Newly retired senior checking out idea of full time RV living as I have wanted to do this for many yrs but got scared off by possible high cost of living that way.I'm looking into renting a motorhome class C about 24-26ft for 2 mos to experience RV living (I've often camped in a tent). I would be heading down the east coast of US Apr-May.Your forum is great for info and I love reading your stories!Living in NS, sales taxes are very high and a friend suggested it would be less expensive to rent one in US eg Maine(although $can is only about US$oo.92 right now.)Does anyone have suggestions about how to go about this the best way and what would be a good model to rent? If I like it, I would look into buying one.Thanks, Mariaps this is my first experience with a forum!

Doesn't really matter what you rent, what matters is that you're doing this the right way first. This is a great way to get familiar with how things work. RVing is not always cheaper than living in a home however, but it is fun.

Newly retired senior checking out idea of full time RV living as I have wanted to do this for many yrs but got scared off by possible high cost of living that way. I'm looking into renting a motorhome class C about 24-26ft for 2 mos to experience RV living (I've often camped in a tent). I would be heading down the east coast of US Apr-May. Your forum is great for info and I love reading your stories! Living in NS, sales taxes are very high and a friend suggested it would be less expensive to rent one in US eg Maine(although $can is only about US$oo.92 right now.) Does anyone have suggestions about how to go about this the best way and what would be a good model to rent? If I like it, I would look into buying one. Thanks, Maria ps this is my first experience with a forum! There is excellent information on the fulltime lifestyle on Escapees, Technomania, and NuRvers web sites (and many others). And you will find people live in all kinds of RV's big or small. Many work part time to make some extra money.You have two issues. The first is whether you are really a candidate for full time living in an RV; and the second depends on the first that if you think you are a candidate then what type of RV to fulltime in. Many RV's are made purely for occasional recreational usage. And others are made for full time usage.

Hi Maria. Renting a MH for a trip like that will really give you a good idea of living the lifestyle and if you enjoy it or not. The size you are looking at should be fine for getting around without towing a car. Your two biggest expenses will be fuel and camp ground fees. I've never rented an rv before, so I don't have any advice, but there seem to be plenty of rental places around. My wife and I have just recently retired, and have only been out on 1-2 week trips, but are looking forward to being on the road 1-2 months and probably a lot longer. We have done a lot of camping over the years, and pretty much knew this is what we wanted. You will like it a lot better than using a tent.

Living full time in an RV can be as cheep or as expensive as you want to make it. On the cheep, stay for a month at a time(lowest rates) Camp host(free space and utilities). So your only expenses are food, propane, and fuel for your RV, plus insurance and medical. Expensive, resorts can run 50 or more dollars a day plus electricity. Eating out a lot of the time can be very costly. It can be what you want.As for long term rentals? While that can become very expensive it is still far cheaper than buying one and discover you really hate the life and sell out at a hugh loss.

Go to the website rvlifestyleexperts.com Jaimie has a lot of excellent articles. Click on her blog, she has info on women rving alone, work kamping, etc. She has several books about living the rv lifestyle.I get newsletters also from www.rvtravel.com . He has several different ones as well as instructional videos on you tube.

Is RV living for me? | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

dancingypsyspir
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
All advice is appreciated! I'm now thinking of flying to Atlanta from east coast of Canada and renting one there for 2 weeks just to become acquainted with RV living.I know this isn't nearly long enough to discover what full time is like but it gets my feet wet. I plan to spend the rest of this year checking out many RV's until I'm ready to buy a used one to try for a longer period next winter,then sell it or buy a better one if that still appeals.Since I love traveling I suspect RV life may work for me.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
Don't rent for two months,too expensive. Be aware that the "thrill" of daily living in a class C may wear off after a while. We lived in our 27 footer during a lengthy home remodel and didn't want to go back to it for some time afterward. Met a couple who sold their home and went on the road. Wife began to pine away for her home,and surrounds, friends, etc. They could not afford to buy another home. A lot depends on you and your mate's personality and emotions. Some women are "home bodies" some are not.
jonthebru
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
ron.dittmer wrote:

A very popular 2 week RV vacation is to fly into Las Vegas, do the grand loop returning back there, then fly back home. Europeans do that all the time.

That is exactly what I was going to recommend. I live on Maui and want to fly to either vegas or phoenix do the drive through the west and return to the same place. 22ft RV, 14 days for about $1200.00 from phoenix; the vegas price is $1106.00. Trying to find someone to do that with from here. But when I full time it I will do it solo.
ron_dittmer
Explorer III
Jan 13, 2014
They say renting is a good introduction to RVing, but I do wonder what it will cost to rent one for 2 months. You might want to consider a 2 week trip to see how it goes. If you really enjoyed it, then consider buying one. Two weeks of experience, and this forum in combination, could equip you adequately to make a wise decision as to what to consider, if anything at all.

A very popular 2 week RV vacation is to fly into Las Vegas, do the grand loop returning back there, then fly back home. Europeans do that all the time.
Harvard
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
One feature you will be glad to have are water systems that are completely contained in a heated environment, both engine and LPG furnace heat. Triple E from Winkler, Manitoba offer these options in their Class C XL versions. As far as used vs new, we have owned 3 Triple E MHs and all resulted from private sales.
littlemo
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Renting an RV for 2 months is going to be Megabucks! Your best bet is to get on the RV nets and all the fulltimer's Blogs and read. Then maybe rent one for a few days or week just to get the feel of it. Renting one for 2 months would put a huge dent in my life's savings.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Owning and maintaining an RV is a hobby in itself. Class C motorhomes are a box truck chock full of appliances and devices that need 120v AC and 12v DC and propane supply to operate and provide you the "comforts of home". Batteries and charging equipment must be monitored and maintained. Most RV's are not well insulated and the windshield and windows allow cold and heat in. Plumbing can freeze in cold weather. You should choose a "rig" with comfortable rear bed room with easy access on both sides. Sleeping in the overhead bunk is for kids without arthritis, etc. Ok for a few nights but not great long term. Not meaning to discourage but to alert you. Good idea to try it all out in a rental before you decide about the life style and what to buy.
BobandShaz
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Good luck
dancingypsyspir
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Thanks for all the helpful advice, Bob!
There are several campgrounds nearby and that's
a great way to get my feet wet.
I am also going to an RV show in NS in 2 weeks and one in
NB in Feb. Renting to own makes sense.
I suppose buying from a dealer is more expensive but more reliable than a private sale.
Maria
PghBob
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014
Hi Maria:

I would suggest that after renting an RV, you spend your first night(s) at a campground near home if possible. This would give you time to practice the day to day operations of an RV (like learning how to dump), hookups, etc. before heading out on a long trip.

Some RV rental companies will offer a "rent to own" deal, such that your rental fees go towards the purchase. If new to RVing, I think you should decline this offer unless you really know the kind of RV you want and can afford.

The largest RV show in the US is claimed to be at Hershey PA in September. Even if you are not yet ready to purchase, it provides a great opportunity to compare and contrast various models. We went several times before buying.

After your maiden trip, if you feel the RV lifestyle is for you, do some research to develop the specs. you would like in an RV. If you are still considering full-timing at that point, the Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity of the RV is probably the most important factor to consider. What floor plan, what kind of roof, what kind of outer skin, how big should the holding tanks be, etc. Consider a RV show to help with this.

Best wishes,

Bob