I consider myself a newbie when it comes to traveling in an RV. So when my wife and I started planning we focused on the brand and model that we were going to purchase. Although I knew there was going to be some additional costs involved to get things ready for our first trip, I didnt realize just how much. So I wanted to share my experience NOT to deter anyone from the idea that may be thinking about RVing, but to give you some things to consider.
Its a fact that people need stuff, sometimes we have too much, sometimes too little but we all have it. Im still figuring out what is the necessary stuff, what I think is necessary, what is simply a want and what stuff is just plain dumb to consider. So here we go
We brought our new 2014 TT home last month (August) and its still sitting in the driveway. We have been working for just over a month now to get it ready for our first trip. This is what I have purchased.
4 rolls of cheap RV toilet paper that could be used to sand furniture Cost: $5
Wheel chocks Cost:$10
Dog bone for 50 amp to 30 amp plug Cost: $30
Dog bone for 30 amp to 110 plug Cost: $25
Pop-a-plate - Cost: $8
Slide seal treatment Cost: $20
Slide cable dry lube Cost: $20
Several wire baskets Cost: $20
2nd A/C for bunkhouse - $1100
Truck Mirrors Cost: $300
Truck air spring support Cost: $100
WifiRanger Antenna Cost: $350
JD Stabilizer system Cost: $250
Fantastic Fan (installed in vent over the kitchen) Cost: $200
Fan installation kit $8 (Returned)
Lap seal (Wrong color, used anyway) Cost $10
Refrigerator fan Cost: $15
Queen memory foam mattress pad (love it) Cost: $125
8 large Storage tubs Cost: $80
Spice rack Cost: $20
Magnetic knife holder Cost: $10
Knives Cost: $20
3M hooks, tape, Velcro Cost: $40
Brush to wash RV Cost: $20
Mop Cost: $10
2 bottles of Wax - $16
Micro-fiber clothes Cost $10
Scissor jack drill attachment Cost: $8
R/V Water hose Cost: $30
Utility water hose Cost: $20
Storage box for some of the junk Cost: $40
50 foot/ 50amp extension cord Cost: $100
Sewer kit - Cost: $30
Kitchen towel holder Cost: $10
If youre keeping up we are at $2992
.
Leveling blocks (Lego style without the little men) Cost: $30
Water pressure regulator Cost: $40
LP tank gauge Cost: $15
Stick on bubble levels Cost: - $5
Water hose end caps Cost: $3
2 vent shades Cost: $25
1 vent shade cushion Cost: $10 ?
1 gal tank deodorizer Cost: $10
4 Camp chairs Cost: $100
Refrigerator thermometer Cost: $5
Dump station wrench Cost: $8
Were not done
but so far we have spent $3242. We know all the employees at camping world by name. When we walk in, they run the other way.
This is still on the list but has not been purchased.
Awning sun screen Cost: $80
Door step rugs Cost: $30
Patio rug Cost: $70
3 Slide stabilizers Cost: $125
Pots, pans Cost: $50
Adhesive Cost: $5
Indoor thermometer W/ multiple sensors for tanks Cost: $60
Outside Refrigerator thermometer Cost: $5
Shower squeegee Cost: $5
Vent cover Cost: $25
Water thief Cost: $5
Sewer slinky Cost: $20
Twin Memory foam pad for bunk house Cost: $80
Outdoor shower kit Cost: $20
Battery master switch Cost: $40
EZ Hose carrier Cost: $30
Clear hose connector: Cost: $8
Another $658 for a grand total of $3900. But wait, theres more. My wifey wants to buy some new linens, a few decorative thingys and some more kitchen stuff. Each time either of us leaves the driveway we come back with more stuff even if its only to the mail box its likely more stuff will have arrived.
Sorry I have to keep this short, I need some more lap seal and camping world is still open.