If you’re interested in buying an RV and hitting the road, but fear it’s either not the right time or it’s too expensive, you’re in luck. As it turns out, living in an RV is not as difficult or expensive as you might believe it to be.

It definitely comes with its challenges, but there are also a lot of benefits. The problem is that there are a lot of myths regarding the RV life that turns many people away. Thankfully, The Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition has plenty of experience with RVs, and has all the details about what’s true and what’s not. 

I don’t have the kind of money to buy an RV

Perhaps it starts off with one person having a bad experience. Or someone got taken in by a con artist. Either way, there are a lot of myths about RV living that just aren’t true. Buying or renting a motorhome isn’t just for the impossibly rich, and here’s why. 

Things can definitely get expensive quickly, especially if you buy more than you need. A new RV has its appeal, but do you actually need to buy new?

A used RV can provide you with a lot of great memories, and will be a great introduction into living on the road. It also doesn’t have to be expensive. One RV owner bought hers from Craiglist for $1,900, and has lived in it for the past three years. 

I can save money by staying in a hotel right?

Hotel room prices can be notoriously high, especially around the Holidays. If you’ve ever tried to rent a hotel room a week before Christmas, you know exactly how hard that can be. 

With an RV, you don’t have to worry about where you’ll spend the night if you plan out your trip. You merely park, and get hooked up to electricity, water, or go with a full hookup. 

According to The Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition, “Renting an RV space costs much less–$3-10 for primitive space with no utilities; $10-40 for water and electric sites; $15-60 for full hookups.” Keep in mind that this is in Canada, and prices in the U.S. tend to vary depending on where you set up camp.

I don’t have the money to pay for the fuel

Gasoline might be cheap now, but we all know how quickly that can change. One bad storm in the wrong place will send prices skyrocketing in hours. So how affordable is an RV when you have to pay $3/gallon again?

There are ways to lighten your fuel bill by lightening your RV load. By bringing less, your RV won’t guzzle as much gas. You can also do things like not driving over 55 mph, drive a smaller motor home, and keep up with maintenance. 

I can’t take an RV anywhere I want

Yes, it’s true that you can’t just take an RV anywhere you want. Finding a parking spot can be a pain, and there are some business owners who don’t welcome multiple parking spaces being hogged by one massive vehicle. There are workarounds for that, however. 

RVs are made better now, so traveling on roads that were once impossible is now a breeze. Whether you’re cruising through the mountains or taking a detour through a desert, your RV can get you there.

Plus, you can stay as long as you want. If you decide to extend your vacation while you stay in a hotel room, too bad. You’ve got to check out. When you’re in an RV, you simply decide where you want to stay, and get comfy. Plus, there are no maids to wake you up if you sleep in.

Cooking in an RV is a nightmare

If you’re new to cooking or absolutely loathe it, then yes, cooking in an RV will be a nightmare. If you actually like cooking or can at least scramble an egg if you’re hungry enough, then you may be pleasantly surprised. 

Cooking in an RV doesn’t have to be a pain. There are plenty of modern conveniences like stoves, refrigerators, sinks, and whatever utensils you decide to bring along.

You can also eat in your RV, or choose some gorgeous location to eat outdoors. It may not be a five-star restaurant, but it might just surprise you at just how wonderful a dinner can be when the view is right.