Full Time Stationary RV Living Tips for Motorhomes (I learned the hard way…) 🤦♀️
If you’re considering living in a motorhome, stationary at an RV Park, on your own property, or anywhere else parked for a long period of time, make sure you read through this list. There are many items you might forget to put on your RV maintenance list (I know because I did)! When you’re not moving or using your RV systems, they still need to be up-kept so they will work when you do need them! If you think living in a motorhome would be fun, it can be, depending on whether you’re traveling or stationary RV Living (there are pros and cons to each). Or you never know when a pandemic might hit and you’re forced to live a stationary RV life in your motorhome through no fault of your own.
I learned a lot about my motorhome while I was stationary living during the pandemic, which would have been complete chaos, had I had to figure that out while I was traveling on the road, which is why in this post, I’m sharing my top five full time, stationary RV living tips for motorhomes. But, this could also apply to RV vans or travel trailers, fifth wheels too — any RV that might be sitting stationary, not moving for a long period of time.) I just happen to be living in my motorhome, stationary in an RV Park at the time of preparing this 😉
📌 Tip 1 – Top Off Fuel
If you’re living full-time and stationary in your RV — especially if you’re in a motorhome — my first tip is simple: top off your fuel.
Why Topping Off Matters
When I say topping off fuel, I mean topping off either your gas or diesel. You might think you won’t need much while stationary, but I use fuel to crank my generator or even the motorhome engine.
Why? Because I want to make sure those things stay running properly. And the only way to do that is to actually crank and use them — but, of course, you have to have fuel to do that!
Don’t Forget About Propane
The other part of “fuel” you’re going to need is propane.
I learned this the hard way: once I parked, plugged up, and used all my propane in the motorhome, I couldn’t just take the tank off and go fill it. On a motorhome, you actually have to:
- Unplug the motorhome
- Drive to get propane
- Come back and plug back in
Sure, you might be able to have propane delivered — but where I’m located, they don’t have a delivery service available.
Another option is to install some type of propane extender, which is a device you attach to the propane tank. But honestly, none of those have been an easy fix for me, at least for where I’m at right now.
Fuel as a Backup During Storms or Outages
Another reason to keep your fuel topped off is in case of a storm or power outage.
This has happened to me several times since I’ve been parked and plugged up stationary. It’s such a relief to have those resources on board so you can keep on living — even if everything else is going haywire outside the RV.
Or should I say, at the RV park? When they don’t have power, you still have power.
📌 Tip 2 – Check Your RV Battery Levels
My motorhome doesn’t have a battery disconnect option. That means it’s constantly trickling power to the batteries and charging them.
Why Battery Maintenance Matters
Over time, this can cause the batteries to either:
- Overcharge, or
- Lose acidity
To prevent this, once a month I go out and:
- Add distilled water to the batteries
- Make sure they’re at the proper levels
Doing this ensures that all the systems in the RV continue to work properly — because my batteries are connected to everything else in the RV.
How I Learned This Lesson
I learned the hard way about letting the batteries get low on water. You don’t want to do that.
And don’t forget — also check the engine battery.
Safety First
When working with RV batteries:
- Wear gloves
- Wash your hands afterward
You do not want any of that battery acid getting on you.
📌 Tip 3 – Inspect Your Cord and Shore Power
My next one is an RV Electrical Safety Tip I learned the hard way while living stationary in my motorhome, plugged-up for a while. When you’re plugged up and stationary for a while in your motorhome, you want to unplug and inspect your electrical cord, as well as the outlet and the shore power connection.
You just want to check everything and make sure it all looks good.
Why This Matters (and How I Learned the Hard Way)
I learned this lesson the hard way.
I’ve had electrical problems for the past six months, and I couldn’t identify the source of the problem. I just had outlets and appliances cutting in and out — until finally, one day, I lost all power.
The Warning Signs I Missed
A while back, I noticed a small brown mark on my RV’s electrical cord where it plugged into the actual RV. Six months later, that small brown mark turned into a really big brown mark — or rather, a fried electrical outlet.
It ended up costing me hundreds of dollars to have it fixed, plus days without power during Christmas.
The Real-World Struggle During the Holidays
Just imagine the cost and the availability of trying to find someone to help you with your RV during the holidays.
It’s either:
- Really expensive, or
- Not happening at all.
A Lucky Break: Helpful RV Neighbors
Thankfully, when you’ve been stationary and living at an RV park for a while, you meet your neighbors. I was able to find someone who was an electrician — and able to help me, too.
📌 Tip 4 – Air Up Your RV’s Tires
Whether you’re traveling or living stationary in your RV, you never want to let your tires get low on air.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
It’s a really good idea to check your tire pressure monthly and air them up. This simple habit helps you avoid:
- Flat spots
- Uneven wear
Protect Your Tires While Parked
If you’re sitting stationary for long periods, consider:
- Tire shine protector – to help keep the rubber conditioned
- Tire covers – to protect them during the hot summer and cold winter months
Doing this can help prevent dry rot and extend the life of your tires.
📌 Tip 5 – Use Your RV’s Systems
It’s true — if you don’t use them, you’ll lose them.
Keep Everything Moving
You want to:
- Crank up the generator
- Crank up the engine
- Slide in and out your slide-outs
- Use amenities you rarely touch — like your awnings or propane system
- Retract your jacks
Simulate Different Conditions
Even when parked for a long time, try:
- Unplugging and boondocking for a bit to make sure everything works without hookups
- Taking the RV for a short drive — if it makes sense and you can safely get it out
Regularly using these systems ensures they stay in working order, so when you do need them, you’re not stuck dealing with surprise repairs.
🎬 PS I also made you a video to go along you can watch.
What’s Next?
Now, you know, five tips for stationary RV living in your motorhome, but what if you want to hit the road? No matter what type of RV lifestyle you want to live, I’ve got you covered with my RV life planner, which you can download here for Free! It’ll help you put all the pieces together to plan and prepare for RV life.
🎁 [GET THE FREE GUIDE] >> Plan & Prepare for Full Time RV Living With My RV Life Planner!
🎥 VIDEOS I MENTIONED:
- VIDEO – HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR RV LIFESTYLE
- RV LIVING COST – How Much Does It COST TO LIVE IN AN RV Full Time? (WHAT I PAY!)
- VIDEO – Full Time MOTORHOME Living [PROS AND CONS]
- [BEGINNERS GUIDE] – How To Prepare For Full Time RV Living
- P.S. If we haven’t officially met, WATCH (MY STORY)… WHY I Live Full Time in an RV?
Watch more Full Time STATIONARY RV LIVING TIPS:
- PROS and CONS of Full Time STATIONARY RV LIVING IN AN RV PARK (Video)
- HOW I BUDGET For The COST OF LIVING IN AN RV Park Full Time! 💰 (video)
- Full Time STATIONARY RV LIVING TOUR! (video)
- What I REALLY Feel Like Stationary RV Living Full Time! (video)
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