An RV is the perfect way to elevate any camping trip into a camping experience worth remembering, but they require a hefty investment. It’s important to understand before you start searching for one that the sticker price isn’t all you’ll have to pay. We here at Jim’s Trailer Sales want to help you prepare for your purchase, so we’ve put together a brief guide to the full cost of owning an RV, below. To learn more, or to see the RVs we have for sale, contact our store in Grafton, Ohio, today!
Loans
Unless you can pay off the full sticker price up front, you’ll have to finance your purchase, which can complicate things further with:
- Interest rates.
- Fees for a low credit score.
- The total loan amount.
- The loan duration.
- Whether the RV is new, used, refinanced, or for full-time living.
Taxes and Registration
You’ll also need to consider taxes like sales tax and property tax, and you may also need to register the RV, which means registration fees. When you take care of any of these, make sure to double-check whether it’s a one-time fee or something you’ll need to pay annually. See if you’re eligible for any tax benefits while you’re at it!
Insurance
Even the most careful driver should invest in a good insurance plan, and you likely need one to have your RV on the road legally. Better insurance will probably mean higher costs, though, and the exact prices will depend on the value of the camper and your own driving record.
Travel Costs
Of course, traveling itself can be expensive as well. You’ll have to pay for fuel, food, and possibly parking while you’re on the road. The frequency and cost of these expenses can be impacted by:
- How fast you drive.
- How heavy your overall setup is.
- The distance to and from the campsite.
- How fuel-efficient your tow vehicle or motorhome is.
Maintenance
An RV is like any machine—it depends on you to keep it in good working order, and that means more money. If your model is a motorhome, it has an independent drivetrain and engine that needs special care. Any models that include slide-outs, extra appliances, fireplaces, or other amenities will have additional costs as well. Preventative maintenance that you can do at home can be fairly inexpensive, but you’ll also need to take the RV in for professional maintenance every so often. Make sure to have an emergency fund for unforeseen maintenance.
Other
You’ll also need to store your RV when it’s not in use, and potentially pay utility fees at campsites with those services.
We hope this guide helps you plan for your RV purchase and upkeep! For more information, or to see the RVs we have available, contact us at Jim’s Trailer Sales. We proudly serve Cleveland, Ohio—let us serve you today!