We’re raising six children & living in an RV full-time – we have no rent or mortgage, it has two floors & a roof deck
A COUPLE raising their six children full-time in an RV shared an insight into their lives.
The family are travelling the United States on a double decker vehicle with a roof deck.
They appeared on the YouTube channel Less Junk, More Journey to give a virtual tour of their home on wheels.
The family lined up inside the RV to demonstrate how low the ceilings were, joking that their short height made it easier.
They made good use of their limited space, with their driver’s area doubling as a home office when they are parked up.
The 2009 double decker has amassed a total of 335,000 kilometres during their travels.
“We cruise along at 111 kilometres per hour usually and we feel that’s a pretty comfortable pace,” the family’s dad explained.
Behind the driver’s area is the kitchen worktops, featuring a sink, a stove top, and a large butcher’s block.
The downstairs area also featured a lounging area and pantries for food storage.
They also had two bathrooms, one on each floor of the RV while they have a separate shower cubicle half way up the stairs.
The shower is a full seven-feet with cedar wood panelling, giving it a sauna feel and smell.
According to the family, they cut into their storage space when laying out the shower to ensure maximum height.
By the stairs at the back of the bus, there is a second door, which the family refer to as their home’s back door.
At the stop of the stairs is the family’s washer and dryer as well as their built-in vacuum.
Towards the front of the bus, there is another lounging area, which doubled as the kid’s homeschool desks.
Inside the benches is additional storage for school work and books.
In the front area, a platform can be placed down over the couple’s bed, giving their children more room to play during the day.
At night, a small door can be closed to give them privacy.
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
The family also avoids having an TVs on board as they want to prioritise their family time together while on the road.
Each of the children have their own bunks with blackout curtains towards the back of the bus.
A small ladder leads to the roof, where the family enjoy time lounging on their hammocks.
It also featured decking and fairy lights, allowing them to use it at night.
The parents revealed that they would like to visit all 48 states on the mainland US with their kids before settling down in a traditional home.