When you’re on the move for your next assignment, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is finding the right healthcare traveler housing. It’s true that temporarily living in an RV or camper can offer a sense of freedom and adventure that traditional housing options may not match, but is it right for you? Let’s take a closer look at the pros/cons, the costs, and the considerations to find out if hitting the road in an RV or camper is the right move for you.
- Pros and cons of campers and temporary RV housing
- Things to consider when it comes to RV and camper housing
- Frequently asked questions
Housing for Healthcare Travelers: Is an RV or Camper Right for You?
Pros and cons of campers and temporary RV housing
Possible pros
👍Home comes with you — no more packing and unpacking with each assignment
👍Flexible housing site options so you can choose a spot to park that suits your budget and needs
👍You’ll have the comfort of your own private space surrounded by your personal belongings
👍Pet-friendly housing (if you travel with your pet!) without the fees
👍Great for traveling with your family and loved ones
👍Build a sense of community with fellow travelers staying in RV parks and campgrounds
Potential cons
👎Limited living and storage space
👎You’re responsible for all necessary maintenance and repairs
👎Reliable Wi-Fi and cell service can be spotty depending on your location
👎Not always ideal living during extreme heat, freezing temps, or other severe weather conditions
Things to consider when it comes to RV and camper housing
Type of vehicle housing
When it comes to vehicle temporary housing for healthcare travelers, there’s no one-size-fits-all option — and that’s why doing your research is key. Before you invest, let’s chat about the variety of vehicle types out there and how they align with your lifestyle, budget, and travel goals.
Here’s the inside scoop to the types of vehicle housing to consider: motorhomes (Class A, B, and C), travel trailers, and fifth wheels. Class A motorhomes are the largest and often the most luxurious option, offering room layouts and high-end features, but they can come with a bigger price tag and lower fuel efficiency. Then there’s Class B motorhomes, aka camper vans, which are compact, easy to drive, and can be ideal for solo travelers or minimalist duos. Class C motorhomes fall somewhere in between, balancing drivability with extra living space.
If you’d rather tow vs drive your temporary housing, travel trailers and fifth wheels may be better for you. Available in a range of sizes, travel trailers can be towed by a truck or SUV so you have more flexibility once you’re parked. Fifth wheels are larger, sometimes with multi-level layouts and extra storage, but require a heavy-duty truck with a special hitch.
Photo courtesy of Jolene.
“I travel solo, and I decided to purchase a small trailer that I tow behind my SUV,” shared Fusion Medical Staffing Traveling Rad Tech Jolene. “I like being able to separate my vehicle from my camper, so the camper can stay stationary once I get to my destination. I considered doing an RV and towing a small vehicle, but I wasn’t quite comfortable driving a large RV, in addition to towing a vehicle. Plus, keeping my SUV allows me to store my empty totes/boxes and items I don’t need on a regular basis to free up room in my camper.”
Photo courtesy of Lacey.
So, how do you know which type of vehicle housing is the right fit for you? Think about your budget, comfort preferences, and space needs — consider how many people (and pets!) live with you, how much storage you require, and if you want the ability to separate your vehicle from your housing.
“Regardless of the type of vehicle housing, definitely make sure you’re comfortable living in a small space,” said Allison, Fusion Medical Staffing travel nurse.
At the end of the day, the right type of housing is the one that fits your lifestyle, not just your aesthetic. Taking the time to research, tour models, and even exploring rentals before you buy can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your home on wheels truly feels like home!
Temporary housing expenses
While camper or temporary RV housing can offer enhanced freedom and flexibility, it’s still not a free ride.
Whether you use rentals or buy your own RV or camper, you must consider the initial investment. Then, there’s insurance, licensing, and registration fees, which vary by state. If you’re financing your vehicle, you’ll also have a monthly loan payment to budget for.
After you’ve obtained your mobile housing, it’s time to think about recurring costs. There are obvious expenses like fuel and park or campground fees, but then there are utility rates, as well as Wi-Fi and maintenance costs.
If the thought of waking up to new views, skipping the house hunting process, and taking your home wherever you go, mobile living could be worth every penny. The important thing is you first crunch the numbers before making moves — your future self and bank account will thank you.
Required maintenance and service
Just as you may expect, RVs and campers require regular care and maintenance. Think oil changes, tire checks, brake inspections, and engine maintenance, if applicable, plus things like roof sealing, water system winterizing, and keeping the propane, electrical, and sewage systems in working order.
“Most RV owners have done a lot of their own maintenance and repairs — they can be a wealth of knowledge, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or take advice from fellow RV owners!” Jolene said. “RV rentals or borrowing a camper for a weekend to gauge your interest or comfort level is a good way to prepare yourself.”
Frequently asked questions
What are some good, reliable online resources to find RV rentals, campers, and parking sites?
The good news for healthcare travelers interested in RV or camper living is that there are plenty of great online resources for you to reference.
“Facebook Marketplace is a great resource for finding private sites and local hosts,” said Lacey Wade, Fusion Medical Staffing traveling CNA. “Do keep in mind that renting private means you don’t get the campground extras (bath house, pool, on-site laundry, etc.), but 98% of the time you get a private site and no one to bother you. If there’s no private sites, I call all campgrounds in the area and look up state parks to find the best prices for monthly rentals.”
“Some apps and websites I use to find sites are Harvest Hosts/Boondockers Welcome, recreation.gov, KOA camping, HipCamp, RV Parky, The Dyrt, Good Sam, and simply Googling the location I’m interested in,” said Jolene. “Checking with the area’s Chamber of Commerce or asking the hiring manager at the facility you’re interviewing for can be helpful, too. One thing to keep in mind is that not all RV apps and websites are for long-term stays.”
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to RV life, these resources can help you find the perfect setup without stress.
Am I still eligible to receive my housing stipend if I travel in an RV or camper?
In short, yes! In long, healthcare travelers who live in an RV or camper while on assignment could be eligible to receive a housing stipend as long as they maintain a qualifying tax home.
“Normally, in order to be in an RV park, you have to either pay a monthly or weekly fee to reserve a space,” said Megan Anderson, Fusion Medical Staffing radiology account manager. “That expense may qualify as ‘rent’ or a temporary address to prove duplicate expenses and grant stipends.”
Traveling in an RV doesn’t disqualify you from stipends — you just need to make sure your setup follows IRS rules.
What do healthcare travelers like about temporary RV housing or camper housing?
When we asked healthcare travelers what they love about RV or camper housing, many identified the freedom and flexibility as the main pros. This type of temporary housing can offer cost savings, a personalized space, and the ability to explore different areas of your assignment location.
“We’ve been in our RV for almost a year now,” said one Reddit travel nurse. “We love it! Sometimes I do have to travel 30 minutes+ to get to the facility I’m working at. However, I get to travel with my family (there’s four of us) and create so many memories!”
What are my other temporary housing options as a healthcare traveler?
From apartments to RVs to furnished rentals, you have a wealth of housing choices for each travel job. We know it can feel overwhelming to sort through your options, and that’s why we’re here to equip you with a range of housing resources to make your search simpler and more efficient.
Related: 10 Tips for Finding Temporary Housing as a Healthcare Traveler
With our expertise and support, you’ll have access to some of the best housing opportunities that suit your needs, so you can focus on delivering excellent care without worrying about where you’ll be staying.
Living in an RV or camper during your travel nursing or allied health assignments can offer more than just a place to sleep — it can be a lifestyle. With the right preparation and research, RV life can offer the perfect blend of home and independence, giving you the opportunity to enjoy every assignment with a sense of comfort and adventure.
