I was away, so I am late to this thread.
My only advice to anyone considering this is NOT to do it, unless you have deep pockets. The costs add up
quick. For a relatively short term trip as you are considering, either rent, or buy used, and sell as soon as possible.
===============================
For a
one-person, one-year U.S. trip, a small RV can be worth it
for freedom, photography access, bad-weather shelter, and avoiding hotel logistics. Financially, it is usually
not cheaper than car + motels unless you buy used carefully, avoid heavy private-campground use, and resell well.
The biggest cost is not fuel. It is usually:
depreciation + sales tax + campground fees + repairs.
As of late June 2026, U.S. regular gas averaged
$3.831/gal and diesel
$4.668/gal, so fuel matters, but it is not the whole story.
Best RV type for one person
| Option | Pros | Cons | Cost verdict |
|---|
| Class B camper van | Easiest to drive, park, stealthier, fits cities and scenic roads, best for solo travel | Expensive per square foot, cramped shower/toilet, limited storage | Best lifestyle choice, often worst purchase price |
| Small Class C / B+ | More space, real bathroom, better bad-weather comfort | Lower mpg, harder to park, more “RV park” dependent | Better livability for a full year |
| Small travel trailer + existing truck | Cheapest RV asset, easy to sell, truck can be detached | Towing every day gets old, campsites more necessary, harder in cities | Best financial choice if you already own a capable truck |
| Truck camper | Compact, go-anywhere feel, no trailer | Expensive for size, high center of gravity, limited living space | Good for rugged trips, not best comfort-per-dollar |
========================================
Realistic one-year cost estimate, excluding food
Assume
20,000 miles, one person, 365 nights, and resale after the trip.
| Cost item | Used Class B van | Compact Class C | Small trailer using your truck |
|---|
| Buy price | $80k–$125k | $55k–$95k | $20k–$45k |
| One-year depreciation / resale loss | $8k–$22k | $7k–$18k | $3k–$10k |
| Sales tax / registration friction | $5k–$11k | $4k–$8k | $1.5k–$4k |
| Fuel | $4k–$6k | $6k–$8k | $6k–$8k towing |
| Campgrounds / parking | $7k–$18k | $8k–$20k | $8k–$20k |
| Insurance | $1k–$2.5k | $1k–$2.5k | $500–$1.2k trailer only |
| Maintenance / repairs reserve | $3k–$8k | $4k–$10k | $2k–$6k trailer, plus truck wear |
| Gear, upgrades, memberships, laundry, dump fees, tolls | $2k–$5k | $2k–$5k | $2k–$5k |
| Likely one-year cost after resale | $30k–$72k | $32k–$72k | $23k–$53k |
