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. We are a full-time working couple with no kids or pets.
This is what we actually spent in July 2023. I’ll go into detail on why each was what it was and any fluctuations we found.
| Category | Spent in July 2023 |
| RV and vehicle costs | $1,379 |
| Repairs, maintenance & registration | $1261 |
| Camping costs | $440.97 |
| Groceries | $916 |
| Phone and internet | $279 |
| Fuel & DEF | $337 |
| RV miles driven | 1016.1 miles |
| Memberships & Tolls | $50 |
| Entertainment/fun/eating out | $349 |
| Health insurance | $463 |
| Various normal expenses | $112 |
| Total spent | $5,586.97 |
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 hopping between Orlando RV Resort in Clermont, FL and Sherwood RV Resort in Kissimmee, FL. Then after NINE months in the Orlando area, we finally got back on the road! Our first stop was a Harvest Host, Folklore Brewing & Meadery in Alabama. Then we spent a few days at Talona Ridge RV Resort in Ellijay, GA. We finished out the month at another Harvest Host, Crossing Creeks Farm in Tennesee.
What did we do:
July was all about getting ready to hit the road again and actually traveling! We got a LOT of work done to the RV before we left, which reallllly raised our costs. Actually traveling again raised our fuel prices and stocking up raised groceries. Even though we visited a few places with fun things to see and do, the total we spent on eating out and fun, wasn’t that much higher. It’s great being on the road again, but oy vey, I have not missed the higher costs!
We have used RV Trip Wizard to plan every trip since we got on the road in November 2020. We love RV Life so much that we have partnered with them. If you're looking for a planner for your RV trip, this is what we use!
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.
Repairs, maintenance & registration
Lots of repairs and maintenance this month! We spent $1,261 and got our RV washed, our ACs cleaned/inspected and our brakes changed. While a WHOLE lot, it feels good knowing that our RV will stop with us and our ACs will keep us cool.
Camping costs
This was $440.97 for the month. We stayed in Thousand Trails campgrounds most of the month. $76.79 was our monthly cost for our annual dues. This also includes a few of our stays in Minnesota and Michigan. It’s been a while since I spent so much on camping! But thankfully, we shouldn’t have to spend too much more. All things considered, I think we’re getting off pretty easy considering there aren’t as many Thousand Trails campgrounds where we’re going.
Groceries
Our groceries were $916. This was WAY higher than last month. But we were able to make another stop at Sacks Grocery Outlet. We stocked up on a TON of things. This does include shopping at Walmart, which sometimes includes purchasing things for the RV such as toilet paper.
Phone and internet/hotspots
We spent $279 on our phones and internet. We have an unlimited plan through Verizon for our phones which is $174.47. We have a 100 gig hotspot plan with T-Mobile which is $50 a month and a 100 gig hotspot plan with Cricket which is $55 a month.
Fuel & DEF
We paid $337 for fuel this month. We moved three times (even though we spent the night at two Harvest Hosts, I’m counting them in the other moves). Fuel was only a little higher, despite us traveling again. We use Open Roads for discounted fuel.
Memberships & Tolls
We spent $50 on memberships and tolls. $20 for refilling our Sunpass account for tolls and $30 for adding to our mail scanning/and mailing account with Escapees.
Entertainment/fun/eating out
We spent $349 on fun this month. This was a little higher than last month, but we’re back on the road and seeing so many new places, this isn’t surprising.
Health insurance
My health insurance was $437 for the month. And Bret’s was $26.
Various normal expenses
The total spent on random other expenses was $112.
I tend to toss everything that doesn’t fit into a category 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, see other budgets when you’re already full time, or show you that 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!
0 Comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks