RV Living: What Are the Realistic Costs Involved?
Most people considering living in an RV think they’ll be saving a lot of money. While this may be true, it’s also true that there are costs associated with RV living. In fact, many people realize that the realistic costs are a lot more than anticipated. It sure is liberating to live on the road, but it’s nice to be prepared and know the expenses involved. Here are some expenses that come with RV living that you’ll want to be prepared for.
Gas and Propane
Every RV needs fuel. You’ll need fuel in the gas tank and fuel for cooking. As far as gas is concerned, you should use the manufacturer’s recommended fuel, which can cost you around $500 monthly. The right fuel will help your RV run more efficiently as you take on the open road. Propane tanks are pretty standard for most RVs and RV dealers Edmonton has you covered. If you plan on heating your water and cooking, you’ll be glad to have propane. Propane tanks can cost up to $100 a month.
Campsite Fees
You’ll also need to consider the campsite fees. Most campsites require that all RVs pay a fee to park and hook up to water lines. These fees are usually assessed per night and will vary widely. Some sites even offer season passes, which provide discounts or other perks.
Repairs and Maintenance
Every vehicle requires repairs and maintenance whether they’re a bicycle or an RV. Although you can’t prepare for every repair, keeping a regular vehicle maintenance schedule can reduce the number of unexpected repairs that occur. Oil changes, tune-ups, brake repairs, and replacement filters are just a few things you should regularly maintain. Allotting an average of $300 a month for repairs and maintenance is a good idea.
Electricity
If you plan on having wifi, charging mobile devices, or using a microwave, you’ll need to have electricity. Rates will vary according to the provider, but $75 a month is about the average. You can reduce this cost by relying on a generator or solar power.
Insurance
Every RV requires insurance. Without it, you can incur fines with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, have your RV impounded, or be unable to recoup your losses in the event of an accident. RV insurance can cost over $1000 annually in some cases. In addition to vehicle insurance, you should also consider health insurance. If you’re doing a lot of traveling, it may be difficult to see a provider in your network if you need medical attention. Luckily there are health plans that are just for frequent travelers. Health coverage rates vary widely according to your plan, provider, and coverage.
RV Living at a Glance
● On average, RV living costs between $2500 and $5000 a month.
● There are budget-friendly RV parks with rates of less than $40 a night. And there are more resort-style RV parks with lots of amenities with daily rates up to $100.
● Electricity can cost nearly $100 a month but a solar-powered generator can help ease that burden.
● Miscellaneous fees that include things like groceries, Internet, mail service, and phone can easily exceed $1000 each month.
● Remember to include insurance and fuel in your budget.
There are plenty of other expenses too. Your cell phone, food/groceries, entertainment, laundry, and mail service are just a few. If you want to get into the RV life, it’s a great idea to create a budget and stick to it. RV living isn’t for everyone, but if you’re serious about joining the club, you’ll be better prepared after reading this.
More Travel Articles
