Can I Live Full-Time in a 5th Wheel in the UK?
- kenworth9
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25
In a word—yes. Plenty of people across the UK have swapped bricks and mortar for the open road or a static pitch. But there are a few things you’ll want to know first.
Legal Status
Living full-time in a 5th wheel is legal, but there are caveats. Councils don’t tend to like residential use on touring pitches, so if you’re staying in one place, choose a park that allows full-time residency. Look for parks with a permanent residential licence—these are usually classed as holiday parks with 12-month usage or full-time residential status. A few examples include Caerwnon Park in Wales or Lakeside Country Park in Lincolnshire, where long-term stays are welcomed. Monthly pitch fees range from £250–£500, depending on facilities and location.
Address Woes
You’ll need a postal address for things like banking, DVLA, and your doctor. Most full-timers use a relative’s address, but for those without that option, a mail-forwarding service like UKPostBox or ScanMyPost can provide a virtual UK address with post scanning and forwarding. Plans start from around £10/month.
Utilities and Comfort
Modern 5th wheels are well insulated and kitted out for all seasons, especially our Rockwood and Reflection models. For full-timers, a dehumidifier is popular for keeping moisture under control, though regularly opening windows and using extraction whenever you're cooking or washing will really help.
20 Litre High Power:
Pro Breeze® 20L OmniDry
https://amzn.to/448Xejv
5 Litre Lowe Power EasyAcc® 1200ml Quiet Dehumidifier
If you’re planning to stay off-grid, consider adding a solar panel kit (we can help install), though newer models come with solar pre-installed. Electric hook-ups are standard on most long-stay sites, but if you plan to be an off-grid Nomad then a manual device to help you with washing may be essential:
Electric Wash & Dry
8.5Kg Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine
Manual Wash
Scrubba Wash Bag Portable Washing Machine
Waschmachine Travel Washer https://amzn.to/4elFl4g
Insurance and Paperwork
If you’re living full-time, you’ll need to declare this to your insurer. Comfort Insurance and Adrian Flux both offer specialist touring caravan and RV policies that cover full-time use, just be sure to clarify your storage situation, whether insurance is for the RV or RV and truck, and the value of any personal belongings onboard. Expect premiums from £500–£900 per year, depending on your cover level.
A Lifestyle Shift
Living in a 5th wheel isn’t just ‘compact living’—it’s a whole mindset. You’ll be minimalist by nature; want less, need less, for which you'll gain the flexibility to enjoy anywhere your desires take you... and lower bills.
Most full-timers find themselves using fewer things and valuing each space more. It’s not unusual to cook outdoors, track weather forecasts more closely, or get excited about new campsite finds like Wi-Fi or a good view. Every individual considering this lifestyle change knows their own head and heart for the reasons why they want to live full-time in an RV, but we'll list the obvious ones!
Lower Cost of Living: Without council tax or mortgage repayments, many full-timers find their outgoings shrink considerably.
Freedom to Move: Feel like a change of scenery? Just hitch up and go. Whether it’s the coast one week or the Lake District the next, you’re never tied down.
Community: There's a growing network of full-time RVers across the UK. From Facebook groups to site meetups, there’s a real sense of camaraderie and shared know-how.
Simplicity: With less space comes less stuff. Many people report feeling less stressed, more focused, and more intentional about how they live.
Nature on Your Doorstep: Whether you’re backing onto a forest or pitched up near a loch, your home’s view is always just that bit more impressive.
More and more UK buyers are going full-time, and we’re here to help your choosing a home-on-the-road as simple (and enjoyable) as possible. Whether it’s picking the right layout, meeting a budget, or getting the right features, we’re happy to offer advice every step of the way.
Comments