6 Genius Ways to Save in an RV | How to Cut Full-time RV Costs In HALF!

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  • Опубліковано 22 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 96

  • @sally_forth
    @sally_forth 6 місяців тому +14

    One of my favorite math calculations is the payoff. For a solar system if you choose to almost exclusively Boondock. In your case at approximately 14 K and the average of $45 per night wide for a campground or RV park, your payback period is 311 days. That’s why whenever I get a new RV I go get a new solar system installed. Mine was a little bit less than yours because I have less roof space and so automatically I have fewer solar panels. My payback period was 293.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому +2

      100% sally. You’ve got a great setup from what I can tell. I do hope we can connect when we get back west.

    • @sally_forth
      @sally_forth 6 місяців тому

      @@liketheresnotomorrow I'm heading East this fall, and probably won't get back to AZ until Jan or Feb. But yeah, we should definitely figure out a meetup somewhere. Who would have thought we'd be so busy?

    • @neilmac4730
      @neilmac4730 6 місяців тому

      Part of that park fee is for the water hookup.
      With boondocking there's 0 😱 water except what you have on board.

  • @kevinburke5636
    @kevinburke5636 6 місяців тому +7

    Barry & Darlene you folks should be commended on how you work together through tough times and then be willing to share your trials and tribulations with the UA-cam community.
    You come across as some of the most honest genuine people I've found on UA-cam. I'm working towards becoming a full-time RVer. After I get some medical issues worked out and get some things sold. I really enjoyed listening to the process y'all went through to take on the endeavor. Please continue with the content you are putting together because it's helping more people than you realize.
    It's amazing that the two of you worked together to manage your lives after a sudden change in income. But, what I think is even more amazing is the fact that the two of you have an amazing relationship and it comes across in your videos. Don't worry about the trolls you are an amazing couple helping lots of us plan and dream the dream with ya.
    Thanks!!!

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому +2

      You are too kind…and thank you. We have been married for 33 years (together for 38) so we’ve been through it all. lol not much phases us. It always gets worked out.

  • @sparkleandspurs
    @sparkleandspurs 6 місяців тому +5

    Our sweet spot for a stay is also typically 2 weeks, though our travel day choice is Monday (never weekends... due to unforeseen breakdowns. Repair facilities are so busy Saturdays and closed Sundays). When exploring a new area Mon-Wed is less crowded and many times discount pricing offered on tickets etc. Also high touristy areas are traveled during shoulder seasons which usually saves us money. If anyone is a senior, remember to always ASK for a senior discount if not offered up front. If you are military, almost everyone offers discounts to you. And of course, for military past and present, there are super affordable military campgrounds across the U.S. so always seek them out when planning travel.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому +2

      We would totally keep your travel schedule if it weren’t for work. Barry clocks in 8-5 m-f Eastern time. We like being on pacific time because we still have several hours to explore.

  • @estarr2243
    @estarr2243 6 місяців тому +6

    You should look into getting Bluetooth helmets. My wife and I have Sena helmets. It’s great for talking to eachother while on the ride. As well as an added safety feature you a call out object to whoever is behind you without yelling. Makes it so much more fun.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому

      Very cool: we looked at them once. Didn’t want to spend the money. Maybe someday.

    • @StanR56
      @StanR56 День тому

      @@liketheresnotomorrow i had used them didnt last long, not enough charge i guess....

  • @SuperSushidog
    @SuperSushidog 6 місяців тому +2

    Wow! Unbelievable job with your budget!
    You'll love Colorado. We boondocked through Colorado 2 years ago for 5 months straight, and on into Wyoming and Utah for even more boondocking, so it can be done.
    Great advise on solar. We did our solar ourselves and saved a ton vs paying someone else to design and build our system. We wish we would have installed our high efficiency heat pump sooner as it reduces the amount of solar we need and reduces our propane use too by providing free heat in the winter. It only cost us about $11,500 for our huge solar system, with 5,020 watts of solar, 23.5 kwh of batteries and 6,000watts of inverter power, including our EG-4 28.5 Seer-2 heat pump. Necessity is the mother of invention and building our system ourselves one step at a time as we could afford it was the only way we could have built such a big system that meets all our electrical needs. Of course, you have to love to boondock (or dry camp in inexpensive campgrounds and RV parks) to make a system like this pay for itself in a reasonable period of time. It's not just about the money it saves, but the flexibility and comfort it gives in the abundance of places and seasons you can stay, as you're not tethered to hook-ups anymore.
    On the subject of toilets, we use Scott 1000 sheet single ply toilet paper. It breaks down even faster than double ply "RV toilet paper" and it's affordable too. We use the Valtera Blue Power tank treatment for odor control and to keep things flowing. It costs $22/gallon at Camping World, and only takes 2.5 oz per 50 gal. tank. Since we dump our black tank about every 2 weeks, that means a gallon lasts us about 2 years. We use much less water to flush than we should, to stretch our water supply, as we boondock a lot. Nevertheless, since we started using it, about 5 yrs. ago we haven't had the dreaded poop pyramid even once, so it's gotta be doing something.
    Lots of great value in this video and on your website too! I'm impressed. Good luck with your future plans.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому +1

      Wow! That’s one hell of an off grid solar setup! Thanks so much for all the info. So appreciate your input and support. Hope to see ya out there sometime.

  • @rogerkern
    @rogerkern 5 місяців тому +1

    Great info. When we moved from the Montana to our alliance. I brought my batteries with us but in over a 14 month period added solar panels and charge controllers. Then mis sept got the mp2 installed. So it was paid for as we went. But huge plus both right and truck paid off. And what’s fun when we stay at a place long enough where they charge electric. Score. We just don’t plug in while everyone else is paying that $120-$190 a month we don’t pay at all.

  • @johnheath8882
    @johnheath8882 2 місяці тому

    I'm contemplating a full-time RV and leaning pre-owned class A with solar and a toad. You've done a tremendous job figuring out and adjusting your expenditures. This conscious spending sounds sustainable compared to your previous scary budget, or lack of, summary. Its incredibly valuable to see both ends of the spectrum and I look forward to seeing where your middle ground is. Thanks for sharing. I've only seen the two videos but subbed and will check out the others. Cheers!

  • @jamesavakian4977
    @jamesavakian4977 Місяць тому

    You mentioned Colorado mountains. The rv parks in Durango charge $120 a night

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  Місяць тому

      We have been in CO boondocking for 3 weeks due to that factor. lol Haven’t paid a penny yet. Woot

  • @AnneJutras
    @AnneJutras 6 місяців тому +4

    Great info Darlene and Barry! We like going to restaurants too, but it's become so expensive that we've cut back on eating out. What we do once in a whyle is share a meal together, the portions are so big that it satisfies us perfectly, haha! 😉

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому +1

      Our favorite thing is pizza out. Eat half and have lunch for the next day! Lol

  • @sherryarcher4832
    @sherryarcher4832 6 місяців тому +2

    Another great informative video. Another good thing about the truck lanes is that you are able to get a better grade for fresh DEF. Yest it cost more than the 2.5 gallon boxes at discount stores.

  • @StephenD-ch9ws
    @StephenD-ch9ws 6 місяців тому +3

    Wow! What a wealth of information to draw from. I’ve only started watching your channel in the past few weeks but have learned sooo much! My wife and I live on Orcas Island and our kids go to college in Pensacola. We’re getting ready to sell our house and hit the road for about a year (so we’ve told ourselves), taking our kids first to Florida. Do you have any recommendations for a class C RV?
    Thank you again for your content and we’d love to meet up with you guys sometime in the future 👍🏻

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому +1

      We aren’t super familiar with Class Cs but man there are some nice ones. Go to one of the big Rv shows. You can see them all in one place. Good luck and keep in touch

  • @ClassicAutomotiveGarageInc.
    @ClassicAutomotiveGarageInc. 4 місяці тому +1

    Hey guys sorry to hear you got laid off, enjoyed your video. I’m two months new to full time RV living, lots to learn. Keep up the great work coming and stay safe out there. Cheers!

  • @GreenCtry
    @GreenCtry 4 місяці тому

    We just had our tanks cleaned by Kleen tank and switched to the recipe you’re using after seeing what the other tank treatments were doing to our tanks.

  • @campinwiththeconfers
    @campinwiththeconfers 5 місяців тому +1

    Great helpful tip Barry and Darlene! The website looks great too! Hugo wanted his screen time too! And no, we don’t pay attention to our sensors. They alway lie!

  • @ChloeGirlDoggie
    @ChloeGirlDoggie 5 місяців тому +1

    RV budget and spending videos are always interesting. However, I have seen very few videos that include setting funds aside for savings, emergency, and/or retirement. Hopefully you funded those categories while you had a double income, just in case . . . and are able to continue funding those categories. Just found your channel, and I look forward to future videos! Safe travels!

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  5 місяців тому +1

      Great suggestion (and yes we did😁) we actually had that in the video but we had to cut some time out and that’s what got cut. lol We appreciate you tuning in.

  • @valeriewickstrum8037
    @valeriewickstrum8037 6 місяців тому +2

    Thank you ! Very helpful ! We hope to sell our house next spring and hit the road!

  • @yanniefalcon
    @yanniefalcon 4 місяці тому +1

    It’s funny because I was looking into that today I was thinking 🤔 paying for the year what’s confusing to me, is finding somewhere for the winter to park I’m still researching lol 😂 I’m learning a lot!! lol I need to get a generator I have the solar thanks for that ! That’s smart!

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  4 місяці тому +1

      We just got a new dual propane gen that we love: it’s in our Amazon store, good luck to ya

    • @yanniefalcon
      @yanniefalcon 4 місяці тому

      @@liketheresnotomorrow thank you I’m going to check it out. I really appreciate the videos you’re doing. I think it’s awesome. You gain a new fan.

  • @athomewithjenny
    @athomewithjenny 4 місяці тому +1

    Ok, that's impressive! Those are the kinds of numbers i think of when we talk about going full-time ❤❤

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  4 місяці тому +2

      Isn’t awesome how Rv life life allows you to pivot and change as you need to

    • @athomewithjenny
      @athomewithjenny 4 місяці тому

      ​@@liketheresnotomorrowI'm really excited about full timing! You guys are so great to watch! Great job on all your hard work!!

  • @tinasimsnutter8441
    @tinasimsnutter8441 6 місяців тому +1

    We are planning to go full time in a few months. This detail is so helpful as we plan. I downloaded your budget tool as well. We won’t be working so have to be mindful of our spend. I made note of the tank treatment. How often do you treat your tank? Thanks again!

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому

      How exciting! We treat the tanks every time we dump or empty. Sometimes I throw a second dose in when the tank is about half full. Usually if there is any smell at all. We also do a black and grey back flush about every other month (when we have full hookups)

  • @riceman617
    @riceman617 6 місяців тому +2

    Great info we are planning on going full time soon, with in 6 months the info is very helpful.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому

      Great to hear! Please let us know if you have any questions. It’s such a fun lifestyle but the journey there is a bit challenging at first. We’re excited for you!

  • @trulymichiganaerialrandycl4873
    @trulymichiganaerialrandycl4873 3 місяці тому

    State parks in Michigan are around $40 and up/night. Some are $28

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for the info. $15 was the lowest and $50 has been the highest we’ve seen but I’d say $30ish has been the most common,

  • @wb5mgr
    @wb5mgr 11 днів тому

    I’ll tell you a secret for not having to treat your tank nearly as often. Go to Walmart and buy you a diaper genie. Put it in the bathroom and whenever you do your business instead of putting the toilet paper or the wipes (I like baby wipes) into the toilet… Put them in the diaper genie. There will be zero smell in your camper. (That’s what the diaper genie was designed to do) and when you get to the dump station or a place where you have access to a regular dumpster, you can just dispose of the diaper genie bag. The bags are not that expensive off Amazon and you basically won’t be putting anything like paper, etc. into your tank, so it will steal a lot cleaner. Especially if you have a connection on the side of your rig for washing it out.

  • @celestepalm6949
    @celestepalm6949 6 місяців тому +1

    For those fulltimers who plan to be primarily in the northern states/states with more rainy weather, what other RV energy system do you recommend, because solar is pretty useless in such climes. I wondered if they've developed a primarily rechargeable lithium battery set-up yet with or without the help of generators (which I prefer having then not having).

    • @ReverendBarryTheFunk
      @ReverendBarryTheFunk 6 місяців тому

      You can definitely use a generator to recharge lithium batteries, with or without solar.

  • @Dottietravels
    @Dottietravels 6 місяців тому +1

    Great video - gave a link to your channel and this video in my last video description - it was on affordability of full time rv life

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому

      Thx will check it out. Ya know, we started out not really saving much money. We were basically living the same as we did in our house. But, what we found is that IF you want to save (as we were forced to do) you totally can save money. I don’t know that I think either camp is wrong, it’s a personal preference and decision. Appreciate you tuning in and the shout out. I’ll check out your channel for sure.

  • @Ex.Nihilo
    @Ex.Nihilo 5 місяців тому

    Love the channel! We have been weekend warriors for the past several years getting ready to cut the cord. Love the humble self depreciating style. Maybe we will see you out there soon. Tell us about your solar system. WE will be buying a different rig and adding solar for the second time (did it in this one) I would appreciate your perspective on what was enough.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  5 місяців тому

      Awesome and thank you. We have a solar video coming up soon. Stay tuned

  • @stevemoseley6581
    @stevemoseley6581 5 місяців тому

    Late to this episode.
    Thank you for the insightful information.
    Camp sites are becoming more expensive every week.
    Currently parked in Texas.
    Look forward to hearing more money saving tips.
    Sorry you are currently unemployed but you will bounce back. Or keep up the good work on your channel.
    Thanks again.
    Steve

  • @BritGlass
    @BritGlass 4 місяці тому

    When you guys boondock I know you have solar for most of your power but how do you deal with having your water?

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  4 місяці тому

      We have a 100gal fresh. About after the first week, we’ll refill it with a water bladder. SIMPLE Portable RV Water Tank Fill - Step-By-Step IN 9 MINUTES! Dry Camping Water Bladder
      ua-cam.com/video/b_jtAKlYxT4/v-deo.html

  • @wendimiller6903
    @wendimiller6903 6 місяців тому

    Great video and content! IMO very worthwhile information to consider.

  • @Jean777-e9h
    @Jean777-e9h Місяць тому

    Hey, i heard recreation parks you don't need to pay ., idk

  • @larryjanson4011
    @larryjanson4011 5 місяців тому

    i wish i could some how save up the cash to do anything with my rv. i am stuck at home,
    broke. retirement just does not even pay the NEW bills. prices keep going up. but my income went down. do to taxes, utility rate increases, gasoline prices.

  • @pauulmerucci9081
    @pauulmerucci9081 6 місяців тому

    Really great vid, very informative, you have a new subscriber

  • @lifeaintover7165
    @lifeaintover7165 6 місяців тому +1

    Hey guys We are about to go full time , and have been wanting to get a good solar package like yours right away. You said what yours cost, and thats about what I was thinking. So where did you get it done at? Thanks in advance

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  5 місяців тому +1

      We are getting ready to do a solar, batteries and generator video. We’ll share our consultant who helped us plan and get everything. Hoping to bring this to you next week or the week after. We are working on it now.

    • @lifeaintover7165
      @lifeaintover7165 5 місяців тому

      @@liketheresnotomorrow Cool.. Thanks

  • @DevineDestinations-6673
    @DevineDestinations-6673 5 місяців тому +1

    I signed up 3 times and still haven't received the spreadsheet... is it still available?

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  5 місяців тому +1

      Yes, we haven’t had any other issues. Will you message us through the contact page on our site with your email and I’ll see what’s going one maybe there’s an issue with the form automation and your email security. If you haven’t already, be sure to double check your spam folder as well.

  • @daydreamer0923
    @daydreamer0923 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you.

  • @morningstarimmovement7386
    @morningstarimmovement7386 2 місяці тому

    But how do you find boondocking places….. Ty

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  2 місяці тому +1

      Search boondocking groups on Facebook. Try the apps iOverlander and Campendium. BLM maps (google it) Word of mouth.

  • @sherih8879
    @sherih8879 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you ☺️

  • @lisamarengo8482
    @lisamarengo8482 6 місяців тому +1

    Best wishes!

  • @wb5mgr
    @wb5mgr 11 днів тому

    Talk about saving on gas… If you can shop at Kroger, you can really save on gas, my extended family lives in a place where they have Kroger and they bank up points throughout the month and you can get up to a dollar a gallon off of up to 35 gallons to fill up depending on how many points you have. That is enough to fill up my three-quarter ton, pick up from dead, empty to slam full. Talk about a great discount.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  11 днів тому

      That’s a great tip. Thanks for sharing! When you are near a Kroger that is.

  • @charchar9085
    @charchar9085 5 місяців тому

    Oh my gosh I just watched your boondocking tips video and in this video I see you put the doggy bags on your Amazon store 🤣

  • @lifeswhimsytutelage
    @lifeswhimsytutelage 4 місяці тому +1

    Hello. Mudflap is good when in areas that Open roads is not. I look at both before fueling. Also Mudflap can link a CC to, for those that don't want a card linked to a bank acct. There is another one that is new from Canada. They don't have an app yet, but if going to AK I would get it for sure. They do have discounts in the U.S. nationwidefuel.ca. I believe you have to contact them to get set up. I have their business card..somewhere... Thanks again for sharing. Safe Travels.

  • @LeonAdams-h9h
    @LeonAdams-h9h 6 місяців тому +1

    Diesel is referred to as fuel, technically gas is a type of fuel, but diesel is not gas. There is a HUGE difference.

  • @aflyr
    @aflyr 6 місяців тому

    Great work on saving money! Just a thought for you that hit me this year. Over the years we have earned thousands of dollars each year on cash back, airline rewards, etc. Buuuuut, nothing in this life is "free". Those rewards come from somewhere in the credit card company's finances. I recently saw a report that showed that it is primarily lower income/poor folks that are paying exorbitant interest rates that are funding our points/cash back. Personally, I don't care how "free" it is to me I never want to earn those things on the backs of the poor and lower income families. As a result we've decided to stop using credit cards, no more freebies that are funded by poor folks. Will it change things for those folks, probably not if they don't change their finances, but it won't be ill begotten gains for us. By the way, if you can get to a Travel America you'll generally find lower prices than places like Loves and Pilot.

    • @liketheresnotomorrow
      @liketheresnotomorrow  6 місяців тому

      Interesting. Thanks for sharing this.

    • @makeyourlifeeasier5794
      @makeyourlifeeasier5794 5 місяців тому

      I've been informed that alot of the fees credit card issuers charge merchants, like my business,, also go to fund points & rewards. Fortunately it's not all on the backs of the poor.

  • @markreynolds9570
    @markreynolds9570 6 місяців тому

    Fulltime and never use tank treatments. Just need to flush correctly. No problems or odors, ever. $0