Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Reading Time: 12 minutesLast Updated on June 14, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
5 Best RV Brands For Full Time RV Living
Switching to full-time RV living is a significant lifestyle change, and several factors should be considered. One of the first steps you need to take is to choose an RV to live in.
Key Takeaways:
-
- Full-time RV Living is a Major Decision: switching to full-time RV living requires careful consideration beyond just purchasing a vehicle, including budgeting, earning an income on the road, and ongoing maintenance.
- Brand vs. Features: While some RV brands (Jayco, Airstream, Newmar/Winnebago, Thor Motor Coach, Forest River) have strong reputations for full-time living due to their diverse offerings and quality, the specific features of an individual RV model are ultimately more critical than the brand alone.
- Self-Contained Ideal: For nomadic full-time living, a fully self-contained RV (independent of external facilities) is ideal, though it may come at a higher cost.
- Key RV Features for Full-Time Living:
- Living Room: Consider space for relaxation and a dedicated, comfortable workspace (potentially requiring remodeling).
- Bathroom: A complete, comfortable bathroom with a shower, toilet (preferably porcelain), and storage is highly desirable.
- Bedroom: Adequate sleeping spots and comfortable bed sizes are essential.
- Kitchen: Kitchen amenities should match your cooking habits; prioritize based on whether you plan to eat out or cook frequently.
- Comfort vs. Practicality Trade-offs:
- Larger RVs generally offer more comfort and space but are more expensive, less maneuverable, and heavier (potentially requiring special licenses).
- Slide-outs significantly increase interior space when parked, but they require regular maintenance.
- RV Type Doesn’t Dictate Full-Time Suitability: Both motorhomes and towable RVs can work for full-time living. The choice depends on personal driving preference (e.g., keeping a separate vehicle), budget, and desired level of comfort.
- Don’t Rush the Decision: Thorough research, meticulous planning, and a trial period (if possible) are recommended before fully committing to the RV lifestyle, as it’s drastically different from traditional living.
This is the topic we would like to touch upon today. In particular, we will introduce you to five brands that we believe are the best for full-time RV living. And to help you a little with choosing an RV from them, we have prepared a little buyer’s guide for you.
Let’s now have a look at those five brands!
5 best RV brands for full-time living with examples
Jayco
First on our list is Jayco, a well-known RV brand. Jayco RVs aren’t budget-oriented, but what you can find with them is a wide selection of RVs to choose from.
Where the Jayco catalog especially shines is towable RVs, including campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. With 20 towable RV models ranging from 1,500 to 10,000 pounds and from 13 to 42 feet in length, Jayco offers a wide selection of recreational vehicles to choose from.
Jayco also offers over 10 motorhomes, all of which differ significantly in terms of price and features. You again have a good number of options here, but there are manufacturers out there that offer a better assortment of motorhomes.
All in all, offering a little bit of everything, Jayco is a good place to start your search.
Notable Jayco RVs:
- Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow destination trailer.
- Jayco Precept Prestige class A motorhome.
- Jayco North Point fifth wheel trailer.
Airstream
Airstream is a very unique and perhaps even controversial brand. The reason for this is the feature richness and luxury delivered with each Airstream RV. As a result, Airstream recreational vehicles are significantly more expensive than their counterparts from other manufacturers.
The cheapest Airstream travel trailer – the 16 feet 3 inches long Basecamp – has an MSRP of nearly $40,000, which is comparable to the price of many higher-end RVs. And the priciest model – the 31 feet 3 inches long Classic – costs over $150,000, which is the price of a mid-to-high-end motorhome, depending on the class.
Airstream also offers class B motorhomes, with the cheapest model priced around the same as the Classic travel trailer and the priciest model priced over $220,000.
Needless to say, the average buyer is unlikely to be able to afford such a sum. Furthermore, they may consider Airstream crazy and proceed with their research.
However, one thing offered by Airstream RVs that is absent from the RVs of many other manufacturers is luxury embodied in material choice, design, and amenities. You can achieve similar functionality with a much cheaper RV, but a cheaper RV won’t be able to offer the same vibe and comfort as Airstream RVs.
Most people will avoid Airstream, although they may still appreciate the things it offers. However, those who have the means and highly value luxury and comfort will likely consider purchasing an Airstream RV.
Notable Airstream RVs:
- Classic travel trailer.
- Globetrotter travel trailer.
- International Serenity travel trailer.
- Atlas touring coach.
- Interstate 24GL touring coach.
Newmar
Newmar/Winnebago is similar to Jayco – it offers a little bit of everything. However, this manufacturer’s focus is shifted more towards motorhomes, unlike Jayco, which had a richer selection of towable RVs.
All in all, Newmar offers well over 20 motorhomes, most of which are Class A and C motorhomes. They also have a few class B motorhomes, but they focus on bigger motorhome types, at least at the moment of this post’s writing.
Remarkably, Newmar/Winnebago also offers specialized motorhomes with enhanced accessibility. These motorhomes are designed to make access to the motorhome more convenient for individuals with disabilities.
Winnebago also offers a few towable RVs. While they are all great, you aren’t provided with as much variety as with some other RV brands. Thus, we believe that Winnebago is a suitable option for individuals who wish to live full-time in a motorhome.
Notable Winnebago RVs:
- Forza class A diesel motorhome.
- Vista class A gas motorhome.
- Solis Pocket class B motorhome.
- View class C motorhome.
- Minnie travel trailer.
Thor Motor Coach
Newmar/Winnebago was good with motorhomes, but Thor Motor Coach was maybe even better. Not only do they offer more options for you to consider, but they also boast a couple of unique motorhome designs.
With Thor Motor Coach, you have a plethora of Class A, B+ (a mix of Class C and B), and C motorhomes to choose from, with either diesel or gasoline engines. Aside from that, you get a few options of recreational utility vehicles – or RUVs, as Thor calls them – which combine the driving experience of an SUV with the visibility of an RV.
Aside from that, Thor Motor Coach offers motorhomes with garages, i.e., toy hauler motorhomes.
Thor seems to be up for some unseen and crazy stuff. However, what they make is functional, and if you happen to have particular needs, Thor Motor Coach may have the solution for you.
Notable Thor Motor Coach Motorhomes:
- Vegas RUV.
- Tuscany diesel class A motorhome.
- Four Winds class C motorhome.
- Outlaw class A toy hauler.
Forest River
Lastly, we have Forest River. This RV brand, just like Winnebago and Jayco, offers a variety of RV types. However, their towable RV assortment is particularly notable.
Of the 90 RV models offered, only 16 are motorhomes. The rest are towable RVs of various kinds – primarily, travel trailers, but there is also a perfect number of campers and toy haulers to choose from.
Particularly notable are Forest River’s destination travel trailers. The six models available are specifically designed to deliver comfort for long journeys. For full-time living, a destination trailer is one of the best options out there, albeit pricey.
Forest River isn’t the only manufacturer to offer destination trailers, but its selection is one of the best, if not the best, available. Aside from that, you have many, many other travel trailer models to choose from.
Notable Forest River RVs:
- Sierra Destination trailer.
- Cherokee travel trailers and toy haulers.
- Flagstaff Classic 5th Wheel Trailer.
Does the RV brand matter?
Above are the 5 RV brands that we consider the best for full-time living, but does the brand matter?
Well, it does matter, but not in the sense that all the RVs from a particular brand are great for full-time living. Instead, the issues of brand come down to the consistency of quality across models, as well as the catalog of RVs offered.
First of all, we’ve specifically selected RV brands that offer a diverse range of options for RV living. We’ve chosen brands that provide a range of options, as well as those that specialize in a specific type of RV. All so that readers have a little more variety to choose from.
Aside from that, as we mentioned above, brands matter when it comes to quality. You may have never held an Apple device in your hands, but you are likely aware of the brand and the quality that Apple devices offer. And if you are currently a satisfied owner of an Apple smartphone, you are more likely to opt for Apple rather than any other brand in the future.
This is why brands are important. However, when things come down to specifics, brands play a secondary role. What starts to matter much more is the features of an individual RV.
What matters in an RV for full-time living?
While some RV brands may have a broader and better selection of RVs for full-time living than others, it doesn’t mean that you should blindly pick an RV from them. Sure, any RV could be used for full-time living, but some RVs are much more suited for that than others.
What a particular RV model from that brand offers is much more critical. To make an informed choice, we would like to explore the key features to look for in an RV suitable for full-time living, regardless of the brand.
What’s the perfect RV for full-time living?
Let’s first try to understand what would be a perfect RV for full-time living.
In our opinion, a perfect RV for full-time living is self-contained. What we 
mean by that is that the RV doesn’t rely on any facilities outside. No matter where you are, a perfect RV shouldn’t limit you in any way.
Now, in reality, the perfect RV for everyone is going to be different, depending on how and where people are going to park their RV. If you live in an RV campground, you may need to sacrifice some amenities in your RV and instead rely on the facilities provided by the campground.
However, for those intending to go full nomad, we believe that a fully self-contained RV is the best option. Such an RV will cost more, but it won’t make you dependent on any external facilities.
Now that we’ve got this out of the way, let’s focus on the things that one should pay attention to when looking for an RV to live full-time in.
RV types
First, come RV types. You are likely familiar with the various RV classes so that we won’t describe them here. Instead, we will focus on the full-time living aspect associated with RV types.
Does it matter which RV type to choose for full-time living? No, it doesn’t. Motorhomes and towable RVs offer comparable levels of comfort and convenience. Instead of focusing on a specific RV type, consider your driving preferences, budget, and overall expectations for an RV.
If you have a car and aren’t intending to sell it, then it would make more sense for you to get a towable RV. You aren’t going to leave your car somewhere at the disposal of fate. Towing an RV comes with its own set of difficulties, but if you don’t want to separate from your vehicle, then you’ll need to opt for a towable RV.
However, if you are planning to sell your car or don’t have one and aren’t planning to buy one, then a motorhome is the right option. If you have the money and need maximum comfort, then a class-A motorhome would be your go-to RV. However, if you are on a budget, you will need to choose a less expensive class B or C motorhome.
There’s one other thing to consider with RVs: their weight. The fact is that in some states, you are required to hold a special license to operate an RV. We have dedicated another post to this issue, so check it out if you haven’t yet.
Things to look for in an RV for full-time living
Living room
The living room is likely the place where you will spend most of your time. Thus, it is arguably the most critical area in your RV. It’s a place where you will not only spend your free time watching TV, but also a place where you will probably be working.
Your working spot
Living full-time in an RV, you have to earn money somehow, right? Whether you are a freelancer or have a business of your own, you want to have a workplace in your RV.
Mostly, people set up their working corners in the living room of their RVs. Some people go ahead and remodel their RV’s living room to make it a perfect working office, while others use whatever conveniences the RV has out of the box.
Look around the living room of the desired RV. Does it provide the necessary amenities for a comfortable working experience? If not, can you somehow remodel the RV to create a working area for yourself?
For example, if there is sufficient space available in the RV, you could bring your worktable. If not, then you would need to look for opportunities to free up some space for your working corner.
Some people don’t need dinettes and replace them with a working table, but you could get rid of anything that you think you won’t need. It could be the RV’s dinette, its entertainment center, its tri-fold sofa, or anything else that doesn’t seem too necessary for you.
Anything else
Once you have finished with your work area, you may consider engaging in other activities that promote relaxation and spending quality time. If you want to have an entertainment area in your RV, ensure that it comes with one. If you wish to a dinette, again, look for an RV that has it.
Even if an RV doesn’t have the amenities that you need, remember that you could remodel it to make it suitable for your needs, given that you have the time and money for it.
Bathroom
We believe that the bathroom is the second most crucial aspect to consider when selecting an RV for full-time living. You can live in an RV without a bathroom, but you would be dependent on exterior facilities or need to relieve yourself in the wild. If this doesn’t sound like a good idea to you, then select an RV that comes with a full bathroom.
A full bathroom should include all the essentials of a residential bathroom, including a shower, toilet, sink, and sufficient storage space.
Fortunately, many modern RVs come with full bathrooms, so you should have no problems with this. However, bathroom comfort will significantly differ from RV to RV, which is something you need to keep in mind.
Some RVs come with very cramped bathrooms that feature wet baths, combining a shower and a toilet. Others boast residential-style bathrooms that offer a level of comfort typically found at home. Needless to say, if you want a comfortable bathroom, you will need to opt for a larger and more expensive RV.
You should also pay special attention to the toilet. RVs usually come with plastic cassette toilets. These do their job, but they aren’t nearly as durable and comfortable as real porcelain toilets. The good thing here is that you may be able to replace your plastic toilet with a porcelain one.
Bedroom
Having looked through hundreds of RVs, you may have noticed that the bedroom amenities are similar in them. There aren’t many things to consider in RV bedrooms, but some minor features nonetheless should be kept in mind.
First is the number of sleeping spots available in an RV. You’d want to have as many sleeping spots as family members.
Then comes the comfort level of the bedroom, which is mainly determined by the size of beds, as well as the amount of free space available in the bedroom. Cabinets, shelves, and storage areas, in general, also play a crucial role in an RV. Pick whichever RV satisfies you in this regard.
Kitchen
The kitchen arguably is of less importance than the living room and the bathroom for full-time living. However, this again depends on how you intend to manage your food preparation.
If you plan to rely entirely on eating out (which most people don’t do), then it doesn’t matter what kind of kitchen your RV has. Furthermore, kitchen amenities can be a good place to save money.
Otherwise, if you intend to prepare your food, then you should choose an RV with kitchen amenities that are similar to what you have at home. This will allow you to avoid sacrificing any convenience in food preparation and storage. If you’d like, you may also opt for an RV with a better kitchen than the one you have at home.
Comfort
Once you have completed everything else, consider the overall level of comfort you expect from your RV.
Generally, comfort in RVs is directly connected to their size – the larger the RV, the more interior room it has and the more comfortable it will be. Put, if you want comfort, go for a big RV. However, you also need to consider the downsides that come with large RVs:
- Expensiveness. Large RVs will cost more, so you should first and foremost consider your budget when choosing an RV size.
- Comfort of operation. More compact RVs are easier to maneuver and operate.
- Weight. Needless to say, larger RVs weigh more. With towable RVs, ensure your car has sufficient towing capacity. Additionally, with any RV type, it’s advisable to stay on the lighter side to avoid the need for a special driver’s license.
Aside from size, slideouts can also improve the amount of free room and comfort 
offered by the RV. Retracted when driving, they don’t pose an inconvenience in terms of space. But when engaged, the slideouts provide you with more room in your RV than you might have expected from its size.
However, slideouts come with a downside – they require occasional maintenance, which you should keep in mind.
What next?
Believe it or not, choosing and then buying an RV for full-time living is not the most challenging aspect of preparing for an RV lifestyle. There are several key considerations to keep in mind when living full-time in an RV, including budgeting, earning money on the go, maintaining the RV while traveling, and more.
The RV lifestyle is drastically different from what you are used to, so as someone who is thinking about selling all their stuff to buy an RV for full-time living, you are probably feeling very anxious. This is completely alright, but you should nonetheless think deeply about your idea.
Don’t rush to sell your home and buy an RV – there’s a lot of planning to do. Aside from that, before you sell or buy anything, ensure that you can maintain an RV lifestyle.
Be meticulous about the RV you choose, as it will become your companion for a long time. However, don’t neglect the other things we mentioned above, and conduct in-depth research to understand whether you truly want to change your lifestyle. And if you do, research would allow you to properly prepare for the new life.
