Isaac-1,
Everything you listed in your original post on this thread needs to be considered in actual "cost" of RVing. Everything.
"cost of purchase, cost of ownership (insurance, storage, maintenance), cost of travel, fuel, campground cost. How about all those costs that tend to not be mentioned, the cost to set up a car for flat towing, or the cost of provisioning an RV with BBQ grill, camp chairs, kitchen goods, etc. Just look at the line item of campground / travel costs, "
Yes, you are absolutely correct in bringing to attention all of these items as they are ALL "costs" that "they" (or you are me) would not have if we did not have an RV at all.
And I agree with everyone too, the "cost" depends upon the lifestyle of the individual. Those costs do include the original price of the RV plus interest being paid if financing it, title, tags, insurance too. Those are "costs" most people do not think about.
We've financed all of our campers (we've had 5 different ones over our married lifetime). I'll give you an example here.
The actual cost of our current Montana High Country Fifth Wheel was around $80,000. We traded our previous camper that still had a loan on it, and we got an extra $10,000 out of it that went toward the $80,000. So there is the first $10,000.
Then we financed the rest and paid interest for 2 and 1/2 years and paid the entire trailer off. I imagine over that 2 and 1/2 years, we paid $3,000 in interest. So, now our "cost" for the actual camper (just the purchase), was $83,000.
But! We paid it off in 2 and 1/2 years. Doesn't matter. We've had the camper for over 5 years now. $83,000 divided by 5 years equals $16,600 a year.
If we own the camper for 10 years, the cost of the actual purchase is now $8,300 a year.
(However, if you, or anyone) is not able to pay for the camper up front or pay it off quickly, you'll be paying interest for years. THAT is also part of the cost.
Folks just don't think about that. All they can see, an RV is "cheap". Um ... actually, no. That is not the case at all. It's a myth and YOU are in a great position to wake people up and help them realize what they are getting into BEFORE they learn the hard way that it's something they really cannot not afford.
Now add on all the other costs? I feel pretty certain, on an average, for all the different repairs and upgrades we've done to our current camper, we've invested $5000 a a YEAR into our camper. This includes broken axles, broken slides, installing washer and dryer, broken ceiling fans, tires, repacking bearings, awning replacement, and the list goes on and on. So, for just the cost of purchase and the cost of maintenance and upkeep, the annual "cost" for the 5 years, is now $21,600.
Add everything else .... And watch your friends eyes pop open. BUT they need to know the TRUE COST! Which includes EVERYTHING!
Don't give them any actual $$$ amounts. Give them the list you put together above. If they are truly serious about RV ownership and usage, then they'll need to discover for themselves what each line items will cost THEM. Otherwise, they are just being nosey and not really serious.
But, always end the discussion by saying, these 2 things:
First, RVing is a lifestyle. It a lifestyle choice. It's more than just a part time "hobby". Regardless if you use your camper only 1 day a year, or if you live in it full time, it's a lifestyle choice. It's going to cost and cost dearly. The more you use it, the more you'll feel justified in the expense it costs you.
and Second: There cannot be a dollar value set on the enjoyment you (or me) receive from RV ownership. That enjoyment not only includes the travel, but the enjoyment also includes when the camper is parked at home, and even when doing repairs on it. Think of it in terms of a "hobby" that's turned into a lifestyle. There is no price that can be placed on that, any more than the price one can put how much they engage in sport events, music, dance, or any other "hobby" that consumes one's time and money. RVing is "priceless".
Yes, it costs. And yes everyone need to be sure they can successfully afford to do it. But, just like living in a house or an apartment, or in Grandman's basement, we all adjust our lifestyles to what our personal finances can afford.