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We recently posed a financial question that strikes at the heart of every RVer’s budget and dreams. The topic of how much of our hard-earned cash we funnel into our rolling homes is both fascinating and a little terrifying. We wanted to know where you all stood on the spectrum between “thrifty camper” and “all-in road warrior.”
This crucial data was gathered from a poll in our weekly newsletter, where our readers spill the beans. Make sure you’re subscribed and voting so your voice is counted in future findings and you can be a part of the fun!
The results are in, and they paint a vivid picture of our community’s spending habits. We’ve broken down the percentages for you right here.
| Percentage of Income Spent on RVing | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Under 10% | 41% |
| 10-20% | 32% |
| 20-30% | 14% |
| Over 30% | 13% |
The Frugal Road Warriors
A commanding 41% of you are spending under 10% of your income on this lifestyle. This is the group that probably owns their rig outright and has a secret map to every free campsite in the country.
We imagine you boondocking with solar panels gleaming, laughing as you drive past those “fancy” RV resorts. Your idea of a splurge is a new set of leveling blocks.
The Balanced Budgeters
The next largest group, at 32%, spends a sensible 10-20%. You’ve found the sweet spot between passion and practicality.
You likely have a solid budget for fuel and the occasional campground with actual plumbing. You understand the value of a good s’more, but you’re not buying artisanal, hand-crafted marshmallows.
The “Why Is There a Leaf on My Credit Card Statement?” Crew
Then we have the 14% in the 20-30% range and the 13% boldly spending over 30%. This is where the magic—and perhaps a slight sense of financial alarm—happens.
For you, the open road isn’t just a hobby; it’s a primary line item. Your RV probably has a better entertainment system than your stationary house. We salute your commitment, and also wonder if you need a hug when the fuel bill arrives.
Every new gadget, campground membership, and cross-country trip is an essential part of your life’s story. You are the reason the RV industry has a smiling CEO.
Our Take: Why the Results Shook Out This Way
We believe these results perfectly reflect the diverse financial strategies within the RV community. The large “Frugal Road Warrior” group likely includes many retirees on fixed incomes who have mastered cost-effective, long-term travel. The “Balanced Budgeters” represent those still working or who have carefully planned their adventures without sacrificing their financial future.
The significant minority spending over 20% likely consists of relatively new RVers who are still outfitting their rigs and fueled by the initial excitement of the lifestyle. It also includes full-time families for whom their RV is their primary home, making the associated costs a much larger portion of their overall expenses. Ultimately, the data shows that whether you’re a penny-pincher or a premium spender, there’s a beautiful, winding road for everyone in this lifestyle.
