How To Afford The RV Lifestyle

If you’re looking for a way to live a nomadic life while still being able to enjoy the comforts of home, the RV lifestyle might be a perfect fit for you. These days, many RVs come with a long list of modern amenities so you can explore the great outdoors and still have a relaxing space to come home to at the end of the day. As a matter of fact, many individuals and families who do this as a hobby end up loving it so much, they eventually leave their stationary home behind in exchange for a full-time home on the road. Of course, this is a major life choice that should be made carefully. One of the biggest factors to consider is how you’ll afford this lifestyle.

Here at Airstream of Utah, we’ve got plenty of information to help you learn about how you to afford an RV lifestyle. We’ve gathered some important tips below. If you have additional questions or you’d like to browse our inventory, visit our dealership in Salt Lake City, Utah. We’re conveniently located near Park City, Provo, and Ogden.

Establish a Budget

One of the best things you can do to afford living in an RV is to establish a reasonable budget. You’ll need to balance the market standards against what you can realistically afford. Keep in mind that establishing a budget is a critical planning component. For starters, setting a budget too low will leave you with no viable options. On the other hand, setting a budget that’s too high can leave you in a financial bind with constant worry. 

You should research some of the typical prices for various types of RVs. Whether you’re interested in a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or another type of RV, you’ll want to figure out which one fits in your budget. When you’re researching, be sure to create a list of priorities, including what types of features and amenities you’ll need. It also helps to make a note of things that you can live without. We encourage you to set a budget range that falls slightly shorter than your highest affordable price. This allows you to save money while still providing ample wiggle room.

Another important element of budgeting is setting aravel budget that details your monthly expenses. This is especially important if you’re planning to live in your RV. The travel budget should include RV payments, insurance, gas, food, campground fees, maintenance, and repairs. Don’t forget about extras such as internet and phone, emergency funds, and anything else that might affect your budget when living life on the road. Figure out what you’re comfortable spending and compare it to the breakdown of your monthly expenses. This can help you decide if there are areas where you can cut back or if you need to adjust the budget.

Look For Ways to Save

Speaking of cutting back, you’ll want to actively look for ways to save money. If you have yet to purchase your RV or trailer, consider checking out smaller models or used models. It can be wasteful to spend top dollar on a new model if it’s loaded with features you won’t really need. Once you have your rig and you’re out camping, remember to drive the speed limit for better fuel economy. You can also make it a point to look for cheap campgrounds. Prepare your meals rather than eating out. There are many ways to save on the road, you just have to look for them!

Earn Money While Traveling

Budgeting and saving are great but how about earning money while traveling? Whether you plan to use this money for additional spending or it becomes your main source of income, earning money on the road can be an excellent way to support this lifestyle. Fortunately, in today’s world, there are countless ways to earn money on the road. For example, you can inquire about jobs at parks and campgrounds if you plan to be in one spot for a while. You can also get an online job that allows you to work remotely. You’ll need to set aside some time for tending to these responsibilities, but you'll still have the freedom to travel wherever you please without waiting until retirement to do so.

The key to successfully affording and enjoying this lifestyle is setting realistic expectations for both yourself and the different trailers and RVs you’ll be looking at. It’s good to know that with the right mindset, you’ll find many ways to afford an RV and the lifestyle that comes with it. As long as you put in the research, commitment, and right amount of creative thinking, you’ll be in good shape. For assistance, stop by Airstream of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah near Park City, Provo, and Ogden. We proudly offer parts and service right here at our dealership.