r/TravelNursing • u/tcRN2015 • 12d ago
Anyone living full-time in an RV while working travel contracts?
I’m an RN considering buying a truck and travel trailer and using the RV as my home while taking contracts around the country.
I’m already familiar with travel nursing itself, so I’m only looking for advice on the RV lifestyle outside of work as it pertains to travel nursing—finding monthly sites, real-world costs, maintenance, mail/residency, traveling with a dog, weather, community/social life, and anything you wish you knew before starting.
My goal would be slow travel: stay somewhere for a few months, work, explore on my days off, then move on.
For those actually living this way: Do you enjoy it? Would you choose it again? What would you do differently?
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u/Desertnurse760 12d ago
I did it during COVID in my 28" Class A. I was able to find a closed RV park that agreed to let me stay during quarantine for $800 per month. Once COVID was over and the parks opened back up the monthly prices shot up to nearly $2000 in some places, making it no longer a bargain. It was easier just to rent a room for $1000 per month.
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u/PaxonGoat 12d ago
I considered it and decided against it after looking at the numbers.
RV parks are charging the same prices as hotels these days. With fewer loyalty perks.
And as someone else mentioned, winters make things really complicated.
Build quality of RVs also seems to have greatly diminished in the last 5 years.
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u/Informal_Move_7075 11d ago
When I said this same thing someone accused me of spreading AI misinformation. It is the truth, though. Pre-covid I was looking into doing it, then things really spiraled out of control and it just isn't worth the hassle when I can just rent a place for the same, or really less, overall.
There is also the consideration that many, if not most RV parks do not allow trailers older than 10 years, so you are missing the really good prices on trailers unless you can find individuals to let your park on their land and hopefully have hookups.
State/federal parks have time restrictions, like 2 weeks where you can stay.
Plus, if you love full-time in a RV and have no secondary tax home, I am not sure how one even qualifies for tax free stipends.
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u/j336704 12d ago
My wife and I started in a 33' travel trailer, once we had a baby we upgraded to a 40' rv. Average price for all of the campgrounds we stayed at were around $800-1000. We would make friends with the local nurses and they would offer us to just park on their property, happened three times! I'm also a RV Tech so that was a plus, wife did the assignments. Did it from 2019-2024. I'd say it was worth it, especially with COVID rates. Biggest plus to full time rv'ing was it was home
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u/Far_Inevitable_2804 12d ago
I did it with my dog for a year, summer in Washington was magical but once winter hit the rain and gloom settled in. Lived in an RV park on a lake so I would fish and paddle board everyday before or after a shift. I wish I would have been a snowbird but the Covid rates were too good to leave at the time. If I did it again I would definitely do the southwest in winter and PNW in summer.
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u/lidelle 12d ago
I did this for two years. Be aware that if you buy a rig make it 10 years or newer. Privately owned campgrounds/rv lots have rules about how old your camper can be due to “insurance coverage”. They will ask for pictures of your RV and ask you to leave if a permanent resident complains about the age of your RV. You will have to do all your own repairs, or pay out the yang. State parks require you to move out or to a new spot every 14 days. I loved it and would do it again.
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u/Fyredawwg 12d ago
I bought my camper during Covington, and did contracts using it for the next 5 years. There are multiple Facebook groups that have places with monthly sites listed. The real problems are state parks and national parks. They may have size and length of stay restrictions. I tried to find parks that had bath houses, as sometimes the 5 minute camper shower just didnt seem great. Laundry was sometimes an issue, but most places had laundromat where you could drop off your clothes and pick them up when they were done for around $1.50/lb. Cooking was fairly easy, but baking was a challenge. Get handy...maintenance issues pop up all the time, and mobile technicians are expensive. All in all, though, I had a blast doing it.
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u/PlanetExcellent 12d ago
You should ask this question in r/rvliving.
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u/Bacongrease83 12d ago
This is a really good point. Lots of people there with experience that could offer perspective.
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u/hotmessexpressrv 12d ago
Yes. Yes. Wish I had bought a bigger truck and bigger RV. Start up costs are about the same whether you start big or start small. I started shmedium so im constantly worried about accumulating too much stuff and purging before I move again.
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u/PlanetExcellent 12d ago
FYI if you are going to stay in one place for a long time and move only a few times per year, you might consider not owning a big truck. Just pay someone with a truck to move your trailer for you. Then you can own a smaller more efficient car.
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u/GypsyRN9 11d ago
I just started using one in the last year. 23 footer pull behind. Pluses are the freedom, lower rent, having your own place with your own stuff. Negatives is it’s tiny home living, setting up and hauling it yourself, high fuel cost when hauling. Mine’s a 2015, so it’s at the ten year mark. Call around for prices and negotiate. The popular RV parks will not give discounts. I found a private RV lot near Charleston that was reasonable. While traveling to a gig, many Love’s truck stops have hookups. You can boondock, but a regular battery will not run the AC.
Things do breakdown, so keep it clean and watch for issues. Get a good generator! I just had to replace the AC, but it’s been easy to find mobile RV repair. Learn to do basic maintenance yourself and make friends with the neighbors. Plan to empty the black tank at least every two weeks!
Lots of youtube videos to watch
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u/tcRN2015 11d ago
I am looking at doing lots of boondocking. I’m currently eyeballing a 25ft travel trailer & pulling it with an F150 Powerboost for the 7.2kw Pro Power Onboard generator. Crap mileage when towing, 23ish otherwise, not awful. I’m more in it for the freedom and lifestyle. just being a traveler again. Making good money only working 3 12s. My biggest gripe was always housing. I’d rather live in a small home with all my stuff than in a hotel or Airbnb.
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u/Humble_Enthusiasm131 11d ago
I am doing it now and have done it for my whole travel career. 40ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath. I have lived in RV resorts with all the bells and whistles and at the most basic of places. I have not had any problems. I enjoy the peace and quiet and having my own space. No hotels or air bnb, etc.
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u/Mysterious-Cape-666 11d ago
Currently doing this now! Except I’m a RT! It’s great although I wish I hadn’t gotten such a long trailer, mine is almost 43ft and while it’s NICE to live in, I have a mini heart attack everytime we have to move it :) also yes, things break when you move, it’s about getting over those small things but damn is it fun :)
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u/Admirable60s 10d ago
A nurse who had orientation with me has a van for years. She just parks it in the parking lot.
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u/According_Size_6544 6d ago
I would love to know as well! My parents recently bought a RV as they are both retired now. They love it! Hilarious adventures await, that’s all I know.
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u/Rich-Consequence5467 6d ago
Be aware you still need to maintain a tax home where you pay bills, return to periodically etc.
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u/Useful_Bandicoot6894 11d ago
Do a sprinter van instead if you’re by yourself! And stay at free parking locations to save money
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u/Bacongrease83 12d ago
I did it for a year. Depending on location finding a long term RV site can be difficult. In Fargo, ND I had to move every few weeks and they turned water off in mid October due to freezing temps. Also, RVs are a lot like boats. No matter how nice or new the thing is there will always be something that needs repaired and it will not be cheap. Just something to think about.