Top 10 books for aspiring full-time RVers
Longing for the full-time RV life? Here are ten titles to whet your appetite
The idea of living and travelling in an RV full-time, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people are attracted to the freedom, excitement, and flexibility it could bring them. If you're thinking of embarking on this lifestyle, there are numerous books that can help you learn everything you need to know. Whether you're interested in practical tips for living on the road, inspirational stories from other full-time RVers, or in-depth guides to RV maintenance and repair, there are plenty of great resources available to help you get started. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best books on full-time RVing to help you decide if it’s right for you.
1. Full-Time RV Finance by Julie and Sean Chickery
Written by a couple of full-time RVers, this book gets down to the nitty gritty and talks about finances. It can help you create budgets and goals with clear, actionable steps. If money is one of the factors daunting you, this is truly a must-read.
The authors draw on their own experience living on the road to break down the real costs of RV life, from campground fees and fuel to insurance and maintenance. They also share practical strategies for saving money while travelling, helping readers feel more confident about making the leap into full-time RV living.
2. A Beginner’s Guide to Living in an RV by Alyssa Padgett
In this book, traveller Alyssa Padgett details all the things she wished she had known before her and her husband set off in their RV. They learned a lot through trial and error—so you don’t have to!
Padgett covers everything from choosing the right RV to planning routes, packing efficiently, and adapting to life in a compact space. She shares both the joys and the challenges of full-time RV living, including tips for managing daily routines, cooking in a small kitchen, and finding a balance between travel and downtime.
With practical advice, real-life anecdotes, and a dose of humour, this guide makes the idea of hitting the road less intimidating and more achievable. It’s perfect for anyone dreaming of life on wheels, whether you’re planning short trips or contemplating a full-time nomadic adventure.
3. The RV Book by Mark Polk
This one is considered a staple in many RV circles, and both full-time and part-time travellers find themselves referring back to it. It covers a wide range of topics pertaining to RVing, from buying the right unit to maintaining it long-term.
Polk dives deep into practical aspects like engine and chassis care, plumbing and electrical systems, and safety considerations, making it a go-to reference for anyone serious about RV life. He also provides helpful guidance on choosing the right campground, understanding RV insurance, and preparing for seasonal travel.
Beyond the technical details, the book also touches on lifestyle considerations, such as adapting to small-space living, travelling efficiently, and planning trips that fit your family or personal goals. With clear explanations, diagrams, and checklists, it equips both new and experienced RVers with the confidence to handle challenges on the road.
Whether you’re just starting your RV journey or have been on the road for years, The RV Book offers reliable advice that makes living, travelling, and maintaining an RV smoother and more enjoyable.
4. Secrets of RVing on Social Security: How to enjoy the motorhome and RV lifestyle while living on your social security income by Jerry Minchey
Jerry Minchey has a plethora of tricks to help retired RVers make ends meet and even add to their savings accounts—all without giving up their travels. You may just find yourself getting more out of life than you ever thought possible!
Minchey walks readers through budgeting strategies specifically tailored for retirees, including how to manage fixed incomes, minimize expenses on the road, and still enjoy the experiences that make RV life exciting. From affordable campgrounds to savvy ways to handle fuel, maintenance, and groceries, the book offers practical guidance for keeping your travels sustainable.
Beyond the numbers, Secrets of RVing on Social Security also explores lifestyle tips, such as finding social connections while on the road, volunteering opportunities that can offset costs, and ways to plan trips without stress. Minchey emphasizes that RV living isn’t just for the wealthy or young—it can be a fulfilling, accessible adventure for anyone willing to plan smartly.
5. So, you want to be an RVer? And enjoy the RV lifestyle by John & Kathy Huggins
Whether you’re interested in full-time or part-time RVing, this book will help you. It was written by two campers who have been living the dream for more than a decade—and they can let you in on all the little secrets you need to know.
John and Kathy Huggins walk readers through the essentials of RV life, from choosing the right rig and outfitting it for comfort to handling the day-to-day realities of life on the road. They offer practical tips for everything from safe driving and campsite etiquette to meal planning and keeping a small space organized.
Beyond the basics, the book delves into lifestyle advice, sharing how to balance travel with work, family, and hobbies. The Hugginses also discuss how to connect with the RV community, find hidden gems off the beaten path, and make lasting memories while living on the move.
6. The Joy Is In The Journey: Camping Journal & RV Travel Logbook by Enchanted Willow
Do you like to document your RV travels? Keep track of your camping memories, lessons, and experiences in this handy logbook. It features 160 pages with writing prompts to help you journal your adventures.
This logbook goes beyond just dates and locations. It encourages RVers to capture the full experience of life on the road—from unexpected discoveries to the challenges and triumphs of each trip. With dedicated spaces for reflections, favorite campsites, weather notes, and even sketches, it’s a wonderful way to preserve memories that you and your family can revisit for years.
7. RV Cooking: Best Road Trip Recipes for RV Living and Campsite Cooking by Louise Davidson
Whether you fancy yourself a culinary master or simply enjoy a home-cooked meal, this book is for you. It includes all the camping-friendly instructions and recipes you need to prepare a delectable meal even during your RV excursions.
Davidson covers everything from quick, one-pot meals for busy travel days to more elaborate dishes for family or friends gathered at the campsite. She also provides tips for adapting recipes to limited RV kitchen setups, including stovetop, grill, and even campfire cooking. There are helpful suggestions for storage, meal prep, and minimizing cleanup—perfect for the realities of life on the road.
With a mix of hearty classics and creative, portable meals, RV Cooking makes it possible to enjoy satisfying, flavorful food no matter where your travels take you. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to elevate their RV dining experience.
8. Complete Guide to Full-Time RVing: Life on the Open Road by Bill and Jan Moeller
The Moellers created this comprehensive guide to life on the open road, with full-time RVers in mind. It offers tips on everything from purchasing your first RV to saving money while travelling.
Beyond the basics, this guide tackles the practicalities of full-time RV living, including budgeting, maintenance schedules, campground selection, and navigating long-distance travel. The Moellers also share advice on maintaining family routines, homeschooling on the road, and finding community with fellow RVers.
Filled with personal anecdotes, checklists, and real-world tips, Complete Guide to Full-Time RVing equips both beginners and experienced travelers with the confidence to handle life on the road. It’s a one-stop resource for anyone planning to embrace the freedom of full-time RV living.
9. Create Space From Thin Air by Ashley Mann
Written by Ashley Mann, full-time RVer and creator of RVinspiration.com, this handy book helps RVers make the most out of small abodes. Learn how to maximize storage, create functional space, and improve your overall RVing experience.
Mann offers clever solutions for organizing limited living areas, from kitchen and bathroom hacks to storage tips for clothes, gear, and travel essentials. She also explains how to design multi-purpose spaces that adapt to both work and leisure, making the RV feel more like a home.
10. Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road by Marc and Julie Bennett
The Bennetts offer their words of wisdom in this book about living life on the road, covering both the practical and emotional sides of full-time RVing. From choosing the right rig to adjusting to the nomadic lifestyle, they provide insights for a smooth transition onto the road.
This guide also explores topics such as budgeting, campground selection, travel planning, and maintaining relationships while on the move. They share stories from their own journeys, illustrating how to balance adventure with family life and personal growth.
We were fortunate enough to touch base with this vivacious couple: Read about their adventures here.
