Cost of Motorhome Ownership - Per Night Stay [Gulp!]

[marchie]

I have measured the cost of every vehicle I have owned since 1987 on an evolving spreadsheet, calculating the overall cost of ownership, the cost per mile, and the corresponding figures for each year of ownership, further analysed by category of cost [depreciation, finance. repairs, insurance etc]. The last time I posted the then data, David@wildebus replied that it would be more interesting to calculate the Cost of Ownership on a 'per night of stay' basis, so it's his fault ...

I was really proud that our 101 nights away for the year ending 20th April 2023 had cost us only £374.88 in site fees [mainly French/Spanish Aires and a couple of Rallies], so less than £3.75 per night makes motorhoming a very cost effective holiday. However, when all of the capital and revenue costs that we incur in buying and maintaining the Motorhome are added to the costs of this type of holiday are added in, the cost per night exceed the cost of staying in a 5 star hotel! The saving grace is that Motorhoming keeps us clear of the 'P&O' brigade [Poncey & Obnoxious ...]

Our cheap sub £3.75 per night site fees only cost rises to £138.42 per night! And this year, where our travel plans have been hammered by health and other problems, we have managed only 28 days away [site fees £293.75], and the total cost per night is currently £370.55 per night! Makes the £13.04 per mile cost seem an absolute bargain! The cost of our total number of nights since purchasing Brunhilde averages £178.94, but this will eventually be adjusted when we decide to sell the Van to reflect the actual Sale/P/Ex value; at present, the depreciation is probably overstated by around £7700, so the average cost per night is closer to £145.

Anyone got the Reservations number for Premier Inn?

Steve

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Cost of the hobby innit.

Liz is always saying we can't afford it anymore, which is rubbish, we paid cash for it over two years ago, which was all earned by buying and selling and going steadily up the ladder, it is presently worth about 4-5k more than we paid for it, so it is only costing us the tax and ins, plus fuel and repairs, I pay for the fuel and repairs out of my AA, (out being welded as I trype) and the tax too it seems, so she pays the ins, and she is the one complaining.

What she really wants is for me to sell it (not happening) split the money (it is a joint adventure) so she can go on her poxy cruises, I can't imagine anything more BOOOOOOORINGGGGG

 

[Exwindsurfer]

Cost of the hobby innit.

Liz is always saying we can't afford it anymore, which is rubbish, we paid cash for it over two years ago, which was all earned by buying and selling and going steadily up the ladder, it is presently worth about 4-5k more than we paid for it, so it is only costing us the tax and ins, plus fuel and repairs, I pay for the fuel and repairs out of my AA, (out being welded as I trype) and the tax too it seems, so she pays the ins, and she is the one complaining.

What she really wants is for me to sell it (not happening) split the money (it is a joint adventure) so she can go on her poxy cruises, I can't imagine anything more BOOOOOOORINGGGGG

I'll second that Kev lolol

 

[trevskoda]

Cost of the hobby innit.

Liz is always saying we can't afford it anymore, which is rubbish, we paid cash for it over two years ago, which was all earned by buying and selling and going steadily up the ladder, it is presently worth about 4-5k more than we paid for it, so it is only costing us the tax and ins, plus fuel and repairs, I pay for the fuel and repairs out of my AA,

Alcoholics anominus, they pay you, ferk i missed out there big time.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Serves you right.

These Windows 10 apps are brilliant.

 

[wildebus]

I have measured the cost of every vehicle I have owned since 1987 on an evolving spreadsheet, calculating the overall cost of ownership, the cost per mile, and the corresponding figures for each year of ownership, further analysed by category of cost [depreciation, finance. repairs, insurance etc]. The last time I posted the then data, David@wildebus replied that it would be more interesting to calculate the Cost of Ownership on a 'per night of stay' basis, so it's his fault ...

I was really proud that our 101 nights away for the year ending 20th April 2023 had cost us only £374.88 in site fees [mainly French/Spanish Aires and a couple of Rallies], so less than £3.75 per night makes motorhoming a very cost effective holiday. However, when all of the capital and revenue costs that we incur in buying and maintaining the Motorhome are added to the costs of this type of holiday are added in, the cost per night exceed the cost of staying in a 5 star hotel! The saving grace is that Motorhoming keeps us clear of the 'P&O' brigade [Poncey & Obnoxious ...]

Our cheap sub £3.75 per night site fees only cost rises to £138.42 per night! And this year, where our travel plans have been hammered by health and other problems, we have managed only 28 days away [site fees £293.75], and the total cost per night is currently £370.55 per night! Makes the £13.04 per mile cost seem an absolute bargain! The cost of our total number of nights since purchasing Brunhilde averages £178.94, but this will eventually be adjusted when we decide to sell the Van to reflect the actual Sale/P/Ex value; at present, the depreciation is probably overstated by around £7700, so the average cost per night is closer to £145.

Anyone got the Reservations number for Premier Inn?

Steve

Don't blame me for this! I would not even start to calculate my own cost per night as it would likely be in four figures

Here are some ideas for "what if" spreadsheeting ..... cost differential between using sites with EHU vs either non-EHU pitch or wildcamping? - how cost effective is the Solar and the larger batteries to facilitate off-grid stays compared to just using a plug-in pitch?

(of course, the above suggestion totally ignores a key aspect of Wildcamping, which cannot be quantified, but that is a different topic entirely).

 

[marchie]

Don't blame me for this! I would not even start to calculate my own cost per night as it would likely be in four figures

Here are some ideas for "what if" spreadsheeting ..... cost differential between using sites with EHU vs either non-EHU pitch or wildcamping? - how cost effective is the Solar and the larger batteries to facilitate off-grid stays compared to just using a plug-in pitch?

(of course, the above suggestion totally ignores a key aspect of Wildcamping, which cannot be quantified, but that is a different topic entirely).

The thing is, David, the spreadsheet cannot measure the enjoyment of motorhoming and the sense of well-being that we get from a trip away from the 'daily grind' of existence in the current climate ...

My next 'what if' exercise will continue 'I were to get a life?' ... Never gonnae happen

Steve

 

[marchie]

Don't blame me for this! I would not even start to calculate my own cost per night as it would likely be in four figures

Here are some ideas for "what if" spreadsheeting ..... cost differential between using sites with EHU vs either non-EHU pitch or wildcamping? - how cost effective is the Solar and the larger batteries to facilitate off-grid stays compared to just using a plug-in pitch?

(of course, the above suggestion totally ignores a key aspect of Wildcamping, which cannot be quantified, but that is a different topic entirely).

The thing is, David, the spreadsheet cannot measure the enjoyment of motorhoming and the sense of well-being that we get from a trip away from the 'daily grind' of existence in the current climate ...

My next 'what if' exercise will continue 'I were to get a life?' ... Never gonnae happen

Steve

Cost of the hobby innit.

Liz is always saying we can't afford it anymore, which is rubbish, we paid cash for it over two years ago, which was all earned by buying and selling and going steadily up the ladder, it is presently worth about 4-5k more than we paid for it, so it is only costing us the tax and ins, plus fuel and repairs, I pay for the fuel and repairs out of my AA, (out being welded as I trype) and the tax too it seems, so she pays the ins, and she is the one complaining.

What she really wants is for me to sell it (not happening) split the money (it is a joint adventure) so she can go on her poxy cruises, I can't imagine anything more BOOOOOOORINGGGGG

Cruising was a favourite past time pre-Covid, Kev. We drew up a list of favourite destinations, knowing that these are rotated by the Cruise Lines, so missing the current cruise would probably mean a 2 or 3 year wait for it to reappear; and all 3 of our favourites appeared over the course of about 6 months or so! Sharp intake of breath, then hit the savings account hard [knife up the piggy bank's rear end for the last few pennies!

We did Cuba & The Caribbean, South America [Chile to Argentina], and lastly, a Last Minute Repositioning Cruise from Japan [Yokohama] to Seattle, via Alaska which was the creme de la creme [except we couldn't afford the cream ]. Mad, but brilliant experiences. Once we feel safe to resume cruising, we'll probably go for a 'Farewell Fling' and try to get back to both Japan and South America on Freight Vessels, a la Michael Palin, combining the sailings with land-based linked adventures. If it works, it will be exhilerating, knackering, and staggeringly expensive. But what a finalé. The Undertaker might have to take his/her chances when the time comes, but that will not be our problem!

Steve

 

[nabsim]

Stats are so easy to manipulate Steve you should know this. Simply sleep in the van at home, your per nights costs will start to snowball downwards.

No idea what mine are but going of the sale places my van is worth more than I paid for it 5 years ago. I rarely pay to stay overnight anywhere (expensive year this year at £85 total for sites/services).. just use it more and don’t bother swapping, it’s easy

 

[Lee]

Steve if we all logged the cost of our trips, I would think we'd all be in the same situation.
As has been said the cost is out weighed by the change in you standard of life, which is immeasurable.
Also just think of all those incredible views, good company and stress free nights you've had, perhaps you need to buy purple bedding and then you will think you're in a Premier Inn

 

[Scotia]

Alcoholics anominus, they pay you, ferk i missed out there big time.

200kg of malt £134, hops 10kg £153.70
yeast £9.99 per 100g
Usage per 20 gallon brew 160 pints
Malt 16kg £10.72
Hops 200g £3.07
Yeasy 20g £2.00
Hobbies don't need to be expensive.

 

[The laird]

I feel that imho it's our escape(freedom) which you can't cost as in fuel if it needs fuel put it in ,life's to short ,get out there and enjoy your escape this is my views only I know some may not be able to manage but if you can get on with it and enjoy it b4 you may not be able to

 

[Burge]

I feel that imho it's our escape(freedom) which you can't cost as in fuel if it needs fuel put it in ,life's to short ,get out there and enjoy you escape this is my views only I know some may not be able to manage but if you can get on with it and enjoy it b4 you may not be able to

Couldn't agree more with this opinion......... life is for living you shouldn't put a price on enjoyable times so let's GO !!!!!.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Liz would do B&B and rent a cottage, I imagine that would bore me to death as well and would likely cost more per year than the van does, and the van will still give some money back when we do decide to sell.

 

[Burge]

I'm a toy boy at 65 (Sue is 67) & I am all for selling the house buying a larger M/Home & living in it BUT she says we're toooo old . NOW !!! Why does the money seem to be around NOW for a normal working bloke thats worked all his life for what he's got (it's not a lot but it's ours) and we're too old to be as adventurous as we could have been in our 30's.We paid mortgages at anything from 8% to 17% interest (thanks to Maggie )all our working life then when we finish work we can't make Jack Shite on any money we have.(Rant Over)

 

[wildebus]

Steve if we all logged the cost of our trips, I would think we'd all be in the same situation.
As has been said the cost is out weighed by the change in you standard of life, which is immeasurable.
Also just think of all those incredible views, good company and stress free nights you've had, perhaps you need to buy purple bedding and then you will think you're in a Premier Inn

Now I had Zebra striped duvet cover, Zebra Throws and previously a stripey Camper .... I could pretend I was on Safari? and those are blooming expensive! (not as expensive as a Motorhome though!!)

 

[marchie]

Steve if we all logged the cost of our trips, I would think we'd all be in the same situation.
As has been said the cost is out weighed by the change in you standard of life, which is immeasurable.
Also just think of all those incredible views, good company and stress free nights you've had, perhaps you need to buy purple bedding and then you will think you're in a Premier Inn

I agree, Lee. I am as guilty, if not more so, when it comes to the 'Stayed at place X. Beautiful location/facilities and only £y per night and 3 litres of diesel' statements. As I mentioned, my mate David @wildebus replied to a previous 'Cost of Motorhoming' Thread with the suggestion that a 'Cost per Night' category would be more beneficial than a 'Cost per Mile' figure [which I also collect ...]. Then I saw on another Forum a query from an intending purchaser on whether he should buy an older but low mileage Van, or a newer, but higher mileage Van; one of the first replies was from an ex-pat in Spain: 'Ask about the number of nights used [wear & tear on bedding/upholstery etc], because many people will drive from UK, stay 90 days and never turn a wheel until it's time for the return journey' [as near as I can recall, so not quite verbatim]

So, that plus David's suggestion prompted me to calculate the figures. And tha, M'Lud, is the case for the Defence [pending production of the Mental Health Act Assessment ]. I am the first to acknowledge the mental and physical health benefits of getting away in the Van. And the frustration and boredom of being 'Confined to Barracks' after having to cancel the New Forest and Rye Rallies, plus a 'bridging' break on one of the Basic Facilities New Forest sites on medical advice prompted me to make the calculations

Final thought: Many of the expenses [VED, Insurance, Finance, Time-based maintenance] are 'Sunk Costs' that are almost wasted if one doesn't manage to use the Van [as my paltry 28 days away since 21st April show]. Or, as someone on another Forum expressed it during COVID Lockdown, 'I looked out of the window at the Van, and never thought that I would pay so much for a bloody garden ornament'

Steve

 

[marchie]

I'm a toy boy at 65 (Sue is 67) & I am all for selling the house buying a larger M/Home & living in it BUT she says we're toooo old . NOW !!! Why does the money seem to be around NOW for a normal working bloke thats worked all his life for what he's got (it's not a lot but it's ours) and we're too old to be as adventurous as we could have been in our 30's.We paid mortgages at anything from 8% to 17% interest (thanks to Maggie )all our working life then when we finish work we can't make Jack Shite on any money we have.(Rant Over)

I'm 70 in October, and, in many respects, still feel that I'm waiting to grow up. The ambition to 'do a Palin' and take a freight ship voyage to Japan and South America remains alive, and sod the expense/savings. Keeping tabs on costings and savings helps me to accumulate the resources needed to put such a 'Farewell Finalé' together [like the Tim Vine 'Edinburgh Festival Winning Joke goes, 'Just got back from the holiday of a lifetime. Never again ...' ], because it will be the last adventure. Something to dream about and to plan for

Steve

 

[marchie]

Liz would do B&B and rent a cottage, I imagine that would bore me to death as well and would likely cost more per year than the van does, and the van will still give some money back when we do decide to sell.

So would the cottage, Kev, but not as much in a falling market!

Steve

 

[marchie]

Stats are so easy to manipulate Steve you should know this. Simply sleep in the van at home, your per nights costs will start to snowball downwards.

No idea what mine are but going of the sale places my van is worth more than I paid for it 5 years ago. I rarely pay to stay overnight anywhere (expensive year this year at £85 total for sites/services).. just use it more and don’t bother swapping, it’s easy

I'm not manipulating the stats, Neil, far from it. I'll have you know that I used to manage a Bank. I have my professional reputation to think of ... On second thoughts ...

I did the calculations partly out of frustration and boredom at being 'Confined to Barracks' because of another set of health problems. I hope that we'll be able to get away for a few days between hospital appointments, before clearing off to Spain via France in late November to get the current year's paltry 28 nights just about into 3 figures. But there again, I've said much the same thing just about every month since September 2022, and live has intervened every time ... Mustn't give up, 'cos, until the day of one's funeral, there's always tomorrow . Just send your Card to 'Marchie, Box Number 93 ...'

Steve