Finances
The following article was published in the May/June, 2014 issue of Escapee's Magazine.
Full-Time RVing, What Does it Cost?
One of the most frequently asked questions by those who are considering RVing fulltime is what amount of income is required in order to live comfortably. Planning a budget is challenging but can be done.
There are many expenses which will remain the same when on the road as living in a stick house. It will be helpful if you keep detailed records of all expenses for a year or two before you make the change and examine each to see which will continue as currently, what will go away and which will increase. Things like life, health, and long term care insurance will not be changed by RV living, but may if you change domicile. Home owner’s insurance will go away if you sell the house, but your RV insurance will increase because most RV policies do not allow use of the RV as a home, unless you add full-timer coverage. Not all underwriters have this available and it will increase your premiums significantly. Health insurance can be a budget problem if not supplied by a former employer. Make sure that your coverage will continue when out of your home state. Some plans limit periods of “out of network” coverage. Utilities will only apply if in a monthly park where you must pay electricity, but you will buy propane.
Consider the cost of cell phone and internet services you will need. Some people find systems like Skype or prepaid phones work well. Internet access is vital to most people today. While most RV parks now have Wi-Fi available, it is often spotty at best. The satellite dish is still the most universally available access but it is also most expensive. Cellular internet has become very widespread, but there remain large undeveloped areas where it is not available. Smart phones and phone hotspots may be a good answer but data service can be expensive. For the budget minded, it is possible to use free WiFi as long as you are willing to visit nearby businesses at times. You will find it available at most restaurants and chain stores.
You will need some type of mail service to provide a permanent address and to forward your mail to you. States require you to have an address in order to register vehicles, maintain a driving license and to vote. Make sure that the chosen address meets your state’s requirements. There are a wide range of services and prices. You may consider using a family member to accept and forward mail but that can be an experience much like loaning relatives money. For most people a service such as Escapee’s provides will serve much better as a permanent address.
A major expense will be RV sites. You can decrease this cost by staying longer, paying for a site by the week or month, spending some nights in parking lots, dry camping, by working as an RV volunteer or campground host with RV site, buying a membership in one of the campground groups such as Thousand Trails or Coast to Coast, and there are discount park groups like Escapees and Passport America. To estimate the cost of RV parks purchase a copy of a major campground guide, checking prices in places you plan to travel. The cost is greatest in areas of major tourist attractions and less in rural areas. If you are past the age of 62, you can save at federal parks by purchasing a senior “America the Beautiful” card for $10. They are permanent, lower price by half in federal campgrounds and gain free admission to federal parks. State park campgrounds sometimes save money and may have an annual pass. Most people find that Corps of Engineer’s parks are nice and inexpensive. Others spend time in the Long Term Visitor areas of the BLM dry camping. There are also “Stoppin Spots” for members of Escapees RV club which have little or no cost.
Just as longer stays can save campground expense it saves on fuel. As you plan, think about the total mileage that you expect to travel each year and using the fuel consumption of your RV can give you a pretty good idea of what this expense will be. Always project fuel prices to rise over time. You can get price information from websites like “Gas Buddy.” Most RVs increase fuel consumption by about 10% for each five mph of speed increase. With careful planning you can spend summers north and winters south traveling 6-7,000 miles per year. Most RV’s will get between 6 & 10 mpg so be careful not to under estimate fuel cost.
If interested in work-camping, magazines like the Workamper News can provide leads to sources of income ranging from RV park positions to seasonal work such as beet harvests or fireworks stands and Christmas tree lots, Amazon and volunteer locations. While it is difficult to make the wage most of us enjoy, it is very easy to find ways to supplement your income. Most positions have hourly pay rates ranging from $8 to $15 and most supply an RV site.
You should budget for maintenance and repairs to the RV and vehicles. This expense will be affected by travel distance and the age of the RV. Remember that RV appliances typically have a life expectancy of around 10-15 years, when in constant use. You need to allow money for replacing or repairing appliances as they fail. If you are able, doing your own repairs you can save about half. There are excellent RV repair & maintenance books which help. Routine maintenance for the RV, such as caulking and cleaning is inexpensive if done yourself, but expensive if you pay others to do it for you. Expect several hundred dollars each year in routine maintenance. Any leak is of major concern in an RV and must be corrected as soon as possible whether from weather or plumbing. If chosen wisely, an “extended warranty” can protect you from major repair expenses and allow you to budget more accurately, but shop very carefully. An alternative is the setting aside some fixed amount for repairs at the beginning of your travels into a repair fund or self-insurance plan. Each year continue to add money to this repair fund, just as if it were required and by so doing when repairs are needed, there will be money to pay for them. Setting aside 10% of the cost of your RV and adding 5-10% each year should be sufficient. Another option is the use of money from savings, but be very cautious of depleting your nest egg too soon.
The activities and hobbies that we enjoy do not change much moving from a house to an RV, so build into your budget some provision for you to pursue them. RVing is a lifestyle and not simply an extended vacation, so there will be times when you want to busy yourself doing those things which you have always enjoyed. Budget based on what you spend today as this typically remains fairly constant once adjusted to the RV lifestyle.
Your plan should consider when or if you will wish to replace your RV, tow truck and/or car. Remember that these things will wear out. Consider what you will do when things need to be replaced. Also give thought to what happens at the end of the road, when health or age demand that you stop traveling. Each of us will reach that time eventually and preplanning will make it less stressful.
Sometimes folks look to RV living as a means of lowering living costs, but that is seldom true. Most people prefer a similar standard of living to what they have enjoyed in the past and day to day expenses change very little. Attempting to live as you would when vacationing will increase expenses, while if you live as you always have, but with changing scenery you should manage well. The lifestyle should be relaxed and enjoyable, without constant running about or worry about money. Adjust your budget much as you have while living in a conventional home. An advantage of RV life is that walking, taking pictures, and dozens of other things which do not cost are more attractive with the changing of locations. Each budget is unique and personal. Budgets can range from as little as $1500 to more than $5000 per month.
What does it cost to live in an RV? For most of us it will cost however much we have available!
Summer Trip
5/20/2011 through 10/3/2011
Travel itinerary: Lindale, TX to Wichita, KS for 4 days
Wichita, to Council Grove, KS, for 4 days
Council Grove, KS to Loveland, Co. for 6 days
Loveland, CO to Sequim, WA for 15 days
Cape Lookout State Park, OR for July (Tillamook, OR)
Carl G. Washburne State Park, OR for August (Florence, OR)
Travel down Oregon & California coast to Pescadero, CA for 3 days
Travel to Redlands, CA via Yosemite National Park, 5 days
Redlands, CA for 14 days, then 4 days travel back to Lindale, TX.
Total RV travel, 5,472 miles, burning 676 gallons of gasoline at a cost of $2,491.22. We averaged 8.1 mpg, towing a 2009, Honda, CR-V for the entire trip.
We made one propane purchase of 10.4 gallons at a cost of $33.14.
We also had some minor maintenance done at Erik’s RV in WA. Total cost of maintenance including all cleaning materials, fluids, minor repairs to the coach such as drawer latches and similar items was $296.02.
Total of all food costs, including groceries and dining out, such things as soda pop, wine, beer and all consumed items was $2,292.63.
Automobile expenses were $50.44 for one oil change and some cleaning supplies and an air filter. Automobile fuel cost was $813.33 for a total of 219.3 gallons of gasoline. I failed to record the starting mileage for the CR-V so my best estimate based upon mileage when serviced would be a total of 5,600 miles.
We spent a total of 48 nights in commercial RV parks at a total cost of $1,672 for an average cost per night of $34.83. The most expensive park was one on the California coast which cost $71/night.
We spent $433 on entrance fees and similar entertainment items. General household supplies like paper towels, t-p, dish detergent and such things was $360.49.
Of course we also had the usual expenses for cell phones, internet air card, and the usual insurance and related expenses. We had no unusual health or other expenses that would not have happened if we had stayed all summer at our home base.
Total of all expenses related to the trip was $8009.27.
RV folks often wonder which source of energy is more costly to use. Keep in mind that in many RV parks the site includes electricity so those situations make it pretty clear since they don't include propane. But when you stay for longer periods, then most parks charge a monthly rate, plus electricity. Here are a few facts that with simple math should allow you to compare the two and get your answer.
Remember that the rate charged by RV parks for electric power varies widely. Escapee parks do not add any profit margin to the bill that they pay, but many parks do this. I have seen rates in the past year that ranged from a low of $0.09 to as much as $0.21 per kilowatt hour. Keep in mind that these numbers are for the portable electric heaters that we use in our RVs or for electric baseboard heat that some owners have added.
This is in no way applicable to a heat pump because that is not electric heat, but simply a device that collects heat energy from the outside are and sends it inside. It is impossible to give an efficiency for an RV heat pump because there are several manufacturers and they will vary. In addition, the efficency of a heat pump ranges very widely from warm temperatures where it can supply a great deal of heat with little power, while as the temperature falls below 35 degrees or so, the heat pump becomes very inefficient.
This information also would not apply to the heat strips found in some RV air conditioners, because the fan motor for it is outside of the RV and so heat lost from it is not supplied to the interior, and so that kind of electric heat is less than 100% efficient, probably more like 90% or a bit less, but I am only guessing on that one.
Some facts to compare propane and electricity:
One kW hour of electricity is 3,412 Btu's.
One gallon of propane is 91,502 Btu's.
One pound of propane is 21,548 Btu's.
Comparing cost of propane to cost of electricity:
Multiply the propane price per gallon by 0.037 to give the equivalent price per kilowatt hour of electricity, ignoring the efficiency factors.
Multiply the electricity price per kWh by 27.0 to give the equivalent price per gallon of propane ignoring efficiency.
For those who pay for propane by the pound/bottle:
The typical 20# tank holds 4.7 Gallons of propane.
A 30# holds 7 Gallons of propane.
Fuel efficiencies for each:
For heating applications we can consider electricity as 100% efficient. For each Kwh you get 3412 Btu's of energy exchanged to the surrounding medium:
The air in your RV if you use an electric heater, ceramic or other
The water in your hot water heater
The heat tube in your refrigerator
Propane fired appliances of the typical RV variety IMO have very low efficiency. The hot air furnace is the worst, with, in many cases perhaps as little as 50% efficiency. Never assume any more than 70%.
Modern water heaters are a bit higher, but I doubt if any will be better than 70% efficiency and would consider that to be generous.
The refrigerator is probably the highest, approaching 80-90% due to the enclosed space in the chimney.
In my mixed usage, I would allow an overall efficiency a 70%, no more. This means, that a gallon of propane instead of 91,502 Btu's only delivers a usable 64,051 Btu's due to the losses in the appliances.
In other terms, the 20# bottle you just had filled only gives you 14# of usable Btu's or the motorhome bottle that took 15 gallons will actually supply 10.5 gallons of usable energy. A better way to look at this when comparing the cost of each is to consider each at it's usable energy level.
Effective energy comparisons:
One kW hour of electricity is 3,412 Btu's.
One gallon of propane is 91,502 X 70% efficiency equals 64,051 Btu's.
One pound of propane is 21,548 X 70% efficiency equals 15,083 Btu's.
Volume comparisons allowing for efficiency:
One gallon of propane is equal in useful energy to 18.8 KWh of electricity.
One pound of propane is equal in useful energy to 4.4 KWh of electricity.
Multiply the propane price per gallon by 0.0259 to give the equivalent price per kilowatt hour of electricity, considering the efficiency factors.
Multiply the electricity price per kWh by 18.8 to give the equivalent price per gallon of propane, considering efficiency.
Multiply propane cost per pound by .226 to determine equivalent price per kilowatt hour.
Multiply the cost per kilowatt hour by 4.4 to determine equivalent price per pound of propane.
(updated in February 2008)
Finding a location:
There are many ways in which to find possible positions that might be of interest to you. We believe that the best source of information for th
e new work-camper is the magazine, Workamper News. One of the biggest advantages to this magazine is the fact that they will have advertising for many unique positions that most would not even think of without it. Two examples for us are the stay at a grass airfield and one working at a state forestry tree farm. both of these were great experiences that we probably would never have thought of had it not been for that magazine.
Another source of positions is to contact the state parks where you wish to go. If you have Internet access, you will find that most states have a web page located at www.state.XX.us, where the XX is the two-letter abbreviation for the state sought. Two examples of this are Oregon, http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/VOL/index.shtml and Texas http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/involved/volunteer/spdest/ . Do not hesitate to contact the park authorities as they have always been helpful and looking for people to help. If you don't locate them, go to your search engine and type in the name of the desired state, followed by "state parks."
There are many federal agencies that use volunteers and many actively seek people with RVs to life on site and to help with their operations. Most 
people know about and have heard of campground host positions, but there are many other types of position available. While public contact positions tend to be the most visible there are many locations that seek maintenance help, clerical workers and assorted other skills. the fact that you may not like the idea of being a campground host is not reason to ignore the volunteer positions. Our favorite, and probably the most diversified in job positions is the US Fish & Wildlife Service. If you check our our list of positions worked you will find that we have done many unique and interesting things while volunteering with them. We have now volunteered twice with the National Park Service as well and have had good experiences both times.
We have recently accepted a position with the Army Corps of Engineers for next spring. Last fall we did spend a few days as volunteers for them as visitors to friends who were day-use park hosts at a Corps park and it was such a good experience that we have chosen to try that agency next. We look forward to a new experience.
Some other agencies that use resident volunteers are the Bureau of Land Management, the National Forest Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Many counties also have parks that use volunteers. As you travel, stop in the office of any park you believe you may want to spend some time in and ask about volunteer positions.
What will we be asked to do?
Before you start your search there are several questions that you need to consider. Give some thought as to what type of work you would be willing to do, as well as where. Cleaning is often a part of the job of a volunteer. Cleaning of restrooms is sometimes one of the duties but not usually. Litter pick-up is frequently a part of any park position. General maintenance and construction is often part or even all of the duties for some positions with some agencies. Enforcement of the park rules is rarely a part of the volunteer's duties. Collecting of park or camping fees sometimes is. The key here is to be sure that you understand exactly what you will be expected to do, and if there is something which you are unwilling to do, let the park ranger know it. We have found that there is a great variation in how well organized parks are when it comes to volunteers. Some have everything written down and organized. Others are very hit or miss and if they have not used volunteers for long, they may not be quite sure what you will be doing. Most of the rangers and staff are very appreciative of the volunteers and their services I would suggest that you make a list of questions which you always want answered prior to accepting a position as well as a list of what you are not willing to do. This should be done before you make contact with the volunteer coordinator at the park to insure that you cover everything. While some positions are very specific about what they want the volunteer to do, there are many that just need help and who are happy to try and find things which need done that the volunteer enjoys doing. Most volunteer coordinators understand that to keep volunteers the work needs to be both enjoyable and rewarding and make a genuine effort to have it be that way for everyone.
While cleaning and general maintenance are the most common types of work for volunteers in parks, there are many other things available if you look far enough. Some other positions to be found are manning an information booth, nature walks, interpretive positions at a historic site, and construction and repair of facilities. If you have previous experience in operation of tractors and equipment, that will also open many doors for the volunteer. It is also quite common for agencies to need clerical help or helpers with good computer skills. The more flexible you are the easier it will be to find a position in the area you want.
How many hours are required? How long must we stay?
The parks themselves are as varied as the positions available. We have held positions that asked for as little as twenty hours per week total and we have held others which asked for thirty two hours per week, each. Typically, state parks tend to ask for fewest hours and the shortest stays. I would think that the average volunteer position will ask for between twenty and twenty four hours per week for each person. Some ask a couple for something like twenty hours each and a single for 32 hours, since the cost of the site is the same for either. Still others do not differ in hours asked between the single person and a couple for each and still others only ask for one person to work and so do not care if you are single or a couple. Most agencies do accept either singles or couples. The state parks usually ask for a stay of one month minimum but there are a few that ask for the entire season. Most federal agencies ask for at least three months stay. Even within the same agency you will find that requirements for work hours and length of stay vary so be sure that you understand what the one you are considering asks you for. Also, keep in mind that these are volunteer positions and not barter for your work so do not be surprised that you put in more time for the value received than you would if working at a commercial location. At the same time, volunteers are seldom asked to do the more unpleasant jobs while the barter folks can expect that to be the mainstay of what the are expected to do. These are very different kinds of position. I strongly suggest that you choose your position based upon things that you will enjoy doing and agencies that you wish to support.
What do I get in return?
Keep in mind that this is a volunteer position and not a barter one. You should not choose this life if you expect to be rewarded based upon the 
hours worked or the value of your services. Since these positions in parks are volunteer as such they do not get paid. Some do have small a expense allowance associated with the position and a few have a small stipend. Any paid time is will be below minimum wage. While paid positions nearly always ask for you to stay the entire season, only a few volunteer ones do. In return for your services you will usually be provided with a full hook-up campsite. Frequently, laundry equipment is available for your use. Telephones are sometimes available, but generally the volunteer must pay the phone bill if it is in his RV. There are also some positions that will supply propane to volunteers. Some type of uniform is usually provided. Internet access is becoming more common. You may also receive a pass to other parks in the system that you are a part of. Other perks will depend upon where you are. Most parks give first priority for positions in the future to those who are returning for another stay. But the best rewards for volunteers service are the new experiences that we have, the new things that we learn and the feeling of personal satisfaction and accomplishment that we get. And do not undervalue the appreciation of the staff where you happen to volunteer. In addition you will find that you make many new friends both from the staff and among your fellow volunteers.
To us, the very best benefit that comes from our volunteer positions is the unique locations where we live. After nearly eight years of this lifestyle we have come to realize that we would have long ago tired of living in the tightly confined quarters of the commercial RV parks. In fact, we find that we
tire of that life after only a month or two and today we think of returning to a volunteer position as "going home." The largest RV park area that we have yet stayed in as volunteers was one with eight sites, other than San Antonio where we were housed in a commercial RV resort. We are fairly solitary people and we have enjoyed many locations where we were the only RV on the site and others where there might be several volunteers but scattered across the facility for security and privacy reasons. We have watched deer graze or nurse their fawns from our windows many times. We have been where coyotes and bobcats were frequent visitors. We have even seen a bear stroll past in his search for an evening snack. The greatest of rewards that come from the volunteer lifestyle are things that you could never experience in any other way!
What paper-work is required?
Volunteers can expect to go through an application process, similar to, but less stringent than, the one for employment. If your position includes driving agency vehicles, it is normal to ask for a copy of your driver's record. Some parks also want a picture of you and your RV. Frequently you will be part of the employer's insurance during the hours that you work, so associated paper work can be expected. There will also be rules of conduct and work rules, as well as the usual job safety requirements. Many positions do require an interview, usually done by phone. It is a good idea to apply for the position you want as early as possible, since the more desirable areas fill their positions first. If your position has public contact, particularly with children, you may well be required to pass a background check. Such checks have become the norm for most park and visitor center positions. We have never incurred any expense associated with these requirements.
Negatives?
There are a few negative factors to consider. First of all, we find that we do not get around the country as rapidly as we had expected. We see the locations we visit much more in depth, but we don't get as many places. Also, this life does mean that you will have to plan your travels more than some fulltimers wish to do. You generally need to work six months to a year ahead in order to find locations where you want to go. That does mean somewhat of a schedule. We usually allow at least a month between stops as we travel very slowly between locations and move by whim to off-set the scheduling that must be done. But the #1 negative that we have found is the fact that you make such good friends where you volunteer that you are constantly leaving friends behind to move on to a new location. If you go back to the places you enjoy it will not be long before you find yourself only spending time in two or three locations, over and over. It is usually not easy to head on down the road but the anticipation of the next experience is what keeps us moving on to new and different places!