There is a certain segment of the RVing population that choose to live in their units full-time. Some have luxurious, Class A motorhomes while others are content with simple pop-up trailers. It is an interesting community, that’s for sure. If you were to join them, how much RV would you need to live in it full-time?
This question came about while searching online for RV skirting. Being new to the subject, I was surprised by just what you can buy to make life as an RV owner more comfortable. RV skirting is just the tip of the iceberg. The beautiful thing is that there is room for everybody. Whether you prefer simplicity or complete luxury, you are welcome to join the RV world.
The Classic Motorhome
The classic motorhome is that which many people think of when they hear discussions of RVs. A motorhome is essentially an integrated unit that combines both living space and drive mechanisms. If your RV has an engine, steering wheel and four wheels, it is a motorhome. There are three classes recognized by U.S. motor vehicle law:
- Class A – These are the largest motorhomes. They feature a solid body and are sometimes built on bus frames.
- Class B – These are semi-integrated motorhomes that may or may not be solid body. They tend to have lower profiles.
- Class C – These are the smallest motorhomes. They are generally two-piece units with the living space built on top of a van frame.
For all three classes, you would likely include a few extra items like RV skirting from AirSkirts. You would probably have an awning, a built-in grill, and an exterior entertainment center.
The Fifth Wheel Trailer
Fifth wheel trailers are those trailers that hook to a pickup truck with a set-up similar to an 18-wheeler. The fifth wheel, which is actually the hookup mechanism, sits in the bed of the pickup truck. Positioned directly over the fifth wheel and hook is the main sleeping area.
These types of trailers tend to be the longest and widest in the trailer family. They are also considered luxury units for the most part, so you would include the same primary accessories. Awnings, RV skirting, built-in grills, and bump outs are common.
The Travel Trailer
Among all the categories, this one is perhaps the most extensive and varied. Travel trailers come in all sizes and shapes. The longest can be almost as long as a fifth wheel. The shortest can be little more than a teardrop trailer towed by a compact car. In terms accessories, you are generally limited to the size of the trailer itself. You only have so much room to pack extras.
Everything Else
Once you get beyond the main categories, there are lots of other options. For example, there are people who love their pop-up trailers. These are trailers that combine a hard-shell frame with a canvas canopy. Pop-up trailers are lightweight and easy to use.
Other options include conversion vans, standard tents, and even sleeping under the stars. However, it doesn’t seem reasonable that many full-timers would make a go of it with one of the more primitive options. When you are full-time, you want to take your home with you.
So, what do you say? If you were to live full-time while traveling around the country, how much RV would you need to be comfortable? It’s a hard question to answer if you haven’t spent a lot of time in an RV. Then again, it is surprising just how comfortable you can be once you’ve done it for a while.