Travel trailers, motor homes, and 5th wheels are usually purchased for recreational fun. For example, Tammy and I, intend to use our camper for weekend trips or even the occasional 2-3 week trip.
However, there are folks who want to live in their RV full time. We have friends who have done just that. Which ones do we consider the best RV for full-time living?
5 Best RVs for Full-Time Living
But not all RVs are suited for full-time living. we’ll take a look at some of the things you should consider when purchasing an RV for full-time living. I’ve created a list of some of the more beneficial features that our list of RVs should meet in order to make the most of full-time RV living.
What We Would Like To See In a Full-Time RV
When choosing the best RV for full-time living we decided there are certain features we want to see. We chose these features as being needed for an RV for full-time living because they add certain comforts you would find in a typical residential home.
Pull Behind
For us and for many folks a fifth wheel is not an option. Many, including Tammy and I, have a capable vehicle with which to tow and do not want to incur the cost of a bigger SUV or truck or have to install a bed-mounted hitch. We kept our selection to pull behind only, though we would have loved to add a motorhome or two, we’ll do that in another article.
Don’t get me wrong there are many 5th wheels that will do very well as a full-time rig but for the sake of this article, we will only review travel trailers.
Sleeping Capacity
Sleeping capacity has to be a minimum of 4 preferable more if possible. If bunk beds are available that is an added plus. It’s great to have a sleeping arrangement for the kids or grandkids.
All Around Weather Protection
You are going to be living full-time in this camper. That means, depending on your location, you will encounter all four seasons. A four-season protection package should be standard or an option on your full-time RV if needed for the climate you will be living in
Roomy Interior
Though there are those who will be comfortable in a small RV we prefer a bigger one with plenty of interior space. We don’t want to be stepping all over each other as we go about our daily routine.
Residential Fridge
Having a full-size RV refrigerator is a big plus. It’s not a deal-breaker but very nice to have.
Queen or King Bed
Definitely, a deal-breaker for us if the travel trailer does not have a queen or king bed. Here are some campers with king beds.
Dry Bathroom
RVs usually have a dry bath or wet bath. On RVs that are suitable for full-time living, you will typically find a wet bath. We just wanted to make sure as you choose your camper you are aware of the differences between a wet bath and a dry bath.
Let’s get started with a more detailed look at our Top 5 RVs for Full-Time Living and see how well they meet our criteria.
#1. Grand Design Reflection
The Grand Design Reflection comes in 4 floorplans. All floorplans come with a queen bed. The 315RLTS allows for a king bed upgrade. The Reflection is roomy and 3 of the plans include a kitchen island which is a very useful addition. Three of the floorplans include a 12 cubic feet refrigerator. Though not quite a full-size fridge the 12 cubic feet offers lots of space.
There is comfortable sleeping for 4-6 people depending on the floorplan chosen. The Arctic 4-Season package is mandatory and adds the 35K BTU high capacity furnace, heated and enclosed underbelly plus several other features.
The living area is well furnished and spacious with a comfortable sofa and love seats.
Not much to complain about when it comes to the Reflection. I think based on our criteria it will make an excellent camper for full-time RV living. We could not easily find a four-season option so that may require some discussion with the dealer.
To view the Grand Design Reflection floorplans, specifications, and photo gallery visit Grand Design RV. We also like the Grand Design Imagine.
#2. Heartland RVS North Trail
The Heartland North Trail features an open design that provides plenty of space for an RVing family to relax. The oversized windows let in lots of natural light which is a huge plus as it doesn’t make the interior feel dark and cramped.
Four available floorplans allow you to choose the one that is right for your needs and budget. The refrigerator is only 6 cubic feet so it’s not the full-size we prefer.
Sleeping capacity is 6 max depending on the floorplan. The North Trail has lots of storage space making it perfect for the RV life.
It is available with a queen bed and an optional pillow-top mattress but no option for a king bed is available. There is walking space on either side of the best which is nice. The North Trail does not have a full-size fridge but it’s not small by any means either.
The exterior features include a very nice patio awning.
View all of the Heartland North Trail floorplans and features here.
#3. Prime Time Manufacturing Lacrosse
One of our favorite best RV for full-time living is the Prime Time Lacrosse is described as “luxury to the max”. It offers comfort, convenience, and luxury in a well-designed package. Seven floorplans are available which can all be used for full-time RV living.
The plans are spacious ad offer plenty of sleeping capacity. We like the dinette as it has chairs instead of a bench seat.
A queen bed or king bed can be had depending on the plan you choose. The fridge is large and quite adequate for full-time living needs. The interior is comfortable with lots of space in which to move about without bumping into your better half.
Check out the Lacrosse.
#4. Lance Camper 2465
The Lance Camper 2465 is their flagship model. It is an ultra-light travel trailer that offers dual slides that expands the front living space and rear master suite. It has a comfortable J-lounge with a large panoramic rear window. It has a king-size bed and an available 40-inch LED TV mounted on a motorized lift.
An all-weather package, a 7 cubic feet fridge, and a sleeping capacity of 5 round out this travel trailer. The Lance Camper 2465 is loaded with features that make it an excellent choice for full-time RV living.
#5. Jayco Eagle
The Jayco Eagle is a luxury travel trailer that features a huge master bedroom, washer/dryer prep, a very well-equipped kitchen, a large walk-in shower, and lots of interior living space. It is available in 4 floor plans.
You have the option to upgrade the refrigerator from the standard 8 cubic feet to 13 or 21 cubic feet. The standard queen bed can be upgraded to a king bed.
Standard with the Jayco Eagle is the Climate-Shield that offers zero-degree-tested weather protection. The belly of the Eagle is fully enclosed and ducted and heated.
An outdoor kitchen with an optional TV and a sleeping capacity of 5-6 people rounds out the Jayco Eagle.
The Jayco Eagle is an excellent RV for full-time living and is suitable for small families or large
Best RV for Full-time Living Final Thoughts
Full-time RV living is not for everyone and for us at this time in our life it is not. However, for those, that want to travel and live in their camper full-time any one of the 5 best RV for full-time living above is an excellent choice.
