Thank you Me and my gf and thinking about this. Our RENT is 23,000$ a year! The city we are in gets expensive. Also you should talk to some of the parks you can volunteer to work for the park, Stay in state parks up to 9 months. We was just asking some questions to a ranger office.
Thanks so much for sharing your personal financial information. That really helps me to understand the costs involved. Now for a follow up video on how to reduce the costs of RVing. How about ten tips to cut your costs on the road? You all are great I always look forward to your next video. Congrats on your continuing success.
Thanks Lloyd. We may have to look into that. Every RV'er will have a different dollar amount budgeted and spent in the course of a year. We know some that are way lower and higher than us.....bu it is all how one chooses to travel and live.
Great cost breakdown. Appreciate the honesty. We like the COE and state parks. If gambling is not a big issue for you, some of the casinos have low cost campgrounds that are very nice. We stayed in one in Vicksburg and were only about 5 miles from the battlefield.
The only way to full time RV is to stay in a state for 30 days in one location. Preferably in the middle of the state. Day trips in the car to other parts of the state makes more sense. Some states like CA and TX may require stays in different parts of the state. Move the RV as little as possible.
I'm not sure how long I have been a subscriber but, I have watched quite a few of your videos and have enjoyed watching your journey. I appreciate the full disclosure on your expenses. Enjoy the continuation of your journey. I hope to join you and the rest full RV community soon. Retired AF 1987-2007
Philz and Stacy even though you started off in 'vacation' mode, you done did good for your first year out! Like you said, the first few months are spent in learning how you want to travel, what works, what doesn't work, and figuring out your individual traveling style. Also, as you said, there are different variables in this lifestyle for everyone so "your $ mileage will vary" depending on those variables. 👍 Warts and all you had a pretty successful first year out. I think the biggest payoff for you (really, everyone that chooses this lifestyle) and one that you can't put a monetary value on, is re-discovering happiness and contentment with life.
Stacie and Phil, really appreciate your videos. My wife and I are preparing to take the plunge in full-time RV. We are currently the care-provider for my mom but we will be able to practice for a while. Similar background as you guys. 25 years Air Force with a great Air Force wife. Your videos, along with Changing Lanes and Keep your Dreams, have been a tremendous help. Enjoy your journey.
My wife and I are getting ready to hit the open road next month and I've been following your videos to get an idea of what life is going to be like and I can't wait. I'm buying a rig off of facebook marketplace, did my homework.
HAVE YOU LOOKED INTO ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS FROM VARIOUS STATES? NEVADA STATE PARKS ANNUAL PASS IS $2OO. DON'T KNOW ABOUT OTHER STATES BUT ITS THE BEST MONEY SPENT FOR US. WE CAN SPEND THE ENTIRE WINTER IN SOUTHERN NEVADA AND MOTOR UP NORTH FOR SUMMER.
@@kims7190 Yes - 50% IF you have the National Parks pass. As soon as we turned 62 we bought a lifetime pass for hubby. $80 but it will be well worth it
@@kims7190 Yes, many offer them. Just make sure to ask at the private parks. If you want to stay at national parks be sure to get the senior card with them and you can use that for discounts at some state parks and all the Army COE parks.
I am retired US Air Force, disabled veteran rated at 100 percent. My wife and I just subscribed to your channel and really enjoyed your Budget video. It is the first video we have watched that focuses on a realistic monthly RV travel budget. Thank you for sharing. This next year my wife and I will start our RV journey with plans to travel 6 months out of the year.
Great video guys - thanks!! In addition to your awesome analytics ( I love staying at military campgrounds!!), I use state parks. As a veteran, some states like WA and OR ( I'm sure there are many others) offer free or discounted sites for veterans and or disabled veterans. Every little bit helps! Safe travels!!
As I’m Army retiree, I’ll need to check into base campgrounds. We seriously need to checkout more of your videos. My wife and I plan to start RVing in two years when I leave the corporate world.
Thanks KYD. We learned from the best ;) The tracking was something we didn't start out doing and found out fast if you don't stay on top of it.....it can be a like looking for a needle in a hay stack.
Thank you for the excellent Information. I'm in the beginning steps of going full time around the country. Its enjoyable to listen to good advice from normal folks like yourself. There are other RV channels, but I placed you folk at the top of my list.
Really need to include the eating out and food costs. Prices vary from place to place so it is good to compare "all over the country" vs living in one place IMO. Last year I averaged $3.83/night and this year so far is $4.34/night for campgrounds. Woo hooo and I am living pretty good. Planning ahead helps. I stayed in places near Orlando/Disney, Sedona, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite NP.
Thanks for the information! I travelled in my rig (Ford F150 + 19-foot bumper pull) for 6 months last year. This gives me a great comparison. (I kept detailed records if anyone wants to know how much a 6-month coast to coast all-Canadian trip cost.) Great site and love the info you communicate.
Thanks for sharing your RV costs. Your right about the variables. From you and others, we hear about the vacation mode verses just living the at home life. We enjoy your videos very much. Take care and be safe.
Thank you so much for this, I plan on going on a road trip with my dog when I save up money after I get a job, just graduated highschool and waiting till we move and settle down for a bit. I plan on visiting national parks 😄
We did this for 14 years, first in a van towing a trailer and then in a Class C. We stayed in military campgrounds, state campgrounds, a very few private campgrounds and found jobs through Workampers.com which not only paid a wage but sometimes covered the entire cost of our site. We enjoyed this very much. Your breakdown is pretty good, although I'd amortize the costs of the RV, car trailer and tow package. We spent very little on campgrounds over the years, stayed in over 20 states, met some fantastic people, mostly locals. Our experience was that most people who had the big motorhomes stayed in their units. We both love the outdoors, so we spent most of our time outside or exploring. We are both very glad we did it when we did.
Lisa we are like you....we love to be outside exploring!! We didn't factor in the RV as it will vary widely with people. The tow package and dolly prices were discussed.....dolly was the cheapest route, but biggest head ache! LOL
Could you tell us who you got the internet plan for $58 per month from? Is that satellite wifi plan? What company was it with? Thank you. I love your channel and really appreciate the information. I am a single woman getting ready to retire. I am searching for my first RV, and trying to figure out how to live the nomad life by myself. Your videos are really helpful!
Thanks Lover of the Truth! We went with a prepaid (for the year) ATT plan we found on EBay. It comes out to $58 a month. We will pay for the annual plan when the year is up as well. Good luck with the RV search.
Talked to a motorcycle couple traveling light and they said they were fans and had “discounts” at BWesterns. They paid $100 or more a night. Sometimes even that does not guarantee a good nights rest.
I live full-time in my RV and it is set up with all my comforts. I don't have to schlep things back and forth from my car to a room. The only thing that would entice to a hotel room is the bathtub :) Which I do miss!
BUt you miss the fact I get to sleep in my own bed in MY rv. I can relax outside my RV and not sit in a room. The only " dirt" i sleep in is my own. And if you have kids, try keeping them entertained in a small hotel room. You constantly have to run to do so.
But some of us don't find hotels/motels comfortable. To many people all around going back and forth, I'm spoiled by living where I have some space between me and my neighbors. I like sleeping in my own bed and getting up when I want to fix something to eat - which leads to the fact that on vacations I practically travel with a kitchen because after about 2 days of restaurant food I want fresh and home cooked where I know what is in the food I eat. There for I have a used 5th wheel in my drive waiting for my retirement
If you ever go to Cape Cod there is a really nice COE campground right under the Bourne Bridge directly on the canal. It is awesome and the ships, tankers etc that go through the canal on a regular basis is so fun. There is a 7 mile pacer walk way along the canal for bikers, runners, walkers, skate boarders etc. The fishing is pretty good also. Try it some time. Summer is nice but the week right after Labor Day is great since it is still nice and much quieter.
thank you I love listening to you and you staying positive. I am currently a wanna be right now so when I do get out there I will be more ready because I learned a lot from you.
Just found you guys, if you havent checked out WV, there is so many wonderful places to visit, Randolph Jennings, Black Water Falls, Canaan valley, you'll find hiking, biking, the mouth of the patomic river, one of the smallest churches, & post offices in the lower 48's, & so much more
@@Milesco , Maryland & PA borders it and offers so much to see & do, white water rafting little hidden fishing spots, PA, Idlewild Park, Storybook Forest, 911 Crash site museum.
Good stuff. but most people will have to add in the cost of the RV..Payments... Also many will hit the Campgrounds more because they don't know any better.. and wifi... parts and pieces and programs etc. add up.. A good breakdown though.. enough to know that my SSI will not pay for much of anything..
This is true! We are included in that group since Ruby is not paid off. We are hoping to have her paid off in 3-5 years but. We hope to live a bit cheaper next year but we really wanted to show a real snapshot of what we spent.
We love watching you two as we also are retired military AND just completed our first year of full-time RVing. We have focused only on the east coast from Maine to Florida this year. We can’t wait to get out West! Good luck on getting to the big 25,000!
Happy to hear you like Boondocker's Welcome. If you ever go to the EAA Show in Oshkosh, WI in early August annually, Please come and stay a night or more with us when your heading East. We are "Mexican Train" as a Boondocker's Host. The "Welcome Mat" is out for you!
Thank you so much for the COE info! Also very happy you’re back to the Phil and Stacy format, wasn’t a big fan of the 12 other Rver opinions format...imho there’s a reason certain channels are super successful and it’s because the people are real and like able and you two definitely have that going for you...
Great video, but how did you Pay for all of it? Did you have a fairly impressive savings plus pension or plus some other retirement income? We are a family of five and have NO idea how to earn income while on road and I have been researching it for years. Any ideas?
Hey, GREAT page and congrats. First post-Navy RVing family I've found here. I just retired (SWO) after 36 in and we're going full time in January! Thanks for the info. We've laid out the budget but good to get the comparison.
I enjoy watching your videos with great information. Have you looked into "Passport America" as a choice in campgrounds since you are full time RVers and can use the discounts that it provides. We have used it in our travels and it more that saved us to cost on just our first trip for the whole year. Safe Travels to you and keep making these videos.
We have looked at them but havent purchased yet because we plan to stay at less and less private campgrounds. But who knows what the future will bring.
Have you checked into AAA RV plus ? I work for a tow company and it really does cover alot. Ot is not cheap to get those huge RV's towed. AAA also gets you discounts on different things, insurance, hotels, entertainment etc. I especially recommend if you do distance travel (which you do) travel on pay/toll roads etc. When on some pay roads you may be "stuck" with the assigned company for that area. Rates vary greatly all over the country. My daughter drove to Grand Canyon last year and Skagway Alaska this year for work.
Phil and Stacey ...you guys are just awesome...thank you for your generosity and transparency...as you know I am.not an RVer however I really enjoy your videos ..safe travels 👣 Love Love the sound of the birds 🐦
That is really interesting, thanks. For those of us up north it would be interesting how much that would go up. Of course that's why you have a home on wheels, if it gets cold go south :-)
Good stuff as I work for a railroad and I am working up a plan for me and some other friends to chase UP Bigboy across the US this year and next year with my truck and RV trailer. I have some off time built up (a few months worth lol) So this should be an awesome and fun trip indeed.. For internet if you just have to have it then you can park up where you get free WiFi then do it. To me internet is not a necessity while RVing though. In fact I have the ability to connect to intenet anywhere anytime (I'm an IT and communications professional, I can crack WPA2 keys pretty easily but I don't just go around doing that either) but I don't use it as much as you'd think when I am out in the RV either unless I absolutely need to to order some part that might break on the trailer that will keep me from towing it. The thing is that I want to unplug and have "me time" per say and live life not dictated by social media, etc.. I don't even really watch TV except to get the local weather in an area before I adventure out and about.. In inside time is spend with a good ole book and my cat whome mind you does go with me everywhere while we are RVing. He loves to go with me to fishing spots of course... He does not wander off too far, he's like a dog lol
I am impressed with you being able to figure out what you spent where. We have spent 11 months on the road and I cant imagine figuring out all of that. I know I budget a lot more than you for parks for sure but we never move on weekdays and my husband works full time remotely . I think your fuel costs were really good. That’s something else I would probably cringe to know. Do you keep running totals on your budget?
If you use Quicken it is really easy. You can make reports in seconds. The only hard part is making sure everything goes into the right category and its easy to keep a running total.
Stay on top of the DEF system. I’m a trucker. DEF will destroy a truck. They say it’s supposed to keep all the black diesel smoke at bay. But over time it causes engine damage. Been driving and fixing diesel for 12 yrs. still drive today. Getting ready to RV full time.
Thanks to you 2 I never even bought a dolly, after I found my new to me dream rig newmar Dutchstar 4304 ,I started looking for a used toad with blue ox already installed and sure enough God quickly delivered to me a 2008 jeep liberty totally set up! Savings me thousands of bucks ! Thanks so much , God bless and see you on the road soon
You can go a long way with solar using a portable panel setup. You can go from 100 to 200 watts at a reasonable price. While this much solar won't run everything in your rig, it will greatly reduce how much generator time you need -and- if you install panels down the road the portables are a great addition when you cannot park in full sun (so they are not a "throw away" once you install permanent panels).
Hi: I just found your channel and subscribed. You showed time spent at “Military” but you did not explain what that meant or where it was... Would you please explain...? Thanks for sharing this information with us. I look forward to seeing more. Have a great day and be blessed.
@@todayissomeday This is incredible news for me! I never realized this was possible. I am retired Army and should have known that MWR would have something. I don't have disability, just my pension which is a little over $3k a month (that's after paying for Tricare health, dental and vision). This is something my wife and I have always wanted to do and it seems like it is possible....but I would have to quit my current job.
I really like your format and presentation. My sojourns have only been 1 or 2 overnights on weekends in my trailer. I hope to sell this anchor of a house to rid myself of the mortgage to go live in my tramper.
Another great and informative video. We just got our driveway done and get our rig in July now (was delayed) these tips arr going to be invaluable when we go hit the road full time. Thanks for the great content as allays : ).
Your video really has me thinking I spend too much!! No tolls? Today,alone, we spent 61.00 on tolls in NJ and NY. We spent a lot on tolls in Houston and Florida also.
Cecilia Petrowsky this couple trip was not a money saving endeavor, however, full time RVing for most who are stationary is a MONEY SAVING endeavor. I think that’s what he was inferring, living 11 years in an RV if you didn’t save a lot of money then your stupid. Periodt.
OK - I'll bite........And you're point is???? What? But first, if you'll send me your address, I'll send you a cookie and a gold star for your "free" week. Whoop Dee Doo. Seriously, is your life so dull and unfulfilling that you can't find ANYTHING to do other than to go on TH-cam and seek out video's that you can post inane comments to? Dang....I wish my life was in such perfect order.I can't speak for the rest of the RV community, but for me, I accept the fact that RV'ing is not the most cost effective way of vacationing at times. However, I dare say that I have had more quality moments/memories just rolling down the highway or spending ONE DAY at a campground than you have had in 14 vacations zipping down the highway in your oh-so-coveted Azero (I personally wouldn't admit I drove an Azero - I mean, there's a reason GM killed off Oldsmobile) and blasting back home to go to your jay-oh-bee. Suffice it to say, the OP of this TH-cam video was trying to pass along some valuable info for those folks that are contemplating full timing. As for RV'ing in general......well.....I'd explain it to you, but it would take waaaaaay too long.BTW - I've done the entire Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive twice on a motorcycle and stayed at friends' places FOR FREE and tent camped FOR FREE and it only cost me $12 to fillup. Sorry - but I win.
Hello. I just subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos. Your videos are informative and entertaining. I appreciate your honesty about your experiences. After 3 of your videos I have already learned so much. Thank you.
Thank you! Thank you!!! For all the info you two share. You are one of our favorite couples to watch! We aren't new to camping but to RVing we are! Hopefully next year we get out on the road from California to Tenn. We've been making sort trips to learn the bus (class A) We are going to call ourselves the RV Dancers! Hubby is 13 years older then I, he was in the Navy. We just celebrated our 20th Anv. in December, that's when he bought me the Magical Bus! Have a Great Night! Fred and Lora The RV Dancers! smiles :)
You guys are awesome very organized and to the point about the costs, from an ex British army veteran. You guys remind me of what my beautiful wife and I are like great chemistry and just laughing at the mistakes. Subscribed will love following you Guys, I am trying to convince my sweetheart to do this when I retire, it’s a work in progress.
Counting food and other things you probably spent more like 40K a year. I’m retired military with a paid off house and travel a lot throughout the US and abroad and seem to save a lot maybe because I’m real cheap lol but I have a camper van with solar and all the amenities and traveled about 35 states in one year while boon docking and using gym memberships to shower and spent no where near the amount you guys did. You mentioned towing vehicles; more than one if I understood the video right. Why multiple vehicles if it’s only the two of you. If you cut the vehicle towing and install solar you guys could save a lot more.
Also, it seems incorrect to count the one-time cost of buying a dolly and a flat-towing system. (5:28) At that rate, they might as well include the cost of the RV itself as an annual expense!
Its cheaper to drive our 32 miles to a gallon Avero and stay in real hotels.No looking for hookup or places to park or empty a potty. We earn free hotel stays thar include wifi and cable.We weighed it out when considering an RV
This was good how you broke it down and the total on the bottom line . I had to watch it twice to wrap my head around all of it .. There is more involved than a person realizes , it's not like hooking up the Shasta RV in 1960 and hitting the road , it's all changed now .. I see where a person needs a solid plan and work out details as you go .. Oh 16-17 years ago i ran into to some issues for campgrounds saying open but once i arrived the gate was shut and locked after i drove 6 hours to find that out, in fact 3 were the same status .. So after several calls and leaving messages i pressed on and had to resort to the paper map to find the next campground , 10 hours is more than i want to drive at one time .. I did finally get a return call 3 weeks after i had returned home , but he did return my call to tell me the agency is working with only 40% of it's normal staff so with no coverage we have to close campgrounds ..okay thanks, gawd they should update their web page to say that ...
I love your videos and am trying to get caught up on viewing them. Do you happen to have a blank version of the spreadsheets that you use to capture the information? I assume (I always shutter when I use the word assume) you use a spreadsheet and then create a pie chart from that data.
I do have a spreadsheet. I got it from Our Epic Field Trip. You can find it here: ourepicfieldtrip.com/2020/06/24/full-time-rv-camping-costs-free-download/
@Q M V Lets just say we eat out way too often. We need to work on that. You are right about choices...those are the constant in this lifestyle as we all stay in a campground/park, choose different entertainment, and travel the same directions. What does change is how we eat, what we eat, and the amount spent. Saying we spent $1000 (not really) on eating really doesn't help one get a feel for the lifestyle.
@Gilda Gottlieb I DO KNOW the Cost and its ALOT... I spend about $1,500 per month.. why don't you have the guts to say what you spend instead of tap dancing around the specific numbers!.. $6 per DAY?? ... give me a break, that is basically living in poverty!! Does that include Food AND Drink? Does it include associated cooking costs such as gas or electricity used? Associated Cleaning products needed for cooking at home such as soap, sponges, etc.? Your numbers are very misleading
@Gene This is so true and why we did not go into specifics. Where you shop and how you shop matters as well ie organic, walmart vs Trader Joes. it all makes a difference. We also didnt talk about medical bills or cell phone bills again because everyone has different plans and different medical diagnosis.
You guys are so relatable and I feel great vibes watching this video!! Good luck and God Bless!! So fun!!
Thank you Me and my gf and thinking about this. Our RENT is 23,000$ a year! The city we are in gets expensive. Also you should talk to some of the parks you can volunteer to work for the park, Stay in state parks up to 9 months. We was just asking some questions to a ranger office.
Thanks so much for sharing your personal financial information. That really helps me to understand the costs involved. Now for a follow up video on how to reduce the costs of RVing. How about ten tips to cut your costs on the road? You all are great I always look forward to your next video. Congrats on your continuing success.
Thanks Lloyd. We may have to look into that. Every RV'er will have a different dollar amount budgeted and spent in the course of a year. We know some that are way lower and higher than us.....bu it is all how one chooses to travel and live.
Great cost breakdown. Appreciate the honesty. We like the COE and state parks. If gambling is not a big issue for you, some of the casinos have low cost campgrounds that are very nice. We stayed in one in Vicksburg and were only about 5 miles from the battlefield.
We aren't gamblers but we have hit up a few for boondocking. They are in the 27 free category.
The only way to full time RV is to stay in a state for 30 days in one location. Preferably in the middle of the state. Day trips in the car to other parts of the state makes more sense. Some states like CA and TX may require stays in different parts of the state. Move the RV as little as possible.
I'm not sure how long I have been a subscriber but, I have watched quite a few of your videos and have enjoyed watching your journey. I appreciate the full disclosure on your expenses. Enjoy the continuation of your journey. I hope to join you and the rest full RV community soon.
Retired AF 1987-2007
Philz and Stacy even though you started off in 'vacation' mode, you done did good for your first year out! Like you said, the first few months are spent in learning how you want to travel, what works, what doesn't work, and figuring out your individual traveling style. Also, as you said, there are different variables in this lifestyle for everyone so "your $ mileage will vary" depending on those variables. 👍 Warts and all you had a pretty successful first year out. I think the biggest payoff for you (really, everyone that chooses this lifestyle) and one that you can't put a monetary value on, is re-discovering happiness and contentment with life.
Stacie and Phil, really appreciate your videos. My wife and I are preparing to take the plunge in full-time RV. We are currently the care-provider for my mom but we will be able to practice for a while. Similar background as you guys. 25 years Air Force with a great Air Force wife. Your videos, along with Changing Lanes and Keep your Dreams, have been a tremendous help. Enjoy your journey.
I am so glad we can help! That is our goal for sure. Enjoy your practice time!!
My wife and I are getting ready to hit the open road next month and I've been following your videos to get an idea of what life is going to be like and I can't wait. I'm buying a rig off of facebook marketplace, did my homework.
Thanks Brian. Congrats on selecting your rig. Good luck!
HAVE YOU LOOKED INTO ANNUAL STATE PARKS PASS FROM VARIOUS STATES? NEVADA STATE PARKS ANNUAL PASS IS $2OO. DON'T KNOW ABOUT OTHER STATES BUT ITS THE BEST MONEY SPENT FOR US. WE CAN SPEND THE ENTIRE WINTER IN SOUTHERN NEVADA AND MOTOR UP NORTH FOR SUMMER.
We’ve used Escapees Mail Service for over 20 years. Never had a glitch. Love them.
Not me. I HATE republicans.
Nice to see full timers putting out some real numbers for us that are trying to figure out how to go full time...
Thanks..
Thanks John. We are all in this lifestyle together....we love sharing what we know.
COE campgrounds are our very favorite. They are beautiful and inexpensive. Also we are seniors finally and can REALLY stay cheap
Well said Kristy. We DO love them.
Do Seniors get discounts at campgrounds?
@@kims7190 Yes - 50% IF you have the National Parks pass. As soon as we turned 62 we bought a lifetime pass for hubby. $80 but it will be well worth it
@@kims7190 Yes, many offer them. Just make sure to ask at the private parks. If you want to stay at national parks be sure to get the senior card with them and you can use that for discounts at some state parks and all the Army COE parks.
I am retired US Air Force, disabled veteran rated at 100 percent. My wife and I just subscribed to your channel and really enjoyed your Budget video. It is the first video we have watched that focuses on a realistic monthly RV travel budget. Thank you for sharing. This next year my wife and I will start our RV journey with plans to travel 6 months out of the year.
Thank you for your service! Good luck with your preps to get out and see this great country!!
Great video guys - thanks!! In addition to your awesome analytics ( I love staying at military campgrounds!!), I use state parks. As a veteran, some states like WA and OR ( I'm sure there are many others) offer free or discounted sites for veterans and or disabled veterans. Every little bit helps! Safe travels!!
Thanks Andy. Thanks for your service as well. Military bases are our first choice.
Do they offer discounts for a widow of a veteran?
@@virgloh8934Check this link out. www.militarycampgrounds.us/news-and-articles-mainmenu-2/military-campground-and-rv-parks-articles/authorized-use
As I’m Army retiree, I’ll need to check into base campgrounds. We seriously need to checkout more of your videos. My wife and I plan to start RVing in two years when I leave the corporate world.
Thanks for supporting our channel . We love our military campgrounds! Those two years will be her before you know it.
Great breakdown of costs. Impressive tracking too! Keep it up 👍
Thanks KYD. We learned from the best ;) The tracking was something we didn't start out doing and found out fast if you don't stay on top of it.....it can be a like looking for a needle in a hay stack.
Did you use an app for all your expense tracking? I am about 3 weeks away from hitting the road, now I am worried I haven’t put enough money away.
Don't know why haven't found you folks before! Hoping to hit the road soon as my RV comes in. Fabulous info! Thank you!
Welcome! Glad you found us!
Yup need to get the National Park Yearly Permit..save you even more if not free..
I'm a Gov retired Engineer. .
Thanks Marty, we'll look into it
Thank you for the excellent Information. I'm in the beginning steps of going full time around the country. Its enjoyable to listen to good advice from normal folks like yourself. There are other RV channels, but I placed you folk at the top of my list.
Thanks so much. You are too kind. Thanks for watching
Informative as always, Thank You ... but we LOVE the the “BLOOPER” portion
Really need to include the eating out and food costs. Prices vary from place to place so it is good to compare "all over the country" vs living in one place IMO. Last year I averaged $3.83/night and this year so far is $4.34/night for campgrounds. Woo hooo and I am living pretty good. Planning ahead helps. I stayed in places near Orlando/Disney, Sedona, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite NP.
I love how you almost completely avoided Oklahoma. I cannot blame you. OK is kinda lame, having been born and raised there.
It was not intentional! lol
Thanks for the information! I travelled in my rig (Ford F150 + 19-foot bumper pull) for 6 months last year. This gives me a great comparison. (I kept detailed records if anyone wants to know how much a 6-month coast to coast all-Canadian trip cost.) Great site and love the info you communicate.
Thanks Jane! Great to hear you are out there in the road doing your thing.
Thanks for sharing your RV costs. Your right about the variables. From you and others, we hear about the vacation mode verses just living the at home life. We enjoy your videos very much. Take care and be safe.
Thanks shipmate!! Whenever you're in Vegas, I have 43' of RV parking and you're welcome to stay!!
Thanks so much!
Best take away, army Corp of engineer is open to everyone.
I am thinking that when u add RV purchase payments, Insurance for auto and health along with food and clothing the cost could run well over $30.000
Thank you so much for this, I plan on going on a road trip with my dog when I save up money after I get a job, just graduated highschool and waiting till we move and settle down for a bit. I plan on visiting national parks 😄
The key is planning. So much to see and do!
We did this for 14 years, first in a van towing a trailer and then in a Class C. We stayed in military campgrounds, state campgrounds, a very few private campgrounds and found jobs through Workampers.com which not only paid a wage but sometimes covered the entire cost of our site. We enjoyed this very much. Your breakdown is pretty good, although I'd amortize the costs of the RV, car trailer and tow package. We spent very little on campgrounds over the years, stayed in over 20 states, met some fantastic people, mostly locals. Our experience was that most people who had the big motorhomes stayed in their units. We both love the outdoors, so we spent most of our time outside or exploring. We are both very glad we did it when we did.
Lisa we are like you....we love to be outside exploring!! We didn't factor in the RV as it will vary widely with people. The tow package and dolly prices were discussed.....dolly was the cheapest route, but biggest head ache! LOL
use amazon lockers it's easy and there are many locker locations around the U.S.
We use those as well.
Thank you very much for this video. Very informative. Thank you both for bringing to us the cost of living in an rv.
Our pleasure!
KC Royals are in MO. So I hope you counted the state of Mo. not KS.
Thank you so much for this video and information. I am very much interested in going on the road full time!
Could you tell us who you got the internet plan for $58 per month from? Is that satellite wifi plan? What company was it with? Thank you. I love your channel and really appreciate the information. I am a single woman getting ready to retire. I am searching for my first RV, and trying to figure out how to live the nomad life by myself. Your videos are really helpful!
Thanks Lover of the Truth! We went with a prepaid (for the year) ATT plan we found on EBay. It comes out to $58 a month. We will pay for the annual plan when the year is up as well. Good luck with the RV search.
Found something you might be interested in Graphene Batteries look it up there’s is one for phone backup but also car batteries!
2,412 a month plus the monthly payments for tbe RV, pays for a lot of nights in comfortable hotels.
Talked to a motorcycle couple traveling light and they said they were fans and had “discounts” at BWesterns. They paid $100 or more a night. Sometimes even that does not guarantee a good nights rest.
I live full-time in my RV and it is set up with all my comforts. I don't have to schlep things back and forth from my car to a room. The only thing that would entice to a hotel room is the bathtub :) Which I do miss!
BUt you miss the fact I get to sleep in my own bed in MY rv. I can relax outside my RV and not sit in a room. The only " dirt" i sleep in is my own. And if you have kids, try keeping them entertained in a small hotel room. You constantly have to run to do so.
But some of us don't find hotels/motels comfortable. To many people all around going back and forth, I'm spoiled by living where I have some space between me and my neighbors. I like sleeping in my own bed and getting up when I want to fix something to eat - which leads to the fact that on vacations I practically travel with a kitchen because after about 2 days of restaurant food I want fresh and home cooked where I know what is in the food I eat. There for I have a used 5th wheel in my drive waiting for my retirement
If you ever go to Cape Cod there is a really nice COE campground right under the Bourne Bridge directly on the canal. It is awesome and the ships, tankers etc that go through the canal on a regular basis is so fun. There is a 7 mile pacer walk way along the canal for bikers, runners, walkers, skate boarders etc. The fishing is pretty good also. Try it some time. Summer is nice but the week right after Labor Day is great since it is still nice and much quieter.
You two are delightful! Loved this vid!
Thanks Rendi!
thank you I love listening to you and you staying positive. I am currently a wanna be right now so when I do get out there I will be more ready because I learned a lot from you.
Honestly, it is my personality. My friends call me the group cheerleader. We are living the life of our dreams so why not be positive! :)
This is so helpful!! Even for non-full timers.
Just found you guys, if you havent checked out WV, there is so many wonderful places to visit, Randolph Jennings, Black Water Falls, Canaan valley, you'll find hiking, biking, the mouth of the patomic river, one of the smallest churches, & post offices in the lower 48's, & so much more
Good to know! 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
@@Milesco , Maryland & PA borders it and offers so much to see & do, white water rafting little hidden fishing spots, PA, Idlewild Park, Storybook Forest, 911 Crash site museum.
Good stuff. but most people will have to add in the cost of the RV..Payments... Also many will hit the Campgrounds more because they don't know any better.. and wifi... parts and pieces and programs etc. add up.. A good breakdown though.. enough to know that my SSI will not pay for much of anything..
This is true! We are included in that group since Ruby is not paid off. We are hoping to have her paid off in 3-5 years but. We hope to live a bit cheaper next year but we really wanted to show a real snapshot of what we spent.
Just subscribed! Very helpful! Im working on a detailed 5 year plan to go RV full time. Thanks for sharing! Hooyah!
Sweet! Welcome so glad you are here.
It's as free as you make it. There's always money to save.
We love watching you two as we also are retired military AND just completed our first year of full-time RVing. We have focused only on the east coast from Maine to Florida this year. We can’t wait to get out West! Good luck on getting to the big 25,000!
Thanks Christine. Thank you for your service as well! We are loving our travels up the east coast as well.
Loved the video very good information thanks you two are awsome keep it up waiting on the batteris
Happy to hear you like Boondocker's Welcome. If you ever go to the EAA Show in Oshkosh, WI in early August annually, Please come and stay a night or more with us when your heading East. We are "Mexican Train" as a Boondocker's Host. The "Welcome Mat" is out for you!
Thanks so much! We do love Boondockers welcome and stay as often as we can.
Thank you for this video. This helps for the ones of us that want to start full timing.:):)
Thank you so much for the COE info! Also very happy you’re back to the Phil and Stacy format, wasn’t a big fan of the 12 other Rver opinions format...imho there’s a reason certain channels are super successful and it’s because the people are real and like able and you two definitely have that going for you...
Thanks for hanging out with us!
Great video, but how did you Pay for all of it? Did you have a fairly impressive savings plus pension or plus some other retirement income? We are a family of five and have NO idea how to earn income while on road and I have been researching it for years. Any ideas?
We have been saving for a long time and have a nice emergency fund. So it came from our savings. Phil also gets his military pension.
Hey, GREAT page and congrats. First post-Navy RVing family I've found here. I just retired (SWO) after 36 in and we're going full time in January! Thanks for the info. We've laid out the budget but good to get the comparison.
Awesome!! Thank you for your service and GO NAVY!!!
@@todayissomeday Right back at you guys!
I enjoy watching your videos with great information. Have you looked into "Passport America" as a choice in campgrounds since you are full time RVers and can use the discounts that it provides. We have used it in our travels and it more that saved us to cost on just our first trip for the whole year. Safe Travels to you and keep making these videos.
We have looked at them but havent purchased yet because we plan to stay at less and less private campgrounds. But who knows what the future will bring.
Good expense tracking. Thank you for the video. Have a blessed day.
Have you checked into AAA RV plus ? I work for a tow company and it really does cover alot. Ot is not cheap to get those huge RV's towed. AAA also gets you discounts on different things, insurance, hotels, entertainment etc. I especially recommend if you do distance travel (which you do) travel on pay/toll roads etc. When on some pay roads you may be "stuck" with the assigned company for that area. Rates vary greatly all over the country. My daughter drove to Grand Canyon last year and Skagway Alaska this year for work.
Almost 25,000 subscribers - heehee! Now up to 146K!!! I so appreciate your videos and your style of sharing!!
Yay! Thank you!
Good information. Thanks for sharing. You both are so fun to watch. 😊
Phil and Stacey ...you guys are just awesome...thank you for your generosity and transparency...as you know I am.not an RVer however I really enjoy your videos ..safe travels 👣
Love Love the sound of the birds 🐦
Thanks so much for hanging out with us!
Is it safe to assume the rv is not financed?
Love the positivity! Subbed and notified to tag along with y’all. Safe travels!
Thanks TG!
That is really interesting, thanks. For those of us up north it would be interesting how much that would go up. Of course that's why you have a home on wheels, if it gets cold go south :-)
What a great couple! And Stacy is adorable!
Good stuff as I work for a railroad and I am working up a plan for me and some other friends to chase UP Bigboy across the US this year and next year with my truck and RV trailer. I have some off time built up (a few months worth lol) So this should be an awesome and fun trip indeed..
For internet if you just have to have it then you can park up where you get free WiFi then do it. To me internet is not a necessity while RVing though. In fact I have the ability to connect to intenet anywhere anytime (I'm an IT and communications professional, I can crack WPA2 keys pretty easily but I don't just go around doing that either) but I don't use it as much as you'd think when I am out in the RV either unless I absolutely need to to order some part that might break on the trailer that will keep me from towing it. The thing is that I want to unplug and have "me time" per say and live life not dictated by social media, etc.. I don't even really watch TV except to get the local weather in an area before I adventure out and about.. In inside time is spend with a good ole book and my cat whome mind you does go with me everywhere while we are RVing. He loves to go with me to fishing spots of course... He does not wander off too far, he's like a dog lol
@Barb Mulvaney BNSF is an acronym for Better Not Start a Family .. lol
Haha Barb, I was thinking the same thing !! I wish I had a man to do this life with me :)
putting up a scam wifi hotspot with wireshark setup?
We do the same thing with out map. We don't count a state until we have actually stayed there and done some site seeing.
Thanks for posting this update. It helps us see we really will be able to afford it when we go full time.
I am impressed with you being able to figure out what you spent where. We have spent 11 months on the road and I cant imagine figuring out all of that. I know I budget a lot more than you for parks for sure but we never move on weekdays and my husband works full time remotely . I think your fuel costs were really good. That’s something else I would probably cringe to know. Do you keep running totals on your budget?
If you use Quicken it is really easy. You can make reports in seconds. The only hard part is making sure everything goes into the right category and its easy to keep a running total.
Stay on top of the DEF system. I’m a trucker. DEF will destroy a truck. They say it’s supposed to keep all the black diesel smoke at bay. But over time it causes engine damage. Been driving and fixing diesel for 12 yrs. still drive today. Getting ready to RV full time.
Thanks to you 2 I never even bought a dolly, after I found my new to me dream rig newmar Dutchstar 4304 ,I started looking for a used toad with blue ox already installed and sure enough God quickly delivered to me a 2008 jeep liberty totally set up! Savings me thousands of bucks ! Thanks so much , God bless and see you on the road soon
Awesome! Enjoy that flat tow. We love ours
Love this! My wife and I are inspired by you guys! Just starting to travel vlog!
You can go a long way with solar using a portable panel setup. You can go from 100 to 200 watts at a reasonable price. While this much solar won't run everything in your rig, it will greatly reduce how much generator time you need -and- if you install panels down the road the portables are a great addition when you cannot park in full sun (so they are not a "throw away" once you install permanent panels).
We were just talking about that. We may get that before the end of the year so we can get the tax rebate and of course for the trickle charge.
Very helpful information ❤️😎👍🚌 thanks for sharing and safe travels
Interesting. I never knew there were base campgrounds! That will be awesome not to mention com shopping! Thanks 🍻
Hi:
I just found your channel and subscribed.
You showed time spent at “Military” but you
did not explain what that meant or where it
was...
Would you please explain...?
Thanks for sharing this information with us.
I look forward to seeing more.
Have a great day and be blessed.
Thanks Troy! We stayed at various military bases. I'm retired from the Navy and have access to all bases.
@@todayissomeday This is incredible news for me! I never realized this was possible. I am retired Army and should have known that MWR would have something. I don't have disability, just my pension which is a little over $3k a month (that's after paying for Tricare health, dental and vision). This is something my wife and I have always wanted to do and it seems like it is possible....but I would have to quit my current job.
@@Steve-ps6qw do it
I really like your format and presentation. My sojourns have only been 1 or 2 overnights on weekends in my trailer. I hope to sell this anchor of a house to rid myself of the mortgage to go live in my tramper.
Sweet! Good luck with the sale and safe travels.
Another great and informative video. We just got our driveway done and get our rig in July now (was delayed) these tips arr going to be invaluable when we go hit the road full time. Thanks for the great content as allays : ).
Your video really has me thinking I spend too much!! No tolls? Today,alone, we spent 61.00 on tolls in NJ and NY. We spent a lot on tolls in Houston and Florida also.
We just hit our first toll a few weeks ago. We were avoiding them until NJ.
you gotta head out west, much more public land to boondock on
How do you support your family while you are on the road? I hope you have a blessed summer. Thanks for sharing your video.
It is just the two of us and currently we are living off Phils military retirement.
Have full timed for 11 years. So very tired of it. Ready for some room to do things and a yard.
Are you trading in your RV for a sticks and bricks?
Marlene Hahn Please tell more about your experience. Have you saved a lot of money over 11 years?
11 years?? Yikes!!
ltvanburen Did you watch this video?? This is not a money saving endeavor.
Cecilia Petrowsky this couple trip was not a money saving endeavor, however, full time RVing for most who are stationary is a MONEY SAVING endeavor. I think that’s what he was inferring, living 11 years in an RV if you didn’t save a lot of money then your stupid. Periodt.
When staying at harvest host can you use a generator?
Wonderful you got to see a lot of the beautiful places in our Nation.
Great information, I’m in the process of gathering information and deciding upon a vehicle.
We stayed for a week in a Marriot holtel in Destin Florida for free using earned points and three tanks of gas at 38.00 per tank in our paid off Azero
OK - I'll bite........And you're point is???? What? But first, if you'll send me your address, I'll send you a cookie and a gold star for your "free" week. Whoop Dee Doo. Seriously, is your life so dull and unfulfilling that you can't find ANYTHING to do other than to go on TH-cam and seek out video's that you can post inane comments to? Dang....I wish my life was in such perfect order.I can't speak for the rest of the RV community, but for me, I accept the fact that RV'ing is not the most cost effective way of vacationing at times. However, I dare say that I have had more quality moments/memories just rolling down the highway or spending ONE DAY at a campground than you have had in 14 vacations zipping down the highway in your oh-so-coveted Azero (I personally wouldn't admit I drove an Azero - I mean, there's a reason GM killed off Oldsmobile) and blasting back home to go to your jay-oh-bee. Suffice it to say, the OP of this TH-cam video was trying to pass along some valuable info for those folks that are contemplating full timing. As for RV'ing in general......well.....I'd explain it to you, but it would take waaaaaay too long.BTW - I've done the entire Blue Ridge Parkway & Skyline Drive twice on a motorcycle and stayed at friends' places FOR FREE and tent camped FOR FREE and it only cost me $12 to fillup. Sorry - but I win.
tda3fjr well said lmao they added paid off like thanks for bragging 😂
Hello. I just subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos. Your videos are informative and entertaining. I appreciate your honesty about your experiences. After 3 of your videos I have already learned so much. Thank you.
Thanks and welcome
Thank you! Thank you!!! For all the info you two share. You are one of our favorite couples to watch! We aren't new to camping but to RVing we are! Hopefully next year we get out on the road from California to Tenn. We've been making sort trips to learn the bus (class A) We are going to call ourselves the RV Dancers! Hubby is 13 years older then I, he was in the Navy. We just celebrated our 20th Anv. in December, that's when he bought me the Magical Bus! Have a Great Night! Fred and Lora The RV Dancers! smiles :)
Thanks so much! You are so sweet. Congrats on your anniversary! Please tell you hubs thanks for his service! Safe travels to you guys.
You guys are awesome very organized and to the point about the costs, from an ex British army veteran. You guys remind me of what my beautiful wife and I are like great chemistry and just laughing at the mistakes. Subscribed will love following you Guys, I am trying to convince my sweetheart to do this when I retire, it’s a work in progress.
Good luck!! If you can convince her to full time maybe you can get her to part time.
Great break down you two. Fellow Texan Here.
Great video you guys ... my wife and I are contemplating a year on the road as first timers Appreciate the time you took
Glad to help get you on the road.
Counting food and other things you probably spent more like 40K a year. I’m retired military with a paid off house and travel a lot throughout the US and abroad and seem to save a lot maybe because I’m real cheap lol but I have a camper van with solar and all the amenities and traveled about 35 states in one year while boon docking and using gym memberships to shower and spent no where near the amount you guys did. You mentioned towing vehicles; more than one if I understood the video right. Why multiple vehicles if it’s only the two of you. If you cut the vehicle towing and install solar you guys could save a lot more.
Anthony M would agree with how much they probably spent and agree when I get my RV first thing I will sort out is solar power
Also, it seems incorrect to count the one-time cost of buying a dolly and a flat-towing system. (5:28) At that rate, they might as well include the cost of the RV itself as an annual expense!
Its cheaper to drive our 32 miles to a gallon Avero and stay in real hotels.No looking for hookup or places to park or empty a potty.
We earn free hotel stays thar include wifi and cable.We weighed it out when considering an RV
@@Milescoabsolutely.
Hey guys, what is the plan through AT&T you use? Is it still available and what are the features of it?
We purchased it on ebay. It was a year of service and it is through AT&T.
That front part is brave and inspiring.
This was good how you broke it down and the total on the bottom line . I had to watch it twice to wrap my head around all of it .. There is more involved than a person realizes , it's not like hooking up the Shasta RV in 1960 and hitting the road , it's all changed now .. I see where a person needs a solid plan and work out details as you go .. Oh 16-17 years ago i ran into to some issues for campgrounds saying open but once i arrived the gate was shut and locked after i drove 6 hours to find that out, in fact 3 were the same status .. So after several calls and leaving messages i pressed on and had to resort to the paper map to find the next campground , 10 hours is more than i want to drive at one time .. I did finally get a return call 3 weeks after i had returned home , but he did return my call to tell me the agency is working with only 40% of it's normal staff so with no coverage we have to close campgrounds ..okay thanks, gawd they should update their web page to say that ...
Y'all are just too funny! LOL great information!
Thanks!
I love your videos and am trying to get caught up on viewing them. Do you happen to have a blank version of the spreadsheets that you use to capture the information? I assume (I always shutter when I use the word assume) you use a spreadsheet and then create a pie chart from that data.
I do have a spreadsheet. I got it from Our Epic Field Trip. You can find it here: ourepicfieldtrip.com/2020/06/24/full-time-rv-camping-costs-free-download/
Food Costs are the Biggest Factor, to not include them will paint an inaccurate picture of life on the road
Everyones food costs are different. Be sure to add what you normally spend to your budget.
@Q M V Lets just say we eat out way too often. We need to work on that. You are right about choices...those are the constant in this lifestyle as we all stay in a campground/park, choose different entertainment, and travel the same directions. What does change is how we eat, what we eat, and the amount spent. Saying we spent $1000 (not really) on eating really doesn't help one get a feel for the lifestyle.
@Gene how much do you spend in food per month??
Don't just give a general reply without specifics
@Gilda Gottlieb I DO KNOW the Cost and its ALOT... I spend about $1,500 per month.. why don't you have the guts to say what you spend instead of tap dancing around the specific numbers!.. $6 per DAY?? ... give me a break, that is basically living in poverty!! Does that include Food AND Drink? Does it include associated cooking costs such as gas or electricity used? Associated Cleaning products needed for cooking at home such as soap, sponges, etc.? Your numbers are very misleading
@Gene This is so true and why we did not go into specifics. Where you shop and how you shop matters as well ie organic, walmart vs Trader Joes. it all makes a difference. We also didnt talk about medical bills or cell phone bills again because everyone has different plans and different medical diagnosis.
I thank you for sharing your experience and your honest budget costs
Are you giving away a new Tiffin??😉
Wouldn't that be nice!!
Thank you for your due diligence and reporting to us newbie’ s. Love your informative information and passion for the lifestyle
thanks for hanging out with us! We really are having a blast!
Ya spending way to much...
I agree with not including food - I don't see that being much different at home base or traveling.
Very true