Full Year of RV Park: My Honest Take on Living in an RV Full-Time

Hi — I'm April from April On Her Own ~ Later In Life. After living in an RV park full-time for a year, I want to share the real, unfiltered experience: the highs, the lows, and the practical things I learned along the way. If you're a woman over 40 (or anyone considering this lifestyle), this is for you — written from my perspective, with the same candid tone I use on my channel.

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Quick overview: what this year taught me

• I saved roughly $9,000 in rent the first year — and gained a simpler life with fewer things to manage.

• The biggest worry? Roof integrity and water intrusion, especially living in a rainy climate.

• RVs heat and cool quickly. Winter packages help, but temperature control and noisy systems are real considerations.

• Community is strong in parks, which is a huge advantage for solo women — but privacy can be limited.

• Flexibility is huge: winterize and walk away, or take off for months without dismantling your life.

What I struggled with (and what you should watch for)

1. Roof integrity and water worries

“My biggest struggle living in an RV full-time is worrying about the roof integrity.”

Living on the rainy west coast of Canada means constant concern about leaks. Water damage leads to mold, and mold is a nightmare in a small space. Fixing a leak often requires tearing into areas that weren’t meant to be opened — messy, expensive, and stressful.

Tip: Get on your roof at least once or twice a year to check seals, seams, and VPs. Regular inspections prevent surprises.

2. Temperature control — winter and summer extremes

Even with a winter package (extra insulation, double-glazed windows), RVs can heat up or cool down quickly. My furnace and AC work well, but both are loud. Expect higher noise levels when running climate control and plan for strategies like thermal curtains, area rugs, and supplemental heaters for cold nights.

3. Maintenance and chores

Anything you live in needs upkeep. For me that included roof checks, raking tree debris (I’m under a lot of maple trees), and general repairs. RV maintenance is different from house maintenance — learn the systems (plumbing, electrical, seals) so you can spot problems early.

4. Rules and park variation

RV parks vary wildly. Some are strict — no pots, chairs, or personal items outside — while others allow personalization. Strict parks can feel sterile; permissive parks can get cluttered. Choose a park whose expectations match the lifestyle you want.

5. Lack of privacy

Close neighbors, small yards, and few barriers mean you’ll see people more often than in an apartment building. That’s wonderful for community but can feel intrusive if you value solitude. Expect friendly hollers and unannounced visits — mostly harmless, but startling at first.

6. Learning curve: electricity and usage limits

I had to learn about amperage limits — what I could run simultaneously without tripping the pedestal. Familiarize yourself with your RV’s electrical capacity and tools like an amp meter. It makes life less stressful and helps avoid damage.

The upsides that made it worth it

1. Financial freedom and simplification

I estimated and ultimately saved about $9,000 in rent my first year. Beyond cash, downsizing means less stuff to care for and fewer bills. For many women, especially those who’ve faced rising mortgage or rent costs, this is liberating.

2. Safety and community for solo women

One of the big benefits I’ve seen is how RV parks enable women to live independently who otherwise might not be able to afford it. Our park has many single women; neighbors look out for each other. An elderly neighbor may notice if someone hasn’t come out in days — that care network matters.

3. Convenience and mobility

I can park my car at the door, winterize the trailer by adding antifreeze to the pipes, and leave for months while everything stays put. If I want to take off for three months (or longer), I can. That flexibility is priceless.

4. Privacy for introverts

If you prefer solitude and don’t want visitors piling in, an RV is perfect. Most people won’t ask to stay the night in such a small space. For me — an introvert who treasures quiet — that’s a major upside.

5. Nature, windows, and feeling at home

My site has lots of windows and greenery, and the park sits by the river. I love being surrounded by trees and water — it makes the small space feel peaceful and bright.

Practical tips before you commit

1. Inspect potential parks at different times of day to understand noise, privacy, and community dynamics.

2. Ask about park rules: are outdoor items allowed? What are quiet hours? What maintenance is the park responsible for?

3. Get a winter package if you’ll face cold climates. Double-glazed windows and extra insulation help but don’t eliminate the chill.

4. Learn basic RV systems: roof seals, winterizing (antifreeze in pipes), electrical amperage, and furnace/AC operation.

5. Plan for storage and organization. Less space means being intentional about what you keep.

6. Build relationships with neighbors — mutual help goes a long way in troubleshooting and safety.

Would I do it again?

Absolutely. Even when I take the money out of the equation, I would choose RV park living again. There's something about having lots of windows, greenery, a view of the river, and the convenience of pulling my car to the door that I love. The lifestyle gives me flexibility to travel — I spend months in Mexico some winters — without dismantling my life.

Final thoughts and takeaway

Living in an RV full-time is a lifestyle choice, not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s not for everyone, but for many women — especially those over 40 facing high housing costs or seeking simplicity and flexibility — it opens doors. Expect maintenance, occasional worries about leaks, and less privacy. In return, you get community, freedom, mobility, and financial savings.

If you’re seriously considering this path, I’ve put together a practical checklist to help evaluate potential RV parks and prepare for the transition. I also invite you to connect with our community — there’s a free Patreon tier available for new members right now where we swap experience and advice. If you want the checklist or to talk more, look for resources from April On Her Own ~ Later In Life.

Thanks for reading — if you have questions or lived in an RV yourself, share what I missed. Your experience helps other women decide if this lifestyle could work for them.

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