What Did it Cost?
[this page will be updated as we get farther in our journey]
I am the money maiden of our household. I track our accounts. I pay the bills. I file the taxes. I set the budget. I'm also the dreamer and I count myself incredibly lucky that somehow, I was able to hook my husband into this crazy idea. Thank you, Scott, you're amazing!! 😘
What did it cost for our 1981 RoadTrek?
Initial Costs
Cash Purchase: $5000 (negotiated down from $5500)
Safety Certification: $1200 (it needed new tires ðŸ˜)
Licensing: $500
TOTAL INITIAL INVESTMENT: $6700
What did the RoadTrek come equipped with?
2 Captains chairs
2 Passenger seats
Shag carpet ✌️
Toilet
Sink
Fridge
Stovetop
Bench Seats (dinette) that converts to small double bed
2 Fans
What were our immediate renovation plans?
Remove the carpet and put down easy-to-clean flooring
Add seat belts to dinette
Re-cover door paneling
Stereo/backup camera
Unrealistic Budget: $500 ... stay tuned!
Ongoing Expenses:
Insurance
Gas
Oil changes
Keeping the license current
How We Justify the Cost
I looked up what it costs to buy a new RoadTrek. Over $137,000 - can you believe that?! That's a mortgage! So, if you think about it, we got a steal of a deal! We're looking at it as an investment in our family and in our future. We are going to build memories and see the country. We are going to stretch ourselves by being in close quarters and we are going to grow closer because of that stretching. Families spend huge money on cottages or fancy vacations. We're just taking a different approach, and so far, no regrets!
Life is a journey, and every journey is best spent with the people you love the most and a vehicle that's so ugly it's beautiful.