After spending a career moving every few years, many military families are anxious to settle into their forever homes. The gourmet kitchen, stability, community, and freedom to paint how they choose instead of facing “government white walls” are alluring. But for others, the freedom to travel across the country without getting anyone's permission is perhaps the most underrated perk of their military retirement.
A popular solution? RV life. Life on the road can be an incredibly cost-efficient way to travel and foster that sense of adventure many military families carry in their hearts. But what does that entail? Here’s what owning an RV can look like after your military retirement.
Why Buy an RV?
Travel can be as simple as hopping in the car and booking a hotel or as efficient as taking a flight from Virginia to California in a few hours. So why would you opt to buy an RV?
Freedom and Flexibility
With campground reservations as your only commitment, living in an RV allows you to spend however much time you want, wherever you want. Have a trip planned to Zion National Park but changed your mind and want to head up to Redwood National Forest? Without flights and hotels booked, switching your itinerary is virtually painless.
Budget Friendly
While owning and maintaining an RV isn’t cheap, it can be less than others pay for flights and hotels.
Adventure and Exploration
Sitting still can feel nearly impossible after moving around for years during your military career. Taking your home on the road offers a unique ability to explore the country on your terms.
Photo from Canva
What to Consider Before Buying an RV
Buying an RV won't be an overnight decision. It's a large investment and requires some thought to determine whether it makes financial sense for the lifestyle you aim to achieve.
Initial Investment and Ongoing Expenses
According to What Are the Costs of Owning an RV?, aside from the price tag to own an RV, which can range from $6,000 to $100,000+, other costs include:
- Campsite reservations and fees: whether or not you want or need full, partial, or no hookups, these fees range from $20/night to $500+/month.
- Insurance: RV insurance ranges from $500 to $1,000+ annually.
- Maintenance: it’s best to budget several thousand dollars annually in maintenance costs.
- Fuel: Most RVs aren’t known for their gas mileage. You should expect a significant increase from your hybrid.
Types of RVs
There are many different kinds of RVs, from pop-ups to Class A motorhomes. The type of RV you buy depends on what lifestyle you want. If camping sounds good, a pop-up or fifth-wheel is a cost-efficient hop into RVing. For those looking for a private bathroom, laundry machines, and the feeling of sleeping in your bed, then Class B or C is probably the way to go.
Logistics and Daily Life
RV life requires mapping routes, and some campgrounds require reservations months in advance. Tools like RV Trip Wizard can help you create an organized route for your ventures across the country.
Healthcare on the road can be a challenge. While urgent care visits aren’t usually a problem, routine visits or prescription refills will need consideration. If you're diving into full-time RV life, then you’ll likely look for a healthcare provider in your state of residence for healthcare.
Photo from Canva
Insight from the RV Community
We asked the military RV community to share about this adventurous lifestyle. Here's what they said.
- Being on the road fulfills the sense of adventure that the military often restricts. RV life gives you the chance to see the country. In their opinion, an RV is the best way to travel the U.S. and Canada.
- It’s a great homeschool opportunity. Life on the road presents endless hands-on history lessons, such as trips to Gettysburg, the Lewis and Clark Trail, and National Parks.
- Get an RV with built-in laundry!
- If you buy an RV to travel part-time, ask someone to check in on your home daily while you're gone.
- Two years of living in an RV full-time is good. After that, many say that it's the right time to transition into a more traditional life in a home.
- Selling 95% of your belongings to spend every day traveling and exploring feels freeing.
Photo from Canva
Resources for RV Owners
RV Trip Wizard: This site helps RVers save time, plan safe routes, and find great campgrounds. It’s a great tool for organizing a nomadic life.
Waggle: If you have pets in tow, Waggle is a must. Using temperature and humidity sensors, monitors, and notifications, Waggle ensures your vehicle's environment is safe for your furry friend and notifies you if it isn't.
Post Scan Mail: This resource allows you to access your mail 24/7 from over 800 mailing locations. So, no, you don't have to forgo Amazon for your RV.
Whether you embark on the open road after military retirement or settle down in a more traditional home, balancing your heart for adventure, financial stability, and personal fulfillment can be the keys to a fulfilling retirement.
Stay connected with MilitaryByOwner for more helpful information for your military life, and life after the military!
