Budget & Expenses as a Full-Time RVer
07-30-2015
Author: Blog Editor in RV Tips & Education
By Tammy Daly
In our ever changing economy, many people have made the decision to become Full-time RVers. For some, this is a financial choice, while for others it is a choice to live a life full of adventure. No matter the reasoning behind your choice, living as a full-time RVer always leads to one BIG question: How much will it cost to become a Full-timer?
As anyone can guess, there are many variables to the BIG question. If you are used to living life to the fullest with no concern for the almighty dollar, you can still choose to spare no expense in one of the new high tech coaches with all the bells and whistles. For the more frugal Full-time RVer, you can enjoy an action packed adventure without breaking the bank.
Putting the cost of the RV aside, there are things that every Full-time RVer will have to prepare for. Campsite and hook-up prices can run you anywhere from $25-$1500 per night depending on location. As the old saying goes “Location, Location, Location…” Monthly rates and advanced reservations can help bring costs down.
RV Travel Expenses are specific to the area and distances the Full-timer chooses. If you enjoy staying put, gas prices will be lower, but you will also have RV insurance and repairs keep in mind. Some Full-timers use extended service plans to help cut down on repair costs. Extended services plans will cost you $50-$300 per month on average. This will help offset any major repair costs, similar to the way insurance does in case of an accident.
Full-time RVers do not have the costs of utilities or property tax. However, there are specific needs for the RV such as propane and house batteries that will be needed to run your kitchen appliances, water heater, and air conditioner. Propane price ranges from $3.00-6.00 per gallon. The average 20 lb. tank will hold just under 5 gallons.
House batteries run anywhere from $150-800 per battery. Regular maintenance of your propane tank, batteries, and all electrical systems are vital to keep from having costly repairs.
When it comes to everyday needs, such as food and beverages, the costs should be pretty consistent to what anyone living in a home would face. The tricky part here is RV cooking, which is more difficult in such a compact space. That would also be the same for entertainment costs. Camping these days is as outdoorsy as you choose to make it. If you want internet and satellite, you can have those things for a small monthly fee. Most of us cannot live without cell phones, but those costs would be similar to what anyone else would pay.
A few other things to consider are:
When it comes to Full-time RVers, their expenses will fluctuate from time to time. The best way to track your spending would be to keep records in an RV Living Cost Log. A great example of an RV cost log comes from Technomadia. It's a great monthly cost log to help you get started.
The choice of lifestyle is up to each individual and with all the advances in the RV industry, you can be as tech savvy as you would like. On average, the living expenses will be somewhere in the $1200-2500 per month range. Living large or roughing it, it's is all up to you.
In our ever changing economy, many people have made the decision to become Full-time RVers. For some, this is a financial choice, while for others it is a choice to live a life full of adventure. No matter the reasoning behind your choice, living as a full-time RVer always leads to one BIG question: How much will it cost to become a Full-timer?
As anyone can guess, there are many variables to the BIG question. If you are used to living life to the fullest with no concern for the almighty dollar, you can still choose to spare no expense in one of the new high tech coaches with all the bells and whistles. For the more frugal Full-time RVer, you can enjoy an action packed adventure without breaking the bank.
Putting the cost of the RV aside, there are things that every Full-time RVer will have to prepare for. Campsite and hook-up prices can run you anywhere from $25-$1500 per night depending on location. As the old saying goes “Location, Location, Location…” Monthly rates and advanced reservations can help bring costs down.
RV Travel Expenses are specific to the area and distances the Full-timer chooses. If you enjoy staying put, gas prices will be lower, but you will also have RV insurance and repairs keep in mind. Some Full-timers use extended service plans to help cut down on repair costs. Extended services plans will cost you $50-$300 per month on average. This will help offset any major repair costs, similar to the way insurance does in case of an accident.
Full-time RVers do not have the costs of utilities or property tax. However, there are specific needs for the RV such as propane and house batteries that will be needed to run your kitchen appliances, water heater, and air conditioner. Propane price ranges from $3.00-6.00 per gallon. The average 20 lb. tank will hold just under 5 gallons.
House batteries run anywhere from $150-800 per battery. Regular maintenance of your propane tank, batteries, and all electrical systems are vital to keep from having costly repairs.
When it comes to everyday needs, such as food and beverages, the costs should be pretty consistent to what anyone living in a home would face. The tricky part here is RV cooking, which is more difficult in such a compact space. That would also be the same for entertainment costs. Camping these days is as outdoorsy as you choose to make it. If you want internet and satellite, you can have those things for a small monthly fee. Most of us cannot live without cell phones, but those costs would be similar to what anyone else would pay.
A few other things to consider are:
- Laundry costs $2.00 per load at a laundromat
- Dump fees for black and gray tanks (usually minimal $5-10 or are included in RV park overnight fees)
- Postage and mail service
- Vehicle registration
When it comes to Full-time RVers, their expenses will fluctuate from time to time. The best way to track your spending would be to keep records in an RV Living Cost Log. A great example of an RV cost log comes from Technomadia. It's a great monthly cost log to help you get started.
The choice of lifestyle is up to each individual and with all the advances in the RV industry, you can be as tech savvy as you would like. On average, the living expenses will be somewhere in the $1200-2500 per month range. Living large or roughing it, it's is all up to you.
Happy trails!
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Comment
GumsAugust 14, 2017 | 08:06 AM
In 18 years of Full Time my Propane cost has been from lowest $1.924 a gal in 2016 to highest in 2008 of $3.101. My MH has a 40 gal LPG tank for generator and 28 gal house. I only need to fill both once a year. Latest laundry has been $2.00 a load to wash and up to $1.25 a load to dry.
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