When it comes to bucket lists, getting out on the road with an RV is a popular one. Especially when people reach middle age, there is often a desire to travel domestically before they feel like they’re too old to enjoy it. This spurs many baby boomers into considering the RV lifestyle. If you’re thinking of switching from a static lifestyle to a mobile one, here is how to make the RV life more affordable.
Don’t Purchase a New RV
When you purchase a brand-new RV, just like automobiles, you will see rapid depreciation. It also means your road trip will be delayed since you’ll have to save up for the steeper upfront cost. When many people borrow for the purchase, it increases the cost due to the financing too. Instead of doing this, consider a previously owned RV or towable. CrankyApe has repossessed RVs for sale which significantly cuts the cost of getting started owning an RV of your own.
Try Boondocking Instead of RV Resorts
RV resorts are $50-80 per night. When living in your RV full-time or going on a multi-month trip, that adds up fast. Then your RV lifestyle isn’t as cheap as you’d hope it was. Another option is to use national forestry land or BLM land. Both offer free camping in many states for seven to 14 days before you need to up sticks and move on. This type of boondocking is free but it does require going to a dump station to empty your blank water tank every week or two.
Avoid Hook-ups and Instead Add Solar Panels
The daily need for energy provides RVers with a few choices. Staying at an RV campground that offers electrical hook-ups is popular, but it is costly for the 30-amp or 50-amp connection. Driving around regularly for an hour or two to charge the 12-volt house batteries might be needed but gasoline or diesel is used to do so. Adding a set of solar panels on the roof – or using a fold-out portable 100-watt solar panel – can capture energy from the sun and convert it to store in the batteries. Using an inverter also allows you to connect any household appliances too.
Plan Trips Carefully
It’s beneficial to carefully plan trips in the motorhome or with your camper in tow to avoid clocking up too many miles. A well-planned itinerary is going to be better than crisscrossing the state due to a lack of forethought. Also, use Google Maps to choose dispersed camping because it will help to clarify whether the ground will be too bumpy for the RV to handle. This avoids racking up repair bills for blown tires or damage to the underside by trying to drive over undulating ground.
When you are looking to get into the mobile lifestyle, RVing is an excellent idea. Just ensure that you plan the expenses out so that it remains affordable to do long-term. That way, you’ll be able to visit more local events and attractions on your travels.
