Camping is never as luxurious or comfortable as when it’s done in a motorhome. The insulated and dry interior, the possibility of running water, and the homestyle amenities make every trip into the great outdoors a little easier. But a motorhome is the most expensive style of RV on the market because of all those features, and the sticker price is only the beginning. We want you to know the full price of motorhome ownership before you commit to buying one, because we’re committed to providing the best service we possibly can.
That’s why we here at RVs and Boats For Less have put together this article to explain the various other costs that can be associated with motorhome ownership. If you still have questions, or if you’re ready to make that purchase, stop by our location in Chubbuck, Idaho, today!
Sticker Price
The sticker price for a motorhome is the upfront cost of buying it outright. The average price is around $100,000, but motorhome classes play a role in the final numbers. Class A motorhomes, for instance, are the largest, most spacious, and offer the most amenities and appliances—so naturally, they’re the most expensive. A manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP, for a Class A motorhome tends to start at around $112,000.
Class B motorhomes are lightweight and compact, so they’re the most affordable at around $81,000 MSRP. Class C motorhomes, as the middleground, offer a balance between convenience and comfort and start at around $81,000.
Pay Less Up Front
There are a couple of strategies for lowering the investment you make in your motorhome. These include:
- Buying used. Used motorhomes, no matter how good their condition, will have depreciated notably. This lowers their sticker price.
- Buy a new, but older, model. For instance, buy a never-before-owned 2017 model rather than the latest version.
- Shop during the motorhome off-season, meaning fall and winter. Dealerships don’t make as many motorhome sales in these seasons, and the lower demand makes for more reasonable prices.
Taxes And Registration
There will likely be a number of fees that will be added on to the sticker price or will otherwise come up before you leave the lot, including:
- Sales tax, when applicable.
- Registration fees, which can be either a one-time fee or an annual renewal fee.
- Property taxes, when applicable, since this vehicle is also living space.
Insurance
Insurance is a must before you go anywhere but home with your motorhome. The pricing depends on a handful of factors, including:
- The type/class of motorhome. The most expensive it is to repair or replace, the more expensive insurance will be.
- Your driving record. If you have a history of accidents, your insurance may cost more.
- The amount/type of coverage. Coverage above and beyond the standard package, such as protection for accessories like an awning or satellite dish, will naturally cost extra.
Motorhome Loan
A loan can help you stretch out your payments so they work for your budget, but remember to factor in the interest. The amount of interest and the amount of the loan itself will depend on:
- Your credit score. A higher score gets you better loans and better rates.
- The amount you’re borrowing.
- The length of the loan.
- Whether your RV is new, used, refinanced, or for full-time living.
Travel Costs
Finally, you should be aware of the travel costs in a motorhome. Most of these depend on how often you travel, how far, and to where.
Fuel
Gas will typically cost around $1,300 a year. That cost will change depending on factors like your motorhome’s fuel efficiency, how fast you tend to drive, and the amount of weight you’re hauling. Make sure to keep your tires in good shape, tread and air pressure-wise, to increase your fuel efficiency.
Maintenance
Maintenance tends to fall around the $100 mark every month. This includes regular maintenance like cleaning, oil changes, and electrical repairs. If you purchased a used motorhome or if it’s a higher-end model, these repairs will likely be more expensive.
Appliances
Utilities are present in any living situation. These tend to run you between $100 and $300 a month, just for running your appliances. If you invest in energy-efficient appliances and try to avoid wasteful usage, that number will stay on the low end.
Storage
If you can’t keep your motorhome on your property or you want to make sure it’s stored in a place that’s safe from the elements, storage costs need to be considered. A storage facility for your motorhome will range from a simple outdoor parking spot to a temperature-controlled indoor facility. Depending on where you end up, that can cost anywhere from $30 to $400 a month.
Camping
Finally, you have to consider the cost of camping out itself. There’s a fee for camping with a motorhome that tends to range from $20 to $100 a night. For a nicer campsite or one that’s more conveniently located, that cost will be higher. Make sure to include your expected grocery costs for your average trip in this calculation.
The costs may pile up, but they’re more than worth it to spend time in nature without being totally at its mercy. We hope this has been informative and that you feel more comfortable knowing the full costs of owning a motorhome. If you have any other questions or you’re in the market for a motorhome, let us know at RVs and Boats For Less. We proudly serve Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho, and are ready to serve you today!
