Trading Possessions for Freedom (Part 2) | How We Afford Full-Time RVing: Budget Included

“How are you financially able to Full Time RV?”

One of the top questions we receive is about costs, so I aim to share our experience to provide you with practical insights.

Our Full Time RV Living Budget:

Campsites: $1200/ Month

• We prefer county parks and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. 

• Planning ahead allows us to consider state and national parks, which are also cost-effective.

•  However, when we decide to indulge in pricier private campgrounds, we balance the cost by incorporating boon-docking.

Helpful Tips:

*We find ourselves utilizing the AllStays App most often.


* My husband is a veteran, so we take advantage of Military Bases, The Golden Access Pass, and discounts at state and private campgrounds.


*We had Passport America, but never used it. We have heard good things about Good Sam mixed reviews on Thousand Trails, but we have never tried those memberships ourselves.

Gas: $800/ Month

• Our budget fluctuates depending on our location within the country and our travel frequency. 

• The budget is calculated for a two-week stay and approximately 300 miles of travel per journey.

For your reference:

* While towing, we achieve an average of 12 miles per gallon. Our towing vehicle is a 2016 2500 Chevy Silverado with a diesel engine, and we pull a 38-ft fifth wheel weighing 14,000 LBS.

Food: $1500/Month 

• The budget is designed for a family of four, including two growing teenagers who often out-eat the adults.

• Our budget varies depending on our location, with the South and Midwest being considerably cheaper.

Where to Shop:

*We used to shop at Walmart to keep our grocery costs down, but in the past few months, we've found that private grocery stores are now cheaper.

* We love a good farmers market for honey, dairy, meat, and fruit. It can be pricey, so stick to what you need. This is a great way to explore a new area!

*We rarely eat out, but we do like to go out for treats like ice cream and coffee which we include in this budget.

Laundry: $60/month 

• I have to admit I hate doing laundry on the road, although it is nice to be able to get a week’s worth done in a couple of hours.

For Reference:

*More often than not, we utilize campground laundromats. We try and stick with military bases as it’s usually $2 a load. $5 a load seems to be typical for private campgrounds and laundromats.

*Again this is for our family of four with adult size clothing. We do laundry once a week- washing clothes, towels, and pillow cases. We wash our sheets every other week...Just to give you an idea.

Propane: $30/ Month

• This is for our water heater, stove, furnace, and BBQ. We have a 12V Dometic refrigerator.

Bills: $700/ Month

Our bills include Verizon (4 phones), Starlink, Insurance (vehicle, dental, and  life), Subscriptions, Virtual Mailbox, and giving.

*You might be surprised that we list our giving or tithe under bills, but we do this to be intentional about it. In the past, we found that if we're not intentional, it's usually the first thing to go.

*We bought our fifth wheel outright, had a truck payment for a while, but recently payed it off  woohoo! Check out my blog post titled,  Achieving Financial Freedom: A Journey To Debt Free Living. 

*We currently have health insurance through the military, but there are alternatives like medical cost- sharing plans. Previously, we used Medi-Share, costing $600 per month for our family of four in California. 

Miscellaneous: $200- 800/ month 

This is allocated for entertainment, purchasing new clothes, addressing RV repairs, and covering truck maintenance.

Total: 5,000/ month or 60,000/ year

You can minimize expenses by extending your stay and making use of monthly rates. Some friends manage to live on half our budget, proving that it's achievable with some sacrifice and creativity.

How to Afford Living on the Road Full Time

 

For the past three years, we've lived off the profit from selling our house, and Scott’s prior military service supplements some of our expenses.

Initially, we planned to be on the road for only a year, and being out of work was scary. Yet, nearly three years later, we continue this lifestyle through God’s provision.

We've discussed camp hosting to sustain this lifestyle. Paid positions are plentiful, and friends who camp host love it. There are many options for remote and travel-related work as well.

While our work doesn't align with conventional norms, we've dedicated ourselves to road-schooling our children, pursuing ongoing education, and managing this lifestyle's various tasks.

This lifestyle involves a lot of work and requires commitment, but it is incredibly rewarding.

My husband, Scott, went back to school to earn his bachelor’s degree, and is now pursuing his MDIV. I recently went back to school as well. 

Is This Lifestyle Right For You?

• Living this lifestyle involves hard work, planning, travel, and maintenance. While many in America focus intensely on careers, it's important to balance that with nurturing our relationship with God and one another.

• Our efforts should include helping others, spreading God’s word, and remembering that our purpose goes beyond work and money. 

• If you prioritize money and material possessions, full-time RV-ing might not align with your values. However, it could be worth a try—it has taught me to appreciate simplicity.

• This lifestyle has deepened our family's faith, teaching us to save wisely, give generously, and trust in God's financial plan.

Still interested? 

Check out Part Three: Do We Regret It?

Matthew 6:31-33

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Reflection

• My prayer for us all is that we will accept God’s provision in our life, live in financial peace, that God will bless us according to His will and that we will all use our finances to bless others. God is good, and faithful, how blessed are we do have the perfect provider as our Father!

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*I'd be THRILLED to hear from you! Are you thinking of full timing? Did this post help answer your financial questions? Please feel free to leave a comment below.