Are you wondering if debt free RV living is even possible? Not only is it doable, but it is also an enjoyable adventure. Our family has lived in an RV and traveled across the country for over 8 years. Read on to learn how we full time RV debt free and how you can, too!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Create a detailed financial plan and budget to minimize debts and expenses while living full-time in an RV.
- Explore various income streams and use cost-effective practices, such as boondocking, to maintain an affordable RV lifestyle.
- Invest in the right RV and continually learn about maintenance to ensure long-term success and enjoyment on the road.
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Is RV Living Cheap?
Before we dive into the details of how our family has been full-time RV living debt free, it’s important to go right to this million-dollar question.
RV living is NOT CHEAP? Wait, what!?! Isn’t this an article about living cheaper to reduce debt?
Let me be completely honest and transparent right from the beginning. RV living isn’t necessarily a cheap lifestyle.
RVs break constantly, and if you have ever spent any time traveling, you know that it’s easy to spend more than you budgeted. The biggest Full-time RV living myth is that it is cheap.
I will explain this further as we go!
RV Living Cost Versus Home Or Apartment Living
While I said RV living isn’t necessarily cheap, it CAN be cheaper than other forms of living. Notice I said can because it isn’t always.
Depending on how savvy you are with your full-time RVing budget and the way you travel, it is possible to save money with this lifestyle.
Suppose you are launching into RV living from a house mortgage payment in an expensive cost-of-living location in the United States, and you buy an inexpensive RV that you can pay cash for.
In that case, you bet RV living will be much cheaper.
However, say you sell your home and enter into a hefty RV loan (some RV monthly payments are just as expensive as house payments,) and you stay in nice RV resorts as you travel across the country.
The campgrounds alone could match a house payment.
Add in the gas and activities, and you are spending more than living in a house or apartment living. It’s easy to overspend when you are in the moment enjoying a location.
To sum it up, while RV living isn’t necessarily cheap, it is possible to save money depending on how you travel, the types of activities you choose, and what kind of RV you live in.
If RV Living Isn’t Cheap, How Can You Live Debt Free?
The key is to downsize debt when starting RV life. Going debt-free or as close to it as possible when launching into living in a camper full time is about committing to making some huge changes when transitioning to your new life.
It’s hard to get top Campground Reservations. Grab our Hacks to score even sold-out campsites
FREE GUIDE HERE!
7 Specific Steps Our Family Took To Begin Debt Free RV Living
Back in 2014, we brought up the idea to focus less on owning physical possessions and more on spending time together and traveling.
The way we chose to make this happen was to sell our house, both cars, and everything else we owned to buy a fifth-wheel RV and hit the road.
By the way, we are still on the road 8 years later and still living debt-free. Here are the specific tips we took to get started with RV living with no debt.
1) Sold Home, Cars, and Most Belongings
Downsizing is challenging, but the process taught us that it is all just stuff. In fact, we were working hard just to own all of that stuff.
These possessions were standing in between us and our dreams. Letting go allowed us to free up the funds to make RV living debt-free possible.
2) Used Proceeds To Pay Off Debts And Purchase A Truck And Fifth Wheel In Cash
This is the step where everyone gets tripped up. Yes, your RV will become your home, so you want it to be nice.
However, spending too much on an RV defeats the whole point of downsizing and minimizing.
Resist the temptation to buy your dream RV and get one that meets your living needs but that you can get for little to no debt. Especially if you are looking for an affordable RV with fixed income.
Know that you don’t need a picture-perfect RV to enjoy the nomadic life. You can always consider a renovation and still have a much less expensive home on wheels.
Some people choose to get into large, very long RV loans. Unlike owning a home, RVs depreciate so quickly that you are almost upside down right away on this loan.
RVs themselves are terrible financial investments. They are an investment in living!
You are investing in time together, making memories, and living simply.
Your RV purchase is make it or break it when going for debt free RV living. Full time RV living loans can crush your budget on the road.
This is why we opted to sell everything and living debt-free.
3) Became A One Car Family To Begin Debt Free RV Living
We are a family of 3 and always have had 2 vehicles. However, to save money and eliminate debt, we launched into RV living with just our truck and fifth wheel.
Many families RV travel with a second car, which may be much more convenient but also more expensive.
Having a single vehicle can make it an easier way to pay down debt. It’s also one of the hardest steps we’ve ever had in downsizing.
4) Purchased A Cheap Old Used Campground Membership In Cash
Did you know that campground memberships exist that allow you to camp for free with full hookups each night?
For a family living in RV to save money, camping memberships can be the solution.
Campgrounds can be one of the biggest expenses in RV living, and you need a plan in order to RV full-time debt free.
Think of campground memberships as time shares of the camping world.
There are rules for usage, a fee to buy the membership, and an annual maintenance fee to use the membership for our tiny home.
The key to camping non-stop for free using campground memberships while remaining debt-free is to get a cheap used campground membership.
Individuals are often selling them in camping Facebook groups.
An insider tip is to go with theCampground Membership Outlet(Please tell them The Adventure Detour sent you), which coordinates the membership sale.
We purchased an old nationwide Thousand Trails Membership in cash, so there was no debt on the membership.
They also helped us pick the right option. It was great to have the security of buying through Campground Membership Outlet versus going through an individual seller and hoping they didn’t rip us off!
5) Use Campground Savings Cards
It’s tough to travel and see the things you want if you are only staying in areas where your campground membership has properties.
This is where other campground savings programs come in for frugal RV living. For overnight stays, you will want to take advantage of Harvest Hosts.
SAVE 15% off a Harvest Hosts Membership!
For campground discounts up to 50% off, you will want to usePassport AmericaandCampersCard.
SAVE 15% off a CampersCard campground
discount program!
6) Get An Extended RV Warranty That Includes MOBILE REPAIR
RVs break ALL THE TIME. Regardless of what a manufacturer says, our experience would definitely be that RVs aren’t meant to live in and don’t all hold up well to full-time travel.
You will be much better off if you accept that frequent RV repairs are a part of this lifestyle. So what can you do for affordable RV repair?
RV repairs are very expensive and can quickly drain your savings or put you into debt if you don’t have a plan. We have anRV extended warrantythat includes mobile repair.
This way, we can get repairs made while we are still in our RV, wherever we may be located at the time. Mobile repair comes to us, and we use our extended warranty all the time.
This keeps our RV well maintained without the high cost of always fixing things. Having warranty protection is a great idea for staying debt-free on the road.
Check out Wholesale Warrantiesfor new and used RVs + mobile repair
7) Created An Income On The Road
We launched working remotely as network marketers in the natural health space but switched gears once we traveled for a while. Today, we are freelance content creators and travel writers.
There are more remote jobs today than ever before, so the time is right to find a remote income that works well with traveling. Check outRat Race Rebellionfor online job ideas.
By keeping daily costs low and working while RV living, we have been able to maintain debt-free RV living.
These 7 steps above gave us a debt-free place to live, a way to fix and maintain our home on wheels, free camping each night with included utilities, and income on the road. Through the downsizing of our belongings, we were able to launch debt-free.
Even if you can’t launch debt-free, these steps can help you minimize debt as much as possible as you launch.
Let’s dive into more details of creating a budget.
Planning Your Full Time RV Debt Free Journey: Overview
Embarking on a debt-free RV journey is an exciting and rewarding way to enjoy the freedom of full-time travel without the burden of debt. With proper planning, you can make this dream a reality.
Here are some tips to help get you started:
Assess Debts
First, assess your current financial situation, including any debt such as student debt or student loans, credit cards, and mortgages.
By focusing on higher-interest debts first, you can save a ton of money in interest rates and reduce the balance of the loan faster.
Create a budget that includes your living expenses and estimated costs of RVing, such as fuel and campground fees.
A crucial lesson we learned in our get out of debt journey is the importance of living below your means to use additional funds to reduce debt.
Emergency Funds
Set aside funds for emergencies, maintenance, and unexpected expenses that may arise on the road. Be prepared to adjust your budget as you become more acquainted with your new lifestyle.
This will help you determine how much money you need to save and how long it will take to become debt-free.
RV Type
Next, think about the type of RV that best suits your needs and financial capabilities. You can buy an RV with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.
Weigh the features you require against your overall budget and decide whether buying outright or financing an RV is most appropriate for your situation.
Remember, living in a more modest RV can reduce the burden of debt and expenses, enabling you to focus on the experiences and freedom this lifestyle offers.
When moving into an RV, it’s crucial to downsize your belongings and focus on necessities.
This will not only help you transition more smoothly but also save on living expenses in the long run.
Sell or donate items that are not essential for the RV lifestyle and use the money to further pay off debt or set aside for future travel expenses.
Daily Expenses
Another essential aspect of RV life is resourcefulness. Embrace cost-effective practices such as cooking meals in your camper and finding free or affordable campsites to lower your overall living expenses.
Free camp stays are available in some areas, while RV parks may charge between $50-70 per night, with discounts offered for weekly or monthly stays.
Embrace boondocking for times when you need to lower costs.
By reducing daily expenses, you can allocate more funds toward paying off existing debt and prevent additional debt accumulation.
Income On The Road
Develop multiple streams of income to support your RVing lifestyle. This could include remote work, freelancing, or seasonal jobs during your travels.
Many full-time RVers work remotely or have location-independent jobs that allow them to maintain their income.
Assess your skills and talents, and seek suitable opportunities that enable you to continue earning while on the road.
It’s essential to prioritize debt repayment and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
Focus on paying off any outstanding debts before splurging on non-essential items or experiences.
Financial independence is key to maintaining a debt-free RV life.
Make a plan to continue reducing your debt while on the road, allocating a portion of your income every month to paying off remaining debts such as student loans.
Popular remote jobs for full-time RVers include working online in customer support or workamping.
Workamping provides an RV park income and expenses for living are lowered with an included or cheaper campsite as part of the job.
By adopting a frugal mindset and concentrating on becoming debt-free, you can enjoy the rewards and freedom associated with full time RV living without financial constraints.
Places To Stay
Lastly, take advantage of affordable RV travel options, such as staying in state parks, boondocking on free public lands, or using campground memberships.
This can help you save on campground fees and minimize your monthly expenses, making it easier to remain debt-free.
Now, how do you stay debt-free after launching? Keep reading to learn how to save money as you travel and also earn an income while RV living.
It’s hard to get top Campground Reservations. Grab our Hacks to score even sold-out campsites
FREE GUIDE HERE!
Budgeting and Controlling Expenses For Saving Money
Achieving debt-free RV living starts with creating a realistic budget and keeping your monthly expenses in check.
Begin by identifying and listing all your fixed and variable expenses.
Some fixed expenses may include your RV loan payment, insurance, and any monthly fees, while variable expenses includecampground stays, fuel, groceries, and entertainment.
Remember, the key to financial success is sticking to your budget and avoiding overspending.
While Dave Ramsey from the Financial Peace University may not be all for RV living due to RV depreciation, principles like his can help to maintain living debt-free.
Create a prioritized list of your expenses, and start by trimming down the non-essential monthly costs.
For example, instead of choosing expensive RV resorts, opt for more cost-effective camping options, like state parks or membership campgrounds.
Develop a frugal mindset and be open to finding free or low-cost activities during your travels.
Do a little research to find outdoor activities and other cheap or free things to explore in your destination.
Saving money on your fuel costs is essential when living full time on the road.
You can do this by staying at each destination longer and using yourGood Sam Membership to save 5 cents per gallon on gas and 10 cents per gallon on diesel at Pilot Flying J.
Good Sam Members also save 10% off at participating campgrounds.
SAVE 5-10 cents per gallon of gas or diesel with a Good Sam Membership!
Additionally, managing monthly living expenses, such as limiting dining out and reducing propane usage, can help create more savings.
If you have existing student loans and other debts, stay committed to your financial goals and focus on eliminating debt.
Work on paying off your RV loan as quickly as possible to reduce interest penalties.
Explore alternative living arrangements, such as living in a van or converting a smaller vehicle, to ditch the rig loan altogether.
Or use the proceeds from downsizing to choose an RV you can pay cash for.
Working on a side hustle or adapting remote work opportunities when living the RV lifestyle can help increase your income.
Remote jobs, such as freelance work,workamping, Amazon FBA, seasonal jobs, consulting, or traditional online jobs, can supplement your income and ensure a steady cash flow to cover monthly expenses and pay off debts.
Lastly, be mindful of your living space and possessions. Embrace minimalism, as fewer items can streamline your RV life and result in less clutter and fewer costs.
Having a clear understanding of your financial situation and knowing you don’t need many material things will provide you with the freedom to live debt-free while enjoying the excitement of RV living.
Specific Items To Include In Your RV Living Budget
Gas
Fuel cost varies widely depending on your RV type, gas mileage, how far/fast you travel, and if you use discounts like a Good Sam Membership.
SAVE 5-10 cents per gallon of gas or diesel with a Good Sam Membership!
RV or Car/Truck Loans
It is helpful to minimize this debt when downsizing your belongings.
Repairs and Maintenance
Something breaks almost monthly. Have either anRV extended warrantywith mobile repair or a budget for this monthly. Having this has helped us so much with staying on budget.
Check out Wholesale Warrantiesfor new and used RVs + mobile repair
Tolls
How much you spend on tolls depends on where you travel. Towing with multiple axles can result in significant fees if you spend a lot of time in states with tolls, but not all states have toll roads.
Full-Time RV Insurance
Not only do you need a full-time RV insurance policy, but you also need to increase the contents coverage for personal belongings as well as the emergency hotel coverage. This emergency coverage pays for a hotel if your home on wheels is in the shop after an accident.
Vehicle Insurance
Large trucks used for towing, such as our big dually, are pretty pricey for insurance coverage.
If you plan to drive into Canada or Mexico, also make sure your insurance for your RV and vehicles covers these countries.
Health and Life Insurance
Make sure your coverage includes the states you will be traveling to.
Medical & Prescriptions
Budget for regular visits and known expenses.
Campgrounds
Cost of campground stays and any membership programs. Lower this category through boondocking, campground savings programs, and campground memberships.
SAVE 15% off a Harvest Hosts Membership!
Propane
Electricity is included in short-term camping stays. Use electrical appliances versus propane to save.
Mail Service and Package Fees
Some campgrounds charge a per-package fee. If you also use a mail service to establish a domicile, there will be an annual fee and fee to send mail to your current location.
Laundry
This fee varies depending on if you have a washer and dryer in your RV. While we do have a combo unit, we still do bedding and large items at the campground laundry.
Internet
Whether using Starlink (satellite) or internet via a cell provider, you will want to have reliable internet, especially if you are working on the road.
Don’t rely on campground WiFi, which is notoriously unreliable in many locations.
Phones
Cell phones and possibly cell phone internet hotspots are a monthly fixed expense.
Television
This category includes streaming services, Amazon Prime, satellite TV, etc. We have Amazon, Disney +, and Fubo to stream TV on the go.
Entertainment
Ticketed events, theme parks, zoos, and other paid tourist activities add up quickly. Consider cheap outdoor activities, state, and national parks, or zoo/museumreciprocal memberships.
Food – Groceries and Eating Out
Stock up on groceries when staying near discount stores such as Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Grocery Outlet, etc. Also, pack lunches and snacks for travel days or days out adventuring.
Limit eating out and embrace cooking or grilling at home. Skipping the restaurants will save you money and will often be a healthier choice when on the road.
What Do We Usually Spend Each Month On Full-Time RV Living?
Our monthly costs depend on where we are traveling and how often. On average, when we are traveling slowly, we spend around $6,500 per month for a family of 3.
Keep in mind that this is our debt-free cost per month. We have no loans, which helps keep our monthly costs lower.
We eat organic and gluten-free, so we spend much more on food than many other families.
However, we spend little on activities since we enjoy spending time in nature.
Full-time RVer expenses are very different per family. It helps to do some research to find others to compare spending.
Here Are Our Specific Expenses For One Month Of Debt Free RV Living
This video shows every RV living expense category and what we spent for one month on the road.
Why Did We Choose To Be A Single Vehicle Family To Save More?
Embarking on a debt-free RV lifestyle can be cost-effective, and one way to cut down on expenses is by becoming a single-vehicle family.
This decision may not work for everyone, but it’s worth considering whether the benefits of having one vehicle outweigh the costs associated with owning and maintaining multiple vehicles.
When you’re living the full-time RV life, it’s important to choose a vehicle that meets all your needs.
Consider features such as fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and storage space.
If you are towing your home on wheels, you want to get one with adequate towing capacity to tow an RV while still providing ample space for transporting belongings.
This would allow you to skip the additional expense of a daily-use car for short trips and errands.
Downsizing to a single vehicle also means you’ll save on fuel, insurance, and registration costs.
As a full-time RVer, this isn’t easy, but these savings can be significant as they will directly contribute to your overall monthly budget.
Remember to check for insurance discounts related to full-time RV living.
Lastly, use ride-sharing services, public transportation, or even rent a car if needed for occasional specific situations to meet your needs.
In many cases, the cost of utilizing such services when necessary will still be less than the cost of owning and maintaining a second vehicle.
Additionally, this approach can contribute to your overall financial goal of living a debt-free RV lifestyle.
Choosing the Right RV Camper and Understanding Costs
Choosing the right RV for a debt-free lifestyle is crucial to achieving financial independence.
New Versus Used RVs To Pay Off Debt
When deciding between a new or used vehicle, consider the trade-offs. Although a new RV might have updated features and a manufacturer’s warranty, used RVs can save you a significant amount of money.
A used motorhome lets you avoid the initial depreciation that occurs right after purchase, which is significant for RVs. It may also allow you to pay cash for the RV and launch debt-free.
When selecting an RV, consider the different types available, such as a Class C RV, fifth wheel, Class A RV, travel trailer, Class B van, or even a truck camper.
Each type has its pros and cons. A Class C RV is typically more affordable and easier to drive but may have fewer features compared to a high-end fifth wheel.
On the other hand, a truck camper or a van allows for a smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicle but may sacrifice living space.
You may not want to live in it full time. Research the fuel efficiency of different RV models and choose one that fits your budget.
One significant cost to consider when living in an RV full time is gas or diesel expenses.
Gas costs fluctuate, but in general, diesel-powered vehicles provide better mileage and tend to last longer.
Calculate your expected fuel consumption and monthly budget to see how your RV choice affects your overall expenses.
Another important cost to consider is RV insurance.
The average price for a good full-time RV insurance plan is around $1,000 per year, but it varies depending on your driving record, RV type, and state.
Understanding and Managing RV Maintenance
Extended RV Warranties
I can’t recommend enough to have an RV extended warranty policy that includes mobile repair so you aren’t constantly being blindsided with repair bills.
Wholesale Warrantiesis a great option that includes mobile repair and is available for both new and used RVs.
You also don’t need to go through a dealership to add on this warranty coverage!
Preventative Maintenance
RegularRV maintenanceis crucial for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience in your home on wheels. To make the most of your debt-free lifestyle, you need to keep your RV in top shape.
Firstly, familiarize yourself with your RV owner’s manual. It’s imperative to know the ins and outs of your vehicle, including its maintenance schedule and requirements.
This will help you when it comes to maintaining various systems and components, such as the electrical system, plumbing, and chassis.
Regular Roof Inspections
Get in the habit of performing regular inspections on your RV. It’s especially important to inspect the roof as often as monthly.
Check for any visible damages, leaks, or wear and tear. Don’t forget about routinely checking your tire pressure, oil levels, and other fluid levels.
Address any minor issues immediately to avoid costly problems down the road.
Getting Service
For more extensive maintenance tasks, you may need to seek professional help.
Always use mobile repair when possible so you can stay in your home during repairs.
If you need to take your RV in, plan for these service appointments in advance, as scheduling maintenance while living full-time in your RV can sometimes be a challenge.
This might involve rerouting your travel plans or finding temporary accommodation while your RV is being serviced.
If you own a travel trailer or fifth wheel, keep in mind that you’ll have separate maintenance requirements for your tow vehicle as well.
Ensure both your tow vehicle and your travel trailer receive the necessary care and attention to avoid any unexpected issues.
Stocking An RV Tool Kit
Invest in quality tools and equipment for your RV maintenance.
Having the right equipment handy will ensure you can handle minor fixes and adjustments while on the road.
This will save you time and money by avoiding the need to visit a repair shop for minor issues.
Budget For Maintenance And Repairs
Lastly, remember that maintenance expenses are a critical part of your overall budget.
As a debt-free, full-time RVer, it’s important to allocate funds for regular vehicle maintenance and repairs.
By proactively keeping up with your RV maintenance, you’ll reduce the risk of unexpected problems and keep your journey running smoothly.
Check out Wholesale Warrantiesfor new and used RVs + mobile repair
Emergencies, Savings and Retirement
It is crucial to plan for emergencies, savings, and retirement while living a debt-free RV life.
Establishing asavings accountspecifically for emergencies can save you from financial strain during unforeseen events.
Aim to build an emergency fund to cover at least 3-6 months of living expenses.
When it comes toretirement planning, consider investment options such as IRA or 401(k) that provide long-term security.
Contribute regularly to these accounts, keeping in mind inflation, interest rates, and your desired retirement age.
Ensure that your plan can adapt to changing circ*mstances, like fluctuations in the cost of RV living.
A tax friendly RV retirement also requires choosing the right domicile for RV living. Many choose Florida due to the lack of state income tax and because Florida doesn’t tax Social Security benefits.
Avoidingcredit card debtand prioritizing paying off your own debts will help you maintain healthy finances.
Track your expenses and be mindful of the average price for necessities, such as maintenance, fuel, and groceries.
Living within your means is essential for enjoying a debt-free, full-time RV lifestyle.
To safeguardyour financial planning, consider remote work or freelancing for an additional income source.
This allows you to maintain a stable income while enjoying the flexibility of RV life.
In addition to remote work, you might want to exploreside hustlesthat align with your interests and skills.
This could include selling handmade crafts online, teaching a skill, or offering your services as an RV consultant.
Diversifying your income sources grants you the freedom to spend quality time with your family and invest in your future without the burden of debt.
Remember, the key to debt-free RV living is being proactive, adaptable, and staying dedicated to your financial goals.
By following these tips, you can safeguard the future you envision and continue to embrace the adventures of RV living on the road.
Income Streams for RVers
As a full-time RVer, finding suitable income streams can be crucial to sustaining your debt-free lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make money while living in your RV and traveling around.
In this section, we will explore some ideas to help you earn income as an RVer and achieve your American dream.
Seasonal Jobs
One popular option for RVers is to pick up temporary or seasonal jobs. This could involve working at national parks, workamping at campgrounds, or for businesses that cater to RV travelers.
These jobs often provide free or discounted stays at campgrounds, allowing you to save on living expenses while earning income.
Other seasonal jobs include working the annual Beet Harvest, oil field gate guarding, Christmas tree lots, pumpkin patches, fireworks stands, farms, and amusem*nt parks such as Adventureland and Dollywood.
Online Jobs
Another option is to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle, which is ideal for those who prefer working remotely.
As a digital nomad, you can take advantage of numerous freelance or contract-based opportunities in fields like writing, graphic design, web development, and more.
Such gigs can be found on online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.
Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection with a backup option to work online remotely.
Moreover, remote work is not limited to freelancers.
Many companies now offer full-time remote positions, enabling you to have a regular salary and benefits while enjoying life on the road.
For example, RVers with backgrounds in healthcare can opt for travel nursing or telemedicine positions.
To help you discover more about the available income streams, don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow RVers for recommendations and advice.
They can provide valuable insights into their experiences, share resources, and connect you to potential job opportunities.
Engaging with related online forums, blogs, or social media groups dedicated to full-time RV living can also be helpful.
There are many Facebook groups for workamping opportunities.
FAQs Debt Free RV Living
Is it financially smart to live in an RV?
It can be financially smart to live in an RV to pay off your debt. If you’re looking for a more minimalistic lifestyle and want to reduce housing expenses, you can save money by living in an RV. Carefully consider costs such as RV costs, insurance, maintenance/repairs, and campground fees.
How much does it cost to live in an RV per month?
The cost to live in an RV per month varies depending on what RV you have and how you travel. Living in an RV can cost anywhere from $2,200 to $7,000 per month, depending on factors like loans, if you travel slower or far/faster, activities, and how often you camp for free. This range can be adjusted according to your lifestyle choices.
How to afford full time RV living?
There are many ways to afford full time RV living. You can afford it by budgeting carefully, reducing travel expenses, and finding alternative income sources such as remote work or passive income opportunities. You can also downsize your possessions to launch into RV life debt free.
How much does it cost to live full time in an RV?
The cost to live full time in an RV varies depending on your lifestyle, with average monthly expenses ranging between $2,200 and $7,000. The largest expenses are the cost of the RV, insurance, maintenance, fuel, campground fees, food, and activities.
What do full time RVers do for income?
Full time RVers do many different jobs for income on the road. Many RV living supplement their income with remote work, freelance projects, consulting, or running an online business. Others may generate passive income through investments, rental properties, or royalties from creative works. Workamping and season jobs are also popular options.
Is it cheaper to live in an RV or a house?
It’s often cheaper to live in an RV than to live in a house due to lower RV cost and utility costs. However, RV living also involves additional expenses such as gas, repairs, and campground fees that must be accounted for. Buying an inexpensive RV and boondocking makes RV living easier to save extra money.
Is it cheaper to live in an RV or an apartment?
Is it often cheaper to live in an RV than in an apartment? Living in an RV can be cheaper than living in an apartment if you minimize travel, find affordable places to park, and avoid expensive RV parks. The biggest factors are the cost of the RV, RV repairs, and if you embrace boondocking or other free RV parking options.
What is the cheapest state to live in an RV?
The cheapest state to live in an RV is difficult, as the cost of living varies depending on factors such as campground fees, taxes, and local laws. Popular states for RV living domicile include Florida, Texas, and South Dakota. Florida has many RV services and no state income tax for business owners.
What is the best place to live in an RV?
The best place to live in an RV will depend on your personal preferences, work needs, climate, and activity interests. Many RVers enjoy states with ample nature, affordable camping options, and friendly RV communities. States with year round warm climates make RV living much easier. Winter camping is not for the faint of heart!
What is the cheapest state to buy an RV?
The cheapest state to buy an RV is Montana, thanks to its low sales tax rate. Other wallet-friendly states for RV purchases include Delaware, Oregon, and New Hampshire, as they have no sales tax at all.
Your state of domicile is also a factor due to sales tax. For example, we lived in Missouri when we bought our first RV in Minnesota. Regardless of the location of purchase, we still had to pay Missouri’s sales tax.
How do you budget and save up enough initially to buy an RV in cash?
To initially buy an RV in cash, you likely can’t purchase the new RV of your dreams. It’s worth it to travel debt free to buy an RV debt free. Consider using the proceeds from downsizing your possessions to purchase an RV in cash.
What kind of used RVs provide best value if you’re buying one with cash?
Consider looking for RVs that are rated for full time RV living use when buying a used RV in cash. RVs with this rating often hold up better to daily living use than other types of RVs. Also make sure to get an inspection to avoid water damage, mold, or other very costly repairs when purchasing a used RV.
What expenses tend to surprise new full-time RVers?
RV repairs are the biggest surprise expense for most when they begin RV living full time. It helps to have an RV extended warranty plan, such as Wholesale Warranties, that also includes mobile repair services so you can keep up with repairs while still remaining in your RV home while the work is being done.
Check out Wholesale Warrantiesfor new and used RVs + mobile repair
Is Debt-Free RV Living Your Goal?
Would you consider RV living? If you dream of traveling full-time in an RV and going debt-free, I hope you feel inspired to go for it. If we can do it, so can you.
Not only is it possible to live in an RV debt free, but it provides wonderful experiences and adventures along the way.
