Trading Possessions for Freedom: How We Are Able To Full Time RV (Part 2)

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

This has to be one of the top questions we are asked.

Prior to fully embracing this lifestyle, I researched the costs associated with other Full-Time Families on the road to assess its practicality. I aim to provide you with the same insights.

Our Full Time RV Living Budget:

• Campsites: $1200/ month

Typically, we manage to stay under budget in this area. 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.

*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, which aligns well with our family's preferred approach.


* 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 voracious teenagers who often out-eat the adults.

*We also live a carnivore/ketovore lifestyle which can get quite pricey.



*Budget varies depending on where we are in the country as well.



*We hit up Costco and Walmart to keep our costs down, but also love local Farmer’s markets.


*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.



*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 Some Charities .



*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 (primarily from thrift stores), 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

Many people ask how we are able to afford this lifestyle without working. For the past two years we have been living off the profit from selling our house. Scott’s prior military service helps to supplement some of our cost of living expenses as well.


When we started this journey, we planned to be on the road for only a year. Being out of work for a year was scary, but nearly two years later, we are still able to live this lifestyle through God’s provision.


We have been discussing Camp Hosting, so we can continue this lifestyle. Paid camp hosting positions are plentiful, and we have dear friends who camp host in order to sustain their nomadic lifestyle, and love it. There are many options for remote work and work with travel as well.


While our work may not align with conventional norms, we've been dedicated to Road-schooling our children, pursuing ongoing education, and managing the various tasks that come with this lifestyle. If you are looking for something easy, this lifestyle isn't for you. 

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 fixing things. In America, there's often an intense career focus, but it's crucial to balance that with nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, study, and fasting. 

Our efforts should extend to helping others, spreading God's word, and remembering our purpose goes beyond just work and money. This lifestyle can be expensive, and if you value money and material possessions over experiences, you most likely wont enjoy full time RV-ing. 

This lifestyle has strengthened our family's faith, teaching us to be wise in saving, generous in giving, and trusting in God's plan for our finances. 

Still interested? 

Check out Part Three: Do We Regret It?

Bible Verse of The Day:

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.