Seeking to buy your dream RV, but concerned about finances? The first step in cutting RV travel costs is to buy only what YOU actually need. Much like a house, the more square footage, the more expensive it is to purchase, insure, heat/cool, maintain, pay taxes, etc. With a rolling home, you also have to consider the costs associated with storage, annual registration, camping fees, campsite availability, and fuel costs.
Since 2012 we’ve lived, worked, and traveled full-time in our vintage rig of just 72 square feet, and have explored the continent as well as every national park to which you can drive. While many may think that we are crazy for living in such a small space, we often say that we live small while living large!
Along our journey and at our speaking gigs at RV shows around the country, we’ve met hundreds of people who tell us that they bought too big of an RV the first time around. They are looking for that “sweet spot” between enough comfortable space, interior storage, as well as something that is easy to manage — both on the road and financially.
So, you might be asking how you can find that “sweet spot.” Well, friend, this article is for you.
Don’t Skip This First Step
It may sound obvious, but here it is: STOP before you go shopping. Don’t just buy what your neighbors have or what your brother-in-law raves about! (It’s such a temptation.) Remember: There are thousands of different RVs. So take the time to do your own homework and figure out what YOU need and what YOU can afford. And, be sure to tour several rigs before making a decision. This process will likely save you a bundle of money and much headache, both now and in the future.
Now, Ask Some Crucial Questions
How are you going to use your rig?
If you are planning to rent an annual campsite at the lake and visit throughout the year, or just head to the local RV park or state park a couple of times per summer, then size, length, and weight doesn’t really matter as much. Conversely, if you plan to drive it longer distances, visit national parks, and national forests that offer more modest-priced campsites — or even live in it full-time — our best suggestion is to purchase a rig under 25 feet. Overall, it will be less expensive and you’ll be able to fit into a wider variety of beautiful, inexpensive campsites. Less than 25 feet is also much easier to drive and will greatly reduce the stress of finding gas stations that can accommodate your rig, not to mention parking at grocery stores, laundromats, and when visiting those old friends that live along your route.
How many people are going to live in it regularly?
One trap that many couples get into with both retirement homes and RVs is that they want something that will accommodate their grown children and grandkids. Many folks seeking to downsize their rig tell us that they bought a big RV to accommodate the extended family, but found that they’ve only joined them a couple of times. Again, buy what YOU need. You can always rent an RV, or vacation home, to accommodate others. In the long run, this act alone will save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Can you afford the fuel costs, campsites, storage, taxes/registration, and maintenance and repairs?
You know that neighbor who has that big rig parked on their property, but never actually moves it? They probably bought too big and have found that it’s less expensive and less stressful to simply not go anywhere. Don’t let this be you.
Then Imagine Life in That Dream RV
Play out a couple of dream RV road trips ahead of time. Price out what they will cost in terms of fuel, campsites, and extras. Contact the DMV and find out how much taxes and registration will be for the rig you are interested in purchasing (varies WIDELY by state). If you are unable to store it on your own property, look into storage facilities nearby and price them out. Finally, factor in about 10 percent of the purchase price for annual maintenance and repairs. If all of that adds up to what you can comfortably afford, then you’ve found your rig!
In addition to these three very important prepurchase questions, this article (which includes a helpful RV shopping checklist / spreadsheet) will help you keep track of various options, floorplans, and packages included in many modern RV’s as you shop around.
Once you’ve found your dream RV, give us a shout and tell us how the process was for you. Have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you on the road!
Enjoying what you’re learning? This article is part of our Cutting RV Travel Costs 101 series.
The First Step to Find Your Dream RV (Part 1)
A Few RV Secrets to Help You Save on Camping Fees (Part 2)
Boondocking Essentials for RV Newbies (Part 3, Coming Soon)
RV Kitchen Must-Haves: How to Make Memorable Meals That Save Cash (Part 4, Coming Soon)
Going Deep into Your Backyard (Part 5, Coming Soon)
