The sticker price on that new or used RV is only the beginning of the money you will spend to become an RV traveler. There will always be some unexpected costs you will encounter when purchasing an RV. Be prepared for these and it will help prevent buyer's regret and allow you to fully enjoy your purchase.

The first expenses you will have are the fees for taxes and title. Just as with automobile purchases, these fees will vary depending on the state you live in. Even if you buy your RV in a state with lower taxes, you will still need to pay the fees required by the state you claim residence in. Property (your home) is usually the standard by which residence is gauged, so you won't be able to register your RV in another state just because the fees are lower.

Insurance is also a necessity for your RV. Shop around for rates. Many companies will give you a discount if you give them all your business (home, auto, etc.), but be sure you are getting the specialized coverage an RV needs. Standard automobile insurance usually excludes living in a vehicle, and you could end up with a very expensive surprise if you have to file a claim. Certain companies specialize in RV insurance coverage, and they will be able to provide insurance that is adequate for your needs.

If you have never owned an RV before, your first gasoline fill-up may cause palpitations. Most RVs are equipped with a much larger gas tank than your family car. Be sure your vacation budget includes fuel for a vehicle that gets less than 10 miles per gallon

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you may be able to take care of much of the maintenance on your rig. If you do need repairs that you cannot do yourself, you will have to pay an RV mechanic. Most dealerships have specially trained technicians who can work on all the different RV systems. They are not inexpensive. When buying new, you may want to consider an extended warranty. Read the fine print, as some of these after-market warranties promise the moon and deliver almost nothing because of high deductibles.

If you do break down on the road, towing charges to a service center may be very expensive. There are RV or auto clubs that cover towing, and some insurance policies may offer roadside assistance with towing service as well. Look into these clubs; they may be worth their weight in gold. If your RV does break down, you may also have to find a place to stay for a night or two to wait for repairs to be finished, if the service department is backed up or if parts are not in stock. Figure in the cost of an emergency fund when looking at the cost of your RV, especially if you are buying a used RV.