Who wouldn’t love the idea of traveling to different places at your convenience and comfort? Because of this, there’s no wonder that the popularity of RVs increased over time, which saw an increase from 2010 to 2014. From baby boomers to millennials, many have become interested in starting a new life on the road, and the purchase percentage of motorhomes increased.
But here’s some reality in living this kind of lifestyle. RVing is somehow considered a luxurious lifestyle. Though there are ways to cut that immensely expensive cost in RVing, this is still very different from traditional living, especially if we are talking about its maintenance. While it’s true that traditional home cost maintenance is still present, when compared to RVing, there’s a significant difference when it comes to the expenses.
Taking out an RV loan can help you purchase your dream RV, but there’s more than the upfront cost. You should also consider the long-term cost, including the maintenance cost that comes with getting an RV. Hence, we’ll tell you why you need to consider it beforehand.
RV Maintenance Is Expensive
This is a matter of fact. RV maintenance is expensive, and let us tell you why.
RV is just like any other vehicle you probably own. You need to check the tires, brakes, oil, and engine. But here’s the point of the difference between an RV and a typical car. RV has different specifications compared to a car, which means they are more expensive than the regular ones.
Also, RVs require delicate maintenance since they have all these extra features that a regular car doesn’t have. For RVs with features such as the bathroom, kitchen, and other household features, your sewer system will require regular maintenance. If you skip or forget to do so, you’ll face huge expenses on that matter.
If we crunch the numbers, changing your tires can cost you around $300. Simultaneously, roof and floor repairs expenses depend on the damage but usually start around $250 for the roof and about $20 per square footage for the floor. Water damage is expected too, but it’s the least. However, you should set aside cash for when it happens. It usually runs about $800, depending on the damage.
RV maintenance is expensive, and if you’re not ready to handle and manage all of it, you should consider and collect your thoughts before signing up for that loan application. But, if you’re ready to take on the responsibility of owning an RV, shop around for the best RV loans in your area, or better check motorhome loans with My Financing USA. They can assist you professionally and can answer all your inquiries.
RV Storage Is Necessary Expense
In maintaining an RV, it doesn’t only require you to change some tires or repair some damages. It’s important that you should also consider properly storing your RV, which can significantly affect how you can save some money on other repair expenses.
RV storage is a necessary expense. Besides the regular and annual maintenance, properly storing it is one thing that you shouldn’t neglect. Improper storage of RV can cost you a lot, especially during the winter season. You want to keep it covered from snow during the winter months as RV roofs are vulnerable to extreme cold.
If you have a space to park it safely on your property, you can save bucks. But if none, you need to check RV storage services in your area and pay for their fees. It usually runs about $75 per month for unheated indoor storage and twice that amount for heated storage.
Basic RV Maintenance To Protect Your Investment
Even though RV maintenance is expensive, you still need to religiously do them to protect your investment. And since you’re in the path of either becoming a full-time RVer or spending a short RV vacation on the road, you still need to do the following essential RV maintenance.
Routinely check the roof seals and seams.
As we have mentioned, the roof seals and seams of your RV are delicate. Water leaks can go through your roof seams and damage your floors. Be sure to inspect it every three months, and if you find some leaks, use a sealant that is compatible with your roof material.
Check your RV’s batteries.
Just like with cars, your RV’s batteries need some checking as well. Your goal is to keep your batteries full-charge at all times, even when you’re not on the road. Batteries can last up to 5 years. Meanwhile, a deep-cycle battery can run up to three years. A start-type battery loses capacity after five years.
Don’t forget your RV’s brakes.
It’s imperative that you stay safe while on the road, and that’s the reason why checking your brakes is important. Brake damage can cost you as much as $2,000 for a motorhome or more. For trailers, it will be less than that, but it’s still an additional expense for you.
Check the oil and change it.
Oil and filter change should be done as well with RVs. In order to keep your engine running properly, regular oil changes must be done. If not, be ready to at least spend a fortune if there’s an issue with your engine.
Technically, an RV should undergo an oil change every 3,000 to 4,500 mileage. However, it’s best to check the manual as they have specific advice on a particular vehicle model.
Takeaway
RVing is an out of the ordinary lifestyle. It gives you the freedom to go to places you like, stay and watch beautiful sceneries, and be convenient and comfortable wherever you end up. However, it entails responsibility, especially in taking care of your vehicle.
Maintaining an RV is expensive, and it should be one of the first things you should consider when you decide to buy or get an RV loan. As much as you don’t want it, maintenance is part of owning a vehicle, and it gets even expensive when you own a motorhome.
Author Bio
Lauren Cordell is a content writer by profession. Aside from her flourishing career, she is also an RVer. She travels with her two dogs and gets to places where she draws her inspiration to write. Lauren started RVing a year ago, and she finds joy with her new lifestyle.