We just talked our low income cousin into joining Escapees and considering the RV lifestyle. This guy can fix anything, but is a very low stress/low income kinda guy. He will soon have social security for about $500/mo. + another $500 or so from an investment.

Anybody know of anybody RVing on this kind of budget these days??
He doesn't do email, so I will print any responses I get and mail to him.
You can also email me directly at bluesky@teleport.com.

Appreciate any real life low budget experiences that I can forward to Cousin Dick.

Is your cousin's Social Security benefit SSI or because he is 62 or older? If it is SSI, he may have health insurance problems as SSI is usually tied to a state Medicaid program that would require a permanent in-state address or something that looked enough like it to "pass". Health insurance or the ability to pay cash for your health needs is something to be considered before becoming a full-time RVer. Some people are comfortable traveling without insurance, but not everyone.

$1000 a month would be pretty tight. Several road acquaintances -- in their late 50's -- live on a pretty small budget. As individuals, I don't know how much they live on. Bought used, their living accommodations would have been new about 20 plus years ago.

It's a rare day when they pay a campground fee -- perhaps an occassional dump fee. They are usually parked on BLM or Forest Service land in the west -- typically Arizona. They don't travel and explore as much as I do so they save fuel. They don't have health insurance. Mostly vegetarian, they shop carefully.

When I looked at my expenses, I determined that I could probably get close to $1000 a month if I removed all discretionary expenses, didn't pay for camping and didn't explore all over the US.

A fourth guy who would be in that same category is able to use veteran services for any health issues.

My mother gets about $1100 a month. She owns her own home and automobile so only has to pay utilities, groceries. She has been able to save upward to $500 a month and pay cash for any big things and repairs. Some people can. I cannot. Some people might could travel on that much money. I could not. If my mom was so inclined, she could have traveled and made it on $1100 a month.

We are on SSD and have been for 12 years, up and down around 1000 per month ( get a raise and then they tack on more cost for medicare or something). We don`t go out dancing or eat out very much but have Dish Network in the MH so that takes care of the extra stuff like movies. We also eat some of the Angel Food which helps a lot. Like I once said to someone that wondered how much it cost to live the RV lifestyle, how much you got?, that is how much it takes.

See yall in the funnies, Warren

I am not RV ing yet fulltime yet but it could happen in the future. Personally I had figured I could get by on $500 a month if had to be. If I have no motorhome payment, and move around little and boondock that would sure keep expenses minimum. When I saw some on the board say it costs them a min of $2,000 a month I was going like What??

I had planned on selling my arts n crafts and living on $500 a month. Right I wouldnt be eating steak or doing any fun things but could flea market and make money and that would have been fun. or sell on ebay. Of course that takes internet but if you have a verizon cell phone it could be done with that on your free time and not cost.Internet would be slow but whats the hurry?

As far as health insurance a big share of Americans do not have any. I have lived without insurance before.

It is kind of sad that medicaid and food stamps require a permanent address. dont know if someone had that kind of help if they could still get it I mean you would have a permanent home.....your motorhome. if it were me I would stay in a camp for a while and say that was permanent and go from there. SSI and Health n Welfare are going to have to take full time RV rs into consideration. I think you can have your SS put on automatic depsoit. Perhaps someone could use family members address as a permanent address and just let that be their permanent address if they have to have one. Its not lying really. It would be your permanent address and your motorhome you off and on one.

There are people working full time at a regular job in this great economy of ours and clearing little more $500 a month thanks to low wages and right to work states etc. Anyway, obviously they have to live on it. They probably have room mates etc but if your cousin pays cash for his motorhome heck I dont see why you couldnt live on that much. What say $30-40 a week for food? A little for propane and gas, motorhome insurance and registration wouldnt be that much. so what is that? $200 a month? That leaves $300 a month for what? Smokes, a beer now and then, a visit to a park etc. Those first flea market table fees? Save a little each month for RV repair.

If I was him I would though try to have a small nest egg stashed away for emergencies before he heads out to do this

It sounds like a fun challenge to me.
$1,000 a month? If my motorhome was paid for I could easily live on that and live quite well!

For me to make $500 -1,000 on ebay would be relatively simple and could easily live on that for one person. Of course I would either have to do cell phone internet or get the other thing they use . There is always flea markets etc to make a few dollars and they are fun. Does your cousin do any art, crafts? or just have a knack for finding good bargains he could re sell?

I think it is very very possible. Best way to look at it as a fun adventure!

P.S. I just edited my English on this in case there are any English professors on this forum. lol I was a staight A student in English I just forget to care sometimes lol

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sallygoodin,

Let me suggest that the answer has to be based upon just what the person wishes to do as he lives in the RV. At $1000 per month, what does he have to buy? Clearly he isn't going to get a health insurance policy and still live on it so I'll assume that he has some other kind of coverage. It is my guess that survival is possible, as would be the survival style of living if that is what he enjoys. Clearly you can't buy very much $3/gallon fuel on that budget, so that would mean very little travel. There are options for RV sites that would provide them free, such as volunteer positions like we do a lot of. That would greatly extend the distance a budget will go.

Let me suggest that you take a look at the four years of actual expenses that we have posted on our web site (found in my signature) and perhaps even copy them for him. Clearly you can then pare down the things that we have which are higher because there are two of us and you could eliminate things like long term care insurance. Each person's budget is different, but since we live fairly frugally, I think that you could get some useful information from it.

In my view, it could be done, but it would not be easy and it would be pretty limiting on travel. But that may not be a problem if it fits his lifestyle.

Cuz Dick is one of our favorite people on planet Earth. Lots of fun, oddball traits, enjoys "shopping" at thrift stores, etc. He is thinking of a good mileage vehicle (diesel or Toyota PU) & possibly a slide-on camper, or a Class B van.
Not adverse to working while traveling, which would solve a lot of financial problems.
I just want to send him some "real life" stories to show that it is possible. He can access email when he wants, he just doesn't like computers much!
Thanks for all your responses.
NOte: We finally updated our signature!

Yes,it is possible to live on $1000.00 a month. I've lived on that most of my life. My 2 young children and I were abandoned by my alcoholic husband 40 years ago and although I worked full time, never earned enough to be able to live comfortably.Never received child support either. Child care,food and rent took most of my pay check. You LEARN to live within your budget. Since your cousin is mechanically inclined, he should be able to live on a bare bones budget.Mom helped me out with a down payment on a mobile home, and since I couldn't afford repairs, I learned to paint, wallpaper, do electrical and plumbing repairs, even learned to do automobile repairs.I learned all this by checking out tons of home/auto repair books at the library.I might add, having an excellent credit record is beneficial to a low income person. Unexpected costly repairs could be charged.

When the mobile home was paid for, I renovated it and sold it.Immediately purchased 2 acres of land and a new mobile home.....this time my take home pay was about $1300 a month.Without my mom's co-sign, I don't think I would have progressed this far.

In 1999 I sold the property, purchased a $10,000 motor home (cash) and hit the road. My budget was $1000 a month and I was able to live on that amount only by boondocking out west. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of boondocking....purchased and installed solar equipment and catalytic heater myself as finances allowed.I camp hosted for a season. You will find thousands of people boondocking out west on very limited funds. Actually, it's quite fun! And everyone is happy.Boondocking BLM areas will have everything from a small casita to a Prevost.

Shop the thrift stores, see if a food bank is in the area,shop grocery stores wisely,use coupons,and yes,it can be done. Put the word out that you need help with a vehicle or motor home repair....or need info about solar equipment...ask, ask, ask. Health insurance??I haven't had any for 15 years. Am fortunate to be in good health.

I now have a SS check each month,will be eligible for Medicare in a few years, and met my husband on the road.Have upgraded to a diesel pusher. Boondock 80% of the time and can't wait to get back out west for the winter where people are REAL. It's a wonderful lifestyle and I am so grateful that 8 years ago I spoke to someone who recommended that I give up my very stressful job and change my lifestyle. It's the best thing I ever did.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ginsou,

We have owned a beach-home (and assorted RV's) in Baja for over 35 years now. We have become well acquainted with and know the lifestyles of scores of snowbirding RVers' who boondock-camp on some of the many fine beaches we have on both sides of our 1000-mile-long peninsula.

There are certainly many nice campgrounds available with full hookups, but the plentiful dry-camping beaches attract the more self-sustaining RVers. The camping fee is always cheap..around 3-5 dollars per day. Fishing, clamming, campfires, and good comraderie are bonuses to this choice.

Our east side, the Sea of Cortez, is by far the best and most popular. There are many, many regulars amongst this mass of 5th Wheels, motorhomes, and pickup campers. We have known a lot of them personally for many years now, and can say that staying within a $1000/month budget could be easily done in this situation.

The EXTRA COST factor comes from the distances involved to get there from the USA. A long road trip from just about anywhere except San Diego, the US gas prices enroute are going to play heck with any budget. Thankfully, paying the high cost of US gas is just a twice yearly event for most. Once in Mexico fuel is much, much cheaper and helps a budget.

I saw my first Airstream TT caravan ever in Baja in 1976. There were 150 of the silver guys all lined up on the beach. Truly, Baja has been the ultimate for boondockers who are well-equipped and like being self-sufficient. Hundreds and hundreds have been doing just that since the paved highway opened in 1973-74. I know, because I was there long before and watched it all happen. Today, it is happening stronger than ever.


So, yes, you certainly can RV on a $1,000/month budget...especially boondocking in Baja on a nice beach! Viva Baja!

Maybe this will help TK.....


From what I have seen when traveling and what I have read on the many different RV forums,

RV parks average about $25 per night for full hookups and $275 per month for extended stays.

Some parks are as cheap as $10 per night and under $100 per month for extended stays.

On the other hand, I have seen and heard of some RV parks charging over $100 per night for full hook ups and well over $1000.00 monthly rates.

Check out this month's issue of Trailer Life Magazine, page 18... or on the web at http://www.campland.com
Wow !! talk about expensive !!

If you stay in a park that has no bells and whistles, that is, no nearby tourist attraction, no fishing lake, or is located more than twenty miles to a town,,, they will be cheaper..

My friend stays down in Arizona each winter and pays $56 per month for a full hook-up which includes water, sewer and garbage pickup.. The cable TV and utilities are extra of course..

Here is a rough breakdown of my own expenses.

Total monthly income = $1285.00
Social Sec. $1227.00
Veterans disability $58.00

Monthly expenses =

Rent .. $285 in winter and $345 in summer. Utilities and cable television are extra.

My park is right in town, walking distance to everything from grocery stores to movies, to restaurants ...to .. to ..well, everything !! And Carson City is a medium size city..

Electricity .. $50.00 (+/-)

Cable Television $25.00

Propane .. based on $2.55 per gallon
Summertime ..$3.00 per month
Wintertime ..$75 to $100 per month

Truck fuel.. based on $3.00 per gallon
$5 to $20 depends on how active I am that month

Truck insurance.. (2 of them)
$485.30 for 6 months "Full coverage with CSE ins. company (
$485.30 divided by 6 months = $82 per month)

Trailer insurance ..
$318.00 for full year complete "Home Owner's" policy with Foremost Ins.
($318 divided by 12 months = $26.50 per month)

Food ..
$100.00 to $125.00 includes lots of steak and seafood items ... the trick ?? Make a list for the entire month and stick to it.
Do not buy anything that is not on your grocery list.

Medical .. $8 per month co-pay for each prescription at the VA Hospital.

Everything else from the VA is free, all operations, doctor visits, etc...

I also have Medicare .. I kept part "A" only, I don't need part "B" of the Medicare coverage.

This saves me over $500 per month for health insurance. I realize that some folks are not veterans and therefore don't have this medical coverage. So medical premiums must be figured into their budgets.

SBC/AT&T Phone ..$5.00 (senior rate) for unlimited local calls.
I dropped long distance on land line phone and use land line strictly for computer during winter months.

Cellular phone ..
$39.99 = 450 min prime time plus 5000 min anytime plus no roaming and no long distance, plus "Roll Over" minutes are FANTASTIC...
(The reason I dropped land line long distance)

Cellular "Data" service with GC83 air card ...
$59.99 for UNLIMITED data , UNLIMITED time online and don't have to worry about looking for a "hot Spot" or having to pay roaming or long distance charges to be online.

I use the cellular data about 6 months out of the year when traveling.

Laundromat ..
including soap, bleach and dryer cloths ...$9.00

Personal things ..toilet paper, razor, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc………………….. $3.00

Haircut ..$8.00, just went up from $5

Cleaning supplies ..Dishsoap, scouring powder, etc: .. $1.00

Internet access..$9.95 JUNO.COM for full unrestricted access 24 hours per day.

As you can see I get by very comfortable with money left over for foolish things like eating out once in a while.

I don't “boon dock“, I live in a very nice RV park in Carson City. As per my signature, you can see that my trucks and 5th wheel are over ten years old.. But they all are in excellent shape.. and paid for.

I don't travel around a lot, 6 months here ... 6 months there .. But I always winter in Carson City, Where the winters are about medium ... some cold days and a lot of nice days..

The trick is not to try and keep up with the Joneses.. live your own life on your own terms.

Just do what "YOU" want to do... and don't try to fly with the flock when summer comes around ..

Hope this helps

John

the two of us are doing it on about $1500. the rv is paid for and so is the toad. our expenses are food, gas, cell satellite internet, DW health care and other. my health care is VA provided.

R

I read your post and got that he is now looking for a better way of life than he presently is happy with.

I doubt if he can afford any kind of personal insurance on that budget, but 45million also dont have it. The circumstanes dictate the ends to a lot of people. There is always emergency medical available.
There are many who live in older , nice rvs, that do not move much, live in 150 dollar a month parks that are safe, secure and friendly. There is always a job for someone who wants to work. Even if he got a free site for work, he could be, I said could be, better off.

When one reaches , what they feel , is the end of the rainbow for where they are and where they are headed, a change is needed. Most humans can deal with the changes.

I think if he wants to do it, he can,
thats the big challange and sometimes the best fun in life.

We have been on the road 2 months now. Our whole budgeted expenses comes to $1500 a month. We are work campming (volunteering)and have Tri care through the Navy. So far so good we plan meals and keep track of everything. No internet or TV, if it isn't free don't need it (yet). Having the time of our lives at 48!

You have to adress the medical care situation and vehicle insurance along with fuel/ up keep and expenses. One of the best deals for me has been the volunteer situation. I get parking spot and utilities for easy phyical work and usually not more than 24 hours a week unless I want to do more. You have to have some cash put back for emergencies like break downs and repair. Or someone you can put the touch on until you can repay them. Some places are so desparate for quality volunteers they will ask you to stay year round so they don't lose you. Some even pay a small stipend that isn't taxable. I think I remember one in Montana that was offering $115. a week several years ago be cause it was so remote. This could change though because the federal agencies budgets are really being cut. I have only volunteered at 5 places for the last 10 years and every one asked me to stay after they had got to "try n me before they bought me." That made me a known quantity versus someone new coming in.