Toy Hauler RV

NedRN · May 21, 2014

If you abandon your tax home, your housing stipend is taxable as is all your compensation. RV is strictly about the lifestyle, it does not save money over regular housing.

trackhead, APRN · May 22, 2014

We've been travelling (wife, kid, three year old) in a 32' fifth wheel for the past year. We did it before we had a kid in a 22' motorhome. We are probably buying a bigger fifth wheel this week (excited about that). We rented our home out and rent an apartment in our home town to store our stuff. We have a valid tax home.

Typical RV Costs:

RV Park Monthly Rate: $475-650 is typical. The average is about $525

Electricity: Depending on the climate and the state kwh price, we pay $10-50/month for electricity.

Water: Typically free, but in California we paid about $3/month

Wifi: Free

Cable: Free

Gas: $10mpg pulling our 10,000lb fifth wheel at 65mph

Laundry: $8/week

Pros:

-You can live really cheap between assignments if you camp at cheap sites, or in the woods.

-You never need to worry about finding housing, you're towing it.

-With your toy hauler, you'll have plenty of space to keep all your tools, etc.

-Sometimes you can get a really awesome campsite for your assignment, something much more rare with an apartment.

Cons:

-You need a big truck to pull a toy hauler, most of those weigh 13,500lbs unloaded, and figure at least 2000lbs additional to that. Buy a diesel, research the transmission (that takes the hit when towing), make sure you buy something your truck can tow. You need at least a 1 ton to tow a big toy hauler. Don't underestimate the weight of the big 40' toy haulers with all your stuff in them.

-Sometimes RV parks can be really nice, and other times they are pretty ghetto. Arrive a few days early and check them out before you commit.

-Arizona, Southern Cali, Florida, etc are all snowbird places. Often times it's hard to find RV parks that allow people under 55 years of age.

-Wifi in RV parks is 50/50 at best. They all have it, but it's often useless. Buy a wifi antenna (omni-directional) for better luck.

-Freezing temps and RV's aren't the best. Propane heat is expensive, and not efficient. Stay in comfortable climates.

Tips to save money:

-I shower in the RV park shower to save on propane or electric water heating costs. Depending on the kwh prices, there are calculators to determine if it's cheaper to heat water with electricity, or propane. (Most newer RV's have both options for refrigeration and water heating).

-When travelling between assignments, stay in WalMart parking lots (free), or city parks (cheaper than RV sites).

-Use electric heat when electricity is cheap, or free. If it's cold out, electric heat doesn't make moisture that will condense on your windows.

-We lived in the Pacific NW for the fall, a big dehumidifier is mandatory.

NedRN · May 22, 2014

Nice post. Interesting that you switched from a motorhome to a fifth wheel. I suspect the overall costs may be the same, but they seem higher on a motorhome. Since this style of traveling is all about the lifestyle (which is pretty cool), I think you may have glossed over the costs. Most people do on things they like, but LadyTiger44 specifically wanted to know if you save money in the end. So here are a few more costs:

$20,000 to six figures RV purchase price (motorhome versus fifth wheel and hauler).

Lost opportunity cost on purchase price or downpayment (lost stock/bond/interest gains) versus regular car.

Monthly payment on loan (higher than car).

Depreciation perhaps 5% a year for 10 years after something higher the first year.

Much higher vehicle/RV maintenance costs.

Gas/propane for heat/AC/fridge/generator.

Many people still need a car as well, so that costs even more to haul around in mpg and wear/tear on the hauling vehicle.

Winter travel assignments in freezing areas may not be possible if you your RV is not winterized. Park options in some areas are either limited or more expensive than the range you listed. I have a friend who routinely pays $800/900 a month for parks in Northern California. WiFi in the parks usually suck big! TV addicts may find satellite TV necessary and that along with satellite internet is expensive. You also need good insurance coverage for your assets, plus highway service via a Good Sam policy.

You can get in cheaper with older RVs, but maintenance and repair costs will be higher. Some small percentage of travelers can save park fees by boondocking, but you still have to find water and sewage dumps (many truck stops have them) and the inevitable police/neighbor issues. On the road, Walmarts are great for overnights (if you don't mind the bright lights) but not allowed for three months on assignment. Some hospitals have hookups, or allow parking but there are not a lot of them.

It is certainly an adventure, so it is easy to see why that would appeal to healthcare travelers!

trackhead, APRN · May 24, 2014

Our first 5th wheel was 32' long, one slide out, 2004-cost $12,500 and paid cash. Just bought a 2009 35' with three slides for $22,000. Paid cash. Owe nothing on the diesel truck, paid cash.

We save $2500-3000/month that goes into savings. Our monthly expenses (all inclusive) are about $2300-$2500.

Northern California is rip off central for high price rv parks.

Maintenance on a fifth wheel is pretty minimal, to non-existent. My last two assignments I've lucked out with rv parks two miles from work, so fuel costs are almost nothing. In California, I commuted 40 miles total per day and had weekly fuel costs of $80 for work and fun. Truck gets 18-23mpg when not towing. I change my own oil, tranny fluid, etc.

RV is certainly a lifestyle choice, but we enjoy it.