12 hidden costs of owning an RV

Matthew WilsonJul 11, 2020, 03:03 IST

An RV motorhome.Tim Boyle/Getty Images

While an RV might seem like a cost-effective living or travel option, there are hidden expenses that might surprise you.
After living in an RV with my family for the past few months, I've realized there are many expenses that you might not expect, such as significantly higher tolls compared to traveling by car.
If you're staying at a campsite, you'll have to pay a lot fee in addition to utilities and electricity.
If you want to tow a camper, you may need to invest in costly equipment and be ready for higher gas payments.

While living in an RV could save you money in some areas, there also might be hidden costs you're not expecting.

I've been staying with my family for the past few months in an RV travel trailer, so I know firsthand how expenses for campsites, amenities, and gas can add up.

Here are 12 hidden expenses of owning an RV that might surprise you.

RV insurance is an expense that varies by state, camper, and person.

An RV motorhome. Tim Boyle/Getty Images

If you choose to stay at a campsite, you'll have to pay a lot rent ...

My family's RV travel trailer. Matthew Wilson/Insider

... as well as a monthly electricity and utilities bill.

An RV parked in a lot. PAUL RATJE/AFP via Getty Images

If you don't have a washer or dryer in your RV, then trips to the laundromat can add up.

A laundry room at an RV park. Matthew Wilson/Business Insider

Towing equipment for your camper can be expensive.

A truck towing an RV. Universal Images Group via Getty Images

An RV can be a gas guzzler.

A RV camper getting gas. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images

Especially in the Northeast, toll roads can set you back a small fortune.

A toll booth. Stephen Lam/Reuters

RVs use propane gas for refrigerators, stoves, and hot water, and tanks need to be refilled regularly.

Propane tankers. Getty Images/Gerardo Mora

Maintenance and repairs for your RV can be costly, too.

A broken down RV. mauropr/Shutterstock

You will need to furnish the camper with specialty accessories.

Inside an RV camper. National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

To protect their RVs from dirt and damage, some people choose to cover them in a protective sheet.

A parked RV. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

If you're not staying in the RV, you'll have to pay to store it.

An RV lot. Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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