Travel aficionados love the liberty, independence, spontaneity and the carefree life motor home owners enjoy. However, many non-RVers think that vacationing in luxury rigs is beyond their means. They are not right in their assumption because traveling in an RV is cost-effective than staying in a hotel. It’s not necessary to invest in a brand-new vehicle. You can enjoy a relaxed, affordable and enjoyable vacation even in a pre-owned rig. So, if you’re looking for used motor homes for sale and planning a vacation with your family or friends, there is no need to break your bank. With RVs costing around $150,000 to $200,000 and fuel prices skyrocketing, you might be wondering how RV-ing is an affordable option for any average family! Well, here are three myths about RV-ing to help you make an informed decision.
Myth 1: Investing in a Motor Home Will Cost You an Earth
There is no doubt that a new home-on-wheels just out of the factory will cost you millions of dollars. But, why invest in a new rig at all?
The Reality: If you don’t have a fascination of vacationing in a custom, 40-foot long Class A rig, you have many other options. You can consider buying a 24 or 30-foot used vehicle that can easily accommodate four to six people without you having to worry about budget. Even smaller rigs, trailers and fifth-wheels are pretty cost-effective if you invest in a pre-owned model. You can even consider buying a used Class C rig that is fully equipped with bedding, kitchen, appliances, utensils and the internet.
Myth 2: RV Fuel Costs are Too High
Gas prices are soaring, no doubt about it, but fueling your family car is not cheap either. For example, if you’re traveling in the British Columbia, gas prices will come to $4.80 to $6.00 a gallon. And, if you’re considering air travel, flight fares have gone up considerably in the last few years.
The Reality: There are several ways in which you can cut back on gas prices. Here are some tips to help you:
Travel in smaller rigs: The bigger the motor home, the more fuel it will use up. For example, a huge 40-foot Class A RV will consume 18 to 29 liters of gas per 100km, which comes to 8-13 mpg. A smaller vehicle such as a Class C model will consume only 16 to 23 liters per 100km (10-15 mpg). So, choose your rig wisely to save on gas prices.
Drive Slow: Consider driving at 80 to 90 kph, i.e. 55 mph, which is ideal for saving fuel.
Pack Lesser Items: The less you pack, the better for you. That’s because a heavier rig will require more fuel to haul it.
Myth 3: Hotel Accommodations are Cheaper
No, staying in hotels and resorts are more expensive than staying in your motor home.
The Reality: The cost of staying in a hotel, resort or motel has gone up in the last few years. Based on a 2014 report, the standard cost of hotel accommodation is $148 to $170 per night. And, this is the cost of just one hotel room. The cost will obviously go up if you’re traveling with your family or a group.
On the contrary, you can save on accommodation cost when staying in a used RV. Though parking your rig is not free, camping fees are not as exorbitant as hotel accommodations. There are many ways to cut back on the costs of an RV park. For example, you can look for discounts and can even consider joining membership camping networks and save more on campground costs. Again, cooking in your RV rather than dining in expensive restaurants can save you a lot of money.
Look for used motor homes for sale if you want to travel without creating a dent in your wallet. With the RV-ing myths dispelled, you can now look forward to a fun-filled, relaxed, flexible and affordable vacation.
