 | Truck Camper: $3,000-$50,000 |
|
 | RV Trailers: $3,000-$80,000+ |
|
 | Motorhome RV: $40,000-$800,000+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
| A recreational vehicle can offer basic sleeping and cooking accommodations, or all the comforts of a luxurious home. The two basic RV categories are motorized (motorhomes) and non-motorized (trailers and campers). The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association illustrates the different types of RVs. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Expect to pay $3,000 -$50,000 for a new truck camper, a self-contained unit that slides into the bed of a pickup truck, often with a sleeping area above the cab. Prices vary based on size, quality of materials and amenities such as kitchen appliances, a bathroom or dual-pane windows for warmth.
- RV trailers can vary from a tent trailer ($3,000 -$20,000) that travels as a compact box and pops up to provide a canvas-sided living area; to a conventional travel trailer ($8,000 -$65,000); to a fifth-wheel trailer ($13,000 -$100,000) that is pulled by a medium- to heavy-duty pickup truck ($20,000 -$50,000) with a special hitch in the pickup bed; or a toy hauler ($12,000 -$80,000 or more) that's a travel trailer or fifth wheel with living quarters up front and a cargo area and ramp in the rear.
- The smallest motorhome RV is a camper van, also called a Class B Motorhome. At $40,000 -$120,000, these units typically look like a standard van, but inside are sleeping areas, a dining/seating area that converts into a bed, basic kitchen appliances and possibly a toilet stall. Class C motorhomes, also called mini-motorhomes or mini-RVs, cost $50,000 -$140,000; these are standard mid-sized motorhomes with a van nose and cab attached to a wider fiberglass body.
- The largest type of motorhome is a Class A ($50,000 -$800,000 or more), which resembles a bus or semi-truck. A class A is basically a luxury one-bedroom home, usually with a sofa-bed or other additional sleeping areas. Class As have a full kitchen, full bath or a big-screen entertainment center.
- Like new cars, RVs start depreciating as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-maintained RV that's a few years old can be 20% to 30% cheaper, or more. Get estimated prices for used RVs at NadaGuides.com.
What should be included: | - At a minimum, a motorhome contains a bed or beds, a table, a food preparation area and storage space. Smaller versions may convert the dining table and benches into a bed; higher-end motorhomes often have a convertible dinette and/or sofa bed plus a separate master bedroom with a queen- or king-size bed. Luxury versions may have a full bathroom and kitchen.
Additional costs: | - Fuel (gasoline or diesel) can be a major expense, but exact costs depend on the type of RV. Lightweight trailers might slightly increase the fuel costs for the tow vehicle, while Class A motorhomes average 8-10 miles per gallon, with a typical Class A fuel tank holding 100-150 gallons. At $2.50 -$4 a gallon, filling the tank could cost $250 -$600 to travel 800-1,500 miles.
- Campground or RV park fees can cost $10 -$40 a night. Using a dump station to empty the sewage system is typically included in the overnight fee; dumping without spending the night can cost $5 -$25.
- RV insurance premiums vary significantly; get quotes before buying a specific trailer. Annual state registration fees can be $10 -$50 for a simple tent trailer, to $1,000 -$3,500 or more for a Class A motorhome.
- Renting an RV storage space can cost $20 -$100 a month outdoors and $45 -$450 a month indoors. An RV cover can cost $50 -$1,200 or more.
- Maintenance and repairs might be relatively low-cost on smaller and non-motorized RVs, but some owners of larger motorhomes recommend a maintenance and repair fund of $3,000 -$5,000 a year.
Discounts: | - Free or low-cost overnight RV camping is possible in some areas.
- As a tryout or an alternative to buying, renting an RV can cost $50 -$90 a night for a simple pop-up tent camper, or $150 -$350 a night plus 35 60 cents a mile for a luxurious Class A motorhome.
Shopping for an rv: | |
|
| |
Article updated January 2011 |
|
E-mail
Post