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We recently posed a very important, and slightly terrifying, question to our community of road warriors. We decided to dive headfirst into the mysterious and often shocking world of RV budgets. The topic of this investigation was your annual spending on everything from campsite fees and fuel to that absolutely essential inflatable flamingo for the campsite. We asked you to open your wallets, or at least think about them, and share the financial reality of this amazing lifestyle. This poll was launched in our weekly newsletter, where our readers shape the content. Make sure you’re subscribed and voting so your voice is part of our future results and findings!
Here is a breakdown of how your fellow RVers responded.
The Financial Breakdown
| Expense Category | Percentage of Votes |
|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | 33% |
| $5,000 – $10,000 | 52% |
| Wrong RV Type | 5% |
| Over $20,000 | 10% |
The Thrifty Travelers (Under $5,000)
A third of you are the financial wizards of the RV world. You have mastered the art of boondocking, found every free campsite in the country, and probably have a coupon for diesel fuel.
We suspect your idea of “entertainment” is simply finding a new, breathtaking view. Your secret is safe with us, you savvy savers.
The Middle-of-the-Road Masters ($5,000 – $10,000)
You are the majority, the heart and soul of the RVing community. This group has found a comfortable balance between frugality and fun.
You might splurge on a fancy RV resort for a weekend but balance it out with a week of dry camping. Your budget is a beautiful, well-oiled machine.
The “Wrong RV Type” Voters
To the 5% who selected “Wrong RV Type,” we salute your hilarious honesty. This is the most relatable answer on the entire chart.
You’ve clearly learned the hard way that a Class A guzzles more than your dreams. Or perhaps your teardrop trailer just couldn’t contain your growing collection of outdoor gear.
This answer is a whole mood, and we feel it in our souls. It’s the expensive lesson that makes a great story around the campfire.
The “Budget? What Budget?” Brigade (Over $20,000)
A brave and glorious 10% of you are living the high life on wheels. You are the royalty of the RV park, the sultans of splurge.
We imagine you filling your massive tanks with champagne and using hundred-dollar bills as kindling for your campfire. Your annual expense report probably includes a line item for “gold-plated sewer hose.”
Never change, you magnificent creatures. You give the rest of us something to aspire to.
Conclusion: Why We Think the Votes Landed Here
We believe these results perfectly capture the diverse economics of RV life. The majority landing in the $5,000-$10,000 range feels authentic; it accounts for realistic costs like fuel, maintenance, and mid-range camping fees without being extravagant. The sizable “Under $5,000” group represents the determined and resourceful minimalists who prove adventure doesn’t have to be expensive.
The small but mighty “Over $20,000” faction is likely comprised of full-timers with larger rigs or those who frequent high-end resorts, where nightly fees alone can quickly escalate a budget. Finally, the brilliantly honest “Wrong RV Type” vote is the ghost of poor purchasing decisions past. It’s a humorous reminder that the initial buy-in is just the beginning, and choosing the wrong rig for your needs can lead to a constant cycle of expensive upgrades and repairs, making any other budget category feel laughable.
