How Expensive is Full Time RV Life??

[@TheLollygirl69]

Concidering most people are paying $500/week just in rent, I think this is really good ❤❤

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

We agree! Rent prices are crazy huh! 😣

[@MrGreenmartin]

Brilliant video - thanks guys much appreciated 👏

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching 👍

[@davidcurle7381]

What about communications? Cellphones, starlink?

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Good point! Our internet is actually sponsored by a company called Wireless nation but if we did have that it would cost us around $70 a month. I guess if we used starlink it would be a bit more than that? Our cell phones are on very cheap plans as we don’t use much mobile data.

[@rebpalma]

What a well organized and informative video! Thank you very much! Wishing you well from Madrid.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks Rebeca, hope you are doing well over there! Stay safe 😊

[@2prize]

$50 for campgrounds 😲

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yeh a bit overpriced here in NZ!

[@damemary555]

Thank you so much for sharing your lives with me and my family, we are hitting the road fulltime as soon as we sell our home! Your costs are REAL! considering the lifestyle of paying a mortgage and all associated costs we pay $1100 for the core fundementals, no adventures or activities! We are excited to know we can outlay the same amount yet we get to enjoy a luxury mobile life!

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Oh thanks for that feedback, we were worried we might get a hard time for spending so much haha but the reality is that groceries etc for a family of 5 is just expensive! Great work hitting the road full time, there is so much out there to see and you really need to take your time and soak it all in 😁😁 exciting!

[@huntingadventures7682]

Hi what insurance company do you use thanks

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

We use Star Insurance, they have a camper care policy for Motorhomes and caravans 👍

[@KiwiWanderers]

Another great video

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks guys 😊

[@adrianskipper]

Thanks this is so useful for extended trip planning .(six month chunks in warmer weather )

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Cheers Adrian!

[@StephSancia]

monday greets from deep south, just subbed and I'm just about to embark on a caravan journey of 12 to 18 months with my lil dog, leaving the renting sector after 20 years (currently $350 per week) and I've bought a 2010 Bailey pageant monarch and I've got an old Isuzu bighorn 3.1TD but I'm finding it all daunting although I've planned this for 15 months. I've joined the NZMCA but Covi insurance have quoted $22 per week for me for caravan and I thought that was a tad steep ? (29K with contents 10K) but Campercare AK quoted less and were more bubbly but their car insurance was dearer ? I'm currently with AA insurance fully comprehensive on the Isuzu but they can't insure the caravan with living in it longer than 30 days ... I passed my test in UK a long long time ago, have no claims, no accidents have had kiwi licence 20 years, Advice guys ? I've got a week to make a choice for insurance. Obviously you're a family and I lost mine in the 90s (daughter/partner) so am single with companion dog but do you ever feel UN-Grounded with being on the road ? I'm ultimately looking for somewhere that I can call HOME with my own mortgage and to get away from renting will be a godsend but I envisage it'll be tough at times being older (MUCH LOL) but I'm looking at the positives and Freedom from extortionate rents and military landlords !! I've bought a PO BOX on the east coast and I'll be dressmaking on the fly for my retail shops so any advice ? My Caravan will be self contained but I worry with the loneliness (perceived) so is it easy to make friends within this lifestyle ? So many questions, I'm excited, anxious, shaken not stirred 😎 Have a fabulous week

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Hey Steph! Great questions and I understand where you are coming from about being anxious! First off, congrats on breaking out of the rental market and doing your 'own' thing, if there is one thing we have learnt over the last year it's there is great freedom in challenging the 'norm' 😊 We don't feel un-grounded as we travel, the people out travelling full time are lovely, at the NZMCA parks there are 5pm drinks out in the sun and people look out for one another. We love the NZMCA parks as you feel safe there and they are inexpensive. PO Box is a great move! Getting mail while you travel is a tad annoying haha, regarding insurance, We found Covi to be more expensive too, we are with Campercare just for our caravan and AA with our car (With the roadside assist). It might take you a couple of weeks to get into the grove but once you do you won't look back! More people should give this lifestyle a go 😊

[@StephSancia]

@@AdventuresWithRosy many thanks for an awesome reply. Funny you mention the insurance combo that i truly want as the AA are super efficient, easy going and cheap as but there could be an issue apparently where the truck can say it's the caravans fault and vice versa in any prang or mishap but yes, AA truck, Campercare caravan would be my choice in a utopian world. The caravan has got the anti sway hitch (thought about putting that on my left hip) so that might be a blessing but you've given me food for thought and also a morale booster. Many thanks, have a fabulous rest of week

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks Steph you too! Apologies for the slow response, it’s been a rather busy week! Interesting what you say about potential clashing of the different insurance, I’d not thought of that!

[@gerben4992]

Good to write down all the cost per week. I paid my insurances every year, so you don't have to think about it (but still have to pay it 😁). We did the same on South Island (only for 4 months), we did 7000km. These days it is normal to pay $600 rent per week, so this is a nice way to save heaps of money. Everybody should do this for a longer period, it takes more then a life time to explore the country you live in. What about internet, do you guys got the 4G modem from the NZ MCA ($100 per month)? Also handy to use that NZMCA Kiwifuel card for fuel discount, but I am pretty sure you got one. Have a nice journey and I enjoy watching your videos 💪

[@gerben4992]

I saw your modem in your previous video 😁

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks Gerben, rent is so expensive these days huh! Yup you are right on taking your time, we have to travel a little slower with the kids so gave ourselves a year and 8 months in we have only really seen half of the South Island 😅 regarding internet we are actually sponsored by Wireless Nation the NZMCA internet so that’s free for us, I should have mentioned that in the video as that is an extra cost! Fuel card sounds good, quite a few people recommended it so it’s on my list of things to do 😊 appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!

[@davidwallace6250]

In regards to diesel mileage, I write, with a permanent marker, when the the diesel kilometers are to run out on the back of the RUC card so when it is in the plastic sleeve on the front window, I can quickly check, when inside the cab how much Kilometers I have go, against the odometer, before I need to buy some more road user charges.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Very smart! I think we will do that too 👍I think because we didn’t drive much back home we didn’t have to really think about it, whole different story now that we are driving all over the South Island haha. Good tip, thanks!

[@tracymckerchar9037]

Can’t put a price on those amazing memories with those kids of yours growing up!! Great video, we are a new subscribers that are finding your tips and tricks very helpful as we look to buy a caravan!!

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Oh awesome, welcome along! You are right there, will be great memories for the kids and has given us a good appreciation for our own back yard too so we’ll worth it!

[@kristie8727]

How did you work out how much you needed before you set off

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Good question! I think by just doing weekend trips etc before we went full time we had a rough estimate but some of it just evolved along the way. I think it was more expensive that we thought. We probably could have done it cheaper but still wanted to do some experiences along they way and we figured it was a once in a lifetime sort of experience 😁

[@RVSimpleLife]

Thanks for the info! We have been out since November 2020 and will be doing a COST ANALYSIS soon! Appreciate everything...

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Oh awesome I’d be keen to watch yours 😊 let me know when it’s up!

[@Smurfatnz]

Awesome break down. Do you find any casual work to do

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

I (Bronson) work part time for an IT company so haven’t had to look for causal work but there is loads of it around in NZ. Lots of seasonal fruit picking etc

[@RebeccaWarnes]

That's pretty accurate for us too! We are two working adults, couldn't afford the rental market (and didn't want to pay so much!) and we decided to hit the road! Living in an RV and we budget for around $900/week but probably spend just over $1000. We travel at weekends but stay in our city during the week, at the NZMCA park/freedom spots, or in a campground on laundry night. We have saved a bit of money by doing this, although we like being able to do things too, and the lifestyle is wonderful.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Good call, the rental market seems crazy and it’s kinda money down the drain… I think you are right about freedom camping or NZMCA parks they help keep the costs down. The campgrounds can add up quick!

[@RebeccaWarnes]

They definitely do! We usually do two campground nights a week, sometimes three if we feel like it (depends on what we do at the weekend). And we are so pleased to be paying off our own "house" rather than someone else's mortgage ^.^

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yup for sure! Always better to pay off your own place. Campgrounds are definitely nice sometimes, especially for long hot showers 😅

[@holdencommodorehsv]

How did u get the model from Rich Rebuilds channel ? 😉

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Now you have me binge watching Rich Rebuilds! What a cool channel 😊

[@VietnamWalkingTV]

Nice share. Thanks my friend

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@c-sbotha9680]

Great sharing and good outlay of the costs. I can assume the caravan is all paid up? The health and life insurance just sound really cheap. You must have great plans. Stay safe and enjoy level 3! 😎

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Hi, yup we brought the caravan outright, good point, I should have mentioned that in the video. Bring on level 3, can’t wait 😁

[@garth2876]

Those costs seem pretty accurate, and I'm sure that where some people will save a bit on one thing, they will typically boost up some other aspect of their living if they are able to. I think for Fuel and RUCs it is around $220 per 1000kms for most average diesel tow vehicles in NZ. Those little costs and activities sure add up quickly. We tend to follow your previous travelling style, long weekends, the occasional week away and use Freedom camping and NZMCA parks to allow us to eat a meal out, pay for some activities etc. It's good to have a bit of an idea of what full time could cost. When we are home we are running 2 vehicles about 300km each per week, commuting and running about the place. It's a very cost effective way to spend some quality time exploring our beautiful country

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yeh agreed, you are right you save some money say on camping and then spend it somewhere. Kinda like when you get a pay rise and think “I’ll save that extra money each week” chances are you just spend it on something haha 😆 I think for us working from home we drove so little so we are definitely driving a lot more this year and adding kms to the car caught us out. Oh well, all a learning curve!

[@nickymcentee1440]

These costs ring true for us, and are on a similar scale to us (2 adults). It's definitely challenging to keep costs down and I think you have a good philosophy to spending 😃

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks, we were worried that people would freak out and give us a hard time but it is a challenge to keep costs down for sure 👍

[@shannonradcliffe1418]

I think anyone would find that if they sat down to work out their expenditures it would probably be more than initially thought. The main thing you have on your side is Harvey, Ruby and Piper are currently under 5 and in NZ so many places are free for that age bracket, enjoy that one while you can🤑, for example Top 10's can be upto $90 for our family with 4 kids!!! Thanks for the video, very interesting.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yeh you are right on the under 5, he’s been free pretty much everywhere we go! I think sometimes kids get stung at bit at campgrounds, they don’t really use much in the way of facilities haha I guess they do use the playground! 👍

[@leopardsgowild]

Thanks guys. I think we're hoping to spend around the $550 a week, like you we don't want to be living in poverty, we want it to feel like a family oe/holiday. They say $1000 a week in Aussie so your probably pretty much bang on the $$$. Thanks for sharing the info and great to see your channel grow. 😁👍😊 Bring on more KZbin revenue.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Haha that would be nice 😉 $550 is definitely possible, get your freedom camp on and you will be sorted!

[@clintdredge1172]

Great in imfomationi B&C especially comments about insurance.We would be in serious trouble if we had no income cover.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

For sure! One of those things we have to have 😊

[@Scottygirlnz]

Wait until you have to pay for health insurance when you are 65! Very expensive but then I got a brand new knee last year and only waited 2 weeks for the operation -- I would have waited at least a year or longer on the public health. Your costs seem pretty good to me, things add up but what a wonderful time and experience you are having. You can't put a price on that.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

You are right on the insurance, 2 weeks wait is pretty good! Imagine the wait if you went public. Things do add up you are right, that said this trip will stick with us for years so we are happy to spend the money and enjoy it.

[@michaelconnell8624]

The new DoC pass works out even better than the old NZMCA one. This year we've purchased the full year one which worked out an extra $25 over the five month one we use to get. They've also added more places and you get the NZMCA discount for the ones not on the list too, so an added bonus. A good list to cover off. I suppose wifi, phones, haircuts and clothes etc. added on top are other factors. 👍😀

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Haha true we are both in need of a haircut too! Oh good to know about the new DOC pass, we are just about to buy one. If you use them they definitely pay themselves off. We love the NZMCA, the discount on the ferry crossings alone are worth it, we have had 3 trips on the ferry this year already haha

[@motorhomingwithourkidsnz]

The new doc pass only gives members a discount now. Nothing for kids and it's per person. Dearer now for the 3 of us

[@bobosborne7407]

@@AdventuresWithRosy compare the ferry discounts which are only on the premium prices, to the budget fares, you save SFA

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yeh you are right!

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Oh really hmm, I think for some people like single travellers it worked out cheaper right? Interesting that it’s more expensive for others 🤔

[@jasonbrowne8323]

I think to be fair all of these costs would exist regardless the only variable I can see is the cost of the dwelling itself, house or caravan payments. Most people eat, have a car ect..

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yup that is a good observations! For us our car costs went up, at home we used a tank about once every 2 weeks so that has doubled for us, we spend a bit more on activities too. Some costs just switched out like we don’t have a power bill anymore but we do have gas for cooking/heating/fridge etc

[@waynehobbs5175]

Thanks for sharing this somewhat personal information because its real and helpful to us travellers in Australia too. Campground costs here are definitely much higher like $200 would be a cheap powered weekly charge. That said we don't have road user charges but dearer rego. When towing does the MUX use much more fuel than when not? Also for comparison how much is a typical litre of diesel? Its around $1.45 here. Take care and steer clear of the COVID-19 bugs please.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Thanks Wayne, dodging the bugs so far! 🤞 the MUX uses a bit more fuel when towing but it’s pretty cheap, diesel is about the same price here! Yeh I think we lucked out on a good winter rate where we are now, it’s $112 a week on power which is pretty decent… that’s only for the winter though

[@NZCaravanLife]

Hi Guys, great video, very informative. I missed the livestream this week, busy celebrating 50th Birthday (Big party at our place, not, damn Covid). Have you looked at the McKeowns Fuel Card for diesel? Also with caravan insurance have you considered reviewing the value given how much caravans have gone up in the last 12 months?

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Not a bad idea about the insurance Chris, I’ll do that! Had a few people mention the fuel card so it sounds like the way to go, will investigate it this week. Haha yeh birthdays in lockdown 😣 hopefully this blows over soon!

[@Romeo-lu7wt]

Travelling is expensive, we have vast distances in Aus, so the major cost is fuel, Insurance, well I avoid that, Breakdowns, never had one, Maintain your vehicle, Mines a 1999 ,100 series Diesel, When on road i Budget about $400 a week. Same as Yous I travel to next stop, then day trips for 1 or 2 weeks . Wait till kids grow up , food bill will double 😀 regards Bevan 🇦🇺

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yeh good point there Bevan about maintenance, one skill I (Bronson) would like to learn is car maintenance, oil changes, fuel filters etc... rather than paying someone else to do it.

[@Romeo-lu7wt]

I'm Lucky, my dad was a Diesel Mechanic, own business, so I should know about general maintenance, 😀P/S or dad would turn in his grave

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Haha true! My dad is pretty handy around a car, might have to get him to teach me 😊

[@leonbuild3246]

What do you do for income

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Hey Leon, I work remotely for an IT company in Hamilton. Have worked from home for years so it was quite easy to take the work on the road (As long as We have internet reception/access 😊)

[@MrChrisC01]

Thanks for the video. Of course, you would have some of those costs if you were living at home. Do you think it is more expensive than living at home? Chris

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Hmm hard to say, I think being exposed to more fun stuff to do does not help haha, everywhere you go there are activities you can do etc. I think if we perhaps did more freedom camping it would be a lot cheaper… we still had big bills at home like Rates and insurance etc

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

What do you reckon? Do we spend too much on beer, wine and cheese? 😆

[@michaelconnell8624]

One can never spend too much on beer, wine and cheese for such simple luxuries and joys of life. Sit back, relax and savour the moment - all part of the experience 👍😀

[@f4nT49u1T4r88]

Meh its your life, if you enjoy those things and can afford it, then go for it I say! Your life. Enjoy 😉🙂✨🙌🏽

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Haha very true! We like how you think! 😊

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yup agreed! You can’t take it with you right!? 🍻

[@c-sbotha9680]

Can never be too much! 😳😏. Essential items I reckon……responsibly of course….cheers!

[@aidanvanweert993]

Fair budget, everyone is so different as different variables . We find we spend around 450per week but that's just two people. RUC are a pain, we just buy 20k at the start of the year sees us through.

[@michaelconnell8624]

Yeah, we bulk buy every year @ $580 per 5000kms for our 7m bus. A huge jump for us after out 5m motorhome which was $580 for 10,000 kms. 😳 We also use KiwiFuels which we bulk pay and have a fortnightly amount going in to keep topped up.When in the South Island we use MCKEOWN'S and pay once a month on account. If we were there more than two months of the year(at the moment) we would do the same as KiwiFuels. 👍

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Good idea about the RUCs, we probably over estimated it in the video, $40 a week would be roughly 500km so we could do that if we were travelling a bit I guess! I should look into those fuel cards, might help a bit. We tend to use the NDP or other self service stations as they tend to be a little cheaper

[@michaelconnell8624]

@@AdventuresWithRosy The fuel cards are cheaper again off the pump price you see displayed 👍 They are well worth it and the only initial outlay is a one off $5 fee. When we got our MCKEOWN'S card I spoke to the over the phone, completed the form while crossing the Cook Strait four years back and we estimated where we would be in five days and they posted it to Hanmer Springs Post Office with in a superette, awesome service 👍 Gives you the best options between Caltex Truck Stops (Kiwi Fuels) and McKeown's (MCKEOWN'S Card). We now use the KiwiFuels for North Island and McKeown for South Island.

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Ah awesome info Michael will look into getting one for sure, sounds like the way to go!

[@bengmelea8646]

What's interesting is that apart from maybe laundromat costs your "other costs" are also what you would pay for living in a house. Similarly, many of those Tow vehicle costs are bills you would still be paying even if your weren't RV travelling. It's the RV specific costs that are all over and above those required when living in a house. For those who don't what to pay rent, a home loan, rates, water charges or home insurance in comparison RV living would surely be a much cheaper option?

[@AdventuresWithRosy]

Yeh that’s a good point Pete, I had not joined those dots before 😅 we do travel a bit more in our tow vehicle but things like insurance don’t change right? And a tank of gas per week is probably normal for loads of people. So you are right it would be cheaper especially when you consider some of the high rent prices here in New Zealand. Interesting observation 👍