Camp in Style in a Recreational Vehicle or Travel Trailer
Camping in a tent or sleeping on the hard ground isn’t everyone’s idea of a meaningful experience with nature. Nowadays, a camping trip often means roughing it in a recreational vehicle or what most people call an RV. It makes sense. The baby boomers hit 40 years ago and a slab of uneven, rocky soil isn’t as forgiving as it once was. Many campers today are looking for something a little more comfy.
RV Insurance: Finding the right recreational vehicle insurance can be a difficult task. If you need help finding the right motorhome insurance company, you might try calling RV America Insurance. RV America writes all types of insurance for RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, and more. RV America can be reached at 800-400-0186. RV insurance from RV America can include Total Loss replacement, Emergency Expense Coverage, and more.
A motorhome, travel trailer, or other RV is like a small cabin on wheels, usually complete with stove, oven, refrigerator, shower, toilet, beds, heater and 12-volt electrical power. Smaller units may not have bathrooms or hot water. Some rigs, though, have lounge areas, air conditioners, bathtubs, microwave ovens, built-in color televisions, and generators for extra power.
When asked why they like the RV lifestyle, RVers cite the convenience of cooking their own meals, sleeping in their own bed, and taking a hot shower at anyplace, any time, even in a remote campground. They also mention that with an RV they are always packed and ready-to-go.
Compared to automobile travel, where motorists eat at restaurants and sleep in motels, vacationing in a RV is economical. Gasoline and campsites are the major expense. Food costs the same as at home because you cook your own meals. Overnight accommodations are reasonable, usually from about $5 to $25 a night. A surprising number of public campgrounds are still free.
There is, of course, an initial investment. Motorhomes, the most expensive RVs, sell from $25,000 to $250,000, with most between $35,000 and $80,000. Low-priced units are usually not as well constructed as the high-priced models, although it may not be apparent from outward appearances. The over $80,000 units are favored by full-timers, mostly retired couples who live in their rigs much or all of the year. Less expensive motorhomes, $20,000 to $50,000, are best suited for part-time RVers. These units may not have wet bars, trash compactors or built-in televisions, but they’re ideal for weekend camping trips and summer vacations.
Among the least expensive motorhomes are those built on the chassis of small trucks. The advantage of these micro-minis, besides price tags often under $25,000, is their gas mileage, typically around 15 miles per gallon. The disadvantage is that space is often limited, and the units may be underpowered.
Van and Truck campers are more compact than motorhomes, but offer many of the same features at a lower price. Travel trailers, tent trailers, and fifth wheele (trailers with a raised forward section) have no engines and are therefore less expensive to purchase than motorhomes. They may, however, require a special tow vehicle, which can be costly if a would-be RVer doesn’t already own one.
A good idea for many first-time RVers, or buyers on a budget, is to start with a used unit. Second-hand trailers are often available for less than $10,000; used motorhomes sell from $10,000 and up. But be careful when buying a previously owned rig: get a lemon and you’ll likely spend a wad getting it into shape.
