This model has everything you need to feel comfortable on the road. Its large entertainment area includes a tri-fold sofa for extra sleeping space, ample counterspace for cooking your favorite meals, and a queen-bed retreat toward the front of the trailer. 

The bathroom has a spacious shower and large linen and medicine cabinets for plenty of storage. The exterior has two awnings, an 11-foot awning off the living room slide, and a 9-foot awning off the bedroom. This model is perfect for small families or couples who want the best of both worlds–camping and luxury. 

Shop the Alpha Wolf 26RL-L

East to West Longitude 310RL

• Length: 35’10”
• Dry Weight: 7,708 pounds

Favorite Feature: Huge L-Shaped Living Room  

Want a travel trailer that feels more like a travel apartment? The Longitude 310RL has a layout built for living on the road. The living room has a large L-shaped sofa centered around a cozy entertainment wall with a fireplace. 

The rear living room transitions to a kitchen and dining area with a large pantry, expansive counters, and a dinette. The refrigerator, stove, pantry, and entertainment wall are housed in a slide, which opens up the floorplan to create a flow for foot traffic. 

In the bedroom, you have a large queen bed, a second slide with a full-sized closet, and a large linen closet for your bathroom. This model also has an expansive 21-foot awning on the exterior, giving you everything you need to feel at home, no matter where you’re camping! 

Shop the Longitude 310RL

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 262RLS

• Length: 30’4”
• Dry Weight: 5,995 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

Favorite Feature: Largest Entertainment Space

This Jay Flight SLX is truly built around entertainment. The rear living space features a large dinette, sofa, and two recliner chairs. If your guests need to stay the night, this travel trailer can sleep up to six, depending on your interior package. Pop out the slide in your entertainment area for even more interior space. 

Another great feature of the Jay Flight SLX 262RLS is its weight. For a travel trailer over 30 feet, it weighs just shy of 6,000 pounds, making it a little more friendly for hauling than some of the heavier models on the list.

This model has an 18-foot awning, a large bathroom with an expansive linen closet, and a queen-bed retreat at the front. 

Shop the Jay Flight SLX 262RLS

Our Top Rear Living Travel Trailers For Couples

Forest river cherokee grey wolf 20rdse.

• Length: 25’4”
• Dry Weight: 4,053 pounds

Favorite Feature: Rear U-Shaped Dinette with Panoramic Window

Forest River’s floorplans are versatile, and this Grey Wolf is no exception. They prioritized making the space comfortable and convertible without additional slides to fit almost any need.

In the rear, you have a combination dinette/living area that can convert to a bed for extra guests. One thing we love about this model is the privacy curtain to separate the front bedroom from the rest of the living area if you do have those guests. Plus, the kitchen has everything you need, including a full pantry and air fryer.

The queen-size bed in the front has dual-side wardrobe storage, with plenty of space for all your gear. At under 30 feet, the Grey Wolf is a lightweight hauler that offers more campsite options. It may not have slides, but you won’t miss them in this smartly designed layout. 

Shop the Grey Wolf 20RDSE

Coleman Lantern LT 202RD

• Length: 24’11”
• Dry Weight: 4,353 pounds

Favorite Feature: Over 3,000 Pounds of Cargo Capacity

The Lantern LT 202RD lets you bring all your gear and more with a cargo capacity of 3,247 pounds. This model also has plenty of extra space for guests and can sleep up to six people. 

Coleman prioritizes the rear living area with a reclining sofa and full-sized booth dinette. If you’re looking for counterspace, check out some of our favorite front kitchen travel trailers , which have a bit more space for an on-the-go chef. 

This model has a full-size bathroom and a skylight over the shower as an added bonus. The front of the trailer has a large bedroom with a queen-size bed and ample closet storage. Outside, you can relax under the 16-foot awning at your campsite. 

Shop the Lantern LT 202RD

Jayco Jay Feather 24RL

• Length: 28’8”
• Dry Weight: 5,305 pounds

Favorite Feature: Rear Living Meets Rear Kitchen Floorplan

Not sure if you want a rear living or rear kitchen travel trailer? The Jay Feather 24RL gives you the best of both worlds. You get the benefit of the rear living area at the back and in the single slide while also getting a full-length kitchen along the opposite wall. 

This hybrid floorplan makes excellent use of every square inch with overhead storage, a corner wardrobe next to the entrance, and dual closets on either side of the queen-size bed. On the outside, you have a 20-foot powered awning and the option to include a 17” cooking griddle. 

Shop the Jay Feather 24RL

Our Favorite Rear Living Campers For Solo Travelers

Forest river flagstaff e-pro e15tb.

• Length: 15’8”
• Dry Weight: 2,846 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

Favorite Feature: King Size Bed in a Trailer Under 16’

Think you need to purchase a large rear living travel trailer to get a king-size bed? Think again because this Flagstaff E-Pro is the shortest travel trailer listed but the only option with a king bed. 

You won’t be missing anything for your next adventure. This model has a large dinette, apartment-style refrigerator, 3-burner stove, and a wet bath for optimal liveability in a small package. There is plenty of overhead and exterior storage for your gear. Relax outside under your 10-foot awning and whip up breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the exterior griddle.

The Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB is perfect for solo travelers or adventurous couples. We love this model for people looking to transfer from a camper van to a travel trailer you can unhitch at the campsite. The space and amenities are comparable without adding too much extra length.

Shop the E-Pro E15TB

Keystone Passport 190RD

• Length: 21’11”
• Dry Weight: 3,510 pounds

Favorite Feature: Lightweight for the Length

If you want a bit more interior room but aren’t ready for a heavy hauler, the Passport 190RD is a great lightweight rear living camping trailer under 25 feet. At a dry weight of 3,510 pounds, this travel trailer can be towed by many ½-ton trucks and full-size SUVs. As always, check your vehicle’s towing capacity before you fall in love with a travel trailer. 

In the rear of this trailer, you have a large U-shaped dinette that converts to an extra sleeping area for your guests while you relax in your queen bed. The living area has counterspace along both walls, a large refrigerator, and a pantry. You also get a full-size bathroom with a large walk-in shower. 

The 11-foot awning lets you take shade with you on the go while you relax at your campsite. This model is best for solo travelers or couples who are looking for a little bit of extra walking space without the fuss of committing to a longer length and heavier weight.

Shop the Passport 190RD

Forest River Rockwood Geo-Pro 15RD

Specs 

• Length: 16’2”
• Dry Weight: 2,883 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3

Favorite Feature: Rear Bunk for Expected (or Unexpected) Guests

Forest River brings another under 20-foot rear living camper to the table with this Rockwood Geo-Pro . You’ll find many of the same amenities in this model as the Flagstaff E-Pro E15RT, but the Rockwood has one significant advantage—a rear bunk area. 

Whether you want to load that up with extra gear, use it as your sleeping area as a solo traveler, or have a friend stay the night, there are plenty of ways to use that rear living space in your travel trailer. 

In addition to the bunk, this model has a dinette that converts to a full-size bed, a bathroom with a shower, and a kitchen area with a 3-burner stove. The exterior of this model comes with an 11-foot awning and an outdoor griddle. 

Shop the Geo-Pro 15RD

Are you interested in comparing these rear living travel trailers with other popular floorplans? Explore these resources:

• Front Living Travel Trailer RVs
• Best Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
• Travel Trailers with Slide-outs
• Travel Trailers Under $20,000

Which travel trailer with a rear living area is your favorite? Tell us your dream choice in the comments below.

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Travel Consultants and Travel Tips

9 Best Fifth Wheels For Full-Time Living (In 2023)

May 11, 2022 by August Croft

Last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 07:07 am

All of our reviews are based on exhaustive research, industry experience and whenever possible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase using one of our chosen links we’ll receive a small percentage of the proceeds. This supports the site and keeps Jeffsetter running. You can read more here .

When it comes to finding the right rig, how can you narrow down the options, especially if you’re looking for some of the best fifth wheels for full-time living? Not only are there countless options on the market today, but not all RVs are ideal for full-timing!

Are you seeking more information about what to look for in a fifth wheel RV? Do you need some guidance as to what floor plan works best for full-time living? And what brands are reliable in terms of fifth-wheel RVing?

In this article, we’ll endeavor to answer all of your questions and more. We’ll also address all of the things to consider before making your final purchase. Finally, we’ll wrap up all of this fantastic information with our list of some of the best fifth wheels, built perfectly for full-time living.

Take it from this full-timer: making your RV into a full-time living situation is possible, and magical! Let’s get started and go over everything you need to know now.

Why Choose A Fifth Wheel For Full-Time Living?

There are a vast number of RV types available on the market, but none of them are alike a fifth wheel. These rigs have a number of different benefits for full-timers looking for a versatile, spacious RV they can call home; let’s explore some of these now!

Can Be Towed And Left

Fifth wheels are some of the most spacious RVs on the market today, and they also offer the ability to park your rig and leave it for a while. Many full-timers enjoy having a fifth wheel or travel trailer for their full-time setup, given the fact they can disconnect and take their tow vehicle out on the road on its own.

This isn’t to say you can’t also do this using a motorhome, but fifth wheels are designed to be towed and left at camp when you want to go hiking for the day or take a day trip elsewhere. 

Numerous Floorplans

Another reason why fifth wheels are so popular with full-time RVers is the fact they are so large and offer an array of floor plans. Fifth wheels can easily house amenities such as laundry and residential-size refrigerators, but they also offer spacious bedrooms and bathrooms that feel more like a residential home. 

More Space For Full-Time Living

With more space comes more room to store all of your full-time necessities, in addition to your recreational hobbies. Many people who live in their RV full-time choose a fifth wheel and never switch to anything else because of how spacious and convenient they truly are! 

What To Consider In A Fifth Wheel For Full-Time Living

It’s no secret that a fifth wheel is a fantastic option to go for if you’re looking to transition into full-time living. With countless benefits, it may seem like these rigs are simply the best option, but there are a few considerations worth making before diving into a fifth wheel purchase!

Length And Weight

One of the first things to consider before buying a fifth wheel RV is deciding upon a suitable length and weight limit for your tow vehicle. The overall length of your RV matters when it comes to maneuverability and parking in National Parks, but what about the weight limit? 

If you already know what vehicle you’re planning on using to tow your fifth wheel, you need to pay special attention to the weight limits and towing capacities of both rigs.

This is especially true if you already own a truck you want to tow with, as you won’t have any wiggle room. If, however, you’re looking at purchasing a truck as well as a fifth wheel, the weights and measures still matter greatly. You never want to do more than your tow vehicle can handle , and fifth wheels are not exactly known for being lightweight and easy to tow. 

On the flip side, choosing a fifth wheel that’s particularly large and in charge means you have more living space and storage on board your RV. If you aren’t particularly concerned about your weight limits but want to make sure you have space for belongings and guests, choosing a large fifth wheel shouldn’t be a problem for you. 

As with any large purchase, budget matters greatly. Fortunately, fifth wheels are more affordable than a variety of motor homes, including Class B camper vans. Depending on luxury features and additional accessories purchased, the average fifth wheel costs anywhere from $50k all the way to $200k, though most fifth wheels hover around $100k.

Given this is such a wide range of prices, you can definitely expect to see a wide range of fifth wheel styles and types. You may be seeking out a rig with luxury features, or you may be hoping to find something budget-friendly for your next life steps. 

No matter what you’re looking for, chances are extremely high that you will find what you need and want within your price range! However, it’s always important to remember that the initial purchase price of most fifth wheels is not the price you end up paying. Most of the time, you’ll find that there are non-standard features you’ll want to add, which will indeed drive up the price. 

Layout Or Floorplan

There’s nothing better than finding an RV floorplan that works perfectly for you. While you may think the majority of fifth wheels have identical interiors or highly similar floorplans, the opposite is true. There are so many options on the market today that it’s difficult to find 2 floorplans that are identical to one another!  I highly recommend touring your local RV lots or dealership so that you get a true feel and understanding of the interior of fifth wheel RVs.

If you are unable to do so, many RV manufacturers offer 360-degree tours on their website so you can take a look at all of the features without needing to leave your home.   The layout or floor plan of your fifth wheel will make or break your RV experience. This is especially true if you are living in it full-time. Just like any rental or residential home purchase, you want to make sure it has a certain flow and is easy to manage without becoming overwhelming. 

Given there is such a limited amount of square footage inside a fifth wheel RV, you may want to take a look at floorplans that prioritize the same things that you do. For example, if you want a highly functional kitchen rather than a spacious master bedroom, keep an eye out for floorplans that support this feature. 

I have no doubt you will find exactly what you’re looking for, but it may take some time to comprehend what that is fully. The more floorplans and layouts you are able to look at, the better! And where better to start than with our “best of” list? 

Storage Solutions And Options

Storage is always at a premium, even in residential homes. So why wouldn’t the same be true on board your fifth wheel? Choosing an option with ample storage for everything you need is always a good idea, especially if you want to live in your RV full-time.  The problem is that most RVs have storage solutions that aren’t always helpful for full-time living.

Most storage compartments are located on the exterior of your RV, though there are interior storage solutions making the rounds through a variety of RV floor plans.  Some storage options work better than others, and knowing where you want your storage to be located may help you narrow down a proper floor plan for your lifestyle.

Luxury Finishes

If you are brand new to RV shopping, it may surprise you to know there are different makes and models of RVs. Most commonly, when purchasing an RV, you will see many standard features and rigs along with other luxury options . You may be curious about what this entails, but ultimately, luxury rigs offer more style and features at a higher price compared to standard RVs. 

Some popular luxury finishes include: 

• Theater seating in the living area 
• Upgraded kitchen, including large residential fridge and dishwasher 
• Power lift bed in the master suite
• Frameless windows and other energy-efficient perks 
• Additional air conditioning units or ducted heating
• Electric tongue jacks and stabilizers
• Electric fireplace or woodstove

Choosing a luxury rig doesn’t just mean you are paying more. You’ll likely find that the interior design and furnishings are better suited to your lifestyle, given that luxury rigs have more character and fine touches compared to standard rigs. 

While you may be bringing your own special touches, you may still want some of the features luxury rigs bring to the table. However, if you aren’t particularly concerned about theater seating and marble countertops, a standard rig might suit you just fine. 

Automated Features

Speaking of luxury features, automated or power features tend to go hand-in-hand with luxury rigs. There are a number of popular electronic and automated features to help make living in an RV easy.  Many RVers look for power jacks or automatic leveling systems to make camping easier. There are also power awnings as well as tank monitoring systems , and even utility systems that work automatically.

It all depends on what you’re looking for in terms of day-to-day convenience, as RVs have a lot to offer in this department if you have the budget for it.  This is likely where your budget will be altered in some way, as many luxury or automatic features don’t come standard.

However, most RV manufacturers offer these helpful conveniences, just not in the initial purchase price. This is something to consider, especially if you are concerned about your physical health or how convenient it is to set up camp as part of your full-time living situation! 

Full-Time Amenities

Obviously, one of the most important things to consider before purchasing a fifth wheel made for full-time living is the types of full-time amenities you need to feel comfortable in your RV. But what might some of those be? 

Popular full-time amenities include:

• A stackable washer and dryer
• A dishwasher
• A residential-sized refrigerator with freezer
• Queen or king-sized walk-around bed
• Master bedroom wardrobe 
• Two bathrooms
• Wifi or cable

Again, you may not need all of these amenities, but it’s something to keep in mind as you shop. If you are only used to renting or purchasing residential homes rather than RVs, some of the things that come standard in residential homes are not at all standard in an RV setting. 

The 9 Best Fifth Wheels For Full-Time Living

Feeling confident that you know what you need from a fifth wheel that’s made for full-time living? Let’s go ahead and dive into our list of the 9 best fifth wheels for full-time living now! 

Best Overall: Grand Design Reflection

• MSRP : $78,154
• Exterior Length : 32′ 10″ – 41′ 7″
• Exterior Height : 12′ 3″ – 12′ 8″

There are a number of reasons why the Grand Design Reflection is an extremely popular fifth wheel rig for weekend warriors and full-timers alike. With 9 available floor plans across multiple lengths, this fifth wheel is the perfect combination of affordability, luxury, and function.  One of the first things I notice about the Reflection is the fact that it comes in multiple lengths, ranging from 32 feet all the way to 41 feet.

This results in ample living space for any size group, from small families to big groups of friends. I like the versatility of the floorplans; a bunkhouse, theater seating, spacious kitchen, and spacious bathroom can be found across the range of layouts. As an added bonus, most of the floorplans include a bathroom with a large shower and skylight, which is something I haven’t seen in many RVs!

Grand Design have really pushed the boat out with the number of standard features included in the Reflection. There’s a solar package, 4-season weather insulation, and additional house batteries, all included as standard features. Options like these tend to be an additional purchase on top of the sale price of an RV, so this is great news!

While the Reflection has just about everything I can think of included in the initial purchase price, that does mean it’s fairly high for a fifth wheel. The Grand Design Reflection isn’t the cheapest fifth wheel out there, but it made our overall spot for a reason! The high-end finishes and luxury edge make the price worth it in my eyes, but it all comes down to personal budget.

• Range of floorplans 
• Countless standard features 
• Spacious bathroom
• Long length hard to maneuver 

Best On A Budget: Jayco Eagle HT Fifth Wheel

• MSRP : $51,006
• Exterior Length : 29′ 5″ – 34′ 8″
• Exterior Height : 12′ 6″

Finding budget-friendly RVs can be a big task since there are so many options on the market! This Jayco Eagle HT fifth wheel, however, is friendly on the pocket and still manages to pack a punch too. For new RVers or those wanting to downsize or try something new, the Eagle is a great option to go for and costs a fraction of the price of luxury fifth wheels.

Jayco considers the Eagle to be an entry-level rig, but this doesn’t mean they’ve sacrificed any features. Inside, there’s a 35,000 BTU furnace , a TV antenna with Wi-Fi, a HELIX cooling system, a porcelain foot-flush toilet, and more as standard. I’m also drawn to the 4-star handling package fit with TPMS monitoring as it makes towing the trailer that much easier and straightforward. 

This fifth wheel doesn’t have the dazzle as luxury options, but that’s no surprise since it’s a far more budget-friendly option. It’s also not as big as many other rigs, and this can be both a benefit and a drawback! I find towing smaller rigs easier, and I’m a lot more confident when I don’t have a 40′ trailer behind me. 

Smaller fifth wheels do mean less space, and this is something to take note of. Large families may feel the squeeze inside the Jayco Eagle, although it’s the perfect size for both my partner and me, and our furry dog companion. For full timing, this is a basic but functional rig to start out in, and maybe venture onto a trailer with a bit more style and personality in the future. 

• Sleeps up to 10 people
• Lifetime warranted roof system
• Weighs less than 10,000lbs 
• Simple interior design
• Overlander solar package isn’t standard
• Only 4 floorplans

Most Amenities: Forest River Riverstone

• MSRP : $222,186
• Exterior Length : 42′ 7″ – 44′ 4″
• Exterior Height : 13′ 4″

The Forest River Riverstone is a fantastic option for those seeking numerous features and amenities, all standard – yes, it’s possible! This is a luxury rig dedicated to convenience, and the Riverstone is ideal for full-timers given the fact it has so much on offer to make life a little easier. That’s why Forest River made the Riverstone with just about any optional feature as a standard one, to fully maximize this fifth wheel. 

With 5 available floorplans and 3 toy hauler options, there’s no struggle in finding a rig to suit individual needs. This fifth wheel ranges in length from 42 feet all the way to 44 feet, making it huge and spacious on the inside, which is ideal for full-time living. I love how airy this trailer feels, and although the space makes storing belongings and cohabiting easy, it really isn’t the simplest to tow! 

Being so long, it’s crucial to be confident and know how to tow this big rig safely and securely.  When it comes to standard features, there’s just about everything included I can think of. This even includes solar panels, a washer and dryer , on-demand hot water, automatic leveling, and so much more. The vast array of standard features on the Riverstone is truly staggering, and something hard to find elsewhere.

This luxury fifth wheel is a high-end option, and it has an expensive price to match! However, this rig and its available floor plans truly offer full-timers practically everything I can possibly think they would need or want. 

• Multiple floor plans including toy hauler options
• Stunning exterior
• Beautiful and classy interior design with a fireplace
• Very long so harder to tow and park

Lightest Weight: Coachmen Chaparral

• MSRP : $84,091
• Exterior Length : 34′ 8″ – 42′ 7″
• Exterior Height : 12′ 4″

Starting just over the $80k mark, the Coachmen Chaparral has a lot to offer RV owners of any level. This fifth wheel boasts 10 floorplans, all at an affordable purchase price, which is the freedom of choice I like to see when I’m looking at different rigs. Each of these creative layouts is built on a lightweight frame to help make towing a breeze and take some stress off my tow vehicle so it won’t suffer on long journeys across the country.

The weight of the Chaparral starts at just under 10,000 pounds and reaches around 13,000 pounds for larger models. While this isn’t necessarily incredible in terms of numbers, it does mean my tow vehicle has a bit of wiggle room compared to other larger fifth wheels. This is still a considerable amount of weight to tow, and since the weight and length increase as the models get bigger, I think it’s wise for newbies to opt for the smaller, lighter models of this Coachmen trailer.

One of the best parts about the Chaparral is that it’s highly equipped for 4-season weather and terrain! Since I spend a large proportion of my time parking off-grid and boondocking, I need a fifth wheel able to handle challenging terrain and weather. The Chaparral ticks this box for me as the insulation and build of this rig are fantastic, but this is mainly thanks to the optional Weather Shield and Road Guardian package. 

Optional extras are available with most RVs, and although they can transform a camper, they hike up the final price considerably! I do think upgrading the Chaparral so it’s better suited to tough circumstances is wise, especially for full-timers who will likely face all sorts of road and weather conditions. For those on budget, be sure to keep an eye on additional expenses to save having a shock when it comes time to arrange the financial side of purchasing an RV!

While the interior design is fairly simplistic on this Coachmen, it’s built to last and won’t take too much time to liven up. The vinyl flooring and real wood Cabinetry come with their own warranty options, as does the entirety of the fifth wheel itself. I like how this RV blends functionality and practicality in one, but I do feel like Coachmen could have been a bit more attentive to the interior design. The warranty options, however, are reassuring and give me peace of mind that I’m covered if anything goes wrong when I’m out on the road in my Chaparral. 

• 10 versatile floor plans 
• Good warranty 
• Impressive extra packages
• Interior design is quite plain
• Larger lengths not suitable for beginners
• Lacks luxury edge 

Best Toy Hauler: Forest River Vengeance Rogue Armored

• MSRP : $141,003
• Exterior Length : 45′ 1″ – 45′ 4″

RVing is all about having the flexibility of carrying everything you need and want on the road, and the Forest River Vengeance Rogue Armored is a fifth wheel toy hauler promising to do just that. Along with durable Forest River construction and design, the Vengeance Rogue also offers ample storage space for everything I can think of, from ATVs to kayaks, and more! 

This particular toy hauler won RV News’s award for the best-featured fifth wheel toy hauler a couple of years ago, and it’s easy to see why. There are 5 floorplans to choose from, all of which are suited to different types of RVers. Some floorplans have two bathrooms, and others have a more open feel to the living space. Although 5 floorplans aren’t as much choice as our last mentioned fifth wheel, there are still enough layouts to find the one that works best for individual needs.

With the array of additional package options accompanying the Vengeance, I can truly build a rig that matches my lifestyle. I love that heated holding tanks and solar panel mounting are standard features, along with a washer and dryer system, as these make full-timing throughout the year substantially easier!

All of the floor plans offer convenient toy hauler ramps for loading and unloading, and the storage area for additional equipment converts into a living space or bunkhouse for optimal use of space.

This is one impressive fifth wheel, but these innovative features do come at a price. The Vengeance Rogue isn’t the cheapest option on our list, but it arguably is one of the more useful and diverse for carrying extra kit. The package options offered by Forest River improve the Vengeance even more, but the end price suffers because of this. I love enhancing an RV and tailoring it to my lifestyle, but my wallet has a different opinion! 

Even if no packages are added to this fifth wheel, I will still get a functional floorplan full of livable features, including multiple bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, and a master suite with wardrobes and walk-around beds.

The only negative thought I have about this RV is its mighty length. I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, but at 45′ 4″, the largest floorplan is simply far too big for me to comfortably tow on the road, let alone park and store!

• Great carrying capacity for additional gear 
• Range of extra packages
• Some layouts feature two bathrooms
• Large, so difficult to park and maneuver
• Harder to store due to length and height

Best Starter Rig: Forest River Cardinal

• MSRP : $89,269
• Exterior Length : 29′ 4″ – 43′ 6″
• Exterior Height : TBD

Forest River has a number of fantastic fifth wheel options, and the Cardinal comes in both a standard and luxury version for an RV with a bit more style and substance.  Forest River claims to have built the Cardinal to suit just about any camper and lifestyle, and this includes full-timers. This impressive rig boats 10 unique floorplans which allows me to explore an array of options and get a feel for what suits me best.

In particular, I’m drawn to the diversity of the floorplans. I can opt for a layout with a bunkhouse, a separate theater room, a large and spacious king-bedroom master suite, and more. This setup is ideal for a number of families , especially those with older children. One of the floorplans offers a master suite as well as a separate secondary bedroom, which is a pretty rare find in the RV world!

The interior design is also impressive and mimics the residential lifestyle, with the option of matching decor too. The Cardinal has fantastic exposed beams, tile detailing and inlays, and fantastic flooring to coordinate with the cabinetry and upholstery.

This Forest River truly feels like an apartment rather than an RV, and this is one of the reasons it’s so well-suited to beginner RVers as a starter rig.  The Cardinal is a mid-range fifth wheel leaning towards the higher price range for some.

The price might be a deal breaker, but it’s clear to see why the Cardinal is priced as it is. The interior is sleek and modern, allowing light to beam into the rig, keeping things light and airy – essential for full-timing in my eyes!

I’m not the biggest fan of slide-outs for full-timing as they require additional maintenance and aren’t best suited to winter weather. This is my only concern with the Cardinal, but by being vigilant and staying on top of maintenance, this rig will stand the test of time.

• Array of lengths 
• Attractive interior design
• Optional washer and dryer
• Slide-outs may be tedious in winter
• Tank heaters aren’t standard 

Most Luxurious: Jayco Pinnacle

• MSRP : $122,568
• Exterior Length : 36′ 4″ – 44′ 5″
• Exterior Height : 12′ 8″

Luxury doesn’t have to be sacrificed when transitioning to live full-time in an RV. The Jayco Pinnacle is a fifth wheel with a stunning interior and convenient features such as 4-season insulation and automatic leveling jacks. It’s thoughtful additions such as these that help make this rig well-suited to full-timing, and what better way to RV than in a luxury Jayco?  

Priced at just over $122k, this isn’t a budget-friendly rig, but it’s not designed to be. This fifth wheel is a luxury option, and as such, it has a higher price tag. There are 7 floorplans to choose from, with nearly all of them offering ceiling fans and fireplaces, so I’m covered during summer and winter travel.

I like that I can also opt for a secluded theater room or a large and spacious master bathroom en suite, complete with double sinks and a huge countertop, as it makes this rig feel less like a camper and more like a home on wheels.

So many features catch my eye in the Pinnacle such as the full-size stainless steel refrigerator, pendant lighting, highly detailed laminate flooring, and more. This is a rig that needs to be seen to understand how stunning it truly is. The array of luxurious features included is astonishing, and all work to make full-timing that much easier. Washer and dryer prep is standard, along with many other features such as a farmhouse kitchen sink, large countertop space, LED lighting throughout, and AC units.

The Pinnacle has so much potential as a luxury fifth wheel, but the only concern I have is its weight. Ranging from 13,000lbs to 15,000lbs, there’s no shying away from how heavy this Jayco is! Owning a heavy trailer may not be an issue if you already own a tow vehicle capable of handling this weight, however, many vehicles won’t be able to handle such weight, which may cause additional expenses of a new tow vehicle.

• Suitable for summer and winter travel
• Luxury, spacious kitchen
• Gorgeous interior design
• Substantially heavier than other fifth wheels

 Most Floorplans: Grand Design Solitude

• MSRP : $118,410
• Exterior Length : 34′ 4″ – 42′ 6″
• Exterior Height : 13′ 5″

With a whopping 20 floorplans, some of which are dealer stock only, the Grand Design Solitude is one mighty fifth wheel, with a lot of versatility to offer. This rig is a popular choice among many, and it’s not difficult to see why! Ranging in length from 34′ to 42′, there’s a size for everyone, from new RVers to seasoned pros, and that’s one of the reasons this rig is a popular choice. 

The Solitude is a close rival to our last mentioned option, the Pinaccle, as it too is a slice of luxury. Within the trailer is everything I could ever want from an RV such as fantastic storage solutions, residential appliances, a huge kitchen with an island, multiple seating areas, a double sink bathroom, and more. Grand Design wants this fifth wheel to be utilized year-round, whether it’s being lived in or not.

They expect their customers to take this RV anywhere, and I feel fully comfortable doing so with fully laminated walls, triple insulated main floor, and Rail-Tite underbelly seal to keep the rig in the best condition for as long as possible. With so much choice, the Solitude isn’t the best for indecisive folks, and it may be a bit too sleek and modern for those who prefer a classic, rugged feel. 

• Huge number of floorplans
• Superior construction 
• Spacious bathrooms across multiple floorplans
• High price tag
• Large models are heavy

Runner-Up: Jayco North Point

• MSRP : $110,775
• Exterior Length : 36′ 0″ – 43′ 10″

There are so many great fifth wheels on the market today that it’s difficult to choose just one as our best overall. That’s why the Jayco North Point is our runner-up choice. Not only does this rig start at just over $110k, but it also packs plenty of features in for this price. Jayco recommends this fifth wheel for starters as well as senior RV owners, as it suits a wide variety of people. 

There are 7 floorplans, some just as unique as those available with the Pinnacle and Solitude. Some of the floorplans of the North Point include a centralized living space, a large rear kitchen, and a master en suite bath. This is a game-changer for full-timing, and makes all the difference for couples traveling with friends or family, as there’s a dedicated private bathroom and bedroom to use. I love the electric fireplace featured throughout many floorplans as it makes everything feel extra warm and cozy in winter months.

The under-mounted spare tire is a great security feature, as I know I can get the trailer back up and running if the worst happens and a tire gets damaged or blown. Jayco’s North Point is just as impressive on the outside as it is inside, all thanks to thoughtful additions such as an exterior griddle, an LED lighting package, and marine-grade speakers. My only holdups with the North Point is the fact that solar panels are additional and not standard options.

For full-timers, solar is a huge benefit and honestly, I couldn’t imagine traveling around without knowing my panels are keeping me charged up, so this is something I would opt for, even if there are extra expenses involved.

The weight of this fifth wheel is also something to keep mindful of. Larger models are close to weighing 16,000lbs which is a huge number, requiring a hefty tow vehicle , and practice on the road.

• Larger layouts can sleep up to 10
• Climate Shield weather protection
• Magnum Truss roof system
• Might be too heavy for some tow vehicles 
• Solar is additional

Final Thoughts

Finding a fifth wheel for full-time living is easier than you think. Just keep in mind all of the amenities and features you need to feel comfortable living in an RV full-time. There’s no doubt in my mind that you can find a layout and a rig that works well for you, especially one that’s both budget-friendly and functional.

Enjoy living full-time in your fifth wheel! 

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• General Discussion

Best RV for full-time living

By RodgerS Yesterday at 04:02 AM in General Discussion

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I have started this discussion not to rehash Airstream vs Oliver (it is obvious, the article link to author below, the author has a long-term Airstream bias from reading his history and probably/maybe a relationship with Airstream), but because if you step back and think about "matches from what you want from life on the road," he concluded that the Airstream trailer  " this model is best for couples and solo full-timers." (Don't need to get into Camper vans and Camper trucks at this time)

My point being that it logically follows the Oliver would also be best for couples and solo full-timers.  (Note: I am still planning on buying an Oliver 4th quarter this year unless circumstances materially change.)

========================

If you have read my recent post on current economic indicators and RV issues, I think one can make an argument that a new or couple of years old Oliver would help deal with some of the RV issues that are current challenging RV owners.  Benefits of mobility, RV age limitations at parks, some off-road/off-grid capabilities, and minimal repair issues by comparison to one heck of a lot of RVs. 

https://blog.campingworld.com/find-your-rv/best-rv-for-full-time-living/

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7 Best RV Insurance Companies of 2024

Money’s main takeaways.

• RV insurance is essential for both full-time RV living and occasional trips.
• Premiums are based on factors like your driving record and RV type, age and condition.
• Our top picks include Good Sam, National General and Auto-Owners Insurance.

Why Trust Us?

Money’s editorial team has evaluated RV insurance providers since 2016. Our research and analysis take into account customer satisfaction, financial stability, coverage options and availability, among others. Read the full methodology to learn more.

• Reviewed 15+ companies
• Conducted over 1,000 hours of research
• Prioritized coverage, discounts, customer sentiment, the NAIC complaint index and financial stability

Our Top Picks for the Best RV Insurance Companies

Note: The following companies are listed in alphabetical order.

• Auto-Owners Insurance – Best for Customer Service
• Good Sam – Best RV Insurance Agency
• National General – Best for Full Replacement Cost Coverage
• Nationwide – Best for Multiple Discounts
• Progressive – Best for Disappearing Deductibles
• Roamly – Best for Renting Out Your RV
• RVInsurance.com – Runner-Up for Best RV Insurance Agency

Best RV Insurance Reviews

• Premium reduction if RV is equipped with safety features
• Towing and roadside assistance in all 50 states and Canada
• Mobile app for Apple and Android
• No online quotes

Why we chose this company: Auto-Owners is our pick for personalized customer service because of its network of independent agents, online customer center and mobile app. Customers can access claims, billing and other important policy documents on their phone, tablet or computer.

Auto-Owners has an impressive customer service record, with fewer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) than most competitors. It also ranked above average in the southeast region in J.D. Power’s 2022 Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction study.

Unlike other companies, Auto-Owners only sells its insurance products through independent agents. Instead of contacting the company online, you work directly with local agencies that can better advise you regarding specific insurance requirements in your area. For example, bodily injury and property damage liability limits set by law vary by state.

Learn more: Auto-Owners RV insurance review

See rates on Auto-Owners’s Secure Website >>

• Offers full-timer coverage
• Manage your policy online without agent contact
• Discounts on campsites, gear stores, fuel, and more
• Not a direct insurer

Why we chose this company: Good Sam Insurance Agency is the best option for those who need help selecting coverage. It connects you with some of the best RV insurance companies to help you get the right coverage level for your needs.

Good Sam works with renowned insurance providers like Progressive, Foremost, Safeco, and National General to offer a range of standard coverage options. Additionally, through its partnership with MexicoInsuranceOnline.com, the agency connects clients to Mexico-based insurers and offers tailored add-ons for cross-border travel, whether for single-day or extended stays.

The company also extends a storage discount, allowing policyholders to suspend collision and liability coverage when their RV or trailer remains unused for over 30 days, reducing monthly premiums. Furthermore, Good Sam assists in crafting personalized policies for full-time RVers.

Learn more: Good Sam RV insurance review

See rates on Good Sam’s Secure Website >>

• Coverage for specialized equipment like solar panels
• Pause your coverage when your RV is in storage
• Experts help you find a new RV after a total loss
• Low mileage discount
• Eligibility, benefits, coverage and discounts vary per state
• Limited information about policies on its website

Why we chose this company: Full replacement cost coverage can usually only be bought during an RV’s first model year. National General, on the other hand, lets you get the rider within an RV’s first five model years.

With full replacement cost coverage — also called total loss replacement — your RV is replaced with a new or similar one if it’s totaled or stolen, potentially reimbursing you for the original purchase price. This is typically only available for newly purchased motorhomes or travel trailers up to one or two model years old. If you buy a used RV or don’t insure your new one as soon as possible, you risk it being considered ineligible.

With National General, RVs are eligible during their first five model years, regardless of ownership (some companies limit this type of coverage to original owners). It also offers the flexibility to pause coverage during storage, helping you save on premiums while protecting against theft, fires, weather damage, and more.

Learn more: National General RV insurance review

See rates on National General’s Secure Website >>

• Free annual reviews to reevaluate coverage and discounts
• Optional towing coverage includes lodging, transportation and meals
• Various policies available for easy bundling and savings
• Many customer complaints about the claims process

Why we chose this company: Nationwide Insurance offers over 10 different discounts, including discounts for staying claim-free during the previous policy period or installing safety devices, like smoke detectors.

Most RV insurers offer discounts, but Nationwide’s list is notably extensive. You can save by bundling your RV policy with home insurance, taking safety courses, joining an RV organization like the National RV Association, paying your annual policy upfront or opting for Nationwide’s full-time RV insurance package.

Note that not all discounts are listed on Nationwide’s website, and some only come up during the quoting process. For example, according to a customer service representative, the company also offers discounts to customers whose vehicles have safety features such as tire-pressure monitoring systems or fiberglass bodies.

Learn more: Nationwide RV insurance review

See rates on Nationwide’s Secure Website >>

• Accident forgiveness for claims under $500
• Horse trailer coverage up to $50k
• Pet injury coverage available
• Add-on coverage available for roof malfunction
• Standard plan excludes personal property and emergency expenses
• Rates differ based on whether you buy online or through an agent
• Discounts aren't available in all states

Why we chose this company: Progressive offers disappearing deductibles, accident forgiveness and an extensive array of discounts.

With Progressive, you can save on premiums if you’re the RV’s original owner or pay your policy in advance, among other discounts. However, Progressive stands out from competitors because it offers both disappearing deductibles and accident forgiveness.

Unlike competitors, Progressive doesn’t cap its diminishing deductible benefit at $500. Instead, it reduces your deductible by 25% each claim-free period, up to $0 after four periods. While it costs extra, the feature is included with comprehensive and collision coverage for vehicles valued at $25,000 or more. Accident forgiveness for claims of $500 or less is included at no cost.

See rates on Progressive’s Secure Website >>

• Specializes in RV insurance
• Coverage even when renting out your RV
• Policies for full-time RVers are available
• Covers Canada rentals
• Only offers RV policies

Why we chose this company: Insurers typically decline coverage if you rent your RV to someone else. With Roamly, you can rent out your RV and still be covered for liability and damage to the vehicle.

Rented RVs require comprehensive commercial insurance due to their higher risk exposure when compared to personal vehicles. Failing to insure your motorhome or camper when renting it out can lead to denied claims, especially if the renter lacks coverage.

With Roamly, your RV remains covered when listed on rental platforms like Outdoorsy (owned by Roamly). Renters booking your RV through Outdoorsy can opt for a renters protection package, including trip protection, interior damage and travel medical insurance. Roamly’s policies cover rented RVs for their actual cash value during the rental period and provide $1 million in liability insurance protection per trip.

Learn more: Roamly RV insurance review

See rates on Roamly’s Secure Website >>

• Specialists can help you find a policy
• Policies available for all types of RVs

Why we chose this company: RVInsurance.com can help you find a suitable policy, whether you use your RV for vacationing or as your residence.

RVInsurance.com works with Foremost, National General and Safeco. These companies cover all RV types, from motorhomes to campers. They offer several policy add-ons, such as full replacement cost, full-timers liability coverage and roadside assistance.

You can get a quote online, but calling to speak with an insurance specialist lets you compare policies in more detail.

See rates on RVInsurance.com’s Secure Website >>

Other RV Insurance companies we considered

During our research for the best recreational vehicle insurance providers, we narrowed down our initial list to 7 companies. The following didn’t make our final cut, not because they were lacking, but because other competitors had more standout features.

• Covers motorhomes, travel trailers and campers
• Includes roadside assistance, hotel discounts and more
• Coverage for lodging and transportation if your RV is damaged
• Coverage options are not standard across regions
• RV policy not available nationwide
• Limited information available online

AAA offers coverage for different types of RVs and some of its policies also cover personal effects such as electronics. However, it didn’t make our list because it doesn’t offer coverage in all 50 states.

See rates on AAA’s Secure Website >>

• Discount if you transfer from another insurance company
• Discounts for drivers 55 years or older
• Gas price locator to help you find the cheapest gas
• Limited information on company website
• Online quotes not available

Allstate’s policies include emergency travel expenses if you’re over 50 miles from home when your RV breaks down and the issue is covered under the policy. Allstate is not on our main list because it only provides quotes through its sales agents and the information on its website is limited.

See rates on Allstate’s Secure Website >>

• Total windshield replacement deductible is only $50
• Personal effects replacement limits up to $100,000
• Free accident forgiveness after 5+ years
• Offers limited information on its website
• Enhanced RV coverage unavailable in HI, MA, MI and NC
• Total loss replacement coverage availability varies

While Geico offers coverage options comparable to those of other companies on our list (such as total loss replacement, emergency expenses coverage and vacation liability), its policies aren’t available nationwide. Its website also lacks crucial details, such as available discounts.

See rates on Geico’s Secure Website >>

• Loan or lease protection coverage available
• Deductibles diminish by $100 per year up to $500
• Insures motorhomes valued at up to $1 million
• Coverage available for custom equipment
• Only covers vehicles used 250 days or less per year
• Limited information available on website
• No online quotes available

Safeco covers class A, B and C motorhomes valued at up to $1 million, but only if used recreationally. It didn’t make our list because its website doesn’t offer much information and coverage is limited to vehicles used less than 250 days a year.

See rates on Safeco’s Secure Website >>

• Coverage for emergency expenses if camper is damaged or destroyed
• Pays for transportation of damaged RV to storage, repair shop or home
• Full-timer coverage for trailers, motor homes, luxury coaches and more
• Special policies for USAA members
• Not available in DC or Hawaii
• Limited information on website

Foremost, a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance, has policies for full-timers as well as stationary travel trailers. It also covers personal-use motor homes that you occasionally rent, lease or loan. Unfortunately, this policy doesn’t cover the vehicle while it’s rented, leased or loaned.

See rates on Foremost’s Secure Website >>

• Offers storage-only insurance during the off-season
• Policy extends to travel anywhere in Canada
• Insures equipment permanently attached to your RV
• No information regarding discounts

Despite offering coverage in Canada, Farmers Insurance fell short of our list due to limited information regarding specific coverages and discounts on its website . This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to assess the scope and value of its policies.

See rates on Farmers’ Secure Website >>

• Multi-vehicle, safe driver and original ownership discounts
• Coverage for all RV classes, including slide-on campers
• Members get a 5% discount on policies
• Policies only available to military families
• 5% members discount not available in all states

USAA offers RV insurance through an alliance with Progressive, which covers almost all types of RVs. The drawback to USAA’s policies is that they’re only available to military families.

See rates on USAA’s Secure Website >>

Country Financial

• Multi-policy discount
• Mobile app for Apple and Android devices
• Only available through agents
• Operates in only 19 states

Country Financial’s RV insurance policies fall under home or auto insurance. That can be a drawback for consumers who already have a preferred auto or home insurer. Another notable snag in its coverage is that it’s available in only 19 states.

See rates on Country Financial’s Secure Website >>

National Interstate

• Options for RV full-timers
• 25% deductible discount for each consecutive claim-free year
• Windshield replacement coverage
• Coverage for commercial RVs
• Website lacks information about terms and discounts

National Interstate has policy options for RV full-timers and covers commercial RVs. This insurer is not featured on our main list because its website doesn’t provide details regarding policies or discounts.

See rates on National Interstate’s Secure Website >>

The Hartford

• Lifetime guarantee for repairs done in authorized repair shops
• 24/7 claims submission
• RV replacement if it's totaled in the first 15 months
• Only available to AARP members
• Not available in U.S. territories

The Hartford allows policyholders to customize their RV insurance coverage, and its lifetime guarantee for repairs in authorized shops is a highlight of its policies. However, coverage is only available to AARP members, which is a considerable drawback.

See rates on The Hartford’s Secure Website >>

RV Insurance Guide

Like auto insurance, RV insurance offers financial protection for accidents, injuries and other unforeseen events. It can cover repair costs, medical bills and liability expenses if you injure someone or damage their property.

While comprehensive policies covering collision, theft and personal belongings are widely available, occasional RV users may not need such extensive coverage. Read on for information on RV insurance costs, coverage options and tips for selecting the right policy for your needs.

Table of contents

How much is rv insurance, rv insurance options.

• How to buy RV insurance

Renting out your RV

According to Progressive, an RV insurance policy for a travel trailer (an RV you tow behind your vehicle) costs an average of $573 annually. In contrast, coverage for a motorhome costs an average of $958 per year.

Factors that affect your RV insurance premium

The following factors influence the cost of an RV insurance policy:

• The type of RV: Motorhomes are more expensive to insure than trailers (especially those with state-of-the-art components).
• Age and condition: Older trailers and motorhomes cost less to insure due to their reduced resale value.
• Type of RV insurance: A policy with just liability coverage is more affordable than a comprehensive one with collision and personal property coverage.
• Where you live: Your state and zip code affect your insurance rates. RVs in areas prone to extreme weather will be more expensive to insure.
• Driving experience and driving record: A first-time RV owner poses a higher risk than an experienced RVer. Insurers will also review your general driving record to determine an appropriate rate.
• Claims history: A lengthy claims history is a red flag to insurers. Drivers who have never filed a claim will get much better rates than those who have.
• Additional coverage: Purchasing add-ons such as roadside assistance, total loss replacement, vacation liability and full-timers coverage will increase your premium.

RV insurance discounts

While these may vary by company, most insurers offer rate discounts for:

• Bundling multiple policies
• Paying the total annual policy upfront
• Making monthly payments on time
• Staying claim-free during the previous policy period
• Being the vehicle’s original owner
• Installing safety features in your RV
• Having a favorable record of insurance losses
• Staying accident-free for at least three years
• Taking safety courses
• Being a member of an RV association
• Signing up for paperless billing

Drivers aged 50 and up can snag a lower rate, as can parents or guardians who opt not to insure drivers under 25 on their policy.

Insuring RVs requires special considerations because they can serve as both vehicles and primary residences. Some policies offer basic liability protection, while others provide broader coverage for personal effects and emergency expenses.

If your RV is self-propelled, it must meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements, whether you use it occasionally or as a residence. For towable RVs, the insurance policy on the towing vehicle may extend to cover liability, but typically does not include physical damage to the RV or attached accessories.

Best coverage for part-time RVers

People who use their motorhomes for weekend getaways should at least have basic liability coverage that meets their state’s minimum requirements.

Other types of RV insurance for part-time RVers include:

• Property damage liability coverage: Pays for damages you cause to another person’s property or vehicle.
• Bodily injury liability coverage: Helps pay the medical expenses of those you injure in an at-fault accident.
• Collision coverage: Covers repairs to your RV after an accident with another vehicle, whether you’re at fault or not.
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damages caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, fire and other non-collision accidents.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: Covers the cost of repairs to your RV and your medical payments if you’re in an accident caused by a driver without insurance or insufficient coverage.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for you and your passenger in the event of an accident, no matter who is at fault. It may also cover lost wages.
• Campsite/vacation liability coverage: Helps pay for legal expenses if you’re deemed responsible for injuries or losses incurred by a non-family member within your campsite or RV.
• Roadside Assistance: Offers around-the-clock repairs, towing and emergency assistance should your RV experience a flat tire, battery discharge or other malfunction.

Best coverage for full-time RVers

For added peace of mind, full-time RVers should consider having a more comprehensive policy that includes some of the above-mentioned add-ons as well as any of the following:

• Personal property coverage: Covers the cost of replacing any damaged or stolen personal effects. Personal belongings coverage includes clothing, furniture, jewelry and computers, for example.
• Total loss replacement: Replaces your RV with an equal or similar model if your vehicle is stolen or totaled in an accident. The insurer may reimburse you for the original purchase price in other cases. Lenders may require this coverage if you finance your RV.
• Full-time RV liability coverage: Adds additional coverage for liability and medical expenses if you live in your RV for six months or more each year.
• Emergency expense allowance: Covers up to a specified amount of living and travel expenses like car rentals, lodging and food if your RV leaves you stranded, usually more than 100 miles away.
• Specialized coverage: Can replace appliances like awnings, satellite dishes, and solar panels and can even provide coverage for any pet injuries that happen in the vehicle.
• Loss assessment: Helps cover fees RV associations charge for damage to common areas in a campsite, for example.

What RV insurance doesn’t cover

RV insurance won’t cover the following:

• Normal wear and tear: RV insurance protects your vehicle against unexpected events, not routine maintenance or deterioration.
• Mold damage, fungi or rot: Insurers consider mold a sign of neglect and won’t cover damages unless it’s directly linked to water damage caused by a covered event.
• Certain types of water damage: RV insurance doesn’t cover water damage caused by regular wear and tear, freezing temperatures or manufacturer defects.
• Earthquake damage: RV insurance covers most natural disasters, including floods, storms and fires, but earthquake coverage varies by insurer.

How to Buy RV Insurance

Here are some tips on how to find and purchase the right RV insurance coverage for you.

1. Determine the coverage you need

Whether you use your RV for full-time living or occasional trips will determine the coverage options you need, whether liability only or additional coverage options such as collision, comprehensive or personal effects.

Remember that your auto insurance policy may cover towable campers or trailers but not motorhomes. And while it covers liability and damages to the RV, it generally excludes belongings or appliances inside. Homeowners insurance may also offer some coverage, but only when the RV is parked on the insured property.

2. Shop around for insurance quotes

RV insurance costs depend on your driving history, location, type of vehicle and usage and any optional riders you select. To get the most affordable premium for the coverage you need, compare quotes from multiple insurers. Consult an independent insurance agent if you don’t have time to shop around.

3. Look for discounts and consider bundling multiple policies

Most insurers offer multi-policy discounts, helping you save on premiums by combining your RV policy with auto, home, renters, boat or even life insurance policies . Bundling can also help you avoid the hassle of dealing with different companies when you have to file a claim. Other discounts vary by insurer, but could also result in significant savings.

4. Consider RV rental insurance

If you plan on renting an RV for a vacation, consider getting RV rental insurance. This type of policy usually provides liability, collision damage waiver and coverage for personal accidents or personal effects. You can purchase a policy through the rental company or your insurer.

However, remember that your current car or RV insurance policy may already extend some rental RV coverage. Coverage may not be available in some states or for trips longer than 30 days, so call your insurer to verify before heading out.

If you rent your RV to others, it’s considered a commercial-use vehicle, and your insurance policy won’t cover the renter. The person must obtain their own rental insurance. If you’re merely lending your RV to a friend or family member, your existing coverage may extend to them, depending on your policy.

Note that some states — including Arkansas and Wisconsin — require drivers to get special licenses to drive RVs. If you live in one of these states and lend your RV to someone, that person must have the required license if you want your insurance policy to cover them.

What kind of insurance do I need to rent out my RV?

To rent out an RV, you’ll need at least liability coverage, which pays for damages or injury you may cause to other people and their property in an at-fault accident. Except New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia, require that vehicles, including RVs, have liability coverage.

Insurance for towable RVs is another matter. When you tow your RV behind another vehicle instead of driving it, you only have to worry about having enough coverage to protect your belongings, not additional liability insurance.

RV Insurance FAQs

What states require trailer insurance.

Trailer insurance requirements vary by state and by type of trailer. Most local governments require liability insurance, while others also require uninsured motorist coverage.

Currently, only two states don't require any type of trailer insurance. You can drive an uninsured vehicle in Virginia if you pay an uninsured motorist fee. In New Hampshire, you can drive uninsured if you prove you have enough money to cover liability expenses in an at-fault accident.

Do you need trailer insurance?

You don't need insurance for a non-motorized trailer hooked to a towing vehicle. The vehicle's insurance coverage extends to the trailer attached to it. However, this coverage is typically limited to liability.

Talk to your auto insurance provider if you want to add property damage coverage for the trailer or purchase a separate RV insurance to ensure the trailer is insured against damage.

Who has the best RV insurance?

Does rv insurance cover water damage, what is vacation liability rv insurance, how we chose the best rv insurance.

• Coverage options and discounts: We picked companies that offer a comprehensive selection of coverage options and premium discounts.
• Customer satisfaction: We favored companies with above-average scores in J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
• Financial strength: We considered the financial strength of each insurer as evidenced by their A.M. Best rating. A.M Best is a credit rating agency that assesses the creditworthiness of insurance companies.
• Complaint index: We looked up every insurer’s complaint trend report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and favored those with few complaints.

Summary of Money’s Best RV Insurance of 2024

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