Article updated on October 17, 2024

Vanlife can be experienced in several ways, depending on the budget one wants or can allocate to it. This article is the result of research on the costs of two pathways to Vanlife: purchasing a recreational vehicle (RV) or a camper conversion kit integrated into the owner’s everyday vehicle. We take into account the purchase costs, recurring costs, variable expenses, and resale value.

We compare these two popular solutions, both of which allow for the same weekend getaways and holiday road trips but at very different costs. This comparative study led us to two conclusions. One, the numbers speak volumes. Two, acquiring an RV costs a lot, but on the other hand, it is possible to get by for almost nothing. Really! At a tiny fraction of the cost…

Vanlife must be simple and accessible

Many people we meet on the road with their motorhomes tell us about their maintenance problems, pump failures, brakes overheating in the mountains, etc. They talk about the exorbitant costs associated with their recreational vehicle (RV). The unpleasant surprises that overshadow what was supposed to be the realization of a dream. We sincerely sympathize with these individuals, realizing how much these circumstances often cast a shadow on their journey.

Removable camper kit in 5 minutes: simplicity pays off

And at the same time, it makes us appreciate our simple and accessible camper solution even more. Appreciating how our removable conversion kit installed in our everyday vehicle (minivan, SUV or pickup) is light years away from all these troubles, costs us almost nothing. Don’t strangle us financially.

Purchase an RV or a removable camper conversion kit for your everyday vehicle?

Beyond impressions, we wanted to further push our analysis to compare the two contexts as objectively as possible. So, we engaged in this exhaustive exercise of numbers covering the purchase and usage costs of a recreational vehicle (RV) compared to those of a removable camper conversion kit added to the everyday vehicle (minivan, SUV or pickup) of its owner.

18ft Class B vs 17ft minivan conversion kit, both equipped with cassette toilet

To establish this comparison, as a motorhome, rather than a class A or C, we chose a class B (van structure with often a pop-up roof) as it is the favorite of vanlife enthusiasts particularly for its maneuverability and also for its format which can be reduced.

However, most new class B models are highly equipped, costing around $200,000 at purchase and often more. However, we have seen less equipped models, smaller in size, without a toilet or running water shower (but with a portable toilet like we use in our Roadloft-equipped minivan or pickup). And also of reduced length [to 18 feet compared to 17 feet (minus 1 inch) for our minivan].

The Roadloft alternative comfortable enough for those 60 and older

Certainly, we cannot stand up in our minivan or in our pickup, as we would in a class B with a pop-up roof. However, we live comfortably in it, at least enough to have lived in it for 8 months out of 12 for 3 years. You might say it’s because we were young. We would tell you that the majority of the thousands of Roadloft customers who roam the roads of North America in minivans with our conversion kits are over 50 years old. And many of them are former owners of class A, B, or C RVs. And who, since their conversion to the removable kit in their everyday vehicle, travel like never before AND make their dollars travel…

Stratospheric cost gaps

Now, let’s move on to the objective data. I must admit that the further I progressed in preparing this comparative summary table, the more I went from surprise to surprise, faced with such a wide gap. Such a gap, for the same trips?

Vanlife at 1 or 2% of the cost, really?

In this comparative table, the numbers speak and the dollar travels differently. Let’s talk about the numbers first. Let’s take a closer look:

COST OF RV COMPARED TO ROADLOFT CAMPER CONVERSION KIT

Cost of purchasing and using a class B recreational vehicle (RV) over a 7-year period compared to that of a removable camper conversion kit added to the everyday vehicle (Minivan, SUV, Hatchback or Pickup)

Notes relating to the table (prices in CND)

*1. Although the cost of class B motorhomes often exceeds this amount by a large margin, we have considered a budget of $160,000 (before taxes) financed in full, except for taxes paid in cash. In the case of Roadloft, we have considered the purchase of new kits in cash.

*2. RV: Given the current high interest rate (7.25%), we have used a 7-year scenario (84 months). Roadloft: Most kit buyers, given the amount at stake, pay cash.

*3. RV: Here the differences can be very significant. And vary depending on mileage, maintenance, and the market. We have applied a flat annual amount of $2000 covering oil changes and wear repairs (tires, brakes…) for non-excessive mileage.

*4. Prices in Quebec, Canada, including deductibles of $2000 for collision, $1000 for fire/theft, liability of 2 M$, for an experienced driver (55 years old) with a spotless record.

*5. Storage prices vary depending on the regions. Rural or urban environment, local climate (heated or not)…

*6. We have used the taxation applied in Quebec (14.975%). The rate differs in Canada and the United States depending on the provinces or states.

*7. Very variable. We have applied a depreciation of 50% for the RV at the end of the 7 years, therefore 50% (7.14% annually). And for Roadloft: conversion kits do not involve an engine, transmission, electrical system, or parts threatened by rust. Nor anything mechanical subject to wear. And of premium quality, Roadloft conversion kits purchased in 2019 are resold today with minimal depreciation. Nevertheless, we apply a depreciation rate of 28% (4% per year) here.

*8. Set of utility and ambiance accessories ($2760 before taxes) to find the main conveniences of the class B in the Roadloft-equipped minivan or pickup (solar panels, lithium power station, compressor refrigerator/freezer, premium 2-burner propane stove, mosquito nets, insulating curtains, solar and ambient lighting lamps, portable toilet). The net cost of accessories here corresponds to their purchase cost plus applicable taxes in Quebec ($3070) minus their residual value (50%) divided by 7.

*9. Fuel costs vary depending on type (gasoline, diesel), engine types, vehicle dimensions, and territories traveled. For the simulation made here, we use a consumption of 15 liters/100 km for the RV and 8 liters/100km for the Minivan, Pickup, SUV or Hatchback at the average price of $1.50 /liter.

The Numbers speak

We can always adjust the numbers in this analysis, but we won’t get too far from these. At least they certainly won’t be far enough away to substantially close the gap between the purchase of the RV and the Roadloft removable camper conversion kit.

In this comparison, the class B motorhome [taxes paid in cash, monthly payments spread over 7 years, annual recurring costs, subtraction of the residual (resale) value after 7 years] comes to an annual net cost of $26,589. Compare to an annual net cost of the Roadloft minivan or pickup conversion kit (without accessories) reaching just $307, $165 for the SUV and $122 for the Hatchback. Even when equipped with all the utility and ambient accessories to find the main amenities of class B in the Roadloft minivan or pickup (solar panels, lithium power station, compressor refrigerator/freezer, 2 premium propane stove, mosquito nets, insulating curtains, solar lighting and ambient lamps, portable toilet), the Roadloft annual net cost barely climbs to $526 (minivan/pickup), $385 (SUV), $342 (Hatchback).

Here we really compare the total net annual cost of a Roadloft kit (for minivan or pickup including a set of convenience accessories) of $526 to $26,589 for the class B RV. A net cost of acquisition of the Roadloft kit for minivan or pickup which comes back 2% of that of the class B VR, and almost 1% in the case of the Roadloft kit for SUV or Hatchback.

 

Sell your RV, adopt the Roadloft Vanlife Formula

Our customers switching from RV to the Roadloft removable camper conversion kit installed in their everyday vehicle, tell us that they have often been convinced by a friend recommending that they sell their RV. « Sell your RV, adopt the Roadloft Vanlife Formula »

More travel, more outings, more restaurants, more shows

They tell how the Roadloft vanlife formula has transformed their getaways and road trips. They go out much more. They enhance their trips with restaurant outings, shows, museums, improvise more according to the impulses of the moment, take advantage of free campsites or the best paid (for tents) intimate and shaded locations, moreover cheaper than those for RVs. And besides, they are no longer limited in their leisure budget once back home.

Check out our article on a dream road trip for $20 a day

Now that the costs of acquiring the Roadloft formula are known to you in detail, see our article on the detailed budget for a one-month dream trip to the American West at a cost of 20 $ per day.

In Roadloft Vanlife Formula, your dollars and your dreams will go far!

More info (photos, videos, testimonials, contacts) on our camper conversion kits for minivans, SUVs and pickups on Roadloft.com