3 ms·

I don't live in an RV full time, but I have stayed in mine for months at a time, living and working. Even a small RV is pretty big compared to a car. 20mpg is

by msisk6 17y ago

I don't live in an RV full time, but I have stayed in mine for months at a time, living and working. Even a small RV is pretty big compared to a car. 20mpg is rare in RVs -- most get much worse. Sewer and water usually isn't a problem. And most RV dealers that work on these things are setup to deal with folks that live full-time in the rig. If it requires overnight repairs they'll usually just roll it out for you to stay in at night and pull it back into the shop the next day. The laundromat is a pain, but most truck stops have them and you can always use a laundry service. Having friends over is possible but tight. Most often you can go over to their place. OTOH, most folks find RV trips a real adventure. One of my first dates with my wife was an RV trip. Winter usually isn't a problem (depends where you live, though); RVs have propane for heat and cooking. Cost is an issue, especially compared to owning a house. A house or condo (usually) appreciates in value. An RV depreciates like a rock. After 10 years the value of an RV plummets even more (a lot of RV parks don't allow rigs over 10 years old).

kingkongreveng_ 17y ago
What are the details on water and sewage? My guess is this is a huge hassle outside an RV park. I don't get why the article didn't touch on this.
- msisk6 17y ago
  I described the actual process in reply to another comment a few messages down. You can dump the waste and fill up with fresh water at a lot of different places. Most Flying J truck stops have an RV dump and potable water supply, as do many highway rest stops and state parks. Some RV dealers have facilities, too. And there's always RV parks like KOA, but you generally have to pay a small fee to dump and get water here if you're not staying the night. Also, the RV community is friendly and connected online. Some folks have installed dump stations at their homes for their own RVs and will let you use that in a pinch if you ask nicely.
roc 17y ago
RE: Winter - My thought is that, despite having a heater, living in an RV might be pretty rough during a Midwest winter. I'm sure it could be done, but I'd wonder about the level of insulation, heating efficiency, etc. I would also wonder about snow accumulation and road handling in inclement conditions (including downpours and high winds).
- whatusername 17y ago
  Isn't part of the point that you move during winter.
- msisk6 17y ago
  This will vary with the model of RV, but most of them are pretty well insulated. Most have a metal frame with sheet foam between. The outside skin is usually fiberglass, which makes a good vapor barrier. The volume to heat is pretty small so it's efficient. The biggest problem in really cold weather is condensation on inside of the windows. Some of the more expensive RVs have dual-pane windows with don't have this problem and are even more efficient. Road handling varies. Most RVs are heavy which aids snow traction. And rain isn't a problem either (except for the noise). But wind -- that's a problem. Most RVs are tall and boxy. RVs with long a wheel-base in relation to length do better in wind than those with large overhangs aft of the rear axle. I found that the faster I go the worse the handling in stiff cross-winds. Slowing down to 55mph helps a lot. Cross-winds are the worst. Headwinds suck your milage down (a lot) but a tailwind will help.

by msisk6 17y ago

kingkongreveng_ 17y ago

What are the details on water and sewage? My guess is this is a huge hassle outside an RV park. I don't get why the article didn't touch on this.

msisk6 17y ago
I described the actual process in reply to another comment a few messages down. You can dump the waste and fill up with fresh water at a lot of different places. Most Flying J truck stops have an RV dump and potable water supply, as do many highway rest stops and state parks. Some RV dealers have facilities, too. And there's always RV parks like KOA, but you generally have to pay a small fee to dump and get water here if you're not staying the night. Also, the RV community is friendly and connected online. Some folks have installed dump stations at their homes for their own RVs and will let you use that in a pinch if you ask nicely.

roc 17y ago

RE: Winter - My thought is that, despite having a heater, living in an RV might be pretty rough during a Midwest winter. I'm sure it could be done, but I'd wonder about the level of insulation, heating efficiency, etc. I would also wonder about snow accumulation and road handling in inclement conditions (including downpours and high winds).

whatusername 17y ago
Isn't part of the point that you move during winter.
msisk6 17y ago
This will vary with the model of RV, but most of them are pretty well insulated. Most have a metal frame with sheet foam between. The outside skin is usually fiberglass, which makes a good vapor barrier. The volume to heat is pretty small so it's efficient. The biggest problem in really cold weather is condensation on inside of the windows. Some of the more expensive RVs have dual-pane windows with don't have this problem and are even more efficient. Road handling varies. Most RVs are heavy which aids snow traction. And rain isn't a problem either (except for the noise). But wind -- that's a problem. Most RVs are tall and boxy. RVs with long a wheel-base in relation to length do better in wind than those with large overhangs aft of the rear axle. I found that the faster I go the worse the handling in stiff cross-winds. Slowing down to 55mph helps a lot. Cross-winds are the worst. Headwinds suck your milage down (a lot) but a tailwind will help.