Planning Tools
Full-Timer Planning Tools
Interactive calculators built for life on the road. Run the numbers before you commit — or reality-check what you're spending now.
Tool 1 of 7
Monthly RV Budget Calculator
Calculate your true monthly cost of full-time RV living. Adjust each line to match your travel style.
Housing & Campground
Living Expenses
Your Estimated Monthly Total
$2,855
Adjust inputs to recalculate
Averages based on community surveys from full-timer forums. Slow travelers (moving less than twice per month) typically spend 20–30% less on fuel.
Tool 2 of 7
Campground vs. Boondocking Cost Comparison
See how blending free boondocking with paid campground nights changes your monthly housing cost.
Remaining nights counted as paid campground
Thousand Trails, Harvest Hosts, Passport America, etc.
All Paid Campground (30 nights)
$1,350
Your Blended Strategy
$905
Paid + boondocking + membership
Full Boondocking Only
$50
Membership cost only
Tool 3 of 7
Domicile State Comparison
Compare South Dakota, Texas, and Florida on the factors that matter most for full-timers. Enter your income to see the state income tax impact.
| Factor | South Dakota | Texas | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | None | None | None |
| Annual savings vs. CA (9.3%) | $5,580 | $5,580 | $5,580 |
| Residency wait | 1 day (overnight stay) | 30+ days recommended | Physical presence required |
| Vehicle registration | Low; lifetime plates available | Moderate; annual renewal | Low; annual renewal |
| Mail forwarding services | America's Mailbox, My Dakota Address | Escapees (Livingston, TX) | Multiple options in Orlando, St. Pete |
| Best for | Most full-timers (fastest setup) | South-routed travelers, Escapees members | Southeast-focused, former FL residents |
Tax savings vs. California (9.3% marginal rate). Consult a tax professional before making domicile decisions.
Tool 4 of 7
Fuel Cost Estimator
Calculate annual and monthly fuel spend based on miles driven, your RV's MPG, and current fuel price.
Average full-timer: 8,000–15,000 miles/year
Class A diesel: 7–10 · Class C gas: 10–14 · 5th wheel: 8–12 MPG
Your Annual Fuel Cost
$4,560
$380/month
Tool 5 of 7
Solar Sizing Calculator
Estimate the solar panel wattage, battery bank capacity, and charge controller size you need based on your daily power usage and travel region.
Daily Appliance Usage
100Ah entry, 200Ah common, 400Ah+ for full off-grid
Recommended Solar Setup
Solar Panels Needed
300W
Daily Power Draw
170 Wh/day
Charge Controller
20A MPPT
Days of autonomy (no sun)
—
What these numbers mean:
Panel wattage includes a 25% buffer for real-world efficiency losses (shading, temperature, inverter draw). MPPT charge controllers are more efficient than PWM — worth the extra cost for any system over 200W.
Go Deeper
RV TechStack
Full solar build guides, wiring diagrams, battery chemistry comparisons, and gear reviews from full-timers who've done it.
See solar build guides →Tool 6 of 7
Campground Membership ROI Calculator
Find out how quickly each membership pays for itself based on your travel style — and what you'll save annually.
Your Travel Pattern
Membership Costs
Break-Even Analysis
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Best single membership for your pattern
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Thousand Trails discount assumes use of included network nights (Elite membership). Harvest Hosts value is in unique experiences, not campground fee savings. Memberships can be stacked — see the Membership ROI Guide for stacking strategy.
Tool 7 of 7
Connectivity Cost Calculator
Calculate your monthly internet spend and cost per GB based on your Starlink plan, cellular lines, and hotspot data needs.
Your Internet Stack
Include all lines you use for hotspot on the road
Remote workers: 100–300GB/mo typical; video-heavy: 300GB+
Monthly Connectivity Cost
$230
$1.53/GB
Recommendation for your style:
Adjust inputs above to see a personalized recommendation.
Go Deeper
RV TechStack
Deep-dive on Starlink plan comparisons, cellular booster reviews, and the full connectivity setup guide for remote workers on the road.
See connectivity gear reviews →Quick Reference
What Full-Timers Typically Spend Per Month
Based on community surveys and reported budgets from full-timers. Ranges vary widely by travel style, rig size, and how much boondocking you do.
| Expense Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Comfort-Focused |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsite Fees | $200–$400 | $400–$700 | $700–$1,200 |
| Fuel | $150–$300 | $300–$600 | $600–$1,000 |
| Food & Dining | $400–$600 | $600–$900 | $900–$1,400 |
| Health Insurance | $200–$400 | $400–$700 | $700–$1,500 |
| RV Maintenance Reserve | $100–$200 | $200–$400 | $400–$600 |
| Cell/Internet | $80–$150 | $150–$250 | $250–$400 |
| Memberships & Misc | $50–$100 | $100–$200 | $200–$400 |
| TOTAL (est.) | $1,180–$2,150 | $2,150–$3,750 | $3,750–$6,500 |
* Estimates only. Your actual costs depend on location, travel pace, rig size, and lifestyle. Excludes RV payment/loan costs.
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