Correction.
Oil changes are average $30, (it's on a Chevrolet 454), including filter. This is done prior to each trip, in order to start with fresh oil & they inspect hoses & belts for fraying & wear. The wheel bearings are greased at minimum twice a year, depending on mileage. Fine at a local tire shop for less than $30. They also check the air pressure in all tires & airbag suspension for proper amounts at no charge, since I purchased the airbags from them.
Always, keep a good mechanic as your friend, it helps, especially if you're a blonde from Texas.
Seriously, as long as you keep up maintenance & keep a log book with receipts, you'll be ok.
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The basic cost of insurance costs me an average of $900 annually.
The license plates tag is $98 annually + the safety inspection is $14.50 (in Texas).
My Winnebago gets 11.9 mpg & the gas tank holds 40 gallons, at the current price it's costing an average of $100 a fill. (I don't let it go below 1/4 tank), mainly to be sure to have enough cushion for the generator to run.
Campground rates are an average of $12-20, as I have a discount card for half off.
I fill the propane tank at a cost of $55(cheaper during the summer) & as I rarely use propane this tank has lasted over 2 full years.
I have 16 inch tires, so I get by fairly reasonably at less than $100 per tire, mounted, balanced & road hazard.
Usually a sway bar will need new spacers every few years. A do it yourselfer can get by under $20. Airbags in the front end shocks can usually cost less than $100 a pair installed.
Camping supplies, charcoal, etc depends on how much you bbq.
I usually take $200 per day to cover gas, camp fees, groceries/eating out & entertainment costs. I always have extra left over, but I like that cushion, in case of repair needs. My insurance actually covers any wrecker fees & on the spot minor repairs.
You don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time. Go get a fishing license in whichever state you're in, unless you fish at a private campground. State parks require a fishing license, as do any public streams, rivers or lakes. At the ocean, you also will need a saltwater stamp on your fishing license. This includes kids
16 yrs & older. Actually, anyone who has a fishing pole needs a license(except for young kids).
Also, Texas has no state income taxes on employment, nor any outrageous taxes on motorhome values.
Happy camping.
some of this you'll have to sort for yourself
for example - camp memberships - can be $0 for $$$ if you join a bunch of them
same for fuel - are you travelling far or near
what i can tell you; it is not cheap
we were just in so. cal. and $50 per night was a good rate - versus, last night we were in wa. and the rate was $30 per night
and the budget will change
for example - we now full time, so we don't have storage fees ($85 per month savings)
i like excel
track ALL of our expenses
create an annual budget based on real numbers
regards, pdq
_____________
peter & larry
itasca 2009 suncruiser 35P
pontiac 2009 G5
we're here... http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=12260
I bought a 2005 Gulf Stream Independence 36 foot class A in Dec. It had 23,000 miles on it, everything worked, all recalls had been done, well maintained, etc. Bought it from Lazydays in Tampa, FL. At the same time, I bought new tires, paid all taxes and fees, got 3 years of Coach Net, 3 years of insurance, and 3 years of extended warranty. I also had the carpeting replaced with vinyl and some other minor mods done. Had a Blue Ox system & brakes installed for my Honda Element.
I completely stocked and supplied the RV for full time living, installed lots of little conveniences and storage solutions, set it up to be a home for my 4 dogs too, set up a mail forwarding account, and joined every doggone RVing organization in the world.
Last week I brought it back for new batteries, leveling, Steer Safe installation, auto generator switch, and Horst tank sensors.
So far I have spent about $53,000. I don't think that is a lot of money to completely switch from suburban living to RVing.
I don`t know what you have now as vehicles but you mite consider a trailer.Not for every one but the way I see it you pull something to drive any way,You are not keeping up another drive train but tires and brakes you are not paying liability insurance on another vehicle.
Plus I still have something to tow my box trailer and boat with.or drive for one of our cars.I pull with a E350 van so have something that if you have company or what ever we have something that will carry 12 people or take the seats out camping and carry bikes and a lot of your stuff in the dry and locked up inside.Also fifth wheels have a lot of room if you went that way.
A lot depends on how much work you can DIY. I just set up a new toad (Saturn Vue). the baseplate and wiring loom cost me about $ 400. I already had the Blue OX. I estimate the brake system will cost about $500. I will need to replace all 8 tires next summer, and that will be at least $3500. I change my own oil and filters for about $150 per year. But you will have unexpected repairs, for instance, my washer just died and a new one cost me $700. I would budget $1000/year for repairs and replacements.
There's always something else that we didn't think of or expect to happen. Fortunately, there are stores and service shops nearly everywhere to take care of those issues.
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