The Staggering Price We Pay to Live in an RV

Prepare for a reality check as we expose the unfiltered and often overlooked costs of RV living that many fear to share. From maintenance to campground fees, unexpected repairs to fuel expenses, we bare it all to help you make an informed decision before diving into the RV lifestyle.
Whether you're a seasoned RVer or just considering the leap into full-time RV living, this video is a must-watch. These numbers are the insights that others shy away from sharing. This transparent breakdown will empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate the expenses and pitfalls of RV life.
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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:11 2023 Breakdown
00:55 Cost of Fuel
02:57 Food Expenses
05:30 Propane Cost (Yearly)
06:33 Cost of RV Parks
08:59 Running Total (Fuel, Food, Parks)
09:41 Laundry Expenses
10:27 RV Repairs, Supplies, Maintenance
11:09 RV Insurance (Yearly Cost)
11:32 RV Registration (Yearly)
12:06 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Costs
12:35 Truck Maintenance Costs
12:47 Truck Insurance
12:56 Truck Registration
13:22 Cell Phone & Internet Costs
14:18 Yearly Grand Total
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[@kalenclark]

Wow... ppl being honest instead of glamorizing every part of the lifestyle? Here for it!!! 100% I think you made it clear to there were things you could have done to make those expenses cheaper, but you really had a "bucket list year" as you called it. Great work breaking it all down for us!

[@theRovingVets]

I tell people all the time, dull time RVing is not any cheaper than stick & bricks. Its just a different way of spending the money. Do you want "stuff" or "experiences & memories" is what I tell everyone.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

We really appreciate your honesty, Kalen! Thank you for your support and kindness ❤ We appreciate you!

[@lisahertel2415]

EXACTLY!!

[@Milesco]

​@@HappilyEverHanks Can you post a link to the StarLink video you mentioned? You apparently intended for there to be clickable link in this video (you pointed to it at 13:55) but it isn't there.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

@@Milesco Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZusiXeaqM2Dps0

[@Go4Corvette]

Part of this is because you are trying to live in an RV like you would in a large home. Try a used van, cook your own food, and only camp where it is free then you can live cheaply. You also must be debt-free with no payments. If you are going to spend this much money you may as well stay in a house that doesn't depreciate like your RV will. Good luck.

[@nunyobizkneez]

it takes a lot to share personal numbers in this way. Most folks wouldn't do this. It is a TREMENDOUS help for new RV'ers whether full-time or not. Thank you for sharing.

[@justincasesomethinggoeswrong]

I would like to see "real" numbers for full time RV living. How cheap can you do it and still live? Only boondock, and then only move when you have to, then only travel, as short a distance that you have to. Can it be done for a few hundred dollars a month?

[@CasperChicago]

I never dreamed RV travel was that expensive. Any one who was thinking of buying an RV owe you a big thank you, because now they have an idea of what they are waling into 👈🏾

It's not. They are people who need top shelf. I spend around 1000 a month and I LIVE 24/7 IN MY RV

[@Milesco]

"walking"? "wading"?

@@Milesco waling. Like running into a wall..lol

[@The88ninjas]

A lot of these costs are pretty standard. Phones and internet are pretty much the same for people living in a house, same with food, if you commute to work your fuel cost will be up there, your registrations the same no matter if your stationary or not. Everyone pays these same bills, they just pay a little bit more because of travel. Which I’d say would be 100% worth it.

[@chicagonorthcoast]

@@The88ninjas I spend nothing like that on home internet or cell phone here in Chicago. My cable internet has only lately risen to $54 a month, or a little over $600 a year, and my cell phone bill from Xfinity is $21.43 a month on a limited data plan that is ample for my needs. Travel and life on the road are very expensive for an inferior lifestyle.

[@DLTJR1959]

$53,472.66 total = $4500 per month roughly. Personally I think you are doing great. Look at the experiences and destinations that you have experienced. You are making memories and that is what is important. Great video to inform those who are uninformed. Tremendous service to budding RV'ERS. We just retired 12/31/22. We winter in Florida with an older diesel pusher. The upkeep, maintenance, and repairs are high. We knew that going in but we are making memories Have a cruise to Alaska and a European Tour scheduled. Making memories.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Congratulations to you guys on the retirement! Thank you for your wonderful support and for taking the time to watch. Yes, the update and maintenance are definitely expected with any RV lol We hope to hear from you guys again soon, stay safe out there!

[@bluesteel48]

How do you support that expense ?

[@DLTJR1959]

@@bluesteel48 We are very blessed and fortunate to be able to afford these luxuries in retirement. Hard work, good health, staying married to the same spouse for over 40 years. etc...are the reasons.

[@robertcostello7399]

So how much would it cost if you had 2 kids going on your trip another 10 thousand maybe?

I spend 1000 a month. Full time rv. 2 years. My rv is paid for.

[@JolleanSmith]

1. Money well spent. 2. What a huge task that is to compile this and so very helpful for those trying to decide if they can do this. 3. Thanks for making me feel better about our grocery bill. We are a couple who spend about the same. Great video as always

[@sailshonan]

They have to compile these expenses for taxes anyway.

[@JolleanSmith]

​@@sailshonan Why they did it does not make it any less of a huge task. So other than trying to devalue their efforts I am not sure I get your point.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much @JolleanSmith!

[@tw8r50]

We bought our new 5th wheel in Michigan and they issued us a permanent trailer plate, which only cost $200. And we never have to pay or renew again. Nice!

[@michaelcertain415]

We're in Michigan too. Love the one time registration fee!

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

I can see part-time campers balking at the total. But for full-timers, this is a good year (considering y'all went to Alaska and partied like rock stars while living the Dream!) When we lived in S&B, our annual expenditures were right at $60k, easy. Since we sold everything, only have my car payment and insurance now as mostly bills, and rent lots by the month, our expenditures are Way, Way down! I just finished our 2023 numbers, and without any boondocking, our total was $28,285. We stayed within 3 states, which lowered the diesel fuel expense a Lot over 2022 (6 states). Since we still work FT remotely, its been a great year for us. I'm so glad you guys got to Alaska and time with family. Hope the PA family meet will happen in the warmer months this year! (Go south, when propane cost go north! 😂)

[@ibMoose2u]

I retired, pre-Covid, from Butte Co. (Chico) in N. CA in 2018. I bought a brand new $50k travel trailer and fled Hellifornia. My first year to register it in my new state with FOREVER registration with personalized and specialized plates was $325. That’s FOREVER , meaning I never pay registration again. I got a registration bill from the Hellifornia DMV in 2019 for $1,245… I sent them the new state’s title indicating they get nothing from me. Born, raised, college at Chico State, career there and Hellifornia will never get another penny from me…

[@ryanteter]

Glad you made it out alive. I have friends who have told me that Cali has tried to collect taxes from them for years after they moved away.

[@ibMoose2u]

@@ryanteter Thanx :^) I had a glitch with my atv and wound up having to pay its reg or they would’ve held up my tax refund…. Between the sheer number of ‘homeless’ and the rampant crime along with the politics and exorbitant cost of everything and much more, it was time to gtfo lol

[@nanettedooley5740]

I moved from Chico 4.5 yrs ago n moved to Virginia to be close to my grandprincesses

[@MrToby33333]

What state did you get your "forever" registration? Was that $325 for your truck and trailer? Our state taxes the hell out of us for everything, to the piont we are looking at moving.

[@ibMoose2u]

@@MrToby33333 It was $325 for each. Forever reg for vehicles 10 years and older, but can do on brand new RV's. That includes the specialized (pick your plate from a huge variety) and personalized (pick your word) plates. Forever applies to new motorcycles/atvs as well and they were quite a bit cheaper. CA wanted rougly $1,800 for my truck and travel trailer for ONE YEAR. For $650 I never have to pay a dime ever again. Not to mention my auto insurance was cut by well over 1/3. Montana :^)

[@atwistedlime]

We’ve been full time 13 years and so glad we have a washer and drier. The inconvenience of laundromats should be addressed as a fee.

Do you realize there's a few million people that living houses they use laundry mats? Did that skip your thinking

[@ladikmk]

Holy guacamole!!! More boon docking guys for sure, but hey - stuff adds up faster than you think. Keeping track of expenditures is a good idea, and your honesty is very helpful to others.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

You got that right!

[@user-jk2nm9qm1l]

Barely spent 3/4’s of that in my own home and that includes a seasonal site at a campground this video convinced me to stay put and not travel 😂

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Yes, I definitely was an eye-opener for us as well! Thank you for your support and for watching our videos. It means a so much! - Kyle and Renee

[@chicagonorthcoast]

I could live in an ultra-elegant 2,200 sq ft Lake Shore Drive condo with views of Lake Michigan in Chicago for less than what the RV lifestyle costs these two.

[@teamtaggedout]

@@chicagonorthcoast prove it

[@chicagonorthcoast]

@@teamtaggedout Easy to prove. A high-quality Class A RV, like a Newmar or a Prevost Marathon, costs at least $500,000 for one used. If it's 40' long and 8' wide it will, with additional space from slide outs, give you 400 sq ft space at the most. If you use it as designed, which is to travel, a Prevost will get 4 mph and a Newmar maybe 6 mpg if that. That's about $2,000 a month in fuel costs if you get any real use of it at all. Then, you cannot live in it full-time, at least not in cold climates, unless you want enormous additional utility bills. Then there are the repairs and routine maintenance. Between fuel, maintenance, and expected repairs, you will easily spend $3,000 a month you run this rig, and then there are the costs of decent, safe, campgrounds, figure $50- $200 a night and you must reserve months in advance. By contrast, you can buy an elegant, architecturally significant condo with 2 huge beds and 2 baths at 3800 N Lake Shore in Chicago, a drop-dead gorgeous building with elevators, garage parking, and spectacular views of Lake Michigan for $530,000-$550,000. The HOA is $2,200 a month and it includes your heat (big item in Chicago), water, trash collection, building maintenance including 2 on-site custodians. It includes professional management. The unit on sale now has Space Pak AC, gigantic rooms, ample storage space, 2 beds and 2 baths, and is in good condition though you will want to decorate. Taxes are about $9000 a year. Buses downtown at the door, in a safe neighborhood with restaurants, coffee houses, live theaters, libraries, medical facilities, schools, multiple grocery stores, and you can flag a taxi. You get two parking spaces in the covered garage. Secure building with elegant, wainscoted lobby, passenger and freight elevators, of course. In all, about the same costs as life squeezed into a Class A RV, and the smaller RVs are worse.

[@justincasesomethinggoeswrong]

I live in my house for about $800 a month. I want to live in an RV, because it would be cheaper. I could do it for $500 a month. You guys are not living in an RV, you are on vacation for 12 months a year!

[@carlsanders4680]

That is why I hit the like button as soon as the video starts and watch all the ads. That is how you make money from you tube to keep your channel going. Love you guys !!! Nana, you look great in blue, Carl (my name also ) you look . Lest move on, LOL !! Even though we do not have an RV, watch your channel every week just to get ideas where to go. My bride ( of 35 yrs. ) took a nomadic trip 2 yrs. ago around the east coast. Had a plan to go from north GA, up thru TENN, Kentucky, Ohio to Niagra Falls. Over to NH and back down home to GA. Missed 2 states on the trip, Maine and RI. Missed Maine because and Arcadia , the prime leaf changing season. No hotels for a 250 mile radius. Got luck and found some where to stay at a 1970's dew drop inn that had been remodeled. Was one of our best stop of the trip. Point being, half of our stops were not planned. We just took us where the wind blew us. Case in point. We were drive down the road and my bride says, Mark Twains house is coming up. I rolled my eyes, said OK. We spent the night and went there the next day. I ate my words again, was one of our best stops on the trip. Most of our best stops were not planned, just hit on a whim. The Air & Space Museum we found out about from the Wright Brothers Museum hosts. We ended up spending an entire day there, unplanned. We are retired so we had that option. The thing that mad me sad was seeing the other family's come thru, look at a plane for 5 seconds and move on because they had a schedule to keep. Did not read anything and learn about the history. My bride and I read most of everything, took us the entire day to go thru and we got there when they opened. Left at almost closing time. Yes, we spent a bit of money staying at hotels. We got up every morning with a soft plan in place where we were going for the day, headed that way but if something came up. BAM, change of plans. Got done with the day, started heading towards the next spot and my bride would find us a place to on the road to our next stop. BEST THING WE HAVE EVER DONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes we spent 10K on this trip, traveled 4008 miles. Would not trade it for all the tea in China. The Hanks are part of why we new where to go and we thank them. Also, they taught me to go with the flow, expect the unexpected. We did and stopped on a whim. What a blessing that was. If you ever come down I - 75 north of ATL. There is a new RV park being built in Cartersville, GA on the Etowah River off of Red Top Mountain Rd. exit. Which is around exit 288. Not completed yet, but maybe by end of summer '24. Looks like about 75 spots. Some along the river. SAFE TRAVELS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jtoepke9763]

For me this episode is awesome. I am a spread sheet number cruncher and track everything so this made big sense. I spent nearly your total amount living in brick stick house PLUS weekend camping adventures. I hope you are enjoying your life adventures as much as your subscribers enjoy your weekly videos. Stay well stay safe stay awesome. Thanks Kyle & Renee

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much for a very nice comment! We are big on tracking everything and now having an audience to share it with makes us want to track it even more diligently! Much love from the Hanks!

[@corby6956]

Don't worry about the cost, y'all are livin the dream, enjoy it while you're young !!!!

[@kylewaddell5407]

It's impressive you guys can track the numbers so closely! You guys are making more than you are spending, while seeing the world, to me you nailed it!

[@travelingwithtroyandrhoda6442]

Great video! Considering all you did, that wasn’t as high as I expected it to be. Appreciate your transparency and humility as you share the details of your journey with all of us.

[@carolthomas770]

I feel for you on the he budget!!! My first year retired in my parked RV. Whew! Budget went out the window 2023. Additional setup required, mice ruined furnace, sewer, added sewer pipe run... High enegy bills. Dug into my retirement savings to pay off ea month. I live on my own land, in a forest, meadow, with tons of free wildlife. Totally worth it all!😂 Enjoy your adventure! Thanks for all you share.

[@theRovingVets]

We just got mice in our furnace in the last month. We heard it at night and would see little piece of stuff blown right outside the vents. We tried glue traps, snap traps, spinny trap things, none worked. Then, even though we didn't want to, we got poison & haven't heard them since a few days after we put poison in a few different locations. Under the sinks, in the basement, along a couple of other spots. We're currently in Quartzsite, AZ so they probably went looking for water and died out there in the desert. I've heard mouse/rat poison works by dehydrating them. No idea if it's true or not but the mice are gone & we've not smelled them. If you don't have animals, maybe try those sonar things. It worked in our sticks in bricks before full timing, but when we got a dog, he can't take it, unfortunately.

[@carolthomas770]

@@theRovingVets Thanks for the great info! Had a mobile RV tech replace motor as mice had gotten stuck in blades! 😳 Happened twice before winter '23 so he wrapped, taped metal screen over the furnace box. Still heard mice behind cabinets so decided to get Tomcat bate traps last week. Put in compartments etc too. Nice, quiet. No chewing! I live in Appalachian Ohio foothills so we got critters. Hate to use poison but Tomcat boxes are pet proof, tiny opening for bate. Enjoy your journey!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Having your own space and land is so nice! Especially if you have full hookups!

[@atravelpath]

So true! Everyone we talk to tell us that their travels always cost more, even when they plan and prepare. Good tips!

[@theTeslaFalcon]

Your monthly food budget for 2 is comparable to ours w 6 kids. We spend $200 - 300/wk on groceries. Eat out at restaurants as a family 1-2x/yr.

They need top shelf for everything. I live full time in my RV. 1000 a month. At the most.

[@jjoutback]

You guys are a wealth of information, entertaining and practical to boot. Thanks for sharing your experiences & mistakes.

[@davidsiemer7578]

Definitely nice to see a true breakdown of a budget living/traveling in an RV. Thanks for sharing- well done 👍 😊

[@dme2453]

You guys nail the editing. Very well made videos.

[@salemanna]

I'm so glad you did the Alaska trip since my husband and I want to take a trip up there once we retire and hit the road. I loved seeing the scenery and want to see it with my own eyes even more now.

[@DS-11]

Hold on to each moment as they pass, they are priceless❤

[@campnut6076]

Didn't watch your "frugal cost" video yet but the reason costs are so high I do know, so does everybody else. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@iancurnow9060]

Excellent data and presentation. You two are fun to listen to. Thanks.

[@ryanteter]

Karl with the smedium t-shirt and gun show FTW. Hero

[@chicagonorthcoast]

GAH! They spent more parking in RV parks than I spend on my HOA (which includes an indoor pool and most utilities), house taxes, house insurance, electricity, phone & internet together.

[@sherieragan765]

Wow! Incredible amounts of money! BUT the wonderful and not so wonderful memories you made allowed for great content! Well done Hanks!

[@krisloughley3332]

First of all, Renee, that is THE PERFECT COLOR for you!!!!! You looked especially pretty in this video. My husband and I enjoy watching your weekly videos. Thanks for all the fun info!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much 😊

[@scottluther6270]

Thanks! You guys are very informative! I have thought about going full time when I retire and your diligence and honesty help out with the pros and cons!

[@clintstevenson1214]

Scary but great info! Thanks Hanks!

[@Leyenda1]

Thank you for your transparency! Subscribed!

[@b.s.g.1586]

Well, y'all just murdered my dreams & ambitions of living in my Van & travelling for a few years to enjoy my retirement. Guess I'll sit in front of the TV & sleep away my days & retirement years. 😢 Happy travels to everyone who can afford it.

[@oapw3087]

They have a house on wheels, just get a small one. Plus keep in mind is two people. All they spend divided by 2

[@jacobschmidt4265]

Can’t change your future crying on KZbin

[@victormorales3604]

Good news is, if you are healthy, that every day you have a choice. Either spend the day indoors, zombied out in front of a screen or, you can treat every day like a new adventure. Do something that benefits mind and body, and isn't draining the wallet.

[@carolynaskew9774]

There are ways to cut those costs considerably and still have fun. Boondocking, stay longer in one spot (cuts fuel costs), etc. If you really want to, you can do it

[@clayton56tube]

drive less and stay a while, go to a nearby spot instead of Alaska and back. Use BLM land and stay free, or NF land for a $30 annual pass. Don't go to restaurants as a general rule. When I went out camping for a week I spent $15 on food. Convert a van instead of an expensive RV. They are just making expensive choices like a lot of people do.

[@lizsteilkie]

Thank you for your honesty.

[@ThoseWhoGlampTogether]

23 was an extremely expensive year for RVing in general! Full time had to be so much harder to budget for! Thanks for the info!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

So true!

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

Whoa! We only move twice a year and work camp to live for free…including propane and laundry. It definitely makes a huge difference. Thanks again for a wonderful video. ❤️Pitts from Pittsburgh.

[@lenmalinowski9423]

Unless you’re wealthy, stay away from RVs. They remind me of what someone told me long ago about a boat. It’s a hole in the water that you pour money into and that’s what an RV is.

[@kathydavis5085]

Wow! Thanks for the breakdown. it was very helpful. Gives us a better idea of how much it would cost us to RV through Alaska. Thanks Hanks! For all the work and sharing it with your viewers!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thanks from the Hanks, for watching!

[@RollingWithRuss]

Thanks for doing this breakdown! I love watching your channel and enjoy seeing the places you travel.

[@lilliancarroll6407]

Great job!!! Lots of good information!!

[@Juss4Funn]

Awesome video and a good comparative / analysis for anyone wanting to do what you guys do. Thumbs up.

[@robertbankhead8661]

Thanks for the update, the depreciation on the RV and truck would make you cry. But take in all the sights and experiences versus hotels, rental cars and expensive meals not to mention flights.

[@WeSometimesRV]

Thanks for another amazing video. Just love that y'all are down to earth and really put it all out there. We won't ever be full time, but it's easy to see that the cost can drastically rise if you're only staying a few nights here and there. We did a 30 day trip, to Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Branson, Mo and then home and our costs totaled over $6,000. Now that included some excursions. Even though it wasn't cheap, I would do it again in a heartbeat for all the wonderful things we did and saw.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much for saying this, it makes our day reading it! That is so awesome to hear that you guys were able to squeeze in a 30 day trip to all those amazing places. It sounds like a really great avenue to go and we foresee ourselves one day having a home base possibly. Thank you for your support and for taking the time to watch our videos 😊 - Kyle and Renee

[@user-lu1qt2cb9h]

Thanks for those numbers. It seems like a lot but probably not much different if you live at home plus you’re seen the country. Love you guys

[@user-tv2ki8cw9n]

Great video!!

[@kenminkoff3855]

Great video guy's, very informative and well put together. Nice job.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Much appreciated!

[@nebula0024]

This is actually really great info! Hearing about this stuff on the really high-end of things makes me feel a lot better, and I'm relieved to say my projected budget sits comfortably even with a huge number like that. My wife and I are in the planning stages of RV life right now, and still have a long way to go. So much research to do! 😄

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Doing a ton of research is the perfect place to start!

[@BigAL2212]

As a retired couple from Mississippi on a fixed income, we have a 24ft travel trailer and a GMC 1/2 ton gas burner. Our spring 2024 trip is 3-months, and we’ve booked US Army Corps campgrounds for 13 of the 15 camps, and the odd two are single nights as we make a long drive. Corps parks cost us $9 - $15 a night, and we know what to expect with Corps facilities. This trip, we’ll drive in a contained geographic area (GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, OH, IN, IL, KY, TN, AL and back home. Except for the one nighters, we stay at least a week in each camp and two weeks in those where we want to explore. We cook the vast majority of our meals, and neither of us like touristy destinations, preferring to be in the woods hiking or exploring the towns near our camps. I say all this only to tell others that life on the road doesn’t have to break the bank. We did a similar trip for our Fall 2023 trip but in a different area of the country.

[@lyfandeth]

In California, if you rent someplace for a month you trigger the rent/tenant laws. Among other things it can make it extremely difficult to evict you, you are now a TENANT. If you only stay for 29 days, you are not covered by those laws. RV parks would be wiser to offer a four-week, 28 day rental, and stay away from "monthly" for that short term.

[@MaryWehmeier]

California only allows 14 days without a long term rental. Thank Newsom and Covid.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

That would be a good idea but wonder if the states looks at it as a loop hole

[@gdftbgcc]

The other problem (if I remember correctly) is California residency laws. At 30 days or more at one location the state can claim that you established residency which could then trigger tax implications and even DMV requirements.

[@tomandmissynortham9683]

Great information, thanks for sharing !!

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you both for watching! 😊 We appreciate you!

[@kathleenhaines4143]

What a great breakdown and comparison. One thing you didn't discuss when comparing costs at the end was the $1,500 in repairs you had done in CA with your leaf springs. That explains a big chunk of that cost difference too. Always fun watching you guys, even when you're talking numbers. lol

[@cpwatching5647]

We appreciate the clear picture of your 2023 year. FYI - we are trying to stay at Echo Basin in CO on your say so this spring.... Pressure is on. Take care.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

You'll love it there!

[@Pattio47]

I appreciate your diligence in keeping your records and sharing them with us. I think that most people starting out on the road have no idea how much it will cost them. We don’t live on the road but we pulled a loaded cargo trailer 2000 miles for a friend who was moving. We couldn’t believe the extra fuel we used and the amount of DEF the truck went through. Twice as much as the trip home without the trailer.

[@Abbysum1]

Your advice is priceless, thank you!

[@kevingardner4737]

Awesome video thanks

[@OurFulltimeAdventure]

Love the break down! It definitely isn't cheap but so worth it!

[@Nurturing2]

Honestly, I think y’all did AMAZING!!!

[@rubiejones1897]

I am tickled lol!!! The food y’all! I hope yall enjoyed every single day of 2023. It was a huge price hike for everyone I think. Thank you for the videos!

[@mgysgtk8835]

Thank you for these great videos. We learned a lot from you all.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thanks for watching!

[@TexasGirl1633]

What a memorable year!! Memories for a lifetime❤️

[@ginathacker6207]

I have a C-Class Jayco 31 on a Ford 450 Super Duty chassis and a Triton 10 engine. It is a beautiful deluxe camper. At gas stations, often people will admire it and ask, “what kind or gas mileage ‘ya get with that?”. Usually, I just look puzzled and reply, “I don’t really know, I just get gas when I need it”. Point: I didn’t buy this rig for fuel efficiency. Just between us: I get between 9.5-10.5. It’s a 2019 w/ 53K miles. I use it and I LOVE IT!!

[@boomerhawk]

Top ten ever video!! So well done!! Thank you!!!

[@AWOLlcdrpeterson]

Love the Video! But we have definitely got you beat with our expenses this year! As retired Navy guy, I like to capture the big details from our recent travels. This is somewhat of an “after action report”, and includes a summary then a breakdown of all of our RV Expenses in 2023. We started 2023, in Orlando, Florida spending holidays with our family. We then hit the Tampa RV Supershow, 24 Hours of Daytona, Key West, and then spent 2 weeks working for Y2V in a Florida State Park. We left Florida in March, to attend the FMCA Rally in Georgia, followed by 2 weeks of work on the Old Lady (name of our 2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 42QRP) in Red Bay Alabama. From there, we went south to Gulfport MS and got caught up with Peggy’s family. Then we headed North to Tennessee to hit the AIM rally and catch up with our friends. We spent most of May in Tennessee, and then traveled north to Kentucky and the Bourbon Trail. We stopped in East Peoria, IL in June to visit our family. Afterwards, we headed to Iowa for a Tiffin Rally, and then spent 2 weeks in the Wisconsin Dells. We then traveled onto Minnesota and spent the 4th of July at a COE Campground. We then continued West to Medora, North Dakota. Next, we moved to South Dakota and stayed at Sturgis, boondocked in the Badlands, and stayed in Rapid City visiting all of the local sites (Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, etc). We then spent a night at Devil’s Tower and visited Little Big Horn National Park. We spent a few days in Cody, WY prior to heading to Yellowstone National Park. We boondocked outside of Yellowstone and spent several days enjoying the majestic sites in the Park. We then headed just a few miles South to Grand Tetons NP, where we enjoyed a quiet week and some great hikes. We then headed to Gillette WY for the FMCA Rally, where we joined the Elks. We then spent about 5 weeks in three different Colorado State Parks. After Colorado, we headed to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for 10 days. This was the highlight of the year. We got to be a member of a Balloon Chase Crew, and both Peggy and I were able to get some “air time” in the Balloon. After the Balloon Fiesta, we started our slow return to Florida, stopping in Amarillo and Oklahoma City on the way. We also spent a week at a nice COE Park near Little Rock, AK prior to heading back to Red Bay for some more work on the Old Lady. After Red Bay, we returned to NAS Pensacola for a couple of weeks prior to heading back to Orlando. After Thanksgiving, we traveled down to the Florida Keys and spent one week on the beach at Curry Hammock and 2 weeks at NAS Key West. We returned to Orlando, to celebrate the most important event of the year, the birth of our first granddaughter on December 23. We spent Christmas and New Year’s with family, friends and Baby Demi. STATS FOR THE YEAR: Miles Traveled in RV: 10,612 - Diesel Consumed 1,682 Gallons; net cost for diesel $6,420 or $0.605/mile 19 States Visited: FL, GA, AL, MS, TN, KY, IN, IL, IA, WI, MN, ND, SD, WY, CO, NM, TX, OK, AK Camping: We stayed at 66 different Campgrounds (includes Boondocking, Elks & HH) over 365 days. During the year, we spent 47 nights without any utilities. Of the 365 days of camping, we spent: 53 Nights in TT/Encore Parks (Campground Membership) 28 Nights in Coast to Coast (Campground Membership) 96 Nights in State/City/National Parks/COE Campgrounds 27 Nights Boondocking 65 Nights in Military Campgrounds 42 Nights at Rally Sites 35 Nights in Commercial Campgrounds 12 Nights in Elk Lodges 7 Nights in Harvest Host (Boondocking) $10,713 on Campgrounds, and $2,875 on 6 Rallies. Club Membership $2,431 - including TT $945, C2C (4 yr renewal) $480, AIM Lifetime $400, Others - Coachnet, HH, Boondockers Welcome, Elks, Moose, Nomads, Escapee’s, FMCA Insurance $1,906 - Full-timer’s Policy from Progressive Items for the RV (assorted stuff) $2,281 - includes an expensive dashcam and a new Ninja Woodfire grill RV Mailing Service $ 418 - St Brendans Isle RV Internet - $ 1,770 - MiFi with unlimited T-Mobile from Calyx $500 + Rest is Starlink Ok, now the really expensive stuff: Damage/Paint Work - $2,595 - most of this was paint work repairs due to age, not from collisions. Maintenance - $3,914 - Routine Maintenance on Diesel Engine, Generator. Blue Ox and Aqua Hot, roof inspections, plus replacement slide toppers and a detail 6 New Tires - $4,021 - replaced 6 rear tires at 6.3 years old. Shop Repairs $9,406 - Repairs to Coach Air System, slide out floor replacement, Dash AC repairs, slide motor replacement, replaced solar wiring, replaced powered cord reel, repair toilet, repair engine heat shield, inspect AC’s & fix, repair broken tiles, plus others RV Upgrades $6,080 - Replacement carpeting, wifi thermostat, new dinette table, upgraded interior lighting in multiple locations, installed tile backsplash, TV Cabinet modifications, new desk and ottomans. Solar/Lithium Upgrades $8,518 - Added 400Ah of Lithium to previously installed Lithium. Added another set of 4-0 wires to inverter. Replace solar controller and all six solar panels. The number below represents our RV expenses for the year, they DO NOT include food, entertainment, meals out, medical, cell phones, personal expenses or clothing. TOTAL RV EXPENSES FOR YEAR: $61,258

[@gregoryschmidt1233]

I know a retired couple who sold their house and went all-in on the RV lifestyle. After a couple years of heavy mileage, they realized they basically could not afford to take their RV on the road anymore. They ended up parked year-round at a national park, doing "docent" work in exchange for a free hook-up.

[@nanjackson5356]

This is great information, thanks for sharing

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thanks for watching! 🤗

[@BrittanyJacks]

I’m a full time car lifer and just started my KZbin channel. So fun to see fellow car/van/rv lifers :)

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Hi Brittany! That is so awesome to hear 😃 Best of luck to you on your adventure, and documenting through KZbin! Thank you for your support - Kyle

[@Zainenn]

First video I've ever seen of you guys and I have to say, well done! Very good video. You guys seem like good people.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you very much for your time in watching! We appreciate your support

[@AI-Alessandro-Intelligence]

Great info. Thank you.

[@johnlonergan7237]

Thank you for disclosing. I didn’t think the overall amount was that bad. I expected a lot higher.

[@ep9691]

Amazing Video. I'm thinking about going full time RV and now I have a "excellent benchmark" on true expenses of living full time in an RV. The way I live I will have similar expenses as you 2 do. 👍

[@whitmoresmawley6594]

After just purchasing 2024 zr2 before Christmas After much much videos I got rid of it yesterday and got a 3500 turbo diesel...even before purchasing a 5th wheel I realized the zr2 was holding us back..my wife knew I wasn't happy...love her..and your videos signed I GOT THE RIGHT TRUCK NOW😊

[@moomoocho1196]

Thank you for keeping it real 👍👍👍

[@larryallen7370]

We enjoyed the video and appreciate the honesty. Our experience is what ever you think it is going to cost add 30% and you will not be too surprised when you have to add 50%.

[@byopp100]

This is money well spent. The memories you made is worth the cost.

[@TwiceRetiredRambler]

Great information. Saved to my RV Library. Would love to see the spreadsheet you use. Starting full time in May.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

We just use Excel to track! Oh wow, May will be here soon!

[@MulligansBlog]

The depreciation per year on truck and rig need to be figured in to. Replacement will come faster. 👍

[@johnnylightning1491]

I think a big part of that total was the trip to Alaska, like around $20,000 or so as I recall. The good thing is that my hospitalization is about $800 a year due to medicare but the rest seems about right. Keep the good stuff coming guys.

[@kevinkendall8956]

Very good video. Thanks

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Glad you liked it!

[@georgewashington938]

thanks for the info

[@georgecook1374]

yikes at the food bill!!! I know families that don't even earn that in a year. You guys are truly blessed to live this life style

[@michaelcafarelli6463]

you guys are amazing.

[@rbarbour8]

Well done Hanks!! That's a lot of money, but that's the harsh reality of it all. Appreciate the video!

[@philipgerry5228]

You’re living the dream. It costs more than sitting in one place for the season. Enjoy your travels.

[@sunsfever83]

Thank you this. My old lady and I was thinking about this since retiring. Maybe thinking a bit differently now.

[@calledtojourney]

Thanks for all the deets! 😁 We just spent $513 for our annual RV insurance policy through Progressive. We have a 33' Grand Design Reflection, and it's full-coverage ($500k liability) but without roadside assistance. Needless to say, we find that to be a very good deal.

[@philipdiehl9849]

Thanks guy's for all of the great information you share. I know a 20 minute video takes a lot of hours to put together. Grandpa Jack

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much 😊 You are always so supportive! Stay safe - Kyle and Renee

[@Ambrocia3]

Love this! Thanks for sharing and breaking it down. We live in Alaska! We spend about $1,000-1,200/month in groceries for a family of 5 so your grocery bill wasn’t shocking to me. We plan to taken our RV on the road in 2027!

[@tradingsystemsgroup5312]

My mortgage payments (plus tax and insurance) are 22000 per year, this is for ownership of a 3500 SF, purchased in 2015 (when interest rates were low). Crazy to think just to park your RV, you pay $16K per year.

[@debreinke4687]

Thanks for the info. We need to break down our totals.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

Thank you so much for your wonderful support and taking the time to watch 🙂 it means so much!

[@bosch3540]

Great shot of Pigeon Point Lighthouse ❤

[@dennycappetta2035]

Kyle & Renee, you guys are living the dream and it's so worth it for the experience. I'm going to compare our situation with yours as much as I can. We have a Class A Motorhome and are part timers. In 2023, we had a one week trip to Disney Fort Wilderness with our family of seven and a one week trip to Indianapolis KOA covering only about 3000 miles total compared to your 19000 miles. Our fuel cost for the RV and toad was $2078.38, yours $8335.74. Our groceries and restaurants for the year $14686, yours $14234. Propane ours $84.51, yours $547.60. Camping fees ours $3393.15 yours $16095. RV repairs, supplies & maint ours $793.94 and $2023.07 in upgrades yours $2387.93. License & registration ours $104.30 yours $239.50. Insurance ours $905.07 yours $1934. Cellphone & internet difficult to compare.

[@harrygoodman6724]

A couple of additional categories: Actual camper and/or truck payments if not already paid off in full. Keep in mind that even if these are paid in full, you should be setting the same as a payment aside towards an eventual replacement. Then, there are a host of things related to a transient lifestyle - handling postal processing, higher health insurance premiums, annual app fees, all the related video creation costs, etc.

[@HappilyEverHanks]

This is great information Harry! Well received on our end, because we can completely agree with you. It's great to stay ahead of the game with finances, and take into account those other expenses 😃 Thank you for your time in watching our videos, we appreciate you - Kyle

[@harrygoodman6724]

@@HappilyEverHanks - Hi Kyle! Thanks for your reply… and I just uncovered a paper I was looking for to prep for filing taxes. We live in Indiana, and have a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS and a 2022 Ford F250 (gas 6.2L). We paid $563 on plates for the GD and $432 for plates on the truck in 2023. So almost $1000! (We also have another commuter car and a utility trailer.) Anyway wanted to give you feedback on comparison to your South Dakota plates. We are still sticks and bricks for a few more years but spend about 30 nights a year in the RV which we have named “Grace”. The two shelties love to go live in the “bye-bye house”! We love to watch both of you. (And Dexter!) We live in the county where your rig was built! LOL

[@robertosgood961]

Honest look back at the years cost. Thanks Hanks! Whether taking off for vacation, semi full time or outright over the road living it's prudent to do a amortization of costs. Look at your costs for house or rv, they'll be similar. Mortgage, food, utilities and compare with campgrounds, food and fuel. If for example your amortized costs for home living is $4100. per month. You should be able to manage rv'ing for a similar cost on the road of $41K annually. Exceptions will be bucket list high expense items and other out of the norm items. Can't wait for the Hanks Tennessee "huddle"!

[@dhillman7522]

My wife and I tried to budget food and ended up between 2,000 - 3,000 a month, I think you did good. Of course alcohol was included and probably accounted for 40%. No regrets!

[@emilhwilkins3275]

You may want to add the monthly cost for the purchase of the truck and RV these aren't normal costs for 99% of people. What did you pay for the truck, RV and hitch? To buy what you have you are looking at about $150,000.

[@lisamartin8606]

You are good youtubers..very entertaining

[@marcussilveritis4385]

I needed this info ,thinking about doing the same, good vid

[@ifly64s]

Great info!! You also have to buy the RV and the truck. Even if this is paid in full ya might want to add a depreciation per mile figure in with this calculation. If you pay payments, then you'd need to track the interest expense on top of that.