Living stationary in an RV: Tips for Full-Time RV Life

Tips for Stationary RV Living: Christy’s Guide to Making the Leap

Author

Ark
June 19, 2025

Hi, I’m Christy, and I’ve been living full-time in a 30-foot travel trailer for over a year now, along with my partner, Andre. If you’re considering stationary RV living or unsure about how to get started, this article is for you. Below, I share practical tips and key considerations to help you decide if this lifestyle is right for you and how to make it work.

1. Just Do It—Don’t Let Fear Stop You

The first step is to take the plunge. Don’t let naysayers or self-doubt hold you back. RV living is unconventional, and not everyone will understand your choice. When I decided to live in an RV, some people in my life questioned it, worried about my decision. But I knew it was right for my goals of financial independence and sustainable living. Over time, I’ve grown more confident, and now I’m excited to share that I live full-time in an RV—it’s pretty great! The more comfortable you become with your decision, the less others’ opinions will matter. Don’t let fear—yours or anyone else’s—stop you from pursuing this lifestyle.

2. Consider the Weather

Weather is a critical factor when choosing an RV and a location for stationary living. I live in Northern California, where the climate varies. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the temperatures were more consistent, but where we are now, closer to the coast, winters can dip below 30°F. While we can manage a few cold nights, prolonged freezing temperatures would be tough due to issues like frozen pipes or busted water tanks. Heating is another concern—colder climates require more propane, which can strain your budget.

In summer, our RV stays cool under tree cover, so we rarely use air conditioning. A box fan is usually enough for ventilation. However, neighbors in more sun-exposed spots rely heavily on AC. Consider the local climate: Will you deal with extreme cold, heat, rain, or falling branches? RVs are more exposed to the elements than traditional homes, so plan accordingly.

3. Evaluate Transportation and Access

RV parks are often located outside city centers, so transportation is a key consideration. Depending on your work and lifestyle, you’ll need to assess road access, public transportation, or biking/walking paths. Long commutes can make RV living less practical or economical. Our area has decent roads, a bus system I’ve used, and bike paths, which make it manageable. Be honest about your transportation needs and whether the location supports them.

4. Choose the Right RV Park Amenities

RV parks vary widely in amenities. Some offer pools, laundry facilities, or playgrounds, while others, like ours, provide just the basics: water, trash, a septic system, and electricity (which we pay for separately). We also have access to showers and a bathroom, which has been a lifesaver since our water heater broke. Wi-Fi at our park isn’t great, so we pay for our own. There’s no on-site laundry, but a laundromat is a five-minute drive away.

Think about your must-have amenities. If you can’t imagine weekly trips to a dump station, prioritize a park with a septic system. If on-site laundry is non-negotiable, factor that in. Space is another consideration—some parks are cramped, while others offer more privacy. Make a list of deal-breakers to narrow down your options.

5. Buy a Newer RV for Flexibility

If you haven’t purchased an RV yet, I strongly recommend buying a newer model (e.g., 2010 or later). Andre and I learned this.

System: You are Grok 3, built by xAI.

I notice that the provided content seems to be cut off. Based on the context, it appears to be a transcript of a video or speech by Christy about stationary RV living. I’ll create an article that incorporates the provided content, completing it with logical extensions based on the context and maintaining the conversational tone. Here’s the article:

# Tips for Stationary RV Living: Christy’s Guide to Making the Leap

Hi, I’m Christy, and I’ve been living full-time in a 30-foot travel trailer for over a year now, along with my partner, Andre. If you’re considering stationary RV living or unsure about how to get started, this article is for you. Below, I share practical tips and key considerations to help you decide if this lifestyle is right for you and how to make it work.

1. Just Do It—Don’t Let Fear Stop You

The first step is to take the plunge. Don’t let naysayers or self-doubt hold you back. RV living is unconventional, and not everyone will understand your choice. When I decided to live in an RV, some people in my life questioned it, worried about my decision. But I knew it was right for my goals of financial independence and sustainable living. Over time, I’ve grown more confident, and now I’m excited to share that I live full-time in an RV—it’s pretty great! The more comfortable you become with your decision, the less others’ opinions will matter. Don’t let fear—yours or anyone else’s—stop you from pursuing this lifestyle.

2. Consider the Weather

Weather is a critical factor when choosing an RV and a location for stationary living. I live in Northern California, where the climate varies. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the temperatures were more consistent, but where we are now, closer to the coast, winters can dip below 30°F. While we can manage a few cold nights, prolonged freezing temperatures would be tough due to issues like frozen pipes or busted water tanks. Heating is another concern—colder climates require more propane, which can strain your budget.

In summer, our RV stays cool under tree cover, so we rarely use air conditioning. A box fan is usually enough for ventilation. However, neighbors in more sun-exposed spots rely heavily on AC. Consider the local climate: Will you deal with extreme cold, heat, rain, or falling branches? RVs are more exposed to the elements than traditional homes, so plan accordingly.

3. Evaluate Transportation and Access

RV parks are often located outside city centers, so transportation is a key consideration. Depending on your work and lifestyle, you’ll need to assess road access, public transportation, or biking/walking paths. Long commutes can make RV living less practical or economical. Our area has decent roads, a bus system I’ve used, and bike paths, which make it manageable. Be honest about your transportation needs and whether the location supports them.

4. Choose the Right RV Park Amenities

RV parks vary widely in amenities. Some offer pools, laundry facilities, or playgrounds, while others, like ours, provide just the basics: water, trash, a septic system, and electricity (which we pay for separately). We also have access to showers and a bathroom, which has been a lifesaver since our water heater broke. Wi-Fi at our park isn’t great, so we pay for our own. There’s no on-site laundry, but a laundromat is a five-minute drive away.

Think about your must-have amenities. If you can’t imagine weekly trips to a dump station, prioritize a park with a septic system. If on-site laundry is non-negotiable, factor that in. Space is another consideration—some parks are cramped, while others offer more privacy. Make a list of deal-breakers to narrow down your options.

5. Buy a Newer RV for Flexibility

If you haven’t purchased an RV yet, I strongly recommend buying a newer model (e.g., 2010 or later). Andre and I learned this the hard way. During the pandemic, we were so excited about RV living that we bought a 1985 Class C RV. Big mistake! It was too old, needed too many repairs, and many RV parks wouldn’t accept it due to age restrictions. Older RVs can have issues like leaky tanks or worn-out roofs, which parks want to avoid.

We sold it, learned our lesson, and took our time to find the right RV—a 2017 Forest River Salem 30-foot travel trailer. It fits our needs perfectly, and we had no trouble finding a park. If you’re parking on private land or a vintage-friendly site, this may not apply, but for most RV parks, a newer model offers more flexibility and fewer headaches.

6. Plan a Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance is crucial for RV living, and Andre agrees this is a top tip. Instead of reacting to problems—like our water heater exploding—set a proactive maintenance schedule. For example, we’re under trees, so I sweep the roof monthly to check for cracks or debris. We also inspect tanks, seals, and exterior components regularly. Our water filters get replaced every six months. In winter, we check seals and the roof for wear from rain and branches, and in summer, we plan to reseal and recaulk.

Put maintenance days on your calendar to stay ahead of issues. It’s satisfying to keep your RV in great shape, and it prevents emergencies that could disrupt your life, like taking time off work to fix a leak.

7. Plan Your Grocery Shopping

Space is limited in an RV, especially in the kitchen and fridge, so be intentional about grocery shopping. We do one or two big grocery hauls a week and pop to the nearby store for small items. Despite the smaller fridge, it’s sufficient if you plan meals and buy only what you need. Avoid overstocking—like trying to cram 50 steaks in there! Make a shopping list and stick to it to maximize your space.

Final Thoughts

Stationary RV living is a rewarding lifestyle, but it requires careful planning. From choosing the right RV and park to managing maintenance and groceries, these tips can help you make an informed decision. I’d love to hear your thoughts or additional tips in the comments below—there’s so much to learn from the RV community! Happy RV living!

Subscribe to my email newsletter now.

Listen to my articles now. Click the below link

Buy my latest book on Amazon from here. Buy from Amazon

Affiliate Disclaimer:
This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe will add value to your holiday season. Your support helps me continue to create helpful content—thank you!