5 Tips for Saving Money While Living Full-Time in an RV

Besides the adventure, most people join the life of full time RVing to save some money as well.

The fact that you are not paying all those household bills and mortgage means that you can save quite a penny in the long run.

Unfortunately, living in an RV also means you don’t have a full-time job and you have to rely on your savings at first before your online business kicks off.

So, how do you save money each day to ensure you don’t go through your entire savings in a month?

Here are some tips;

1. Boondocking

Boondocking simply means camping for free in public parks or land and it is the best way to save money while RVing.

Most camping sites charge between $15 and $40 a night which can translate to a big sum of money in a month.

If you can be able to save that money by camping for free, your savings can sustain you for quite a while.

2. Join Campers Clubs

Again, parking fees are a huge cost for RV enthusiasts. Fortunately, there are membership clubs that you can sign up for that will allow you to have access to some amazing campsites at great discounts.

Some of these clubs include Good Sam and Escapees. The membership will cost you initially but it will save you a lot of money in the long run.

The advantage of clubs over boondocking is that you will enjoy all the amenities of charged camping sites like the internet, swimming and such without spending so much money.

Video Overview: RV Clubs – Which to Join? Passport America, Escapees, FMCA, Good Sam

3. Choose Your Destination Wisely

Anyone would love to drive to the best cities in the country and just enjoy everything life has to offer. Unfortunately, doing that will cost you a leg because some cities like New York are quite expensive.

Before you step on that gas and drive, be sure to do your research and find out which cities are cheap in terms of living expenses, insurance, taxes and all that. Go ahead and also check which places are cheap at the moment because it’s their low season and consider going there.

4. Stay in One Place for a While

The best camping sites offer weekly and monthly discounts so it is wise to stay put for that week or month.

It also makes sense to stay in one place for longer if you want to save on gas because you don’t want to be refilled every few days.

Speaking of gas, be sure to shop around and use apps like GasBuddy to know which stations have affordable fuel.

5. Cook

Eating out is fun and all but it will leave a dent in your pocket. Cooking your own meals is the best way to save money and stay healthy. You can buy fresh groceries and make healthy meals without spending so much money.

The above tips for saving money while living full time in an RV are very easy to implement in your day to day living. It’s also very important to live on a budget and find creative ways to earn some cash on the road.

RV related Questions To Help You Save Money

Can you live in a camper on your own property?

It really depends on different factors. Generally, living in a camper on your own property isn’t illegal. But if you’re looking to live in it full time, you can get into trouble with the authorities. Although it’s your property, there are set laws that prevent you from using a camper as your permanent residence.

However, you can beat those laws by moving the camper from one place to another, as long as those places permit parking an RV.

However, you can find people living in their campers on their property permanently in rural areas because the authorities there aren’t so strict at enforcing the law.

The main reason why you can’t live in a camper on your own property is that the government doesn’t classify a camper as a permanent residence.

In fact, the Department of Housing and Development classify campers as travel, recreational and camping equipment.

Can you live in a camper?

Yes, you can live in a camper full time. There are no laws stopping you from living in a camper. But there are designated areas where you can park your camper and live in it full time, such as parks and campsites. However, you’ll have to pay a monthly parking fee, which might be more expensive than living in your own home.

How expensive is it to live in an RV?

Living in an RV can be expensive. There are variable costs that you’ll have to incur, such as campsite rent, gas, utilities, food, insurance, fun and more. The total cost could be between $1300 and $3000 each month. For many people, that’s a lot of money. The cost can go up if you travel a lot.

Video Overview: How Much Does Living In An RV Cost // RV Living Cheaper Than You Think

How much is a camper?

The cost of a camper depends on the size, style, and features. But generally, it ranges from $10,000 to $300,000. A standard sized camper pulled by a truck could cost you about $200,000.

A fifth wheel could cost you about $40,000. If you’re looking to buy a motorhome, you must be prepared to part with at least $100,000.

High-end campers that include features that you can find in a home environment cost around $300,000.

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Can you live in an RV park year round?

Yes, you can live in an RV park year round. Many people have lived (still live) in RV park full time. But, like living in an apartment, you’ll have to incur some costs.

You’ll have to pay for the parking lot, which varies from one place to another. You’ll also need a washer and dryer to clean and dry your clothes.

Not to forget other routine living expenses, such as gas, electricity, food, and groceries. But you’ll have to research the area first to ensure that everything needed to survive is available before you start living there.

How much does it cost to stay at an RV park?

Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per night at an RV park. That means it costs between $900 and $1500 per month. However, if you’re looking to stay full-time, you can pay relatively less, between $500 and $900.

What is the best camper for cold weather?

The Keystone Montana fifth wheel trailer is the best camper for cold weather. It has been used for full time living for more than 15 years, even in areas where temperatures drop to the negatives.

The features that make Keystone Montana ideal for cold weather include 12v electric tank heaters, Free-flow air conditioning, in-floor water lines, a completely-vented attic system, insulated main floor (R-21 equivalent), insulated slideout floors, insulated roof that utilizes radiant technology, heat duct system with a foam core, enclosed and insulated holding tanks and dump valves and much more.

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