How To Prepare for Stationary RV Living [Checklist]

How To Prepare for Stationary RV Living [Checklist]

Wondering how to prepare for RV life, but not traveling on the road and need to know more about how to prepare for living stationary in an RV? There are a few Steps to prepare for Stationary RV Living that are a little different than if you’re going to be moving your RV around all the time. For instance, If you plan on staying in one place then the Best RV For Stationary RV Living can vary depending on your wants, needs, Stationary RV Living Cost, etc… So take some time to Do some research upfront and figure out how to calculate your Stationary RV Living Costs or at least get an estimate so you can start to budget for them!

If you’ve been wondering how to prepare for RV living in an RV Full Time Stationary then take it from me. I’ve Been Living In An RV Park full time for 5 years and know there are both pros and cons of stationary RV living. But RV Living Stationary and having a stationary RV life can be very rewarding! I’ve got a list of tips for Stationary RV Living you’ll want to know before, during, and after starting on your adventure! So you can stop searching Google for “Stationary RVing and Full Time Stationary RV Living Tips. These are the Steps to prepare for RV Living and a lesson on stationary RV living for beginners!

How To Prepare for Stationary RV Living (Beginners Guide & Checklist):

Step #1 – Take A Stationary RV Tour of Others Set-Up!
Step #2 – Learn The Pros & Cons of Stationary RV Living
Step #3 – Brush up on a few Stationary RVing Tips!
Step #4 – Decide on the BEST type of Stationary RV to buy!
Step #5 – Make a list of must-have items you need
Step #6 – Find an RV Park to live in!
Step #7 – Calculate your Stationary RV Living Costs
Step #8 – Stationary RV Checklists!

These are the Steps To Prepare For Stationary RV Living!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR STATIONARY RV LIVING (BEGINNERS GUIDE & CHECKLIST) RVersity

Step #1 – Take A Stationary RV Tour of Others Set-Up!

One Step To Prepare For Stationary RV Living is to take a tour! Take a tour of the RV Park you are thinking about living in stationary. You’ll want to see how other RVers have their stationary RV living set up. Not only will you want to tour the RV Parks, but also RVs! You might even be able to find one that is already set up stationary for you to purchase without having to do any moving! I gave a tour of my stationary RV Living setup at the RV park in my stationary motorhome and another one BTS of my stationary travel trailer. (an un-offical tour — Don’t judge me! lol) I’ve lived stationary in my RV in the same RV Park and spot for about 5 years now. But this will give you ideas for the right RV to buy and the best place to park your RV and see how others set it up for Stationary RV Life vs traveling!

ICYMI we decided to sell the Motorhome that has primarily been used for more stationary RV living full time vs traveling on the road. Because after Living in an RV Park for several years now we’ve learned there are pros and cons to full time RV living stationary in a Travel Trailer vs Motorhome – which is why we’re going back to where we started trading out the stationary motorhome and opting for Full Time RV Living In A Travel Trailer instead! And just picked up our new 2021 Puma Palomino 32BHQS Stationary Travel Trailer For The First Time! Keep in mind the Best RV For Stationary RV Living depends on your Stationary RV Life wants, needs, budget, etc… Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube & Stay Tuned I’m going to be taking you on “OFFICIAL” Full Time STATIONARY RV LIVING TOUR (of the new setup soon…)

>> [SNEAK PEAK] THE NEW STATIONARY RV LIVING SET UP! <<

Step #2 – Learn The Pros & Cons of Stationary RV Living

After 5 years of living in an RV Park Full Time (& now part-time since we have the van too, etc…) I can tell you there are advantages and disadvantages of stationary RV Living full time! Hence why we got the van, but we LOVE the fact we don’t have to move the travel trailer it’s like our Lake House just an RV! So we keep it set up like a house, with a little yard. We usually have the same neighbors, not new ones pulling in and out. Since the RV Park we live in requires us to sign a long-term one-year lease to be on the water. Strange I know but you can rent a middle spot for one month at a time. We do live on an island so you’re surrounded by water but you just wouldn’t be right on the water.

However, you do have those occasional bad neighbors that rent an RV spot or the ones that rent but never show up except to show out aka scream, create a lot of chaos and noise. They come for only thing and that is to party. Or worse case you get stuck next to a family of screaming children, maybe even a convicted felon who sells drugs across from you and blasts his 7 speakers in his car 24/7 instead of spending time working or with his 6 kids. (long story but true). I could go on ALL day but just another reason why when you’re preparing for stationary RV Life you need to take some time to learn the pros and cons of stationary RV life but keep in mind if you follow these steps the benefits of stationary RV Living outweigh most of the negative reasons you might worry about.

>> WATCH: The Pros & Cons of Stationary RV Living in an RV Park!

Step #3 – Brush up on a few Stationary RVing Tips!

Take a few TIPS for Stationary RV Living from someone who is not an RV newbie. I’ve had 6 RVs and have been doing this a long time! Especially Stationary RV Living which is why I have a few tips you might want to know like why you might NOT want to have a stationary motorhome and why we’ve opted for a travel trailer instead!

>> WATCH all my STATIONARY RV LIVING TIPS in this YouTube Playlist! <<

Step #4 – Decide on the BEST type of Stationary RV to buy!

Every RV is NOT the same and or the right one for you, your setup, lifestyle, etc… the Best RV for Stationary RV Living depends on your situation! Plus, the RV Park you decide to park in can also play a role, or even if you’re buying land. There are a lot of rules and regulations RVs tend to have to follow not just within an RV park, but within a local jurisdiction. And, when you’re trying to decide which RV is right for me — when it comes to living stationary other things to consider are if you’ll be working from your RV, if you’re RVing with other people, or pets. Your wants vs needs play a role in the RV Buying process and ultimately there is a difference between the best RV for those traveling on the road vs those living stationary in an RV Park long term.

>> Check out my Stationary RV Buying Guide: Best RV for Stationary Living

Step #5 – Make a list of must-have items you need

There are a lot of essential items and Must Haves items you’re going to need for your RV. But whether you’re on the road traveling or staying stationary RV Living for a while maybe even permanently that list of needed RV accessories and gear may change! However one thing stays the same which are the basics essentials for getting started in your RV. Some of which are better than others depending on your type and size of RV: travel trailer, 5th wheel, motorhome or van etc… Get set up with the basics and then buy each item as needed or as your RV needs change!

>> Download HERE <<

Step #6 – Find an RV Park to live in!

There is a Difference between finding an RV Park to live in LONG TERM vs SHORT TERM or Overnight etc… Some RV parks allow ONLY short-term vs long-term and vice versa! Some allow both… HOW do you find these long-term RV Parks? What do you need to ask them ( or what might they ask you) aka what you need to know before you go? And HOW do you decide on the right RV park for your stationary RV living situations, RV Lifestyle and RV Budget?…. How would I go about choosing an RV park for stationary RV living? What do I look for when choosing my Long-term RV Park?

Here is a list of Questions TO ASK THEM (or they might ask you!)

What is the age (or condition) of your RV?
What TYPE of RV do you have?
What is the Length of your RV?
Do you have any slide outs?
Do you have any Pets?
How many PEOPLE are in your party?
How LONG are you going to stay or are you REQUIRED to stay?
How much does it cost and what all is included?
Do you offer any other amenities?
Other things you might want to consider:

But first Keep in mind these are some of MY determining factors that I use for making reservations for long-term (a month or longer) stays in RV parks and campgrounds. However, there are reasons why YOU might choose an RV park to stay in long term that I might not and vice versa… it has to do with my RV lifestyle, budget, wants vs needs etc.. Now as far as locating these parks is a different story!

How and where to find Long-term RV Parks ( + REVIEWS)

Online Search: TIP: do research on a DESKTOP / Laptop & Do it on your phone/mobile (get different results) also feel like you get different results when you’re AT the location or nearby vs researching going online… not physically in the area.
- Try a Google search for “campgrounds, RV parks, RV camping, RV resorts, luxury RV parks etc…First, look up the area then start digging into EACH specific RV Park, etc…
- Facebook Marketplace + GROUPS (Specialty & Local Groups)
In-person Driving! Not all RV parks are online! Some are on the side of the road with no website, no Facebook, nothing just a sign 🪧 – PHYSICALLY DRIVE AROUND Look for those interstate signs “camping”
RV Related websites: Campground Review Websites, Other RVers, YouTube…
RV Apps
ASK AROUND: RV Dealerships, Service Centers, Other RVers, Locals “hey do you know of any RV parks around here?”
DO NOT RULE OUT “Mobile Home or Trailer Parks”! 😉

Step #7 – Calculate your Stationary RV Living Costs

Wondering how much does it cost to live in an RV park? You must know it’s way more than just your RV you need to worry about paying for when you are getting started stationary RV Lviing! After paying for your RV payment, Taxes, Fees, and RV Insurance (YES you will want to have insurance while parked and living stationary in your RV!) BUT you also need to calculate your RV Lot rent.

Plus, you will need to know what’s included when renting a spot for your RV at an RV Park. Usually, if you’re staying overnight or short-term they include your Water, Sewer, Trash, and Electric all in one bill. However, if you plan on living long-term stationary in an RV Park even for a month or longer they might require you to pay your electric bill separately which can vary according to your usage. then, If you need Cable / Internet / Phone (those may or may not be options, or unreliable if they are — I’d consider bringing your own!)

Fuel (Gas or Diesel) & LP Propane Gas — you may still need even stationary depending on your RV! At least for HEAT! Other things to account for are Service & Maintenance on your RV and then YOUR personal spending such as Meals & entertainment, etc,…

Some Stationary RV Living Expenses to budget for:

RV Park / Lot Rent
Water / Electric / Sewer
Cable / Internet / Phone
RV Payment, Taxes, Fees
RV Insurance
Fuel (Gas/Diesel) — may still need even stationary depending on your RV!
LP Propane
RV Service & Maintenance
Other: Meals & Entertainment, etc…

Keep in mind: The Cost of Full Time RV Living can vary depending on your RV Lifestyle, Type of RV, plus your RV Expenses and Budget. Stationary RV Living Expenses for things such as RV Park Costs range depending on the RV Park, length of your stay, if they charge for utilities, and much more! But, Typically if you’re trying to start “Cheap RV Living” and being more “Frugal” then I’d suggest doing some research on what Living in an RV Park Full Time Costs.

>> Watch & Learn HOW I BUDGET For The COST OF LIVING IN AN RV Park Full Time! 💰 <<

Step #8 – Stationary RV Checklists!

When it comes to RV life on the road or in an RV park living in an RV Stationary for a period of time they all have one thing in common — RV Checklists are a MUST HAVE for RVers! It doesn’t matter how you make them, write them down on paper, create a document and print it out or view it online, spreadsheets, trust me there is an APP for that or a place to find an RV Checklist for almost anything: RV Maintenance Checklists, RV Set-Up Arrival and Departure Checklists, Inspection Checklists for after Buying an RV, and more! Checklists help you stay organized and make sure you don’t pull off and forget something, or worse do damage to your RV, yourself, someone else, etc…

Also why I created a little checklist of my own for those interested in Stationary RV Life! Get this Guide and more sent straight to your inbox! Sign up to receive my stationary RV living guide HERE!

>> GET IT HERE <<

Now it’s your turn! I want to hear your thoughts and which one of these steps you are on? Have you started the process of transitioning into stationary RVing? What questions do you have about stationary RV Living? Drop a comment below and let me know! I can’t wait to read them!

ABOUT ME

If we haven’t officially met, Hi I’m Blogging Brandi, an EX-Corporate Kool-Aid Drinker, born to be Creator, Digital Nomad, and Entrepreneur who loves RVing while running my own business on the road! Over 8 years ago, I traded my sticks & bricks lifestyle for a life on wheels. Quit my job, sold my house, and everything else, and then bought an RV! First, was a Travel Trailer, then Van Life and eventually Motorhome Living!

I created RVersity out of my love hate relationship with RV Life! Because whether you’re a weekender, snowbird, part-timer, or full time RV living, RVersity Member Benefits are here to support you. Get help with everything needed to make RVing easy, affordable, safe, and most important of all fun! It’s a space where I’ve put together all my RV tools and resources, plus a tribe of like minded RV Loving individuals all in one place!

Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

#BloggingBrandi #RVersity #RVBuying #RVBuyingTips #RVLiving #RVLife #StationaryRV #StationaryRVLife #StationaryRVLiving #RVBuyingAdvice #TravelTrailer #5thWheel #FifthWheel #Motorhome #VanLife #WhichRVisRightForMe #RVPark #RVParkLiving #StationaryRVing #FullTimeRV #FullTimeRVLife #RVLivingFullTime #StationaryRVLivingTips #FullTimeRVLiving #RVBuyingGuide

rversity

April 2, 2024