The Surprising Secret Costs of Full-Time RV Living

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Full-time RV living is a tempting lifestyle, but it’s not just a non-stop vacation. RV life costs money, sometimes as much as life in a sticks and bricks house or more. Sneaky charges can add up and break the budget of those who want to live on the road without going broke.

Taking the address with you

Remote RV site | EyesWideOpen via Getty Images

Full-time RVers often overlook a critical detail when planning for their life on the road. Maintaining a permanent address is a requirement for many services. However, full-time travelers have a secret workaround to take an address on the road.

Mail forwarding and domiciling services make it possible to maintain a permanent address, obtain state identification with that information, and received regular mail at any location. Of course, getting signed up and establishing a domicile address takes work, but the benefits make it worthwhile.

The first step is to choose a service and pay membership dues. Then, an address will be issued that can be used for vehicle registration and identifications. Memberships vary from $200-$500 a year. Next, travelers will need to visit the local DMV closest to their domicile address to obtain IDs and register vehicles under the new address.

It’s important to remember that RV taxes and insurance rates will be tied to a domicile address zip code. RVers should carefully consider these vehicle-related expenses when choosing which state and service to seek a domicile address in.

Full-time RV living means winterization in motion

Leaving an RV parked for the winter is much different than living in it safely through the season. Winterizing a rig for cold-weather occupation requires an investment. RV water systems are typically comprised of thin tubing and pipes. These must be insulated to avoid freezing snd keep waterlines usable through freezing temperatures.

A source of drinking water is a requirement for a habitable RV. To keep those holding tanks from freezing, many RVers chose heated tank wraps and water pumps. Chemicals can be used to treat black and grey water to keep tanks from freezing and potentially cracking.

Skirting can save a substantial amount in heating an RV. Cold drafts can pass under a rig and into the living space. A weatherproof, insulated, secure solution is often pricey. Many RVers may find the cost of heating more than they ever imagined it would be. It’s not uncommon for large rigs running electrical and propane heat to cost around $400 a month in winter.

Little details that make a big difference

A dedicated GPS that’s fine-tuned for vehicles the size of RVs is invaluable. Solutions range from apps around $10 a month to stand-alone systems that cost hundreds of dollars. These systems include clearance information, routes selected for rig weight, turn-offs, rest areas, and even parking advisories.

Tolls aren’t as straightforward in an RV as they are in a passenger car. Some may charge by axel or weight, which can quickly add up. Full-timers towing cars can expect to pay $80 and up for some bridges and tunnels. Many states offer toll passes that can save money in regularly visited areas.

Full-time RVers can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 in annual maintenance. Life on the road can be hard on RVs of any quality. Being prepared for routine maintenance expenses can set full-time travelers up for success. Consider the nickel and dime expenses of life on the road before embarking.

RELATED: Is Buying an RV a Good Financial Investment?

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Only 1 Full-Size Pickup Truck Can Be had With a Diesel Engine for Under $40,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s no secret that pickup trucks are typically expensive. These days top trims approach luxury-level appointments and a wide range of options and features drive new truck prices ever higher. In fact, only one full-size pickup truck can be had with a diesel engine for under $40,000. 

2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup trucks | Ram Trucks

There are many pickup truck options available for those that want diesel power. However, full-size diesel pickup trucks are all over $40,000 except for the 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with an EcoDiesel engine. Aside from a few models in the midsize pickup truck class, the 2021 model year Ram 1500 is the cheapest option if you want a diesel engine in your pickup truck. 

What engine is in a diesel 2021 Ram 1500 pickup truck? 

Under the hood of the 2021 Ram 1500 Tradesman trim level equipped with a diesel engine is a 3.0 liter turbo EcoDiesel V6. The 2021 Ram 1500 diesel truck starts at $38,485. It’s the cheapest full-size diesel truck. 

Furthermore, the 2021 Ram 1500 with a 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engine makes up to 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this the one full-size pickup truck with a diesel engine under $40,000, but it is also one of the most fuel-efficient. In fact, the 2021 Ram 1500 with a diesel engine gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. A 4×4 version gets 

These fuel economy ratings are second only to the diesel-powered 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Duramax engine that gets just 1 mpg more in both highway and city miles. However, if you add 4×4 as a feature to your Chevy Silverado 1500 then those numbers drop to 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. 

Keep in mind that the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a Duramax Diesel starts at $42,690 according to U.S. News and World Report. The GMC Sierra 1500 with the same engine starts at $43,790. 

The 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers superior performance

A 2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel towing a boat with its Diesel engine power and torque
2021 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel | Stellantis

According to Ram’s website, the 2021 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers best-in-class numbers when it comes to diesel-powered performance. The 2021 Ram 1500 equipped with a diesel engine can tow up to 12,560 lbs. Edmunds praises this model as one of the best large trucks for towing. 

The rear coil suspension offers a comfortable ride that’s not found in the experience of most pickup truck cabins. Plus, the 2021 Ram 1500’s diesel engine is paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup employs fine-tuned engineering allowing drivers to get the most out of their pickup trucks. 

A good full-size pickup truck 

a red ram 1500 at a job site
2021 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

When it comes to buying a truck with a diesel engine, there are several great options. The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Chevy Silverado 1500 are all great trucks. However, only one full-size pickup truck can be had with a diesel engine for under $40,000. 

The Jeep Gladiator, GMC Canyon, and Chevy Colorado all offer a diesel powertrain option under $40,000. However, these are all midsize trucks. So in terms of the cheapest diesel truck, the 2021 Ram 1500 takes the win in the full-size pickup truck segment.

RELATED: Does the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Have an Ace Up its Sleeve?

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Former Tesla Exec Just Sold Off $274 Million In Stock: Is Something Bad Coming?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ex-Tesla president Jerome Guillen has been selling off hundreds of millions of dollars worth of stock in June alone. He was a key executive in the Tesla organization. His last position was president of Tesla Heavy Trucking. Before that, he was overall Tesla vehicles business. 

Ex-president Guillen has sold over 450,000 Tesla shares

With Tesla since 2010, Guillen has exercised stock options worth $274 million since June 10. This is based on a filing to the Securities Exchange Commission. That amounts to over 450,000 shares of Tesla stock. He left Tesla on June 3. 

This curiously ties into the news which also broke today that former Lordstown Motors executives sold over $8 million in stock in February. This was just before the bad news started surfacing about the company. And it happened right after Lordstown’s first prototype caught fire in January.

Lordstown executives sold off large chunks of shares in February

When these executives sold off these stock shares the price was $24 a share. Now it is below $10 a share. In response Lordstown made this statement; “As described in various Form 4 filings in the months following the DiamondPeak transaction, certain Lordstown Motors directors and executives have sold or transferred shares in the Company. Each of those transactions was made for reasons unrelated to the performance of the company or viability of the Endurance. And each such director and executive retained substantial Lordstown Motors equity holdings in the form of shares and options following the sales and transfers described in the Company’s public filings.”

As it turns out much of this statement does not ring true. One of the executives; propulsion head Chuan Vo, sold off 99.3 percent of his shares on February 2. Lordstown president Rich Schmidt sold almost 40 percent of his stock around the same time for $4.6 million. 

According to Car and Driver, none of these transactions broke any laws. Recently, the SEC has opened an investigation of Lordstown and its public statements. It is also looking at Lordstown’s SPAC activities that funded the company more recently. 

“It could raise some eyebrows for investors”

With Tesla seemingly on the verge of advances and innovations in electric vehicles, why would its top executive divest himself of so much Tesla stock? “It could raise some eyebrows for investors,” Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives told Automotive News. Investors could be more skeptical of Tesla stock under these circumstances. 

It is also a key time in Tesla vehicle development with its Semi electric truck and Cybertruck on the verge of being released. Tesla is also developing its next Roadster and also an entry-level EV. Plus, it is expanding production to other countries as it looks to capitalize on its unique position as the first production EV manufacturer.

RELATED: Tesla Loses Money On Every Single Car: Here’s Where The Profit Hides

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Kelly Blue Book Says the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Is the Cheapest Used Truck to Maintain

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a well-rounded truck that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to own. It’s known for its reliability and sturdy performance. It’s capable of towing some gear on the job site or a family vacation. This truck is a practical option for many kinds of buyers. It impresses with its low cost of ownership and list of standard features.

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a solid used pickup

2019 Toyota Tacoma | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a great choice for used pickup shoppers. Those looking for an inexpensive work truck will appreciate its capability. Adventure lovers will appreciate its rugged off-road features. This truck perfectly balances value and durability in a low-maintenance package.

Toyota loaded the 2019 Tacoma with standard advanced driver-assist features. As a result, it has more standard safety features than any other truck in its class and suffers fewer collisions. Pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, lane-departure alert, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic forward emergency braking are packed into this well-priced truck.

This well-priced midsize pickup starts at $26,970. The automatic option is known to be a little clunky, but the diesel is a winning choice. Its crew cab is slightly cramped and appointed with unsophisticated but rugged plastics. It gets the job done but isn’t winning any awards for luxury.

Reliability means lower cost of ownership

Kelly Blue Book tapped the 2019 Toyota Tacoma for its 5-year Cost to Own Awards. According to market research firm Vincentric, Tacoma owners can expect to spend $2,875 per year in vehicle maintenance. This breaks down to about $0.30 per mile, significantly less than competitors.

The beauty of this model is in its simplicity. This truck has been criticized for lacking advanced features and comforts, but fewer features mean fewer repairs. The standard 4-cylinder engine feels underpowered, but the optional V6 is capable and dependable.

Inside the cabin of the 2019 Tacoma is a sleek and modern infotainment system. The 7.0-inch color touch screen has an attractive bevel and high-gloss black surround. The system is intuitive and feels contemporary. 2 USB ports allow drivers to charge devices on the go.

A great used buy that’s easy to sell

A mark of a great used truck is how much value it retains. A great truck with a reputation for quality and reliability is a sought-after vehicle, even after a few years and miles. As a result, Tacoma buyers enjoy a low rate of depreciation at $6,940 over three years. As a result, the Tacoma holds its value where others do not.

Sellers who suspect they may resell their used truck will naturally be concerned with a high resale value. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma has the highest resale value of any midsize pickup truck. Its wide array of safety features and modern infotainment system mean this truck still appeals to buyers.

Buying a used truck is a great way to save money. Choosing a model with a low cost of ownership like the Tacoma is another. This rugged and trail-ready truck stays out of the shop, saving on costly repairs. It’s a solid choice for used shoppers looking for a truck that goes from work to play.

RELATED: 5 of the Most Reliable Trucks for Under $10,000

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