12 Pro Tips for Full-Time 5th Wheel Living (2024)

FAQs

12 Pro Tips for Full-Time 5th Wheel Living? ›

Class C motorhomes are a great option for RV living. They come in many different sizes to meet living needs and are usually easy to drive and park. You can get a Class C motorhome also as a Super C RV or Super C motorhome with a large diesel engine.

Class C motorhomes are a great option for RV living. They come in many different sizes to meet living needs and are usually easy to drive and park. You can get a Class C motorhome also as a Super C RV or Super C motorhome with a large diesel engine.

The Average Lifespan

Most travel trailers are likely to last for around ten years at least. If you take care of your model regularly, it might even last for 20 years.

In ideal conditions and barring any local speed limits saying otherwise, the fastest you should find yourself towing a bumper-pull, fifth wheel, or car on a dolly or trailer is between 55 and 60 mph, and many choose to keep the speedometer around 50.

The 3-3-3 rule is a fantastic strategy for RV travelers. When you travel according to the 3-3-3 rule, you drive 300 miles or fewer per day, arrive at your destination before 3 p.m. and stay at your destination for at least three days.

Here are some of the most significant disadvantages of RV living: Limited space: Living in an RV means that you'll have to downsize significantly, which can be challenging if you're used to having a lot of possessions or living in a larger home.

Airstream travel trailers tend to last the longest (about 30 years) because their design is watertight and durable. With an Airstream, you won't have to worry about leaky bump-outs or easily penetrated roofing material.

Luxury 5th wheels boast a generous interior space, offering a superior standard of living compared to motorhomes. This is largely attributed to the initial 10 to 12 feet of a motorhome being dedicated to the co*ckpit or driver's area, leaving less room for living quarters.

What is a good budget for full time RV living? ›

The average cost monthly for full-time RV living can range from as low as $2000 to as high as $8,500. Some individuals can even manage to live on a minimal budget of around $1,900 per month by finding free spots to park their rig or becoming a camp host.

As long as travel fees are kept in check, and RV purchase and maintenance costs are considered, Living “small” in an RV can be significantly cheaper than a monthly mortgage plus the cost of “keeping up with the Joneses” in 2,000 square feet.

In most cases you'll want to go with at least a ¾-ton truck like the Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, or Ram 2500, or—even better—a 1-ton truck. These are heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Ram 3500.

Put simply: can you still use cruise control if you're towing a trailer? The short answer is yes. Even relatively primitive cruise-control systems can cope with the variable of changing vehicle weight and the effect it has on driving. In fact, many systems won't even know the extra load is there.

California RV transport companies typically charge between $1 and $2 per mile for the transport of a fifth wheel.

Pros: Living the RV Lifestyle

You're never obligated to stay in one place for longer than you want. It's a great option for anyone who isn't ready to settle down and for individuals who want to explore and wander. Cheaper: No mortgage. No energy bills.