What’s the Best RV for a Family of 4 to Live In?

When most people think about travelling in an RV they think about heading out on vacation.
However, an increasing number of people are considering living in an RV full-time, as an alternative to buying a traditional home or renting an apartment. But can a larger group of people – say a family of four – live in a trailer successfully? And if so, which is the best RV for a family of 4 to live in?

The best RV for a family of 4 is one that is large enough to fit everyone comfortably and offers the amenities that each unique group is looking for. There is no ideal, one size fits all solution, as the choice will also take into consideration budget, travel preferences and much more.

Here we are going to take a look at some of the best options for a family of four when it comes to RV living, as well as the pros and cons of doing so. We’re also going to take a look at five examples of full time RV’ers with a family of 4 and their choice of RV. 

Can a Family of 4 Really Live in an RV?

In most states in the US it is not illegal for a family of four to live in an RV rather than a traditional house or apartment, and, if the vehicle is large enough, and the family themselves are willing to make some compromises, it’s not unpleasant to do so.

To get started, let’s take a look at some basic pros and cons of living in an RV as a family.

RV Living for Families Pros

More Freedom

The United States is a huge place and one that is made up of states that boast wildly different landscapes, customs, cultures and even cost of living considerations. Lots of families who choose RV living say they do so to give their kids an experience that encompasses lots of different locations and life experiences. A living geography lesson if you like.

Save Money

Property prices also vary greatly across the United States, but the one thing that is true across the country is that getting a mortgage to buy a house is often more complicated than potential first time buyers assume. Having the money on paper is one thing, but meeting the credit requirements is quite another. RV living allows some families to live in the areas they want, or need, to, even if the banks don’t want to lend them the money to buy a traditional home yet

RV life often comes with fewer bills in general, although it is far from ‘free’ living.

No Nosy Neighbors

Not everyone enjoys living in a crowded neighborhood where it can seem like there is no escape from the people next door, or across the street. For those who prefer a more solitary existence centered around their family a few years of RV living can be ideal.

RV Living for Families Cons

Work and School Logistics

No matter where they live, kids have to go to school. And parents have to work. It’s not easy to do either of these things in the traditional way without a full time, permanent address. The rise of remote work, and of online schooling, has, however, made such things a possibility for far more families in the last decade or so.

Financial Logistics

In order to get a loan, insurance of any kind, to maintain credit, pay taxes or even vote a permanent address is also required. Some families get around this requirement while living in an RV by making use of a friend or relatives address or purchasing a ‘street address’ post office box from the USPS.

Space Consideration

Living in an RV, even a large one, can get very cramped, and often does not leave much room for the personal space that most of us need from time to time. Families planning to live in an RV have to be aware of the challenges this will present and understand that overcoming them will be an ongoing process that will require a lot of patience!

Which RVs are Rated for Full Time Living?

The fact is, as we mentioned, there is no perfect RV for a family of four. There may be some considered better than others (we’ll be getting to those in a moment) but the perfect RV for family living is a unicorn, as in it does not exist.

There are some basic considerations to keep in mind, however, as you search for the right RV for family living for you.

Here’s a look at some of the most important.

How Often Will You Move Around?

If you plan to stay at a location for an extended period of time, a larger living space, such as a fifth wheel, may be beneficial. Towing it is a pain, but you won’t be doing it very often. You will be able to enjoy a larger space to spend your family time in, a big plus for many.

RV Floorplan

This is extremely important to get right. However, you should never choose an RV solely on the basis of its floorplan.

Size of Family

How many people will be living there?

Do you require bunk beds for your children?

Perhaps you require office space. Perhaps you’d like a separate room to retreat to when you need a break.

RV Build and Quality

RVs are put to the test when they are used full-time. The majority of manufacturers do not design for long-term use. They build as cheaply as possible in order to maximize profits.

However, the better the brand, the longer it should last. You will, of course, need to shop within your personal budget, so determining what that is – is a must too.

Climate

What kind of harsh weather will you have to deal with if you’re going to be stationary?

Health Considerations

Do you and your family members have the physical ability to perform physical tasks such as motorhome maintenance, hitching up, cleaning and washing the rig, and dealing with any other maintenance issues that may arise?

Do any of you have physical ailments that mean having access to regular medical care is a must?

10 Best RVs for a Family of 4 To Live In

So which RVs are best for a family of 4 to live in? 

While there really is no perfect choice – it really does depend on your personal preferences, finances, and the answers to the questions we have just covered, here is a look at some popular choices to consider when searching for the right RV for a family of 4 to live in for you.

1. Keystone Hideout Travel Trailer 272LHS