Rvtrader.ca (2024)

FAQs

Is it legal to live in a RV in California? ›

The short answer is: yes, you can legally live in an RV in California. However, there are specific regulations and zoning laws that you need to follow. Each city and county in California might have different rules about where you can park and live in an RV.

On average, you can expect to pay between $75 and $150 per night to rent most small trailers and campervans. Larger trailers and motorhomes could cost $100 to $250 per night. Renting an RV for a longer time can be even more affordable–a week or month-long rental could average out to less than $60 per day.

The only time you don't need liability coverage for an RV is if it can't move under its own power – in other words, if it needs to be towed, like a pop-up or travel trailer. The liability coverage on the policy for the vehicle that tows the trailer would cover the trailer, too.

These PDI facilities and processes add expense, time, and labor costs to the manufacturing process. All this adds up and can raise the price of an RV. Buying an RV with fewer inspections may cost less up front, but you may take more risk that you'll pay more in service and lose time repairing your RV later.

Free California RV camping is available on public lands administered by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and the USFS (US Forest Service). State parks, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, and more allow free RV camping.

You Still Gotta Have a Fixed Address

RV owners who want to claim an RV as their primary residence face another hurdle from the IRS: You must have a permanent address for it, at least for tax purposes.

Passenger safety is key when driving an RV. Following seat belt laws is important when taking a quick nap in a moving RV. If you can sleep while sitting in an RV passenger seat, you're free to sleep. However, sleeping in an RV bed while someone is driving is not allowed.

California: California requires a non-commercial Class A license for travel trailers at or above 10,000 GVWR and 5^th wheels at or above 15,000 GVWR. A non-commercial Class B license is required for a single RV at or below 10,000 GVWR and any RV between 40 and 45 feet long.

You can expect American-style recreational vehicles running on gas/petrol to get an average of 6-10 miles per gallon. On the other hand, a European made diesel camper or RV will achieve a mile-per-gallon range of 25-35mpg. The average mpg varies for all the classes.

Nationwide, Progressive and Allstate are our top three picks for the cheapest RV insurance providers. The cheapest type of RV coverage is liability insurance, which is required for driveable RVs. RV insurance can be as cheap as $125 per year for basic coverage.

Is RV insurance more expensive than car insurance? ›

Insurance for most towable RVs, for example, is typically much cheaper than auto insurance for similar types and amounts of coverage. However, insurance for something like a luxury-level Class A RV may cost far more than standard auto insurance.

Motorhomes that do not exceed 45 feet (540 inches) in overall length or 8.5 feet (102 inches) in width may be registered in California. Manufactured motorhomes are registered under the make and year model of the motorhome manufacturer and the VIN of the chassis.

CON: RVs Can Be High-Maintenance

RVs require a lot of upkeep. You need to keep on top of cleaning, which includes dumping RV waste. You also need to make sure fluids are topped up and tires are inflated. Then, of course, there could be occasional repairs that need doing.

Are RV good value? Financially, no. Just like most cars, planes and boats they depreciate rather quickly. If you are looking for housing or shelter that doesn't lose about half it's value in less than a decade, buy a traditional home.

Living in an RV can be cheaper than traditional home ownership because RVs require less space and utility usage, resulting in lower costs for heating, cooling, and maintenance. Additionally, RV living encourages a simpler and more minimalist lifestyle that can lead to fewer expenses related to possessions.

However, legal restrictions in California will affect where overnight parking is allowed. California laws state that it's illegal to park an RV or camper van in residential streets, roadways, alleys, highways, parks, or beaches between midnight and 5 am.

The IRS defines a home broadly, including houses, condominiums, cooperatives, mobile homes, RVs, house trailers, and boats. The property has to have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities to be treated as a primary or secondary residence for tax purposes.

In California a manufactured home, can be placed on any lot zoned for a single-family dwelling and is only subject to the same architectural standards that other homes in the area are responsible for meeting.

As long as the person who obtained the permit lives in the house the vehicle is parked in front of it is ok. This is similar to the rule pertaining to visiting relatives or friends.