Justifying the cost of a Travel Trailer

I don't know if buying one would justify the cost.

Don't put a pencil to paper to try to justify the cost. You won't like the numbers. RV's typically are an expense, not an investment. What you get is some great camping, savings on motels/hotels, and being where you want by the lake or stream or wherever. Mostly hotels and motels are in towns. The depreciation on what you purchase will be around 50 percent in five years and as you indicated there will be registration and insurance costs in addition to maintenance and tires. However, if you like the outdoor lifestyle and want the travel trailer there is really no other option. Many (as in millions) easily justify the cost of an RV in their budgets. It is just what you want to spend your money on.