Melvin and Elaine Halvorson of Rose Valley, Sask., have been avid RVers their entire married life.
They acquired their first fifth-wheel in the 1970s. That RV was parked at Gordie Howe Park in Saskatoon and a schoolyard in Melfort, Sask., while Elaine, an elementary school teacher, took summer school classes. Various RVs got plenty of use as their family arrived and expanded.
These days, 20 years into retirement, they take to the road in an fifth wheel, complete with fireplace and central vac, pulled by a three-quarter ton diesel truck.
Read Also
Farming Smarter receives financial boost from Alberta government for potato research
Farming Smarter near Lethbridge got a boost to its research equipment, thanks to the Alberta government’s increase in funding for research associations.
In the 1990s, they worked for a custom combining company for four years starting in Kansas or Oklahoma and making their way northward, living in their RV.
Other RV adventures have included a trip up the Alaska Highway while working summer jobs in a motel-restaurant, and a trip across the United States with Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service, a non-denominational Christian organization.
They volunteered their time for the maintenance, service and construction of non-profit Christian children’s homes, schools, colleges, camps, conference centres and churches.
Melvin says the truck averages 10 to 12 miles to the gallon when pulling the fifth wheel. Diesel was a better buy before gas prices took a dip, but now, not so much.
Strategies – After the farm:
Should you go or can you stay?
Thinking of buying a vacation property in Arizona?
Lower gas prices have probably encouraged more snowbirds to take to the road with their trailer or motor home. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to many.
Fuel is probably the highest expense after the purchase of the recreational vehicle, but RV enthusiasts say there are ways to mitigate that issue.
Packing lighter and slowing down (80 to 90 km-h is optimum for saving fuel) can all help lower fuel costs.
Parking is another significant expense. Changin’ Gears, an RVer website, says a primitive camping site in the U.S. with an RV dump station, common facilities such as bathrooms showers and no hookups would cost $3 to $10 a day. It goes up to $10 to $30 for a site with water and electricity and $15 to $50 for a site with water, electricity and sewage.
Many parks offer 10 to 15 percent discounts to RV club members and seniors who pay daily. These perks don’t apply when paying weekly, but monthly rates provide the greatest savings.
Adventurous types can park their RV on public lands, courtesy of the U.S.’s Bureau of Land Management, but there are zero amenities. The only stipulation is that you spend no more than 14 days in one spot.
However, “dispersed camping,” which means relocating to a new spot at least 25 miles away every 14 days, can extend the stay in the area as long as you like.
The BLM has also designated long-term visitor areas (LTVA), where you may camp for up to seven months. You can buy a short visit permit, which is valid for 14 consecutive days for $40, or a long-term permit for $180.
The long-term permit is valid for the entire season, which runs from Sept.15 to April 15. Both of these permits are valid in any of the designated LTVAs.
These areas will have a dump station and a source of water nearby, and there might be a telephone. It’s very basic but very affordable.
Many Walmart stores will allow and even encourage RVers to park in their parking lots. This decision is made by individual store managers, so make sure you ask.
Food is another expense but your on-board kitchen means food costs could be pretty close to what they are at home.
Communication is not something many of us really want to leave behind, at least not for very long. Shop around for the best rates on cell coverage, TV and internet. Knowing where you’re going and for how long will help you determine and perhaps even negotiate these costs.
Maintenance will depend on the type of RV, its age and the DIY skills of the people in it.
Other expenses, such as medical prescriptions, entertainment and pets, will be very similar to home. If you’re leaving Canada, be sure to get extra medical insurance.
Renting is an alternative to buying a motor home, fifth wheel or trailer. The average 25-foot class C motor home, which is the type with a bed over the cab, rents for $1,000 to $1,200 a week with unlimited miles. These come fully equipped with kitchen utensils, plates, glasses, cups, cooking pots, towels and bedding. There are no costs for maintenance, insurance or registration. Just pack your clothes, start your engine and hit the road.
