Are RV Expensive to Repair?

To some, living the RV lifestyle is like living a dream, experiencing an endless journey of adventure and exploration. But economists say, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch.”  Which in this case, means understanding how much it costs on a monthly basis to maintain your RV. Taking on the responsibility of repair and maintenance of an RV may seem daunting for those who are new owners  However, by breaking down all the necessary monthly expenses and planning for them will equip you better to understand the total cost of an RV when you take off on your next trip. Here is what RV owners should know about the cost of maintenance:

With owning and maintaining an RV, there are a number of factors to consider: fuel, insurance, state registration fees, repair or replacement costs, etc. To understand the real cost of RV ownership, one needs to do some research  on upkeep needs and associated costs for the type of vehicle or trailer owned. For instance, if you own a motorhome gas mileage should be reflected in your budget in addition to inevitable repairs that will come up due to wear-and-tear over the years.

In addition to general costs, you need to consider other “line items” such as storage fees (if needed) when estimating monthly RV expenditures. Other minor items such as oil changes or tire rotations can add up quickly. So don’t forget to factor them into your regular routine maintenance schedule and expense forecast. With proper planning it is possible to understand and manage RV expenses while still enjoying your “toy” a life on wheels.

Insurance Costs

Obviously, insurance costs will vary according to the type of motor home or trailer you own.  Insurance coverage on an RV is typically different than insurance policies needed for cars or homes. Whether want simple liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, roadside assistance or any combination thereof, understanding the associated cost is key.

You should have analyzed things such as deductibles and policy coverage limits, and worked those costs into the total RV insurance costs. The good news is that if you are of a mature age, possess a good driving record, and town an common type of trailer or motorhome, insurance premiums can be kept to a minimum. There can also be additional savings granted when you bundle your RV insurance with other types of insurance  you have (home, auto, umbrella policy, etc.)

Some RVs may have higher insurance premiums due to age or vehicle type. Remember that more frequent travels may end up costing more than not using your RVs as often.  Whether you chose individual policies or opt for a bundled package,  – doing some research upfront will help ensure that you find a balance between cost and piece of mind.

Fuel Costs

When it comes to RV maintenance, of course fuel expenses are an important factor.  The cost of fueling up your recreational vehicle will depend on several factors such as its size and its fuel efficiency rating. You’ll also need to consider how much driving will be a part of your plans since long distances can significantly increase your overall monthly costs. The typical motorhome might require anywhere from $100-$400 in fuel for a month of travel.

Finally, even if you aren’t currently using your RV frequently, it’s still crucial to make sure you’re keeping it properly maintained and safely stored when not in use. If maintained properly you can avoid serious expenses later and ensure you have an easy time taking off on the road again.

Storage Fees

Cost of storage varies widely depending on the location and size of your RV.  Nationally,  you will generally pay anywhere from $20-$100+ monthly. When you budget for storage costs, some things to consider are:

• Consider longer-term rental deals that might be available at your facility – long-term rental contracts will typically have lower monthly rates than shorter-term rentals.
• Only pay for access to electricity or water at the RV storage facility if you need it.   This will impact how much in monthly fees you will pay.
• If you choose an enclosed storage space, the increased cost might be offset by the additional protection against weather and potential theft.

 Maintenance and Repairs

Like any complex machinery, RVs require regular attention and care. So mechanical and electronic maintenance and repairs should be a part of your budget for on a monthly basis.

Normal servicing will include: oil changes, tire pressure checks, brake inspections, etc. If you plan on frequently using your RV you may want to consider obtaining a service plan that covers these types of routine maintenance so they don’t go overlooked or become costly problems later down the line.

Keep in mind all the little jobs that might need doing from time to time:  patching or replacing worn carpet, replacing any broken fixtures or changing out water systems.  None of these will cost an arm and a leg but do add up.  Don’t let it surprise you --  account for it in advance.

On the positive side, RVs (especially trailers) typically require fewer regular repairs than cars due to their relative simplicity and limited number of moving parts.  Make sure that required maintenance is carried out promptly and professionally by qualified technicians. If you keep up with proper maintenance and repair, you will be rewarded with years of happy travel and “camping.”  Ready for your next journey? Vehicle registration and taxes await!

Property Tax and State Registration

Don’t forget these necessary expenses when doing your budgeting. Registration fees will vary state by state. Some states charge an annual flat fee, while others require payment based on the weight or value of the vehicle. Personal property taxes are often charged in addition to the registration fees.  Vehicle registration and taxes are unavoidable expenses for RV owners everywhere but the specific costs will depend on where you live and if the RV is used for business purposes.

Campsite Fees

More than 70% of RV users choose to stay at established campsites or RV parks rather than camping out in the wild. Campsite fees are an important factor into monthly costs associated with your recreational vehicle. Of course this one is variable based on how much you use your RV.  However, these costs can include:

1. Campsite: Fees can range from $30-$90 per night depending on the luxuriousness and popularity of the campground.
2. Electric hookups: Power hookups are available at most locations, and your RV will need to have access to electricity which typically ranges around $10-20 a night or sometimes up to $100/weekend depending on your location.
3. Water & Sewer Hookups: If these services are available, they can cost anywhere from $5 -$15/day, or around $50/week depending upon the campground’s rules.
4. Cable TV & Wi-Fi Services: In many cases, campgrounds will offer you cable TV or Wi-Fi for an extra charge.  These charges usually range from $7 -$35/month based largely on the underlying service provider.
5. Other Amenities: There are some public parks that may charge fees for other amenities like swimming pools, showers, etc.  In this case it might add another couple of dollars to your bill each time they are used.

Taken as a whole, campsite fees can significantly increase your RV monthly costs.  Luckily many campgrounds offer discounts and special rates.

Supplies And Equipment

As part of owning an RV, you will want to include necessary supplies and equipment.  These include:

1. Toiletries like toilet paper, cleaning products, air freshener
2. Maintenance items such as spare parts and filters
3. Other accessories like hoses or extension cords
4. Food and drinks for meals, snacks, guests, etc.
5. Additional adaptors and connectors for campsite hook-ups

These purchases can add up quickly so having some extra cash on hand will prove to be a good idea.

Other Expenses

Driving, storing and maintaining an RV can be daunting, but most owners consider it worthwhile as RV life provides for a unique experience for the whole family.  However, you don’t want to overlook other expense items such as campground memberships or on-site recreational activities like hunting or fishing.

As you plan out your monthly budget for your RV useage, keep in mind all these expenses for upkeep and travel so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises or are at least able to take care of them.