Virtually all of us have a budget of some sort. Some, of course, have a little more expendable income than others. Imagine, for example, that you need (or want) to live off the grid for only $400 a week. While connecting with nature and making the most of less is great, most of us still need a dedicated budget to make it work. Luckily, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, we can make every dollar not only count but go a whole lot further.
The Least Expensive Ways to Live Off the Grid Full-Time in an RV
Here’s how to live resourcefully while finding financial freedom on the open road.
1. Camp on Public Lands
First, you need a spot to set up your living space. Traditional homes and apartments cost a lot of money and can quickly overwhelm a limited budget.
If you have an RV, you can cut those expenses—as long as you know where to park. With a little bit of resourcefulness, you can find free and affordable places to park on public lands and take advantage of camping opportunities. You have vast opportunities to find RV space, from national forests to wildlife management areas.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages America’s public lands. While the BLM has convenient spaces, it’s essential to understand the laws. Dispersed campers may stay 14 days within 28 days. Then, it’s time to move on and find a new spot for your RV.
Photo by Photerrestrial on Unsplash
2. Use Solar Power
The cheapest way to live full-time in an RV is to invest in energy up front. To live off the grid, you’ll need to find alternative energy sources rather than relying on municipal services. Solar power is among the most cost-effective solutions and is easy to install. Heavy-duty stations can produce over 3,500 Wh and power your appliances and electronics.
Install the photovoltaic panels yourself to save on labor costs (or pick portable versions that are easy to set up whenever you land). If you need help, ask local experts or friends who have this expertise. Before installation, gauge your estimated daily energy usage to understand how much hardware you’ll need. Then, install the panels on the sunniest part of your roof. Angled devices can maximize sunlight and provide electricity.
Photo by Jackery Power Station on Unsplash
3. Keep the Food Simple
Once you sort the power needs, you can plan your meal strategies. Simple and whole foods like rice and beans are excellent for fixed budgets because they’re so affordable. Prioritize shelf-stable foods like peanut butter and pasta, as they reduce refrigeration requirements. Depending on your location, you could source ingredients from local farmers’ markets and produce stands. You may even be able to find places to pick your own food for greater cost savings and camaraderie.
Making food stretch is essential when finding the cheapest ways to live full-time in an RV. Dehydrating meat and fruit makes it easier to transport food because the items take up less space in the cupboards. If you anticipate living far from grocery stores, consider dehydrated snacks for healthy living. From peaches to beef and mushrooms, the options are nearly limitless.
Photo by Alex Moliski on Unsplash
4. Source Your Own Water
Water is nonnegotiable when you’re off the grid. Humans can survive only three days without water, so ensure you have reliable sources nearby. Sourcing free water means limiting reliance on bottled water.
Collecting rainwater with gutters and food-grade barrels is economical, depending on your location and rig. You can use the water collected for washing, cleaning, gardening, and other daily tasks as you live off the grid.
Staying near a river or lake ensures water is more plentiful. However, you should be careful and purify it as much as possible. Bring high-quality portable water filters and purification systems to safely use these natural resources.
Photo by Stephanie Bergeron on Unsplash
5. Get Connected
Unless you’re retired, you still need income sources when living off the grid (or ways to access the money you’ve saved). Working remotely requires a strong and stable connection during office hours, so you’ll need internet that works in the middle of nowhere. Some RV users get 50 – 150 Mbps using remote internet providers like Starlink even without cell service. Wi-Fi extenders can be handy if you have bandwidth issues.
Another option to consider? Free public Wi-Fi at restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, and other public access points. You may have to travel to access the resource, but it’s worth it for free internet. While using public networks is convenient, there are security risks. To protect your data, install and use a virtual private network (VPN). And if you don’t want to stay at the location, you can download files for offline use and head back to camp.
Photo by Atlantic Ambience
6. Do the Repairs Yourself
Maintenance can be expensive, so create an in-house repair kit for emergencies. Invest in low-cost essentials, like screwdrivers, pliers, and multimeters, to cover minor repairs. To save money, do as much of the servicing at home as possible. If your budget is $400 weekly, research repair tutorials and watch instructional videos. Some RVers budget $700 or more annually for maintenance, and it’s a good idea to be prepared for unexpected expenses.
DIY skills are excellent for minor and major repairs. From light bulb replacement to plumbing overhauls, it’s wise to hone your skills for these instances. Consider befriending others in the off-grid communities to learn tips and borrow tools. If you get to know an electrician, you could benefit from their services. (You’ll still want to pay them, but you may be able to trade or help do the work to save a little cash.) In addition, join online groups to ask questions and learn more about off-grid living.
Finding the Cheapest Way to Live Full-Time in an RV
Living off the grid on a budget means you need to be a little more savvy about how to stretch your dollars. Yes, it can be challenging, but it can also be surprisingly rewarding. Find cost-effective solutions that make you—and your bank account—happy. With careful resource management, including solar energy and nutritious food, an inexpensive off-grid lifestyle is achievable and freeing.