Exploring the Costs of Owning an RV

This year, people all over the country will go shopping for a new RV, hoping to fulfill their dreams of exploring the open roads, enjoying more of nature and creating lasting memories. Owning an RV is a complex endeavor--it's like owning a home and car combined. While many people look at the sticker price to determine what they will purchase, there is more to include in your RV-buying budget. At Lakeside RV Sales in Anderson, South Carolina, we serve Greenville and Charlotte, North Carolina, and we can help you get the best vehicle for your budget. 

Things to Consider When Purchasing Your RV

There are several things to consider when purchasing an RV.

Purchase Cost

There is a wide range of prices when it comes to RVs. You can buy fifth wheel campers for as little as $5,000, or Class A vehicles that cost $750,000. The average price of an RV is about $35,000-$50,000, so it can be helpful to keep that figure in mind when shopping.

Insurance

Expect to spend about $1,000 annually for a motor home, and about half that amount for a camper. Insurance rates will also depend on your location and how often you plan to use the RV. 

Gasoline

RVs don't get the best gas mileage, and estimates are about 10-20 mpg for most of the larger models. This cost will obviously fluctuate based on how much and how often you drive your RV, so make estimates to figure out your monthly gas costs. 

Utilities

Most RVs are outfitted with electricity and running water, so these are definitely costs to figure into your budget. In addition, if you plan to have Internet service in your rig, you will have to factor that in as well. 

Maintenance

One of the most overlooked costs associated with owning an RV is maintenance. You will need to factor in the costs of parts, service and labor when it comes to working out your RV budget. Most owners set aside about $100 a month for general maintenance and keep an additional fund for major repairs or emergency maintenance. 

Parking

If you can park your RV on your existing property, then you won't have to worry about this cost. However, if you have to park in an off-site lot, you will need to factor in monthly parking costs. In addition, if you plan to park at RV parks when you travel, these fees can quickly add up as well. 

We know that there is more to an RV's cost than the sticker price, and here at Lakeside RV in Anderson, South Carolina, we serve customers in Greenville and Charlotte, North Carolina, who need a bit of help figuring out their budgets. We can help you too. Stop into our showroom for a test drive today.