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Are full-time RVers ruining the RV retirement dream? That’s a question that’s been on our minds lately, and I’m guessing it’s something you’ve thought about too.
There are pros and cons to both lifestyles, but in the end, only you can decide what’s right for you.
Let’s look at some of the reasons people might think working RVers are ruining RV retirement. We’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.
Spoiler alert: At the end of this post, we’ll tell you which side of the debate we come down on!
Retiring to an RV is an American Dream
The American Dream scenario has always been to find a career, get married, raise your kids, and then move into an RV to see the country, especially the warmer parts. You roll back around to see the grandkids or occasionally take them with you.
As of 2021, there were more than 11 million households in the U.S. that owned an RV. That covers a wide range of folks.
Some people own an RV for their weekend warrior expeditions and family vacations. Many have worked their whole lives so they can move into an RV and watch the sunset from wherever they want. And there are those who moved into their RVs but still maintain a job.
But with only so many places to stay in an RV, are the full-time, working RVers spoiling that dream?
Is the RV Retirement Dream Reserved Only for the Retired?
First, we have to ask if the RV retirement dream is reserved only for those folks that have truly retired. This is America, though, so that answer will be a hard no.
We’re fortunate enough that we don’t have anyone to tell us to wait until we’ve spent the vast majority of our lives working and saving. The sun doesn’t have to be setting on your life before you can live the RV retirement dream.
Anyone with the moxy to pull up stakes and take the plunge can enjoy full-time RV living. Retired or not, you can move into an RV and hit the road.
RVing Has Gained Popularity With Non-Retired Folks Too
Not only can Americans go RVing without waiting for retirement, but it also has never been more popular amongst folks that aren’t retired.
In fact, of the more than 11-plus million households that own an RV, 22% of those owners are between the ages of 18 and 34. That’s not usually the demographic that counts many retirees among its members.
It has been estimated that more than 1 million people live full-time in RVs. Of those, less than half are to be retirees.
That leaves an awful lot of other folks that made the move to an RV without giving up their working life.
What Is a Working RVer?
So what is a working RVer? Quite simply, a working RVer is someone who takes their job with them on the road.
Working RVers can do jobs while on the road. That way, they don’t have to sacrifice their freedom for a steady income. This type of lifestyle gives RVers a chance to soak up stunning coastal views. They can also hit the trails without sacrificing their financial stability.
What Jobs Do Full Time RVers Have?
Some full-time RVers make money as travel bloggers, others as freelance writers or editors, and others as virtual assistants.
Some can also work remotely while on the move because they have occupations that don’t require them to be in one fixed location all the time. These include tech support personnel or software developers.
Other ways full-time RVers make money on the road include teaching online classes or performing odd jobs for other traveling RVers.
There are also people who work on-site, where they might stay in one location for a while to make money to support their travels. These jobs include camp hosts, maintenance workers, festival workers, traveling nurses, and other similar jobs.
Keep in Mind: Are you considering purchasing an RV for retirement? Here are 15 Reasons why you may Regret an RV in Retirement
What Is the Average Age of an RV Owner?
While the common perception is that most RVers tend to skew older, that’s largely because of the impression that RVing is for retirees. That trend has changed dramatically in recent years.
In fact, according to a 2021 study, more than half of RV owners are now under the age of 55. Don’t forget, as mentioned before, that includes an estimated 2.5 million RVers between 18 and 34.
The average age of an RV owner has only gone down, not up, even as the baby boomer generation began hitting the traditional retirement age.
Are Working RVers Ruining the RV Retirement Dream?
With just under half of the full-time RVers considered retired, are working RVers crowding the roads?
Not really. The United States is a large country, and there is room for everybody out there. In fact, there are more resources than ever to make a living in an RV easier. That goes for retirees and those still working.
With the increased availability of the internet and a device in everyone’s pocket, some apps and websites help map routes, locate places to stay, find dump sites, and point us to the best fuel stations.
There are also more RV membership groups than ever before. Whether you are looking for a road-worthy community or discounted stays, there is a membership group that likely meets your needs.
Keep in Mind: Nearing retirement? Then you need to see these RV Retirement Communities With All the Bells and Whistles!
Working RVers Are Here to Stay
The RV industry is booming, and those who live and work in RVs play a big role in its growth. From millennials to baby boomers, more people are choosing to hit the open road in an RV.
And as the workforce continues to become more mobile, we expect that even more working RVers will hit the road in search of adventure and a better quality of life.
Now more than ever, there’s room for anyone to share the RV lifestyle experience, working or retired. Are you ready to join the crowd?
You hit the nail on the head! Working RVers are looking for that increased quality of life and sense of adventure while not yet at the retirement age! I am 52 and my husband is 44, we have been FT Working RVers for almost two years and love it! We have traveled across the US and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future! We love this simple and adventurous lifestyle! We don’t have any kids and this way we are able to travel anywhere we want, see friends and family for as long as we want, while still enjoying working. This is really the best of both worlds!