To RV or Not To RV? That is The (off-grid) Question!
Living off grid has become many People's dream. The onset of rising costs of electricity, high rents and taxes and lack of decent wages have driven many people to say "What am I doing? Is this really living?" "Am I in it to Thrive or just Survive?"
In the end you can't take it with you so to speak. There are many of us wondering is it better to be mobile living on wheels like RVs and campers, tiny houses or something like Mike Reynolds Earthship? The Earthship is very cool made up of different recyclable materials. It can also be very expensive.
With all these options what's an Off Grid Gal or Pal going to choose?
Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of both ends of the spectrum, The big mobile RV bus versus the VW Style Camper type of "off-grid" mobile lifestyle.
Have a look at the RV and camper scenarios below.
RV Bus- Gulf Stream Coach- Class A
1. Class A Motor Home: The Class A is your "Meet The Fockers", type vehicle. It is built on a bus chassis and look more like a modern bus than a classic "Winnebago". The photo above is a Gulf Stream Coach. It's possible to add after market Solar and Wind easily to these types of RVs, or buy them with such features already integrated.
Pros: Spacious, easy to drive, most storage space, driving and living compartments are connected. Living area is easily accessible even when driving. Able to tow a vehicle behind it. It is a home on wheels, many people love this type of convenience.
Cons: Has the most structural problems according to the RV Consumer Group.The most expensive of all the RV types. Harder to navigate around in cities or tight spots. Needs more space to store them, this too can get expensive.
2. Class B: Camper: Westfalia VERDIER Solar Power this Camper version is versatile and much easier to drive in the city. It is created from a standard passenger VW minivan in this case.The 200hp engine is a hybrid (electric, fuel/diesel), and there’s also a 40 Watt/12 Volt Solar Alternative Energy Input. Seats and sleeps four people (2 adults, 2 children) with 4 spots for cooking and a built-in sink.
Concept Westfalia Verdier Camper- VW.
Pros: Much less expensive than Class A RVs, the Off-grid Camper is easier to navigate in the city and to park. Living and driving area are connected. It can be used for local transportation. It can tow a small trailer. Fits in standard driveway. Solar panels provide off-grid electrical use.
Cons: Carries two to four people. Great for short trips, however space is limited, if you are considering extended living period on wheels. (much the same for the truck camper scenario).
Depending on the size of your family and your budget amount the RV is definitely a mobile off-grid home scenario to consider versus a property set-up for off-grid living. However, RV's can be expensive to buy so my advice is to rent an RV for a holiday vacation first before you buy one. Be sure to research about which is the best RV to fit you and your family's requirements.
Same research and try out effort goes for the off-grid Camper scenario too, and the options in between, which are almost infinite! ;)
The great positives about testing an RV or Camper are:
- You can travel all over North America to various beautiful, outdoor wilderness locations.
- You save on motel/hotel costs and can bring your own food.
- A home away from home brings ease and accessibility to living and working.
- Mobility: where you can take off at a moment's notice to check out another scenic location.
- RV's have great security and privacy and are much safer than regular cars and campers.
- Fun for the activities you can do on the fly with your children. Some of the campgrounds have playgrounds, you can set up your badminton games and if it rains you can always play in your RV with some fun card games. (Works for empty nesters too!)
Look into solar and wind options for your RV or Camper. It is better for you and the environment.
The most important tip is to remember to relax and have fun with your family, they are only young for a very short time and take lots of photos to create a family collage or album (you can do this right on your laptop in your RV on the fly). Remember Do Not Feed the Bears!
