Owning an RV promises freedom, adventure, and the thrill of life on the road—but beneath the glossy exterior lies a world of hidden expenses that can turn your dream into a financial rollercoaster.

From jaw-dropping maintenance bills to repairs that require a PhD in “RV-ology,” the costs of owning a motorhome go far beyond the sticker price.

In a recent by Fuel Your Wonder, Chris and Hillary, full-time RVers, pull back the curtain on the realities of maintaining their 2023 American Coach, revealing just how much cash (and sanity) it takes to keep their home-on-wheels rolling.

We’ve distilled their eye-opening insights into a listicle of the most surprising—and often hilarious—hidden costs of RV ownership. But first, a shoutout to Fuel Your Wonder for their fantastic video—check out the full video at the end of this article for even more RV truth bombs!

1. Maintenance: The Never-Ending Money Pit

“Our 30,000-mile service is about a 45- or 50-point check… changing the oil, differential fluid, fuel filters, greasing everything. It’s pretty extensive.” – Chris
Routine maintenance on an RV isn’t just an oil change—it’s a full-blown spa day for your vehicle, complete with fluids, filters, and enough greasing to make a mechanic weep. Chris and Hillary’s 30,000-mile service cost over $4,000, proving that RVs drink money faster than gas. And if you think DIY will save you?

Think again. As Chris admits, “You need proper shop tools… and a lift.” Unless you’re MacGyver with a hydraulic jack, your wallet’s doomed.

At this rate, RV owners might as well start a GoFundMe titled, “Help Me Feed My Coach’s Oil Addiction.”

2. Specialized Repairs: Where ‘Google It’ Doesn’t Cut It

“Certified shops know the chassis and engine, but they don’t know anything about the coach. It’s like all the right parts in all the wrong places.” – Chris
RV repairs are like IKEA furniture instructions—vaguely confusing and missing half the pieces. Even certified mechanics often fumble with the “house” side of motorhomes, leaving owners to play a game of Where’s Waldo? with leaks, rattles, and malfunctioning jacks. Chris and Hillary learned this the hard way when their fan clutch started impersonating a maraca.

If RV repair shops charged by the number of confused head-scratches, we’d all be bankrupt by Tuesday.

3. Unexpected Breakdowns: The Universe’s Prank

“We’re some of the unluckiest people… our RV broke down twice, and our Jeep broke down three times. Starting to think it’s user error.” – Hillary

Breakdowns are the RV life’s version of a surprise party—except instead of cake, you get a tow truck and a $2,000 bill. Chris and Hillary’s knack for attracting mechanical disasters (including a rogue lug nut that “spun off in my hand”) proves that RVs have a sixth sense for ruining plans.

At this point, their RV probably has its own frequent-flyer miles… for repair shops.

4. Preventative Maintenance: Pay Now or Cry Later

“Preventative maintenance is different from reactive maintenance. This time, it’s not a breakdown!” – Hillary
Skipping preventative maintenance is like ignoring a toothache—it’ll cost you way more later.

The couple’s proactive $4,000 service at National Indoor RV Center spared them future meltdowns (and meltdowns of the engine variety). As Chris says, “You get what you pay for.”


Preventative maintenance: because crying into a pillow is cheaper than crying into a blown transmission.

5. The “Trust Us, We’re Experts” Tax

“Chris whispered he trusts the technician—a huge statement, ’cause Chris doesn’t trust anybody to touch our vehicles.” – Hillary
Finding a mechanic who won’t treat your RV like a science experiment is rarer than a unicorn.

Chris and Hillary struck gold at National Indoor RV Center, where technicians “understand both the chassis and the house side.” But expertise comes at a premium—like paying a therapist to listen to your RV’s problems.
RV mechanics charge by the hour, but they earn it by not accidentally turning your bathroom into an engine compartment.

Watch the Full Video
For more RV realities (and Chris’s legendary side-eye at repair bills), check out full video. Spoiler: Yes, but bring tissues for your bank account.