eclazear
Texas
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Joined: 12/30/2011
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We are starting our research into buying a Class A for full timing in retirement. Can anyone supply me with a cost sheet and potential operating costs I may not have thought of. So far we are looking at:
Insurance on a 40' Class A
Gas
Food
Internet or Satellite
Maintenance per mile.
Overnight expenses.
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ricklord2001
Woodstock, Ga
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Joined: 03/23/2007
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Insurance
tow vehicle for getting around once your in campground
tow bar and setup
repairs
tires (just spent $3300 for 6)
Accessories always buying this or that, tools, mats,chairs,fun things,ladder, screens,etc
Living expenses while on the road, laundry etc
Just a few things I thought of. as they say in the movies it ain't cheap!
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Oasisbob
Portland Oregon 97266
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Joined: 11/18/2001
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Since you posted "food" I guess medical coverage is also an expense. It is a big expense. Happy Trails
Oasis Bob
Wonderful wife & 4 Really Fun kids
2008 KIA Sedona 3.8L 24 valve V-6
2001 Bantam Trail Lite B-19
HAPPY TRAILS
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bluwtr49
Green Valley, AZ
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If you budget 10% of the cost for mods to fit you wants/need and ~1500/year operating costs you should be in good shape. Pretty much everything else except for fuel and campground costs should be in line with normal living expense.
Dick
2000 40" DP Beaver Patriot Thunder Cat C-12 425 HP, 1550 Tq
1997 Jeep GC Limited ---toad
2008 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited TRD (Retired)
2009 Cougar 268 RLS ~8700 lbs road wt (Retrired)
2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel.....TV in Training
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Jackha1949
Any Where USA
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A lot depends on the size and condition of the motor home you are buying. Are you buying new or used? Is it gas or diesel? If it is a used rig then you have to think about tires as you do not want tires older than 5 - 7 years. Also transmission fluids, engine fluids, generator fluids, filters, batteries (house & chassis), etc. Diesel rigs cost more to maintain but like oil changes diesels go longer between oil changes. Lots to consider. We have been full-timing for 2 years now in a 35' diesel pusher and love it and are currently jumping up to a 40' diesel rig, used. If you by used make sure it has been well maintained and if a private sale have the rig inspected by a qualified mechanic. If you provide more specifics you could get better responses. Good Luck and welcome to the forum.
Jack & Peg
USN Ret AGC
K1ZMB
Sioux Falls, SD
06 Itasca Horizon 40KD
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emiddleb
Michigan
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Joined: 02/20/2006
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Here's a long thread on the same topic, might have some of the info you want.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25876867.cfm
2004 Winnebago Vectra 40KD
Roadmaster Tow Dolly
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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bluwtr49 wrote:If you budget 10% of the cost for mods to fit you wants/need and ~1500/year operating costs you should be in good shape. Pretty much everything else except for fuel and campground costs should be in line with normal living expense. Never mind, I missed the except for fuel
* This post was
edited 03/29/12 10:42am by wny_pat *
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JoeGood988
S.Dakota
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Joined: 03/04/2005
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You can cut a lot of costs by helping out in campgrounds/parks. Almost all give you free camping for 12-24 hrs of work. Others will pay an hourly wage, free propane, free laundry & a completion bonus. If campgrounds don't interest you, there are lighthouses, See's Candies, Hickory Farms, Amusement parks (Dollywood,Disney Parks & Silver Dollar City) to mention a few. No matter where you go, food will be a constant along with insurance (Medical & vehicle) You will need a cushion for breakdowns & dental. The longer you can stay parked in one area cuts down on traveling costs.
2003 3330 Jayco Legacy
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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Joined: 10/30/2005
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JoeGood988 wrote:You can cut a lot of costs by helping out in campgrounds/parks. Almost all give you free camping for 12-24 hrs of work. Others will pay an hourly wage, free propane, free laundry & a completion bonus. If campgrounds don't interest you, there are lighthouses, See's Candies, Hickory Farms, Amusement parks (Dollywood,Disney Parks & Silver Dollar City) to mention a few. No matter where you go, food will be a constant along with insurance (Medical & vehicle) You will need a cushion for breakdowns & dental. The longer you can stay parked in one area cuts down on traveling costs.
Just so you are aware, the IRS considers free camping in lieu of pay for work camping as taxable income based on the value of the campsite. Of course the campground would have to report that info to the IRS.
Pretty sure you have food expenses already, so unless you plan to eat a lot more often at expensive restaurants when full timing, food shouldn't be considered an additional cost.
2003 Winnebago Minnie 24F - Ford E-450
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TripleE
Traveling the country
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Here are a list of things on our budget sheet -
Campgorund fees
RV clubs & ERS
RV Insurance
Propane
Additional Insurance
Broadband Card & Cell
RV Taxes/Registration
Direct TV
RV Maintenance
Diesel
Gas
Car Maintenance
Car Insurance
Car Taxes/Registration
Groceries
Dining Out
Laundry
Clothing
Hair
Entertainment
Insurance - Life
Insurance - Dental & Vision
Insurance - Health
Medical (DRUGS)
Medical
Misc - Computer
Misc - Other
Tolls & Fees
Motorhome payment
Mail Service
We started tracking these numbers about 6 months before we went fulltime. You have to remember those once a year costs and budget for them.
Bill & Treasa
Our Blog
2005 Winnebago Vectra 40AD
400 Cummins, Freightliner chassis
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4X4
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