monthly budgets on the road...

[BarbaraRose]

I know some of you have made your full-timing monthly budgets available for others to look at. I am interested to see what they look like, so those of you (can't remember who) who have one I could look at, I would appreciate it! Just thinking ahead to figure out how much a 6 month trip across the western US would cost me approximately. The ones I found online are usually two people traveling in a huge RV with an equally huge budget. I need an example or two from those of you who travel alone and living on a more thrifty budget.
Thanks!

[Liz]

I kept track of my January expenses:
Gas for RV and car: $314 (Driving around in Arizona)
Propane: $18
Campgrounds (mix of free, State and National Parks, and Passport America): $267 (average <$9 a day)
Groceries: $210
RV repairs (water pump, dump valves): $322
Dining out: $55
Verizon phone and internet: $135
Entertainment, tours, and souvenirs: $162
Haircut: $20
Laundry: $12
RV and Car wash: $63
RV oil change: $42
Gifts: $25
Dog grooming: $40
Total: $1,695 BUT that does not include money in savings for insurance, and other annual expenses.

[JudyJB]

The problem with a budget, Barbie, is that you really need to consider what can happen. Of course, if you are just pulling a trailer, it will be less, but I spent $1,600 in January for oil change, two new coach batteries and installation, a new converter and installation, new water pump and installation, and some other minor stuff.

I have gone two or three months without serious maintenance costs, then it has hit me all at once like a cement block on my head.

Guess what I am saying is that no matter what you drive, you need a savings account amount for things you cannot control and are unexpected.

[MandysMom]

Suggest you visit RVSue and crew. At top of her page are her monthly figures for several years. She drives a Chevy Express can and tows a Casita. Might give you ideas. That said. You need to know whether you will be equipped to boondock, or require hookups amd fuels prices as you know change a bunch. As Judy said, an emergency fund is absolutely essential. budgets vary by your lifestyle for sure.
Velda

[havingfunnow]

I think the current budget figures for RVSue are down, but the earlier ones are here: http://rvsueandcrew.com/

At that time, she was mostly boondocking and refraining from spending money on any nonessential items. If you're talking about a nice long vacation, with money for fun and campgrounds and side trips, it would be more.

Also, as everybody has said, make sure you have a stash to cover whatever problems arise. Sooner or later, they will!

[OregonLuvr]

When I am traveling I dont include any maintenance costs in my budget, just my day to day living. I put money away each payday for the "issues" or upgrades, insurance etc. Some months are cheaper than others LOL.

karen

[snowball]

Barbie it's sorta hard to estimate what costs will be when you don't know what you will be towing or driving
are you going to tent? or find a small trailer? sorta need that type of information
the other day I was thinking of my possibles one of which is to have the 5th wheel towed down to Q
if I did that based on the amount one of the people I talked to here in Ogden they charge about 2 dollars a mile
that trip is about 1000 miles....so then the mind wondered how far could I drive towing if I got 10 miles to gal which is what I
did I could go a long ways on that same 2000 dollars...like over to mid part of the country down to the southern part and up to Q long trip
but it's all estimates....
I don't keep tracked of what I spend but it is a good idea...
sheila

[BarbaraRose]

Thanks for all the thoughts.
If/when this trip happens in the future, I will probably have a small TT. My tentative plan is to travel for about 6 months or so all over the west and south and then figure out where I want to settle down and find a place to live and a job. Then just travel when I have time until I retire.

I figure about 10 MPG with most likely higher gas prices by then. I can estimate my food costs, etc. but not sure about propane (will probably be in the warmer months), typical internet fees, what electric costs run at campgrounds, etc. I will have the money I get from my dad's house by then so will have money aside for emergencies, etc. Just want to get an idea of what 6 months on the road will run me. Will be sightseeing at State and National Parks so there will be those costs.
So far I am thinking about $2K per month, give or take. Does that sound practical?


Of course lots of things can change, or things might not change for quite awhile...just dreaming and planning for the fun of it for now.

[Bethers]

I could live very well on $2k a month with it not including unexpected maintenance. (I, too, have that covered by separate funds.) Very well!

[snowball]

that said ...Propane varies a lot like gas does if gas is going up so will propane...and companies vary one just has to check it out when you need it...your tank will probably be about 7 gals. that usually costs any where from 13 to 17 depending sometimes even cheaper.
the cost of electricity in campgrounds again depends if you are in a say KOA if weekly if two weeks it's included if you stay for a month you usually have to pay
a deposit and electricity is extra...usually by the kilowatt again that varies but the monthly rate is so much cheaper that it's worth it and you get your deposit back usually at least KOA does will see how much electricity used deduct it from the deposit and give you back the rest...
not sure how much this helps
sheila