Dax P. is a 28-year-old who lives full-time in a camper van on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.
He and his wife Aliee moved into their van after relocating from Colorado.
They worked at the local Ralphs supermarket and shared the van with their two dogs.
On the night of December 9, 2024, the Franklin Fire erupted along Malibu Canyon Road.
The blaze burned over 4,000 acres and destroyed 20 structures.
Over 20,000 people were ordered to evacuate.
Dax and Aliee stayed up until almost three in the morning watching the fire approach.
Their van was covered in ash.
However, while local homeowners scrambled to grab what they could and flee, Dax and Aliee simply started their van and drove.
Their home, their pets, and their belongings moved with them.
They rode out the Franklin Fire by moving their van along the highway until they were clear of the danger zone.
Their mobile lifestyle gave them something most people in that fire zone did not have: the ability to relocate in minutes with everything they owned.
As this story shows, full-time RV living is more than just a lifestyle choice.
It can be a powerful preparedness strategy.
When disaster strikes, an RV or camper van is both your home and your bug out vehicle rolled into one.
There is no frantic packing; no deciding what to leave behind.
You turn the key and go.
Here are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of full-time RV living from a preparedness standpoint.
Built-in bug out vehicle:
Your home goes where you go.
Whether you face a wildfire, a flood, civil unrest, or a hurricane, you can relocate in minutes.
You already live in your bug out vehicle.
Self-reliance on the road:
Many full-time RVers set up solar panels, lithium battery systems, and water filtration setups.
This means they can camp away from the grid for days or even weeks without hookups.
They generate their own power, filter their own water, and carry their own provisions – the kind of independence that preppers strive for.
Lower monthly overhead:
Many full-timers spend between two and three thousand monthly when they boondock smart and move slow.
No home financing.
No property taxes.
No HOA fees.
That frees up funds for gear, provisions, and building your preparedness stockpile.
Flexibility to chase good conditions:
Full-time RVers can move south in winter to sidestep freezing pipes and heating expenses.
They can head to higher elevations in summer to sidestep extreme heat.
They follow good weather instead of fighting bad, which saves energy and resources.
Drawbacks to full-time RV living:
Fuel expenses add up:
Fuel expenses can hit hard, especially with a larger rig.
Careful route planning and apps like GasBuddy help, but fuel is still one of the biggest expenses on the road.
Steer clear of toll roads and rush hour congestion to stretch every gallon further.
Reduced storage space:
An RV or van does not have a basement or a garage.
Storing months of food, water, and gear in a small space requires real creativity.
Stackable containers, under-bed storage, and multi-use items are key.
Maintenance is constant:
Living in a vehicle means wear and tear happens quickly.
Tires, brakes, generators, water pumps, and roof seals need regular attention.
Learning basic DIY repair skills saves a fortune and keeps you from getting stranded.
Vulnerability to the elements:
Extreme cold, extreme heat, and high winds hit harder in an RV than in a fixed home.
Without proper insulation, solar, and battery backup, you can run into trouble in a hurry.
Invest in quality insulation, a good battery setup, and at least 400 watts of solar before heading away from the grid.
If full-time RV living interests you, here are a few resources to consider.
For solar power, a 400-to-600-watt panel system paired with lithium batteries will keep you powered up in remote locations.
For water filtration, a gravity-fed system like the Alexapure Pro or a portable filter like the Sawyer Squeeze handles questionable water sources.
For route planning, apps like Campendium and iOverlander help you find boondocking spots with user reviews on road conditions and cell signal.
Whether you live in an RV full-time or keep one ready as a bug out option, have a plan, have your provisions, and be ready to move when necessary.
