How to Budget for Your Very First RV Trip

Planning an RV trip with your family (or even just by yourself) is a great option when it comes to travel plans. RV trips give you full control over your itinerary, allowing you to plan everything from when you want to leave to where you want to have stopovers. If this has piqued your interest, keep reading below for a few tips on budgeting for your very first RV trip.

Renting an RV

As a general rule, RV costs depend on the particular model's class and age. The class of an RV refers to the build of the RV itself: Class A means an RV was built with an extremely strong frame and has quality interiors. Class B RVs are smaller but still have enough standing room and space for things like a kitchen and a shower, while those that are Class C are a compromise of both types in a smaller and budget-friendly build. Of course, the newer the RV means the more expensive it will be to rent. As a general rule, a new Class A RV should cost $300 to 400 a night while a new Class C costs $225 to $350 a night.

Gas

Gas is one of the biggest considerations you'll have to make when budgeting for your RV trip. Regardless of the type of RV you'll rent, it's safe to say that this will be one of the bigger items you spend on. In her first RV trip, writer Sophie-Claire Hoeller notes that she spent $235.42 on gas during the five days she was on the road. She does point out that this wasn't as much as she was expecting to spend on gas, but spending over $250 is something that you definitely should account for.

Food

Who can forget about food costs? On average, when budgeting for family trips, food for a typical four-day trip can cost around $155 per person, with around $27 going on restaurant meals. However, the beauty of RV travel is the ability to just bring your own groceries and save on costs, giving you more control over the cost of food. This doesn't mean to say that you shouldn't eat out at all — one of the great things about traveling is sampling local cuisine and getting a taste for what the locals eat. In reality, your RV trip will probably consist of a mix of cooking your own food and dining out.

Campground fees

RVs can't just park anywhere, which is why you'll have to account for campground fees in your budget. There's always the option to boondock and go off the grid where you won't have to pay any campground fees, but that might not be a feasible option depending on your location. If that's the case, our post on how to budget for full-time RV life highlights that campsite prices can range anywhere from $25 to $350 a night. These average prices vary widely because of location and resort ammenties, which is why it's worth planning out your route in advance so you can estimate how much time you're spending at any one campground and factor these costs in accordingly.

Other costs

These are the four main costs to take into consideration, but you also have to account for things like laundry at a local laundromat or staying at a campground with laundry facilities (depending on how long your trip is) and budget for souvenirs or adventure items like zip line tours or boat tours.

If you've been bit by the travel bug, an RV trip may be just what you need. Although it's going to cost you just like any other trip, the flexibility you have when it comes to exploring with your RV makes all the planning worth it in the end.


exclusively written for rvingusa.com
by River Jiselle