You've spent years working hard, and now you are finally ready for the leisurely stage of your life. Retirement is a great opportunity to explore the country, and many retirees spend their golden years traveling from state to state in an RV.
If you are considering joining the RV lifestyle, we've put together a list of resources that address the most common concerns. Remember, plenty of people are out enjoying life on the road with success!
1. How do I plan a budget?
When planning your RV budget, it’s easiest to work out the costs ahead of time. In general, your expenses will include site fees, RV payments, gas, food, entertainment, insurance, cell phones and maintenance.
Many of these costs are flexible. You can stay at cheap or free campsites when they are available, and you can cook your food instead of eating out.
Here are some articles from full-time RVers about how they manage their budgets:
- Technomadia: How Much Does It Cost to be a Perpetual RVing or Cruising Nomad?
- WheelingIt: The Costs Of Fulltime RVing (Part I) – Budgeting & Planning Your Spend
- Heath and Alyssa: How Much Does It Cost to Live in an RV?
- For gas planning, check out Gas Buddy’s Trip Cost Calculator
- For free camping sites, visit Campendium’s Free Camping finder
2. How do I manage my healthcare?
For retirees, healthcare is a top priority. Before you commit to RVing, discuss your personal health needs with your doctor to make sure you can meet them on the road. It’s important you know how wide your insurance’s coverage network is and learn what provider options are available in other states.
These blogs give great tips for finding a health plan that fits your lifestyle:
- WinnebaGoLife: Health Insurance Challenge: Coverage for Full-Time RVers
- Gone With the Wynns: Finally Insured! Our Simple, Affordable RV Healthcare
- You can also research your healthcare options by visiting the RVer Insurance Exchange
3. Will I be able to stay in touch with my family and friends?
Fortunately, these days, staying in touch with your friends and family has never been easier. Through ubiquitous cell phones and the rise of social media, our loved ones are never more than a button-push away.
When you start RVing, you will also join a large and active community of fellow RVers, and you can make new friends at every stop. Even better, if you family or friends are spread out across the country, an RV gives you the perfect excuse to visit them!
RV bloggers, Rover Pass, have a great overview of how they stay in touch while RVing.
Need advice for choosing a wireless internet provider? Visit the Mobile Internet Resource Center or DIY RV’s RV Internet And Mobile WIFI On The Go Guide.
4. How do I manage taxes, voting and other basic logistics?
If you decide to become a full-time RVer, you will need to find a state of domicile to register to vote, receive mail, obtain a driver’s license, register your vehicles, etc.
Many resources suggest that South Dakota, Florida, Texas and Nevada are well-suited for RVers due to their low taxes and RV-friendly regulations.
Here are a few articles and blogs that go into more detail on residency as a full-timer.
- Trail and Hitch: State Residency for the Full Time RV Traveler
- RV Life: The Best States for Full-time RVer Domiciles.
- Carolyn’s RV Life: How Full-Time RVers and VanDwellers Get an Address and Mail
Are you interested in learning more about the RV lifestyle? Download our free Why RV? ebook to see if its the right fit for you!
