Many first time RVers are unaware of how much it costs to own an RV – but you deserve to know what to expect before you decide RVing is right for you.
When you buy an RV a lot of additional costs that seem to come out of nowhere. You have to get insurance, buy parts, and realize you even need to pay to park and store the thing!
We’ve been helping RV buyers know what to expect with RVs for 30+ years at Bish’s. We know that an RV is a big investment, so we don’t want you to waste one minute shopping for one if it’s not what’s best for you. Here we’ll share what you can expect to spend on your RV once you own it, so you can make the best decision for you.
The Costs of RVing
- RV Parts
- Winterizing & Dewinterizing an RV
- RV Sales Tax, Title, and Registration Fees for an RV
- RV Insurance Prices
- Gas Costs for RVs
- RV Campgrounds and Storage
- RV Service & Repairs
- Find Your RV
How Much Will RV Parts Cost Me?
Figuring out which parts you need to buy before taking your RV out for the first time can be overwhelming. Here is a quick rundown of the added parts you need to camping comfortably.
Essential Parts:
- Sewer hose: $40 – $175
- Toilet chemicals: $11 – $50
- Fresh water hose: $25 – $60 (standard hose), $350 – $500 (upper-end, heated hose)
- RV safe toilet paper: $5 – $10 (pack of 4 rolls)
- Water pressure regulator valve: $15 – $130
- Wheel Chocks: $3 (plastic) – $240 (x-chocks)
- RV Adapter Cord: $25 – $75
- Surge Protector: $140 – $480
Total: $264 – $1,220
Nice to Have:
- Water Filter: $50 (filter) – $580 (water purifier)
- Stick-on Level: $5 – $35
Total: $55 – $615
Where To Buy RV Parts
Dealers usually have a parts department where you can buy RV parts. You can also buy most of these parts on Amazon. If a part is out of stock in store it may be faster to buy online than wait for a store to restock their inventory.
Bish’s Essential RV Parts Price
Bish’s RV provides our customers with a recommended parts guide to help choose the parts they need.
At Bish’s, all the items on this list will cost you about $350.
For less than $175 a Bish’s Go Camp bundle includes:
- 20′ Sewer Hose
- 25′ Fresh Water Hose
- Brass Water Pressure Regulator
- Black Tank Treatment
- RV Toilet Paper 4-PK
- Pack of Gloves
- Collapsible Container
Check out our locations nationwide to buy your bundle or read more about the RV parts you may need and what they’ll cost.
How Much Does it Cost to Winterize an RV?
What is winterization and why do you need to winterize your RV?
Winterizing your camper prevents your water lines and pipes from freezing. When water freezes in your pipes the ice expands and takes up more space. This can crack the pipes in your RV.
Not winterizing your camper can cause serious damage and cost you a significant amount of time and money in repairs.
The price of winterizing your RV will depend on whether you pay someone to do it or do it yourself.
Cost to Have a Professional Winterize Your Camper
If a professional winterizes your RV you’ll pay for the tech’s time and the antifreeze used.
It will cost usually from $85 – $150, with an average price of $110.
How many appliances use water in your camper will also affect the cost to winterize your RV. If you have a washer/dryer or a fridge with an ice maker in it, it will probably cost a little extra to have your RV winterized.
Free Professional Winterizations From Bish’s RV
Bish provides free yearly RV winterizations to all our RV buyers as part of our Diamond Club Membership.
If you aren’t handy, you can drop off your camper and have your RV winterized for free. If you prefer to do it yourself, you can pick up the antifreeze to do the winterization yourself at no extra cost.
Cost of DIY RV Winterization
If you are handy and don’t mind spending an hour or two figuring out how to winterize your RV yourself, you can watch a YouTube video, buy a few gallons of antifreeze, get your tools, and winterize your camper yourself.
How much antifreeze you need will depend on the size of the tanks and water heater in your RV. 2-3 gallons is usually enough for most RVs.
Antifreeze will cost you anywhere from $4 per gallon to $10 per gallon.
Choosing to winterize your RV yourself can save you a lot of money each year. Just be aware that if it’s not done correctly, you’ll risk expensive damage to your RV.
Dewinterization
You’ll also have to dewinterize your RV before you use it.
It will cost from $75 to $200 to have it done professionally.
Dewinterizing is much easier than winterizing your camper, so you can always save money and do it yourself.
To dewinterize you un-bypass the water heater and run water through your lines until clear water runs from your faucets.
How Much are Sales Tax, Title, and Registration Fees for an RV?
When you buy a camper for the first time, you may forget that you must pay sales tax and other fees to properly title and register your camper.
A dealership may be willing to include these fees into the purchase agreement of your camper and then cut a check back to you to cover the cost, but most of the time, you will have to register your camper and pay these fees out of pocket.
Make sure to check with your state and county for an estimate on what you’ll need to pay since fees will vary depending on the state and county where you title your camper.
RV Sales Tax
Your state and county, and how much you paid for your camper will determine the sales tax you need to pay. Each state has different rules.
Here’s an example: In Nebraska the sales tax is determined by county and state sales taxes. If you live in Douglas County, the sales tax rate is 7% because it combines the state and county sales tax rates, but in Sarpy County you’ll spend 5.5% because their county does not charge a county sales tax.
Iowa, on the other hand, has a state tax rate of 6% and the state government allows counties to charge up to 1% more based on the county’s authority.
You can contact your local county treasurer’s office (vehicle registration office) with a quote of the amount you intend to spend on a camper, to find out exactly what you’ll pay in tax. If you do not have an exact amount, they can still give you an estimate.
Your Bish’s dealer’s finance department can also help you understand what you’ll be expected to pay. Contact an RV outfitter for help.
Title and Lien Fees
Title and lien fees are usually part of the total amount you pay when you register your RV.
The registration office where you live can quote you a grand total and itemize the amounts you need to pay.
These fees are usually minimal. In Nebraska, these range around $7 and $10, or from $10 and $25 in Iowa.
Each state will vary.
Cost to Register Your RV
In some states the DMV will let the dealership handle titling for you. If your state works this way the dealership will send your title work to the DMV.
From there you will have to pay the taxes and fees to receive the plates for your camper.
When you’ve purchased your RV, you’ll have a certain time frame to register it without getting a late fee. This time frame changes from state to state.
Each state and even county also has a different way to handle registration fees. Prevent these fees by checking your state and county’s registration process requirements.
How Much Is RV Insurance?
Many first-time RVers are surprised to learn they are required to show proof of insurance for their RV. RV buyers will ask, “Do I need RV insurance?”
Yes.
Every state requires you to have at least minimum liability coverage if you will drive (or tow) your camper on the road, just like car insurance.
So, how much does RV insurance cost?
The average yearly premium for a camper/motorhome is $712.
Motorized RVs generally have a higher insurance premium than travel trailers or 5th wheels because there is more liability.
According to Progressive, in 2020 the average premium for a towable camper was $502 per year and the average annual premium for a motorhome was $848.
You can get a free quote for your RV from insurance companies Adventure Club or Roamly.
Annual Insurance Premium by RV Type
- Class A: $1,300
- Class B: $1,000
- Class C: $800
- Camper Van: $1,100
- Travel Trailer: $650
- 5th Wheel: $1,000
- Pop Up Trailer: $400
*Statistics according to a Roamly.com expert*
How Much Does Gas Cost for an RV?
The size of your RV’s tank, the type of gas it uses, and the price of gas will determine how much you should expect to pay to fill your tank.
The cost to fill up will be much different if you fill up a Class A diesel pusher than if you fill up a Class B Sprinter Van.
How Big is an RV Gas Tank?
Some Class A diesel pushers have gas tanks that can hold up to 100 gallons, where Class Bs and Cs hold around 25 gallons.
At the current average price of $3.50 a gallon (as of June 2024), this could cost from around $88 to $350 to fill your RV’s tank.
What is the Typical RV Gas Mileage?
- Class A motorhomes average 8 to 14 miles per gallon
- Class Bs average 20 to 26 mpg
- Class Cs average 15 to 20 mpg
- Diesel pushers generally provide more energy efficiency which can increase your motorhome’s miles per gallon, according to Sean Williams from Topnotch Outdoor.
If you are towing a camper, expect your gas mileage to decrease. Take this into consideration when traveling for the first time and be aware of your fuel gauge so you do not get stranded.
The weight of your camper and the power of your tow vehicle’s engine will determine your mpg.
If you were to tow the same camper with a diesel truck vs a regular Ford F150, the diesel truck’s more powerful engine would get better gas mileage while towing.
What is the Cost of RV Storage & Parking?
On average, it costs between $50 to $500 per month to store a camper.
A storage facility will be more expensive the more options and features they offer.
When choosing an RV storage facility, the type of storage and how easy it is to get to your location are two important considerations.
Learn more about RV storage, why it matters, where to store an RV, and the different types of storage options available.
How Much Does it Cost to Park at an RV Campground?
Where to park your RV is an important consideration, so you may be asking, “Where am I going to park my camper and how much will it cost?”
RV campgrounds can cost anywhere from $0 – $175 a night. The length of your stay, the location, and the type of campground you select will all affect the cost of a campsite.
Some RV campgrounds will let you stay for an extended time, which is ideal if you’re looking to live in your camper.
Long-term RV Park rates range from $100 to $1,500 per month. These parks usually charge on a per-month basis, which is usually cheaper than the daily rate.
The amenities that come with these campsites vary from park to park, but you can usually expect basics like electric and water hookups, WiFi, and some facilities (ex. gyms, laundry rooms, bath houses, etc.).
Is it Cheaper to Stay in an RV?
If you’ve wondered if the price to stay in your camper is comparable to a hotel or other rental, here are some stats to help you compare:
- In 2023 the average cost of a one room AirBnb was $158 per night, according toUSA Today.
- The average cost of a hotel room in the United States in 2021 is $155 per night, according to Statista.com.
- The average cost to rent a cabin ranges from $100 to $300 per night. Renting a cabin will likely come with a cleaning fee of around $100.
The length of stay, size, and location of the room/airbnb/cabin will all factor into the average cost of these accommodations.
Common RV Repair Prices
Unfortunately no RV works perfectly all the time. The systems and parts on a camper can break regularly since you are basically putting a house on wheels through hurricane and earthquake-like conditions every time you take it down the road.
As you use your camper things are going to move, shift, and, unfortunately, wear down over time.
The parts needed and the amount of labor needed to fix the problem will determine how much your repair costs.
Each service center will have different pricing available for service. As of 2/1/2023, Bish’s RV service centers charge the cost of parts and $185 per hour for service work (or $155 per hour for RVers who purchased their camper from us, as part of our included Diamond Club membership).
Some of the most common service repair orders we see in Bish’s RV cost an average of:
- Water Pump Failure: $200-250+
- Air Conditioner repairs: $1,000+
- Water Heater repairs: $1,500-2,000+
- Trim issues: costs vary widely depending on level of damage
Your RV’s repair(s) may be covered by a manufacturer or extended service warranty. If the repair is covered, then you will not need to worry about spending your own money. I
If you are planning on RVing for a while, prepare yourself for eventual service costs. Eventually problems will pop up.
RVFix – Out on the Road, Out of the Shop
If you buy your RV from RVFix, you’ll get a free year of our RVFix service. RVFix is meant to keep you out of the service center as much as possible so you can spend your time actually camping.
When a problem pops up you’ll have access to master RV technician over video chat. The tech can help diagnose the problem, walk you through a repair, order warranty approval or parts, and schedule your repair – if needed.
40% of RVFix users get their RV repaired without ever stepping foot in the service center or spending money on service. Most of the RVers who do need service only have their RV in the shop for 1-3 days!
In shop service prices will depend on the repair and whether or not your RV is under warranty.
Find out how BishFix works to see if it’s a good fit for your next RV.
Average Cost of Service Repairs for an RV/Camper
The average out of pocket cost for an out of warranty service repair in 2022 was $416 at Bish’s RV.
Some service repairs may cost more than others, so we recommend you keep $500 to $1,000 in a repair fund in case you need repairs.
The Cost of Ownership After the Sale
No, the expenses are not over once you’ve purchased your RV, but now you will be aware of and prepared for extra costs, plus have the know-how to understand if you’re being overcharged on a product or service.
At Bish’s RV we want to prevent any of the surprise or hidden costs that may take the fun out of your RV adventure.
If you are in the market to buy an RV, we’d love to help you and your family get out on the open road making memories! Take a look at our inventory to see if we have the right RV for you:
If you have any questions, speak with one of our RV outfitters – they love to help!