ABC Upfitters

Living in a RV Full Time

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by

Janelle Harting
in
Family of four in front of a RV and campfire setup. It looks like they are living in a RV Full Time!

What It’s Really Like Living in a RV Full Time

The idea of living in a RV full time may feel overwhelming. But, it’s a lifestyle more-and-more people are embracing, especially in a post-pandemic world where freedom and flexibility have become top priorities. As individuals and families rethink what truly matters, mobility, simplicity, and adventure are taking center stage.

At ABC Upfitters, we’re dedicated to helping people thrive on the road by providing smart, reliable power solutions tailored for full-time RV living. In this article, we’ll explore what it’s really like to live full time in an RV, share expert insight on how to stay powered and comfortable, and feature a real-world testimonial from one of our ABC Ambassador couples who are living the dream — and doing it right.

The Appeal of Full-Time RV Living

Full-time RV living offers a lifestyle rooted in freedom, flexibility, and meaningful simplicity. It’s more than just travel, it’s a complete reimagining of how, and where, you choose to live.

Here are some of the top reasons people make the leap:

  • Total Travel Freedom – Your RV becomes your “home-base” on wheels; explore national parks, visit family across the country, or chase the perfect weather, all while bringing your essentials with you.
  • Minimalist, Intentional Living –  Downsizing means less clutter and more focus on what truly matters. If you value sustainability or want to simplify your lifestyle, living in a RV full time will naturally support that transition.
  • Built-In Community – From RV parks to remote boondocking locations, full-time RVers form a welcoming, helpful, and tight-knit community that spans across the country.
  • Lower Cost of Living (With the Right Setup) –  With smart planning, RV life can cost significantly less than traditional home ownership (especially when you can stay off-grid) thanks to ABC’s solar power and lithium battery systems.
  • A Lifestyle, Not Just a Vacation – You move from living your life for the weekends to designing a life you don’t need to escape from. Every day has the possibility of seeing and exploring something brand new.

Whether you’re looking to explore more, spend less, or live differently, full-time RV living offers a path worth considering (especially when your rig is built to support it).

Common Challenges of Year-round RV Life

Now that we’ve covered the idyllic aspects of living in an RV full time, it’s important to look at the other side of the coin. Full-time RV living isn’t for everyone. Not because it isn’t rewarding, but because it comes with a unique set of challenges that require preparation, adaptability, and the right equipment. Some of the most common obstacles include:

  • Staying Powered Off-Grid –  Living off-grid means managing your energy use carefully. Without the right solar setup, battery bank, and inverter system, it’s easy to run out of power in remote locations. That’s why investing in a reliable, custom power solution, like the ones we build at ABC Upfitters, is critical for full-time comfort and freedom.
  • Internet and Connectivity –  Whether you’re working remotely, FaceTiming loved ones, or streaming the latest episode on Netflix, a stable internet connection can be a challenge on the road. Full-timers often navigate hotspots, signal boosters, and multiple carriers to stay connected, especially in remote or rural areas.
  • Maintenance and Repairs –  Your RV is your home and your vehicle, which means double the maintenance needs. Routine upkeep, unexpected repairs, and parts availability can quickly turn into logistical frustrations – especially if you’re far from a service area.
  • Weather and Seasonal Travel Planning – Living in a home-on-wheels means you’re even more exposed to the elements. From extreme heat to freezing temperatures, full-time RVers often plan their travel routes around seasonal weather patterns to stay comfortable and safe (and to avoid damage to their home).
  • Space Limitations and Personal Boundaries –  Even the most spacious RV is still a small space shared with your partner, pets, or family. When you’re living in a RV full time, privacy can be limited, and creating routines that respect personal space is necessary. Downsizing and organizing are part of the lifestyle, but so is patience and adaptability.

Upfitting for Comfort and Independence

RV in front of a scenic mountain ridge

Most RVs roll off the factory floor designed for weekend trips or short getaways (not for life on the road full-time). Limited power capacity, basic solar setups, and lack of smart energy management can quickly transform the dream of freedom into frustration.

Key Upfitting Upgrades for Full-Time RV Living

To live comfortably and independently, your RV needs more than the basics. That’s why we focus on essential upgrades like:

  • High-efficiency solar arrays for extended off-grid capability
  • Lithium batteries for reliable, long-lasting energy storage
  • Powerful inverters to run household appliances with ease
  • Smart monitoring systems so you always know what’s happening with your power

Invest Early—Avoid Rework Later

Many RVers upgrade in stages, only to realize their early choices limit their future options. Investing in the right systems from the start saves time, money, and hassle.

Tailored Solutions for the Full-Time Lifestyle

At ABC Upfitters, we don’t do one-size-fits-all. We take time to understand how you travel, camp, and live, and then design a power system that matches your lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing the sun or parked in one place for months, we’ll build a setup that delivers comfort, independence, and peace of mind.

Patrick and Wendy - A couple living in a RV Full Time with their two hungarian vizsla dogs

From the Road: Life with an ABC Upfitters System

Patrick and Wendy McNeil are full-time RVers and creators behind “Real Trailer Life.” They travel with their two Hungarian Vizslas, Indi and Rubi, in a 2025 Brinkley Model Z 3100 fifth wheel, a rig they call their “tiny home on wheels.” With its clean design, spacious layout, and Brinkley’s exceptional quality, it’s the perfect fit for their off-grid lifestyle.

They love the freedom to explore the country at their own pace, chasing events, scenic stops, and unforgettable experiences. For them, RV life isn’t just travel, it’s a dream realized, a way to live closer to nature and further from the noise.

 “Life on the road with an ABC Upfitters system means total freedom, comfort, and reliability—wherever we park our home. We can live like we’re on full hookups in the middle of nowhere, thanks to the solar package, added batteries, and additional solar panels. We’ve saved money, gained flexibility, and upgraded our safety with features like rear rail lights. Honestly, if there’s sun, we’re golden. And even when there’s not, ABC built in all the right redundancies. It’s a boondock beast.”

Patrick and Wendy McNeil, with “Real Trailer Life”
ABC Upfitters Ambassadors

Their customized solar package has transformed their travels, allowing them to live fully off-grid while maintaining modern comforts like air conditioning. Add-ons like purple underbody lights (a tribute to their Minnesota roots and Vikings fandom) and safety-focused rear rail brake lighting have made life easier and more enjoyable. Each upgrade from ABC Upfitters has elevated their adventures – offering safety, savings, and serious freedom.

Final Thoughts

Full-time RV living offers a unique blend of freedom, adventure, and simplicity; but it also comes with real challenges, especially when it comes to staying comfortable and powered up on the road. Factory setups often aren’t built for the long haul, which is why thoughtful upfitting is essential.

The good news? It’s entirely doable. With the right systems in place, living in a RV full time can be not just sustainable, but deeply rewarding. At ABC Upfitters, we’re here to help you design a custom energy system that keeps you powered, connected, and comfortable — wherever the road takes you.

👉 Schedule Your Free Power Consultation Today: Our team of experts will review your current setup, travel goals, and RV model. From there, we’ll recommend the ideal upgrades to make full-time RV living easier and more reliable.

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About ABC Upfitters:ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!