Interesting article on camping and economics

[nelle]

Hi,
I know this has been brought up many times but I thought this was interesting.

http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2008/04/01/102082_is-camping-still-an-economical-way-to-travel.html

The only thing that I think she leaves out is insurance for your RV (you do have to have insurance on a RV??I don't know since we don't have one yet )

Also are the sites at the fort really $55 during the summer?? I guess I thought they were more.

Also read the comments at the bottom #4 was good for a laugh.
BTW, I have not officially introduced my self my name is Janelle and I'm a wannabe camper. For now we stay in the cabins but are hoping to buy a rv in the next two years.

 

[big kahuna1]

In reality, camping is not less expensive unless you tent it. You really should take into account the "monthly payment" of your rig. If you do that then camping really is not cheaper...unless you own your rig outright. In addition, you do have the cost of insurance also.

I don't really camp because it might be cheaper. I camp for the lifestyle. Camping beats a hotel/motel almost every single time in my opinion and my opinion is the only one that counts.

 

[AuburnJen92]

I just got the insurance renewal on the rv and it went up to 816.08 for the year. We had a claim last year for a windshield (only half) and it was $1400 for the glass. I am glad we had the insurance. If you are paying on a note for the rig, you have to have insurance, just like you would have for a car/truck. I am upset it went up over $150, but what are you going to do? It is the most comp coverage you can have for a rig, so I will stick with it.

 

[loveDmouse]

We camp for the lifestyle too. We started doing it so we could take our dog on more trips with us. Love having our own bed, bathroom, etc.

 

[clkelley]

I camp for the lifestyle also!!

Wow, Jen on the insurance!! My insurance on the T@B is only $150 a year for full coverage

Also, welcome Nelle!!!!

 

[Dis Dawg]

I just got the insurance renewal on the rv and it went up to 816.08 for the year. We had a claim last year for a windshield (only half) and it was $1400 for the glass. I am glad we had the insurance. If you are paying on a note for the rig, you have to have insurance, just like you would have for a car/truck. I am upset it went up over $150, but what are you going to do? It is the most comp coverage you can have for a rig, so I will stick with it.

Jen, try Progressive. My 2001 Class C is about 350ish per yr with the highest limits you can have. I bet you could cut your premium in half.

 

[auntie]

They mention fuel was $700.00 for one 1600 mile trip. I'm assuming they would be taking more than one trip a year..or season. As mentioned no insurance added to the cost..or payment if they have one.

 

[disney4dan]

Hi,
I know this has been brought up many times but I thought this was interesting.

http://www.savingadvice.com/blog/2008/04/01/102082_is-camping-still-an-economical-way-to-travel.html



Also are the sites at the fort really $55 during the summer?? I guess I thought they were more.

We're staying at a full hook-up site in August for $46 per night at the Fort (AAA discount). Also - when we camp in other locations I stay in MA state parks for about $12 or $14 per night with no utilities or $20 per night with electricity and water (access to dump station, but no sewer hook-up at the site). Private campgrounds in-land range from about $35 per night to $50 per night. Private campgrounds at Old Orchard Beach in Maine add on $5 per night per child to a base price of about $60 per night. And I bet you could not find a single person in a private CG in Old Orchard who would know how to mix Kungaloosh!

Prior to getting our camper, we would maybe get in a two week vacation once per year. Now, we get in one week at the beach ($20 per night and we cook our own meals like we would at home), several weekend trips at $12 per night to run on our own batteries and use water in our own tanks, and one or two trips to locations for a week like the mountains or WDW this summer. Plus, our trip this summer will include a stop in VA for some history and SC for the beach. Those stops sure beat a layover in Atlanta's airport for a few hours.

But, best of all, the fun you get from wondering how long it will take for the clueless driver aimlessly crawling along the access ramp talking on a cell phone and totally unaware that they are parallel with a truck towing a 29 foot travel trailer. That look of shear panic on their face when they wake up and realize that their only options are to stomp on the accelerator and try to get in front of the truck or stomp on the brake and wait for an opening in the line of cars who have not been able to pass the trailer in heavy traffic. I have no idea how commercial truck drivers have the patience.

 

[AuburnJen92]

I have no idea how commercial truck drivers have the patience.

I don't either. Just because you drive an RV, doesn't mean it stops like a car! If people would just realize that, life would be much safer on the road. Our rig is 29K lbs. They pull in front of us like we have the capacity to stop!

 

[AuburnJen92]

Jen, try Progressive. My 2001 Class C is about 350ish per yr with the highest limits you can have. I bet you could cut your premium in half.

I tried them. Unfortunately, I am at the mercy of my rv note. It is custom RV insurance that they "requested" I have since it is a Monaco. I called them today and they said the $200 increase was thanks to the state of Florida. Apparently the state just issued a state-wide vehicle insurance increase. Lucky us!

 

[AuburnJen92]

Jen, try Progressive. My 2001 Class C is about 350ish per yr with the highest limits you can have. I bet you could cut your premium in half.

I called Progressive last year, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to bother them again. The insurance is getting out of hand. I have until May.

 

[2goofycampers]

I called Progressive last year, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to bother them again. The insurance is getting out of hand. I have until May.

have you tried Erie Insurance, we have pretty good rates.

 

[AuburnJen92]

have you tried Erie Insurance, we have pretty good rates.

do they write in FL, do you have a number? i have some time to shop...
if they will match what i have to have, i am up for it, dh was very upset when i showed him the upcoming bill today...

 

[seabee]

That is crazy for insurance. We have USAA which is a military insurance company, and it is cheaper, but I have never seen it be THAT much cheaper. We are paying $304 a year for the max. coverage. I hope you are able to find another company that can make things a bit easier for you. YIKES!

 

[AuburnJen92]

part of the problem is that we have a class a, so that raises the bar some, but i will be shopping until may...

 

[3gr8kids]

We're staying at a full hook-up site in August for $46 per night at the Fort (AAA discount). Also - when we camp in other locations I stay in MA state parks for about $12 or $14 per night with no utilities or $20 per night with electricity and water (access to dump station, but no sewer hook-up at the site). Private campgrounds in-land range from about $35 per night to $50 per night. Private campgrounds at Old Orchard Beach in Maine add on $5 per night per child to a base price of about $60 per night. And I bet you could not find a single person in a private CG in Old Orchard who would know how to mix Kungaloosh!

We'll be camping in Wells, Maine the third weekend of May, and I must say I mix a mean Kungaloosh. Stop by and kick back if you're in the area!!

 

[2goofycampers]

do they write in FL, do you have a number? i have some time to shop...
if they will match what i have to have, i am up for it, dh was very upset when i showed him the upcoming bill today...

how about a link http://www.erieinsure.com/tracker.php/OV_ads_EIEINSURE

 

[AuburnJen92]

how about a link http://www.erieinsure.com/tracker.php/OV_ads_EIEINSURE

Thanks Frank (or was that Denise for the link!). I will be in touch with them tomorrow before my HS softball game!

 

[2goofycampers]

Thanks Frank (or was that Denise for the link!). I will be in touch with them tomorrow before my HS softball game!

your welcome ...It's Denise ..Frank could not post a link if his life depended on it, or work the dvd player,the dvr... you get the idea.

 

[seabee]

your welcome ...It's Denise ..Frank could not post a link if his life depended on it, or work the dvd player,the dvr... you get the idea.

I hear ya!!