Similar to owning a house, there are certain costs that come with owning an RV or camp trailer - costs that are not inherently bad, just expenses that often go unmentioned or overseen. It is important to be aware of these expenses, not only for budgeting purposes but as well as being able to adequately address each item.

Below are some of the more commonly overlooked costs associated with owning and operating an RV. 

Campsite Fees

Unless you are planning on spending each night of your RV vacation in parking lots that allow RV’s, there is going to be an expense tied to each night you stay somewhere. The costs vary, but plan on spending anywhere from $15-$50 per night. Campgrounds without RV hookups are more likely to cost less money per night whereas an RV park or state park campground with full hookups will cost slightly more. 

RV Insurance 

Similar to car insurance, this is a must-have if you own an RV. Depending on your insurance agency and what coverage you select, the cost can vary, but it would be safe to budget around $50-$100 per month for a camp trailer’s insurance. 

Laundromat

Depending on the duration of your road trip or camping trip, you may need to visit a laundromat. Even on a shorter trip, an unplanned encounter with mud could easily send you to the laundromat. Unless you have a larger motorhome or fifth-wheel trailer with a washer and dryer unit, a nearby laundromat is your next best bet. Many seasoned campers keep $10-$20 in quarters in their trailer for times like this. While it may not be a large unforeseen expense, it is certainly one that you want to be prepared for. 

Propane

Propane is relatively cheap, but if you are camping and need to suddenly fill multiple tanks, you may end up paying more based on your remote location. Your best bet is to fill your tanks up at a propane center near your home, or check with the RV dealership you purchased your RV/camp trailer at. Some dealerships now have propane at reduced costs compared to other fueling centers. 

Tow Vehicle 

One of the larger expenses that comes with camping is your tow vehicle. This can quickly become a very large expense if your current vehicle is unable to tow your new camp trailer, or your current tow vehicle breaks down and you need to replace it. Along with the overall cost of the tow vehicle comes the routine maintenance needed to keep everything running smoothly. The last thing you want is to replace a fuel filter or alternator while towing your camp trailer. Pre-trip auto checks are a great way to dodge these auto maintenance nightmares while traveling. 

Storage

Many people who have camp trailers or RVs live in areas that do not allow for year round camping. Additionally, many homes are not set up to have a large RV or camp trailer parked in a garage or on the property. The solution is to park your RV or camp trailer at a storage unit designed for camp trailers and RVs. The cost for each unit varies depending on whether it is indoors, covered, outdoors, hours of access, and the level of security. You can safely assume that a monthly storage unit could cost between $50 and $150 per month. 

Gas

If you are used to taking road trips and budgeting fuel costs/expenses, you are safe to essentially double that expense. Towing a camp trailer or driving a large RV requires quite a bit more fuel than just driving a vehicle. Driving at slower speeds, and stopping at gas stations more frequently will quickly become a normal part of traveling in an RV!

Conclusion 

These expenses are all part of the joy of owning an RV. Being aware of these costs, however, will prevent your overall camping and RV ownership experience from being stressful. Here’s to happy camping!