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ddfoster's avatar
ddfoster
Explorer
May 06, 2013

budgeting on the road

budgeting question for those who have been travelling or are currently travelling. Looking at buying a 5th wheeler and wud like to know roughly money spent living this way. Planning on a 12 month trip and seeing as much of USA as poss (couple coming from Australia). Insurances?, day to day expenses, suggested routes, RV v's 5th wheeler...tell me all

23 Replies

  • Ivylog just gave you much good advice. Your two main expenses will be fuel and camping fees. You can't do much about fuel costs, but you can control camping fees. There are many, many sites on the web listing free and low cost camping places. If you will have children along will have a great effect on where you camp. Good luck and happy travels!
  • Let us know your point of entry and exit and we'll help with route and things to see and places to stay.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Welcome mate. We need more info from you like how many people, what you like to do/see and the type of RV questions is not clear. There is a lot of info in the two boxes at the top of the page.
    For two people moving often I would suggest something like this. Other than maybe putting new tires on it, you should be able to use it for a year without any other major expenses. Small enough to get around in yet big enough for when you cannot get outside on a rainy day. Should get 10 MPG and the tanks are large enough so you can dry camp (no hookups/saving money) for 5-6 days if you are careful on water usage.
    Your budget depends on how frugal you are and what all you want to see. If you plan well and only make one circle around the country, not back and forth, your fuel bill for 16,000 miles at $0.40/mile= $6400. CG fees can run from free to $100+/day in the winter (southern US) but I can average less than $20/day so $7,000 for one year. Makes no difference if you eat here or down under so I do not figure the cost of food. Admission fees can be $100+/day/person (Disney) or free so that's something you'll have to figure.

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