I worked at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Campbellsville, Kentucky for most of the month, so my campsite was a perk of the job. Peak season continues until just before Christmas, but I decided to leave early. I generally enjoy the work but the facility has gone over mostly to apparel, and that stuff is heavy! The shelves seem much, much higher than when I worked there two years ago – or could it be that I am two years older? In any event, I left on the 22nd.
Other Expenses $338.64
Campsites 232.09
Gas 178.77
Groceries and such 163.03
Eating out 54.46
Laundry 3.00
Food and drink on-the-go 1.06
TOTAL $968.05
The main unexpected expense for November was vet visits for Cora the Travel Cat. She had ear issues that needed to be addressed, and then she had some sort of allergy issues that caused her to scratch the fur off the top of her head. There is no such thing as a free cat!
In November, I camped in Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina and drove through Tennessee. I drove 1,177 miles, which was the least amount of driving I have done in a month since I have been recording.
On the positive side, October was the least expensive month since April. However, it could have been better. Once again, I had unplanned expenses in the RV category.
I found a REAL Airstream dealer that could get me in to check the caulking/seals on my roof. I didn’t know that was something that required maintenance. There was only one small area that needed attention, but while it was in the shop, I had them check the leak that I had recently discovered in the fresh water tank, and check out the leaky valve on the black water tank. The black water tank only required a good clean out and now it’s working great. The fresh water tank needed to be replaced. They had one in stock so I decided to have them do it. It was only dripping a little, but when I can, I prefer to avoid more serious problems down the road.
And, if that wasn’t enough out-go in the RV maintenance for one month, I also really dodged a bullet.
I am working as part of Amazon’s CamperForce in Campbellsville, Kentucky for their peak season. They pay for the campsite as part of the package. The only site I could find was kind of far out of town and didn’t have any amenities on site. No laundry, no bath house, no on-site management. In fact, I would have to get my mail through general delivery, and general delivery doesn’t accept FedEx or UPS. So, not really great.
A camper I met at training told me that there was a site available at The Resort, which is where I stayed two years ago. So, when I got ready to move to my new site, this is what I found:
A burnt out power cord?! What in the world?
And, if the power cord is burnt out, what does the power receptacle look like?
Oh, man! Like I said, it looks like I dodged a bullet. I could have really had some problems.
But, I got moved and then I started playing phone tag with a recommended mobile RV repairman. While waiting to hear back from him. I went to an RV dealer and got a new receptacle and cord to have on hand when he could get to me.
But, I started reading the directions, and I realized that it changing out the power receptacle should be pretty easy and I had the tools I needed, so I went ahead and did it myself!
The receptacle and the cord cost me almost $200, but at least I didn’t have to pay for someone to do it for me.
So, with no further ado, I give you my October expenses.
RV maintenance $1558.13
Groceries 362.46
Campsites 315.00
Gas 310.92
Other 196.67
Truck expenses 100.77
Restaurants/eating out 82.66
Tolls 12.75
Laundry 12.68
Clothing 4.68
Tourism/Entertainment 10.00
Food/Drinks on the go 1.69
TOTAL $2,978.65
In October, I drove 1,573 miles and visited six states, including visiting the elusive state of West Virginia. That makes 40 states down with eight left to go!
I imagine that November expenses should be pretty low. For one thing, the campsite is paid for. I have no time to spend money, as Amazon is a pretty demanding job. Expenses will be lower and I will have additional income!
I had some large big RV expenses in September. I bought new tires for Flo the Airstream, so I am feeling good about rolling down the highways of America with her new shoes. I was surprised that the expenses to repair my air conditioner were so high. They no longer make the unit that was on my 2010 Classic. The company I have the warrantee with did cover a replacement unit, but I was on the hook myself for parts needed to adapt it to my Airstream.
I got a whole bunch of free parking out of the repair job, though, as all the parts didn’t come in the first order. So, it took them a week longer than it should have.
RV Expenses $1420.18
Campsites 534.20
Gas 302.34
Clothing 263.33
Groceries 204.29
Other expenses 146.33
Restaurants 98.64
Tourism and entertainment 45.00
Parking and tolls 22.00
Food and drink on the go 13.77
Laundry 13.00
Truck expenses 0.00
TOTAL $3108.88
In September, I was in six states – New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Jersey. I also drove through New York for a bit. I drove 1,627 miles.
While the total of my expenses was higher than I’d like, the bottom line of the money in my banking accounts still looks good.
My previous method of handling my money was to just keep an eye on my bank balances. I think this macro approach is more suited to my way of handling things. For instance, while my balances look fine, the amount of out-go during July has been a little scary. On the other hand, I spent less in July than I did in June or May.
But, I said I’d track my expenses for a year, and so I will persevere.
I suppose it is a bit unfair to blame the month’s high totals on poor Cora. When we got back to Kalamazoo, I took her to the vet for her shots and a checkup. It turned out that she had a tooth that needed to be removed, along with needing to have her teeth and ears cleaned. Cha-ching!
Other expenses $1085.94
Campsites 895.15
Gas 388.99
Groceries and such 314.61
Tourism 100.00
Truck expenses 81.55
Restaurants/Eating out 67.59
RV Maintenance 59.85
Food and Drink on the Go 17.17
Laundry 14.50
Tolls 0.75
Clothing 0.00
TOTAL 3026.10
I drove 1,946 miles. I stayed in three states – Michigan, Ohio and New York – and I drove through Pennsylvania along Lake Erie. Seven campgrounds were my home for at least one night.
I don’t think I have any big expenses coming up this month. I have my fingers crossed on that!
