Imagine waking up in your own bed beside a beach one day, and then rising with a mountain vista the next. These are the possibilities of living in a motorhome full time – with only the open road as your address.
It sounds like a carefree lifestyle, doesn’t it? Sure, some full-time motorhomers may still work remotely, and there are costs to consider such as food, fuel, registration and insurance. But even so, with around 2,500 caravan parks around Australia1 – and countless places to camp for free – plenty of people are living in motorhomes, says Richard Barwick, CEO of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA).
“We have a chapter in the club called Highway Wanderers with a large percentage living in a motorhome full time,” Barwick says. “One of our members has been on the road for over 23 years. There wouldn’t be one pub that he hasn’t had a beer at.”
According to media reports, more Australian women are choosing a solo van life too. Less financial strain, a sense of freedom, and the opportunity to meet new people were some of the reasons women who had taken to the road in a van gave to ABC News.2
So, if you’ve ever wondered, “What’s it like living in a motorhome full time?”, here are some of the pros, cons and what you might need to consider, including motorhome insurance.
Living in a motorhome: pros and cons
Pro: It can be cheaper than a house
At the time of writing, the mean price of residential dwellings in Australia is $973,300,3 while a brand new motorhome from a leading Australian manufacturer such as Jayco starts from $277,990 drive-away.4,5 Of course, you may save money upfront by buying a cheaper motorhome on the second hand market – just remember to consider the trade-off between new and used motorhomes in terms of functionality and reliability.
Pro: The freedom to go wherever you want
Not a fan of winter? No problem. Simply drive your home-on-wheels somewhere warmer. Craving an off-grid adventure? Top up with fresh water and pop some solar panels on the roof and the world – or at least Australia – is your playground.
Pro: New neighbours every week (if you want)
Those who live on the road share a special bond. Not only that, but there’s an entire online community of motorhome travellers in Australia – including Facebook groups such as Motorhomes Australia with more than 34,000 members – waiting to meet likeminded travellers.6 Your fellow motorhomers are a great source of tips, camaraderie and, inevitably, a shoulder to lean on when things don’t go to plan..
Con: It’s a lot smaller than a house
If you’re familiar with sharing a home with other people, imagine the cramped conditions of downsizing to a motorhome. Could you handle living permanently in a small motorhome – even when it’s raining outside for days? Or during a cold and gloomy winter? Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, especially if you value personal space.
Con: Motorhomes generally don’t go up in value
While motorhomes generally depreciate, there’s a silver lining that many overlook. As Barwick explains, “motorhomes hold their value better than caravans. That’s one thing that goes unnoticed at times.” So, while they may not appreciate like a house, they tend to depreciate at a slower rate compared to caravans.
Con: They can break down
If your motorhome breaks down – and it’s your home – you may have to factor in the cost of repairs and alternative accommodation until it’s ready to roll again. It’s a good idea to have reliable roadside assistance in place to help with the unexpected, so you’re not left stranded.
How to get your motorhome ready for full-time living
To prepare your motorhome for long-term living, it could be worth focusing on maximising space and comfort. Consider decluttering and only bringing the essentials, using smart storage solutions to keep your motorhome organised. Also think about setting up reliable power options such as solar panels or a generator. If you’ll be working remotely, having a solid Wi-Fi setup will make video calls and emails easier.
How much does it cost to live in a motorhome?
Is living in a motorhome full time economical? It can be, but there are still costs to consider – some of them significant.
Fuel
“Probably the biggest (expense of living in a motorhome) is the cost of fuel,” says Barwick. The more you drive your motorhome, the more fuel you’ll use. A turbo-diesel 2024 JB Touring motorhome uses around 14.5L/100km7 – that’s 30% more than the average fuel consumption of a passenger vehicle in Australia, which is 11.1L/100km.8
In terms of electric-powered options, the American recreational vehicle (RV) brand Winnebago launched an electric prototype, the eRV2, in 2023,9 but no production version is available in Australia yet. Solar panels can, however, power some of your appliances and devices, if not the motorhome’s engine itself.
Campsites and caravan parks
While there are plenty of free camping spots around Australia, pulling into a caravan park to enjoy its facilities comes at a cost. “You could be paying $30 or $40 a night for a powered site,” says Barwick. “But if you’re on a riverbank for six weeks and then you move on to the next town, you can do it pretty cheap.”
Maintenance
Maintenance costs will vary depending on the type of motorhome, but regular checks and services are an investment that could reduce the chance of experiencing a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
Other running costs
Before taking your life on the road, organise registration and consider motorhome insurance. Motorhomes are defined as cars for the purposes of Youi’s car insurance policies, which include Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Property Only. As with any vehicle insurance, what is covered under your policy will depend on the type of policy you choose.
“We cover campervans and motorhomes under our car insurance policies,” says Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product for Vehicle, Lifestyle and Leisure.
“We also offer optional Campervan/Motorhome Contents insurance for motorhome owners, which increases how much we will pay for individual items to $1,000 or the lesser of its replacement cost. With a standard Comprehensive car insurance policy, this limit is normally $150. There are terms and conditions to consider, so make sure you read the PDS,” says Jackson.
“Roadside assistance is also included with our Comprehensive car insurance. For the times when you’re dealing with a flat tyre, flat battery or breakdown in your motorhome – we’ll send someone to help you.”10
Can you live in a motorhome on your own land?
You can, says Barwick, although if your local council becomes aware, “They may want you to put in a development application for that particular vehicle because you’re living in it.”
Living in a motorhome: Other considerations
Where to park
Some motorhome dwellers choose to settle their vehicle permanently in a caravan park or similar, where you can enjoy a secure connection to utilities, a fixed address for mail and neighbours whose names you won’t forget.
Security
Aside from private property, caravan parks are generally a secure option for anyone living in a motorhome. If you decide to camp somewhere more public overnight, there are some commonsense precautions to take.
“You have to pick your areas,” says Barwick. “You wouldn’t set up in the main car park of the local supermarket, because the locals may not like it too much and you could experience some antisocial behaviour.”
Taking measures like locking up at night, hiding your valuables, and being mindful of your surroundings may also help to enhance your security. Reversing into your parking spot not only makes departure easier but ensures you’re prepared with an exit strategy should something unexpected happen.
Your partner
If you’re travelling with a partner, make sure they’re as on board with full-time living in a camper as you are. “Living in a motorhome or RV, you have to get on well,” says Barwick. “You are living in a confined space and that is not for everyone.”
Motorhome living: Inspiration and where to learn more
There are countless podcasts, YouTubers, blogs and books that chronicle the full-time motorhome life. A good place to start is the CMCA’s Federal Government-funded RV Safe initiative, which has advice and information on RV road safety awareness.11
Once you’re ready to hit the road, consider starting a quote with Youi for insurance that could be a good fit for you and your home on wheels.
1 Source: Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) – Federal Pre-Budget Submission (page 10, second paragraph), October 2020
2 Source: ABC News – Why more Australian women are choosing a solo van life, October 2021
3 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Total Value of Dwellings, September 2024
4 Source: Jayco – Optimum Motorhome
5 Note: Prices are subject to change and are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the lowest-priced variant, quoted for postcode 2000, and may not include costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options.
6 Source: Facebook – Motorhomes Australia
7 Source: caravancampingsales – JB Touring 2024 Review, June 2024
8 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Survey of Motor Vehicle Use Australia, December 2020
9 Source: Winnebago – Explore the All-Electric eRV2
10 Available with Comprehensive policies. Exclusions, limits and fees apply. Not available if your vehicle has broken down or become immobilised within 24 hours of you purchasing or upgrading to Comprehensive cover and adding Youi Roadside Assist to your insurance policy. For full details, see the roadside assistance T&Cs and Car PDS.
11 Source: rvSafe – Information to keep you safe on the road
