Snowbirds and RVs

There are a number of reasons RVs are so popular with Snowbirds. Probably the number one reason is that spending the winter months in an RV is relatively inexpensive when compared to the purchase price, property taxes, upkeep, insurance, utilities and community association dues that come with owning a single family home, condominium or manufactured home. The majority of RV expenses consist of fuel, campground fees, electrical usage, heating fuel, license and insurance. That’s about it. Plus in many circumstances, recreational vehicles can qualify as a “second home” for tax purposes.

The second most popular reason Snowbirds love their RVs is because they are bringing their home with them where ever they go. RVs can be quite comfortable, with all the amenities of home but on a smaller scale—bedroom, bathroom, toilet, shower, and a kitchen with oven, microwave, refrigerator, and some with a trash compactor and dishwasher and central air conditioning. Some high-tech options include internet-ready computer stations, global positioning systems, television with direct-broadcast satellite antennas, stereo with headphones, DVD player, automatic leveling systems, solar panel for generating electricity, and closed-circuit, rear-view cameras so you won’t run over someone’s bicycle when you back up.

Snowbirding in an RV is the ultimate in self-sufficiency. RVs offer comfort and convenience. Since RVs have kitchens, you can save money by doing your own cooking as you travel.    One of the biggest attractions to being an RV Snowbird is the freedom that comes with that lifestyle. RV Snowbirds go when they want, stop when they want, and stay as long as they want. No arriving at an airport two hours before the flight, wasting half a day waiting in lines before the plane even takes off. No motel reservations to make.

In addition, how fast one chooses to travel is up to the driver and occupants. Many Snowbirds prefer taking their time to explore new regions of the country while making their way south. The RV can also be used year round, wandering here and there throughout the country and even into Canada and Mexico. It can remain all set up and ready to go, anytime a Snowbird feels like hitting the road.

We would be negligent if we did not point out some of the disadvantages of choosing an RV as your Snowbird residence.  RVs tend to depreciate in value and wear out over time. In an upward real estate market, you would lose the property appreciation you would gain if you purchased a single-family home or a condominium instead. There are also RV park rental expenses to consider which can get rather price at some of the more exclusive RV Snowbird resorts.

Depending on whether you purchase a fifth-wheel or a trailer, you may need a smaller second vehicle to use for local travel. It is not uncommon to see the Snowbird heading south down the freeway in a big motor home with his wife following behind in a second, smaller vehicle.

One final thought to consider, compared to all other Snowbird winter residence options, an RV will have the smallest living area—except maybe a boat. This winter lifestyle allows you to have with you more than you could carry in your luggage, but much less than you might have in a single- family Snowbird residence.

Deciding on a recreational vehicle as a winter Snowbird residence is just the first decision. Next you will have to decide which RV will best fit your pocketbook and your specific needs. There are various classes of motorized RVs: Class A, Class B and Class C. Towable RVs are designed to be pulled by a car, pickup truck, sports utility vehicle or even a van. The categories are pop-up camping trailers, truck campers, travel trailers and fifth wheels. There is a wide range of prices, from a small, inexpensive pop-up camping trailer, to a couple of million dollars for a customized 45-foot Mega Cruiser motor home. Which one to choose? Fortunately Follow the Sun: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Snowbird can help you sort it out. Detailed information about each option is presented for each type of RV as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

The Snowbird Life
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