Full time RV costs can range so much, it can be hard to give an accurate number, but you can have a framework to start calculating your numbers.
This is what we actually spent in September 2022. I’ll go into detail on why each was what it was and any fluctuations we found.
| Category | Spent in September 2022 |
| RV and vehicle costs | $1,379 |
| Camping costs | $76 |
| Groceries | $598 |
| Phone and internet | $229 |
| Fuel & DEF | $100 |
| RV miles driven | 80.4 miles |
| Memberships & Tolls | $172.87 |
| Entertainment/fun/eating out | $188 |
| Health insurance | $406 |
| Various normal expenses | $0 |
| Total spent | $3,318.87 |
A few notes – I’m not including the costs of our businesses (because that can vary greatly and you may not be running a business out of your RV) or our rental (previously our home). These are just our full time RV costs for the month.
Where were we:
We started the month at Appalachian RV Campground in Shartlesville, PA and over to Hershey RV & Camping Resort in Lebanon, PA and then to PA Dutch Country RV Resort in Manheim, PA to finish the month.
What did we do:
September was a really great month with a lot of great opportunities. Since we only drove 80 miles, a lot of our expenses were low and we were able to get a lot of work done. We also planned on going to the Hershey RV Show for one day, but thanks to an influencer friend, we were able to get press passes for the show! We went multiple days, met some really amazing industry folks, went to a Grand Design VIP dinner (they make our RV) and just had an overall great time. Our spending this month was almost as low as July, which was really nice.
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RV and vehicle costs
We spent $1379. This includes the payment for our truck, which is $979.35 each month and our rig, which is $399.88 per month. We have a seven year loan on the truck and a twenty year loan on the RV.
Camping costs
This was $76 for the month. We stayed in Thousand Trails campgrounds the entire month. The $76 is our monthly cost for our annual dues.
Groceries
Our groceries were $598, which was a bit higher than normal for us. Some friends told us about a scratch and dent grocery store, BB’s, that had some incredible prices and we stocked up a lot. I expect next month will be a lot less because of what we have on hand. This does include shopping at Walmart, which sometimes includes purchasing things for the RV such as toilet paper.
Phone and internet/hotspots
We spent $229 on our phones and internet. We have an unlimited plan through Verizon for our phones which is $116.85. We have a 100 gig hotspot plan with T-Mobile which is $57 a month and a 100 gig hotspot plan with Cricket which is $55 a month.
Fuel & DEF
We paid $100 for fuel this month. We moved twice and didn’t do much driving.
Memberships & Tolls
We spent $172.87 in memberships and tolls. A number of our RV memberships came up for annual renewal this month.
Entertainment/fun/eating out
We spent $188 on fun this month. We didn’t get out much at all in September beyond the Hershey RV show. We did get a meal on my 8 year sober anniversary but that was about it.
Health insurance
My health insurance was $406 for the month.
Various normal expenses
Total spent was $0.
I tend to just toss everything that doesn’t fit into a category in here. So a trip to Target may be groceries, clothes, and fun, but it ends up here.
I want these posts to help guide you as you plan to hit the road full time, to see other budgets when you’re already full time or show you that maybe this isn’t the life for you. Did I answer all your questions? Do you have any more? Let me know in the comments below!