Full-Time RV Living: The Complete Guide to Life on the Road
More people are choosing full-time RV life than ever before. Here is everything you need to know about making the transition — the costs, challenges, and rewards.
Full-time RV living has moved from a fringe lifestyle to a legitimate and increasingly popular choice for remote workers, retirees, and adventure-seekers. Here is what the reality looks like beyond the Instagram highlights.
Establishing Your Domicile
Full-timers without a fixed address must establish legal domicile in one state for vehicle registration, driving licence, and tax purposes. South Dakota, Texas, and Florida are the most popular domicile states for full-time RVers due to their lack of state income tax, straightforward registration processes, and mail forwarding services.
Mail and Administrative Life
Mail forwarding services like Escapees Mail Service and America Mail Forwarding receive your mail, scan items on request, and forward packages to wherever you are. Most full-timers check mail online weekly and have physical mail forwarded once a month. Banks, government agencies, and service providers accept mail forwarding addresses as a permanent address.
Healthcare on the Road
Health insurance that works nationally is essential for full-timers. Health sharing ministries, Marketplace plans with nationwide networks, or coverage through an employer with nationwide network access are the main options. Establish relationships with telehealth providers for routine care.
Work and Income
Remote work has made full-time RVing accessible to working-age people for the first time. A reliable internet connection — typically a combination of cellular data boosters and campground WiFi — handles most remote work requirements. A cellular data plan with a quality signal booster is more reliable for work-critical connectivity than campsite WiFi alone.