 | Camper Vans: $40,000-$125,000+ |
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 | Class C Motorhomes: $50,000-$140,000 |
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 | Class A Motorhomes: $50,000-$800,000+ |
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| Motorhomes are the motorized version of a recreational vehicle, and the most widely known type of RV. The driver typically sits in a pilot's seat, and the living area might vary from basic eating/sleeping combinations to a full bedroom, living room, kitchen and bath, plus slide-out additions that expand the living space when parked. There are three categories -- Class A motorhomes are the largest (21'-40' long) and typically the most luxurious; Class Bs are the smallest (16'-26'); and Class C are mid-sized (20'-32)' and typically have a bed over the driver's cab. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Prices start at $50,000 -$100,000 for a basic Class A motorhome, which resembles a bus or semi-truck. Upgraded models can cost $200,000 -$500,000 with features such as a slide-out, a rear camera to make backing up easier or a plush decor. Customized Class As can be $500,000 -$800,000 with options such as multiple hard-sided slideouts, an entertainment center and a gas fireplace. Diesel engines are more expensive than gas-powered engines, and diesel-pushers (with the engine in back) cost more than front-engine motorhomes.
- Camper Vans, also known as Class B motorhomes, cost $40,000 -$80,000 for a standard model, and $90,000 -$125,000 or more for luxurious versions. They look like a standard van and are typically15'-26' long.
- Sometimes called mini-motorhomes or mini-RVs, Class C motorhomes start at $50,000 -$80,000 depending on size (typically 16'-26') and options. More luxurious Class Cs (up to 36' feet long, on a heavy-duty van or truck chassis) can cost $85,000 -$140,000, with features such as a larger bathroom, full-sized appliances or a home theater system.
- Motorhomes start depreciating as soon as they leave the dealership, so a well-maintained motorhome that's a few years old can be 20% to 30% below its original purchase price.
What should be included: | - At a minimum, a motorhome contains bed(s), a table, a food preparation area and storage space. Smaller versions may convert a dining table and benches into a bed; larger motorhomes may also have a separate bedroom with a queen- or king-size bed.
Additional costs: | - Class As average about 8-10 miles per gallon, with a typical fuel tank holding 100-150 gallons. At $2.50 -$4 a gallon, a fill-up could cost $250 -$600 and last 800-1,500 miles. Class B Camper Vans are similar to a standard family van, getting 10-25 mpg depending on make and model, engine size, vehicle weight, city or highway miles and speed driven. Class C motorhomes average 10 mpg with fuel tanks holding 25-55 gallons; at $2.50 -$4 a gallon a fill-up could cost $60 -$220 and last for 250-550 miles.
- Campground or RV park fees cost about $10 -$50 a night per vehicle, depending on the desirability of the location, whether the site provides utility hookups (electric, sewer and water), or other amenities.
- Before buying an RV, shop around for RV insurance rates; premium costs vary considerably. Vehicle registration fees vary by state, but typically average $50 -$400 a year.
- Items like tires, brakes and filters will wear out in direct proportion to the mileage covered. Some Class A motorhome owners recommend having a maintenance/repair fund of $3,000 -$5,000 a year, especially if living in the motorhome full time.
- Renting an RV storage space can run $20 -$100 a month outdoors and $45 -$450 a month indoors. Renting a Class A motorhome costs $1,400 -$3,500 for a 7-day, 700-mile trip; a Class C typically rents for $1,000 -$2,500 for seven nights and up to 700 miles.
Shopping for a motorhome rv: | |
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Article updated January 2011 |
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