RV life is a huge trend and drawing more people into the RV lifestyle daily. Boomers continue to be the largest demographic while Millennials and their “no anchor” philosophy is quickly catching up. No matter your age, if you’re considering living in an RV full time you’re probably hesitant at the cost.

Questions many ask themselves while considering this lifestyle are: how will I make a living? Where will we travel? How long can we live this way? However, these are not the most important things you should consider.

The basic human needs should be first on your list of detailed planning. Unless you’re a trust fund baby or hit the lottery before you retired, costs of basic necessities will be your daily reality. If your plan is full time RVing work out the cost of living in an RV now.

Before we get started on the 4 most important costs, let’s get you off on the right path.

Buying a used RV with cash should be the first goal you set for yourself. Traveling without a monthly payment weighing on you will make your travels that much more enjoyable. Your local RV consignment dealer can advise which type of RV will best suit your plans. Be realistic when you buy an RV for full time living.

Now that you have your RV, here are the top 4 ways to live cheaply full time.

1) Camping – Everyone knows about campgrounds with loads of amenities and when you’re just starting out on your new adventure a week or two here won’t be out of hand. It can however be more costly living in an RV park full time as campground fees add up. After that initial honeymoon phase is over you’ll need to take advantage of other places to stay that quite frankly, you might relish more.

Full time RVers get themselves a membership in Passport America. This will get you discounts at campgrounds all over the country. You should also check out public BLM lands. (Bureau of Land Management) lands are accessible to all and low cost to camp on.

Yet another option is farmers who will take a small amount of money or sometimes none. Your last option for free camping would be land friends or relatives own. Just remember not to wear out your welcome!

2) Eating – Monthly costs for food add up faster than you think. Your budget for the month depending on where you are in the country can fluctuate wildly. If you are to live full time in your RV you need to search out farmer’s markets or roadside stands selling fresh produce.

Try waiting until the end of the day then make an offer on what hasn’t sold. Fresh vegetables can often be had at great prices when the seller doesn’t want to load it all back on the truck.

Another great tip is to search out locally owned mom and pop restaurants in small towns. It is often the more charming option. If you must try a national chain search Groupon for daily deals.

3) Fuel – The best tip here is to stay in one spot for at least a month and explore the area around you. Longer stays add up to bigger camping discounts and less gasoline purchased. Even if you can’t do this every other month try to do it a few times a year.

4) Have skills – Saving on monthly expenses is a lot easier if you are handy. If you have mechanical skills, teach yourself how to repair your RV yourself. Repairing RVs for others can also be a handy side income now and again.

Save on other things like haircuts and clothing by watching a barber tutorial on YouTube or taking an online Udemy class. Sewing or altering clothing can also be a side income. Any skill you can barter or sell will keep you living your free RV life comfortably.

These 4 secrets are a great foundation for living well and inexpensively in your RV full time. You’re sure to discover other tips and tricks from fellow RVers living life on the road and develop some of your own. The fun part is you’ll be enjoying the absolute freedom of RV life while you do it.

Happy RVing!