RVers Speak Out: Did California Travel Break Us?

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  • čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
  • The real costs of RV travel in California will surprise you. We even compared these totals to other states to show you the difference. Traveling in an RV in 2024 can be expensive if you don't know what to expect. Today's video will break everything down from fuel costs to RV parks and everything in between.
    This is our mini series finale that ends in San Diego, California. We booked the most expensive RV resort that we could find, just to see if "snowbirds" could benefit from traveling to this location. Strap in, because this is going to be an information packed video to bring in the new year of RV travel.
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    00:54 Snowbird in San Diego
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Komentáře • 356

  • @ibMoose2u
    @ibMoose2u Před 2 měsíci +17

    Hellifornia!! Born and raised, couldn't wait to flee in 2018 when I retired LOL Love you guys!!

  • @richardmeyer4360
    @richardmeyer4360 Před 2 měsíci +24

    Dragging your what? 38-39' 5th wheel through LA freeways alone makes y'all rock stars in my book.

    • @n6nvr
      @n6nvr Před 2 měsíci +2

      They carry their Paramedics with them.

  • @nottoooldtwo
    @nottoooldtwo Před 2 měsíci +24

    Happy to see a fair comparison of prices during your visit. I noticed that you had to spend $1500 for RV repairs in California that you didn't have to pay for in Idaho. That's a big chunk that wasn't mentioned in your comparison. We live in California and go camping often. Plenty of free boondocking areas in the deserts. State parks are hard to get into because of reservations, but plenty of people get last minute camping. We're glad you came to visit!

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco Před 2 měsíci +4

      Yeah, I noticed that, too. They spent $1500 in repairs in California and not one dollar in Idaho. That really screws up the math and makes it NOT an apples-to-apples comparison. 😠 👎

  • @markhayes4730
    @markhayes4730 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Just left San Diego after10 day stay at Sweetwater County Park. Beautiful views of the bay and Sweatwater lake. $37.00 per night full hookups.

  • @brittabrand6645
    @brittabrand6645 Před 2 měsíci +6

    We realized that you had 1.5k added for repairs in 0:01 California. Idaho was $0. We think that the difference wasn’t really that much. Great video as always ❤

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco Před 2 měsíci +4

      Yeah, I noticed that, too. They spent $1500 in repairs in California and not one dollar in Idaho. That really screws up the math and makes it NOT an apples-to-apples comparison. 😠 👎

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@user-reg27364 That's not the point. It doesn't matter *_why_* they had the repairs done in California and not Idaho. The point is simply that they *_did._* And since repairs are expensive and are not ordinary routine recurring (e.g., monthly) costs, it's inappropriate to include them as part of a cost comparison between states. Especially when you had all the repairs done in one state and not the other.

  • @LetsRelax143
    @LetsRelax143 Před 2 měsíci +5

    Sweetwater regional park is about $30 a night for full hookups.

  • @leeroberson7658
    @leeroberson7658 Před 2 měsíci +4

    I’m military living in San Diego, it’s so expensive for everything and it is so packed everywhere you go. We’re getting ready to start our trip around the US.

  • @1gesteban
    @1gesteban Před 2 měsíci +23

    My wife and I were born and raised in CA (1965 & 1966, respectively). We left there in 2018 and moved to Idaho for many of the reasons most are leaving now (politics, policies, crime, costs, taxation, regulations, etc.). We just bought our first travel trailer last Sept and are looking forward to exploring Idaho and all of the beautiful surrounding states. That said, you could not pay me enough money to make any RV travel plans anywhere in the state of California. If both of you were being honest, you'd likely say that California was just "ehh" compared to most of the other states you've traveled through.

    • @richis65
      @richis65 Před 2 měsíci +7

      I will disagree with you a bunch. My wife was born here in 1946 and my family moved here in 1949, so we have been here a long time. We have traveled in all 49 states, Canada and Mexico in a variety of motorhomes. California is my favorite state by a long shot for all the diverse areas of mountains, beaches and deserts (we live in the desert). I hate some of the things you mentioned about our state and those things really make us want to leave, but our family lives here and we love traveling and recreating within the state. We do plan to go to British Columbia next year (and maybe Alaska again).

    • @1gesteban
      @1gesteban Před 2 měsíci +6

      ​@@richis65 - That's awesome and I agree that the CA landscape has a lot to offer. But - because of the other things I mentioned previously - it has made those landscapes less attractive for us. It's like having a really hot-looking girlfriend who constantly farts in public. You just don't want any part of her (unless it's just in pictures). Get my drift? So while you have had a better experience (and I'm happy for you on that), I'm just sharing what OUR experience has been. It really wasn't easy leaving family and friends back in 2018, but we knew that it was necessary to have a truly wonderful life going forward... and we don't regret it for a single second. Idaho is an amazing place. Ask the Hanks!

    • @brucefranklin6765
      @brucefranklin6765 Před 2 měsíci +1

      Just received a Techno RV card. It has many of the same truck stops as Open Roads. I compared many truck stops between the 2 and found Open Roads is about 5 cents cheaper. However with Techno RV you can link it to a credit card. If you receive a cash back on your credit card, it comes out about even.

    • @CGVinyard1
      @CGVinyard1 Před 2 měsíci +2

      I agree all the politics and crime are sky high

    • @jolenecreech7648
      @jolenecreech7648 Před 2 měsíci +5

      Can I add my two-cents worth here??? I am California-born and raised …always had GREAT CAMPING EXPERIENCES here, from the deserts, to the sea, to the mountains…we got it all. Have been to all the states at various times in my long life. The variety here outshines all the others. ❤. And, it is so easy to go to the Grand Canyon or Vegas, or Colorado River from So. CA. Politics will always change. Just gotta wait it out. ❤

  • @tobbywhitmore3721
    @tobbywhitmore3721 Před 2 měsíci +3

    U only live once.. you could have cut RV parks by 2/3 but u got to enjoy a luxury RV park in San Diego!! Glad you guys had fun

  • @kenhuth1762
    @kenhuth1762 Před 2 měsíci +3

    When we visited San Diego we stayed at the thousand trails pio pico in Jamul. Two weeks free after buying a yearly zone pass for $460. Then we had to stay out of the system for a week so we went to the Escapee’s co-op in Arangula/Temecula. Then back to Jamul for another two weeks. Cheap living in SO-Cal

  • @ourrvsunsets
    @ourrvsunsets Před 2 měsíci +1

    First off it was lovely to meet you in San Diego and we're glad you had a great time in our home town. I always tell people that that image you have in your mind of what California is, the sunset, the surfer, the palm trees... That is San Diego. The one downside, which you experienced, was the cost. San Diego is now the most expensive city in the US and so you're going to pay a premium. However, there are a ton of things to do and see here. Lastly, the weather you experienced is not normal for San Diego. The last 2 years have much cooler and wetter than normal. Safe travels kids!!!

    • @HappilyEverHanks
      @HappilyEverHanks  Před 2 měsíci

      It was great to meet you both as well 😊 Maybe our paths will cross again one day soon. Stay safe in your travels!

  • @cindyortiz8009
    @cindyortiz8009 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Hi Hanks
    You guys have great and fun videos. I watch every week. I live in OC CA and no one here says Cali. Enjoy California it is a beautiful state with so many things to see. It dose suck that its expensive here but i feel that we are spoiled with all its beauty. Next weekend we will be out boondocking in the dunes, let me know if you want to see something very different. 😊

  • @SSGTMarineE6
    @SSGTMarineE6 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Spent the summer of 1971 in San Diego camping.....that is MCRD San Diego Boot Camp. Even made a side trip up to Camp Pendelton for a few weeks for some sport shooting, M14's at Edson Range. Would not want to spend much time in California now. Maybe just a quick visit. Just had to add this to the comments.....Semper Fi!!!!!

  • @KevinGrummer
    @KevinGrummer Před 2 měsíci

    We stayed at Sun Outdoors in May 2023 and were blown away by the quality of the resort, but it was swanky. There were rigs there that easily cost more than I could afford in a lifetime. Definitely our most expensive stop on a trip from Seattle to Austin, but we had friends in Chula Vista and the pool, bar, game rooms, and proximity made it feel almost worth the price. No issues bringing friends in to hang out for the day, despite being told there should be a fee. Thanks for the content.

  • @Morgananneken
    @Morgananneken Před 2 měsíci +13

    Tip for winter travelers to San Diego: Campland on the Bay does monthly rates in the winter for about $1800 and they are right on the water with a cantina and private beach. Highly recommend, can't beat the value, but book early!

    • @Fuller.Journey
      @Fuller.Journey Před 2 měsíci

      We are from San Diego but due to house renovations we have been in our RV full time since September. Most of it has been at the sister campground Mission Bay RV resort. It’s a little cheaper and a lot quieter than Campland and you can still go over there and use the amenities.

  • @cindih13
    @cindih13 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Funny story…while spending 7 weeks touring out west in our motorhome, (we live in western N.Y), we “accidentally” went over the Golden Gate Bridge! We were looking for a campground from one of our campground apps that ended up not being there. But it was fun, and now we can claim that on our adventures, lol!

  • @oldtruckerdude3509
    @oldtruckerdude3509 Před 2 měsíci +1

    You two are so awesome with the information and tips and it's so useful Thank you so much

  • @welcometomoorerving5800
    @welcometomoorerving5800 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Nice video, I will just say that my wife and I travel San Diego, Oceanside, Anaheim, Burbank, and Monterey all the time. We stay at Elks Lodges RV Parks. Prices range from $30 to $50 a night. Sea World, Legoland, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, and Universal Studios all have great parking for RV's. Our motorhome is gasoline powered and we always buy our gas at Costco. We also use the Costco credit card for additional savings on gasoline. There are also some wonderful County Parks with amazing sites right "on the water." One is In Bodega Bay called Doran Beach ($35) the other which is Just off I-5/Highway 99 (on highway 4 ) called Woodward Reservoir (T-Island)($55 full hookups). I will agree that Gasoline/Diesel fuel can be a little more expensive, but we love to RV in California mainly because the weather on average is great all year long. In regards to the cost of propane heating when Boon docking in "February!," in a California VS Idaho comparison, I would kindly ask RV'ers just to keep those things in mind when comparing your overall costs to other states. I hope this helps. Happy RVing.

  • @atravelpath
    @atravelpath Před 2 měsíci

    Crazy! Such a detailed breakdown, thanks for sharing!

  • @BrinksyBoy
    @BrinksyBoy Před 2 měsíci

    I am loving the new info format! Keep it up guys! Missed seeing you at the Tampa show this year though!

  • @bettyjorodgers8552
    @bettyjorodgers8552 Před 2 měsíci +1

    That is great information. Thank you.

  • @patcoole9440
    @patcoole9440 Před 2 měsíci +3

    I really enjoy watching your videos and thank you for touring the great state of California that has a beautiful views and benefits that don’t exist in other states when totaling up your stay, you fell to mention that you had $1500 in repairs in California where you didn’t in Idaho so if you subtract the repairs, yes it is a still a little more expensive to travel in California but we have multiple places to see and beautiful beaches national parks and resort stay at.

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco Před 2 měsíci +1

      Yeah, I noticed that, too. They spent $1500 in repairs in California and not one dollar in Idaho. That really screws up the math and makes it NOT an apples-to-apples comparison. 😠 👎

  • @peterdejoseph5197
    @peterdejoseph5197 Před 2 měsíci

    Love your videos. You guys are so helpful. Save travels

  • @billatchison6945
    @billatchison6945 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank Hanks, great useful info. Love positive vibes 😊

  • @steventucker4724
    @steventucker4724 Před 2 měsíci +1

    My dad served on the USS Midway CVA-41 in Vietnam

  • @andreagoodling2133
    @andreagoodling2133 Před 2 měsíci +1

    You guys are the best. Really enjoy your channel. Love the humor, knowledge and all the sites. Thanks for all your hard work

  • @charliebullio463
    @charliebullio463 Před 2 měsíci +4

    Howdy Hanks, it's great to see you today. 😊

  • @robertwernerog399
    @robertwernerog399 Před 2 měsíci +1

    You both supply such great information for people like me who are thinking about RVing full time.

  • @zygmuntziokowski7877
    @zygmuntziokowski7877 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thanks for sharing! I lived in CA back in the 70's and things had changed over there. Thanks for the tips.

  • @captseamus
    @captseamus Před 2 měsíci +1

    The USS MIDWAY CVA-41 was my duty ship for two years. San Francisco Hunter Point Dry Dock and San Diego Home Port... 1968-1971 Vietnam Veteran in Tonkin Gulf, MM3 1 ENGINE THOTTLEMAN.
    2011-2021 USMM Master Captain. GO NAVY & MERCHANT MARINE!!

  • @stevenbullis8097
    @stevenbullis8097 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Awesome insight to staying in California. You guys should do a video on how Carl keeps those biceps so polished while on the road (for those of us that are fitness conscious).

  • @tinasimsnutter8441
    @tinasimsnutter8441 Před 2 měsíci +2

    You guys are the BEST! Thanks so much for sharing so many details on your spend in RV life. We are planning to launch full time travel in a year. I’m much more confident in my expense planning because of your videos. And you’re just a lot of fun to watch too. We love your content!

  • @marysharvey
    @marysharvey Před 2 měsíci +10

    I was born and raised in San Diego, but have lived my adult life in Northern California. San Diego will always have a place in my heart. My dad was a professional football player, and one of the teams he played for was the Chargers, both Los Angeles and San Diego. He helped build the San Diego Stadium.

    • @badventures3895
      @badventures3895 Před 2 měsíci

      Cool! The long-time owner of the Chargers lived in Stockton, my home town. Spanos is of few families to keep the place above water. (Literally, and figuratively.) I went to UCSD right out of high school. What a completely different experience from Stockton public schools. It was definitely nice in La Jolla, but not so conducive to a college student’s budget. 😂

  • @AlcoAdventures
    @AlcoAdventures Před měsícem

    Love watching you guys and all the info you give. It’s helping me to make notes on what to do and what not to do since I just started my travel adventures.

  • @jtoepke9763
    @jtoepke9763 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thank you for sharing your cost comparisons. So many Rv you tube presenters don’t talk about prices and many people watching these channels are vacationers only. Resorts makes me think of High prices where as camp grounds sound more still working families affordable. Truely appreciate your candid information videos. Stay safe stay great. Jay

  • @legalpuppy8602
    @legalpuppy8602 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Sooo glad I watched this. Was considering a CA trip this summer. Just opted out of that because we don't boondock. Thanks for this info!

  • @jaderunner71
    @jaderunner71 Před 2 měsíci +1

    This comment has nothing to do with your current video (although I found it fascinating, having grown up in California, but never camped there). About two years ago, we bought a travel trailer and most of my CZcams content was all things RV. Even though I wasn't subscribed your channel would pop up on my feed. I watched several of your videos, but I guess I never subscribed. Then over time your videos stopped showing up in my feed. A few months ago I was thinking about a video you posted and was wondering, where did that couple go????? I'm embarrassed to admit, I forgot your channel name and I went searching the internet for you. Found you! Now I'm subscribed. 😀♥ I realized watching all these videos that I actually missed you and missed your videos. Thank you for all that you do.

  • @amop33
    @amop33 Před 2 měsíci +3

    I live in San Diego, watch your videos all the time. Glad you guys stopped by. Things are slightly more expensive here in San Diego specifically home prices and rent. But the cost-of-living is somewhat
    higher. It’s the cumulative effect of the prices in all areas of living here that makes it tough. Let’s not even talk about insurance. We do weekend getaways to the desert quite often, just to relax, have a beer around the fire, and barbecue. It’s relatively inexpensive and fun. Happy travels!

    • @madweazl
      @madweazl Před 2 měsíci +2

      Your insurance rates aren't bad at all. We left CA to AZ and our rates went up. Came back 9 years later, stayed another 4ish years and then moved to VA where our rates doubled. We've been all over; every state gets their pound of flesh, they just call it something different.

    • @amop33
      @amop33 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@madweazl you are including home and fire insurance yes?

  • @207ice2woods
    @207ice2woods Před 2 měsíci +1

    Awesome breakdown! You guys ever coming Maine’s way?!?

  • @kenmcclow8963
    @kenmcclow8963 Před 2 měsíci +1

    I was near Palm Springs just after the deluge in February. I stayed in a County campground and the weather was great for me, but maybe a bit cool for locals. I drove down with my small trailer and stayed in rest areas. I only stay 2-4 hours and usually early evening before the semis fill up. Late night and early morning those spots are filled up with trucks. If I was going to do that regularly I would go with a van and use the car side instead of a truck and trailer.
    The first rest area northbound in Oregon doesn’t allow semis, so it’s a great place to stop for 4 hours.
    Most of the places I stopped for gas were under $4 except Harris Ranch where they knew they could get away with $5.66 and with my short towing range I fell into it. I accumulated apps for many of the gas station chains to lower prices

  • @bobder41
    @bobder41 Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks for our Thursday night movie. When we retire, San Diego will be on our list. Thanks Again and give Dexter a kiss for us. Safe Travels for you 3.

  • @bullseye0112
    @bullseye0112 Před 2 měsíci +3

    The California total had $1500 in repairs compared to Idaho budget. Glad you enjoyed our City! The county park in Sweetwater RV park is 29 dollars a night and nicer than the RV park you stayed at in Chula Vista whis is crazy expensive! Just under $300 a night is nuts. Also Mission Bay RV park is amazing for $150 a night in premium spot and $130 for spots that are same area just not right on the water

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco Před 2 měsíci +1

      Yeah, I noticed the improper inclusion of repairs in the cost comparison.
      They spent $1500 in repairs in California and not one dollar in Idaho. That really screws up the math and makes it NOT an apples-to-apples comparison. 😠 👎

    • @bullseye0112
      @bullseye0112 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@Milesco The place they stayed at in San Diego is almost $300 a night. We went to take a look at it and when I asked the person at the front desk what the cost was I was godsmacked with the price of $259 or north of there

    • @Milesco
      @Milesco Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@bullseye0112 That's insane. 🤯

  • @juliedinsdale4808
    @juliedinsdale4808 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Oh!!! You were in SD. I love SD. We lived there for 3 years. It was our last dutystation before my hubby retired from the Marines, ❤❤❤. I hope you discover Balboa Park. They have free days for all the museums.

  • @AlanGabaldon
    @AlanGabaldon Před 2 měsíci

    Great ,Great video !!!!

  • @johnpossible6292
    @johnpossible6292 Před 2 měsíci +5

    Me and my wife made reservations for this summer from Maine to Maryland and only two places in Ct were less than $100.00 per night. All the Maine reservations were averaging approximately $117.00 per night. Campgrounds are becoming so unaffordable that it makes sence to invest that money in solar and then stay in State Parks which average only about $35.00 per night.

  • @williamboone9333
    @williamboone9333 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Good info,we will travel out there for about 2wks in a few months,long drive from NC.

  • @e.rickhudson
    @e.rickhudson Před 2 měsíci

    My wife and I stayed there a couple years ago and it was amazing.

  • @rodneymartin678
    @rodneymartin678 Před 2 měsíci +1

    My wife and I stayed their it is a beautiful place to stay .It was expensive but I will stay there again. We do live in Menifee Ca which is 72 miles from there.

  • @DebraKopera
    @DebraKopera Před 2 měsíci

    Hi Thanks foe sharing about your trip

  • @michelleowens3949
    @michelleowens3949 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great video!!! Y’all where in my old stomping ground. Have family in the Redding and Sacramento area. My hubby’s family is in Southern California.

    • @HappilyEverHanks
      @HappilyEverHanks  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Hi Michelle! What a small world 😃 Thank you for taking the time to watch. We appreciate you!

  • @JohnMonica-oj3uj
    @JohnMonica-oj3uj Před 2 měsíci +1

    I have full timed for 11 years. I couldn't imagine (or afford) spending in excess of $8500 for a month. I also am a member of the Escapee's RV club. They have a number of really nice parks in Arizona that for a month max out around $600 plus electricity. Also, Arizona probably has more boondocking (BLM) locations of any state in our country. Combine an occasional Escapee park with the many AZ boondocking opportunities and i can't imagine spending more than $500 or so a month. YMMV.

  • @Rooted_on_the_Road
    @Rooted_on_the_Road Před 2 měsíci +1

    Random question! What do you use to film?
    Thanks again, love your content :)

  • @garygroce819
    @garygroce819 Před 2 měsíci

    THANKS HANKS stay safe and safe travels talk soon

  • @andrewmurray8751
    @andrewmurray8751 Před 2 měsíci +1

    You went to Hodads!! Nice.

  • @rubensifuentes649
    @rubensifuentes649 Před 2 měsíci

    I use to stay/work on a commercial fishing vessel next to the midway. I was in the boat slips next to the “fish market” restaurant!

  • @johnnysweekends
    @johnnysweekends Před 2 měsíci +1

    Passed right by me. Redding for the WIN 😀👍🏼

  • @Augiebracerofam
    @Augiebracerofam Před 2 měsíci

    The one in fifty years floods is during your visit, excellent timing. The snowbirds seem to stop in Yuma Arizona, avoiding SoCal prices. I try to go directly to propane distribution centers, almost 50% less than gas stations, truck stops, or farm stores. Going top down across California is like driving through three or four states. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

  • @dennislautner8709
    @dennislautner8709 Před 2 měsíci

    Love you two!

  • @nanettedooley5740
    @nanettedooley5740 Před 2 měsíci +1

    San Diego is beautiful. Use to go in the summer to visit friends. Also took my son to a few SD Charger games.

  • @livesoutdoors1708
    @livesoutdoors1708 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Yay! ❤ You guys!

  • @D_and_V_in_the_RV
    @D_and_V_in_the_RV Před 2 měsíci

    Thanks Hanks!!! 🇺🇸

  • @carlsanders4680
    @carlsanders4680 Před 2 měsíci

    Glad you mentioned the National Park Pass. My bride and I bought a senior lifetime park pass I think 3 yrs. ago for like $60.00 dollars. The following year we took a month long trip around the east coast. Paid for the pass in that one trip. Now we get to do all the National Parks for the other 2/3 of the country for free. Wonderful program, so worth the money.

  • @markreynolds9570
    @markreynolds9570 Před 2 měsíci +3

    We love the RGV. Alwys warm and dry all winter. Tons of resorts.

    • @RustyShackle1776
      @RustyShackle1776 Před 2 měsíci

      Im in the RGV as well. Great area. Great weather. Hot summers though lol.

  • @user-hi8uf5tg7t
    @user-hi8uf5tg7t Před 2 měsíci

    My dad sailed on the Midway at the beginning of the Vietnam war. I’m finally joining the full time RVing. I’m in process of driving from phoenix AZ home to Maine. Yeah🎉🎉🎉🎉 thanks for all your tips and tricks they have been helpful. My Class C is only 25ft so I’ve been staying at truck stops but in the car area. FYI.

  • @TravelSmallLiveBig
    @TravelSmallLiveBig Před 2 měsíci

    California has some amazing Harvest Hosts - those have always worked well for us as we traveled up and down the state. Very cool you got in to Sawtooth Canyon - was packed the time we tried to get in there. We tend to find a lot of inexpensive camping in CA, but the only time we took our RV to San Diego we parked it next to my cousin's house. It was a tiny trailer... it will never happen again!

  • @cindyj9014
    @cindyj9014 Před 2 měsíci +1

    We loved that resort in Chula Vista and will definitely return!

  • @1gesteban
    @1gesteban Před 2 měsíci

    Great video and breakdown! Question: were your food costs based on mostly eating in....or out?

  • @StaWarmElectrc
    @StaWarmElectrc Před 2 měsíci

    My wife and I love watching your show every Saturday morning. Just wondering what software you use for video editing?

  • @davidmccartney7577
    @davidmccartney7577 Před 2 měsíci

    I went from Key West to San Diego in February 85 for a two week detachment with the Navy and it was cold🥶 Never thought it would be cold in So Cal. Any who, ended up getting stationed in the Bay Area from 88-92. Back in those days camping in Northern California was awesome. But I’ll never go west of Yosemite again🥴 I’ve been to Yosemite 13 times camping and backpacking the backcountry😎 Y’all are Awesome so keep it up you three❤️🇺🇸

  • @FMTFXE22
    @FMTFXE22 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Should have tried Lake Jennings, or camp grounds along the coast, or East in Ramona or Julian and Laguna Mt.

  • @phyllissmith1105
    @phyllissmith1105 Před 2 měsíci +1

    San Diego has so many things to see. Yes. California is expensive. We know. We lived there for many years. We left, but we have family there now that we visit. We use our Thousand Trails membership which saves us a lot of money. We save money with our Shell membership on fuel. We avoid bio-fuel because we had a fuel pump wrecked by it--very expensive repair! Shell seems to have good quality fuel.

  • @Rick-bx2im
    @Rick-bx2im Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great job on the cost comparison. Now that you’re on your way back try to make Hillsboro Texas by April 8th. Two significant events happening. 1. A 74000 sqft Buc-ees will be opening up with 120 gas pumps brisket sandwiches And of coarse Beaver nuggets. Oh yeah and a total eclipse of the sun. Buc-ees will be in the path of totality that day. Lake Whitney state park is very close to this area and has full hook up sites. Hope to see you there.

  • @ryanmccormick6005
    @ryanmccormick6005 Před 2 měsíci

    Hi Hanks! Once again knocking it out of the park. As you know we are in New Mexico and did purchase the national parks pass, but in their info that they sent to us, camping was not included in that pass. Just curious if you have had any issues with using that for camping. Any info would be great, as we did not use ours at all last year due to the stipulations.
    Ryan and Vanessa

  • @michellebarlondsmith6243
    @michellebarlondsmith6243 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Onteresting to see ...yeah RV parks matter to budgets ... looks like a good park though

  • @jimreed7662
    @jimreed7662 Před 2 měsíci +1

    When we were in California last summer diesel was about a buck cheaper than regular gas.

  • @luminousveiws
    @luminousveiws Před 2 měsíci

    Last summer we spent July in CA and drove through from Vegas NV to Ashland OR. We never once paid over $5/gal for diesel. Our technique is Gas Buddy and a 60gal tank. We avoid cities, but those small towns can be pricey too.

  • @ThinBlueLaneRVLife
    @ThinBlueLaneRVLife Před 2 měsíci +1

    wow this was a really neat place thank you for sharing. Looks like you had an awesome time making the video. I really enjoyed watching it. Bringing support to the channel #thinbluelanervlife

    • @HappilyEverHanks
      @HappilyEverHanks  Před 2 měsíci

      Thank you for your kindness, and for taking the time to watch 😃 We appreciate you!

  • @johnnylightning1491
    @johnnylightning1491 Před 2 měsíci +1

    So about $100 a day for Idaho and likely the rest of the US except maybe Florida in the winder, although I'm staying for about $600-700 a month on Lake Okeechobee but no swimming pool or other amenities. California, about $170 a day, so pretty expensive but you only live once and there's a lot to see in California. Fortunately we have the old peoples National Park pass so that may be a good thing in California. I don't have a lot of desire to see big cities so I'm not going to pay $3,000 to stay in San Diego. Thanks Hank for the good info and keep the good stuff coming.

  • @williambuchanan6530
    @williambuchanan6530 Před 2 měsíci

    T-Hanks-!!! ❤ your videos!

  • @eddiedoherty2349
    @eddiedoherty2349 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Spent Nov to Jan in CA. Sequoia, Yosemite, pinnacles, Monterey, San Diego, then LA. Versus AZ Fuel prices 25% more expensive, RV parks 20% more expensive, food and other items at least 10%. Boondocking not an option both for safety and local regulations against it. CA is a budget buster. No overnighting in rest areas. Some great harvest hosts.

  • @davidekorenrud7762
    @davidekorenrud7762 Před 2 měsíci

    Hi Hanks, I'm an old grandpa and full-time RV'r. I did a month long trip with my 14 year old grandson last June. We started in Washington state and went down through Oregon, Nevada and northern California. The only place I found to be really crazy expensive was around Sonoma and Mendocino counties (AKA the wine country). Campgrounds and RV parks that had any vacancies were around $200. per night. We stopped at a BBQ restaurant and asked the owner if we could stay in their parking lot for the night. He was a little reluctant to agree, but did so after we had dinner at his place. Sometimes when you are on the road, it can work out if you ask. The worst thing that can happen is they'll say no.

  • @seckvahl
    @seckvahl Před 2 měsíci

    San Diego County Parks have some nice campgrounds. Several with full hookups and the price is around $35 or so night, if memory serves. I've seen a few sites at the various parks large enough for a good-sized fifth wheel.

  • @user-hi8uf5tg7t
    @user-hi8uf5tg7t Před 2 měsíci

    There are a lot of savings “cards” for many of the truck stops even an app called Upside that can help. It’s a pain to have a lot of different apps but worth it in the long run. I didn’t plan ahead for this trip which is 2822miles in 10 days. So fuel has been a tank a day. But after I’m home and get things settled I will be very careful about my expenses. I love your expense info it has been helpful.

  • @dixienormous9052
    @dixienormous9052 Před 2 měsíci

    Summer on Mt Hood, at Mt Hood RV Resort, Labor Day , close to $95

  • @Justmakingobservations
    @Justmakingobservations Před 2 měsíci +1

    Do you guys use Thousand Trails? I respect your experiences and judgement, I'm curious to know your opinion of it. Love your channel

    • @magnetoman88
      @magnetoman88 Před 2 měsíci

      Never heard them mention using TT

  • @rickrichardson5329
    @rickrichardson5329 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Hanks that is some money. I guess when you look at California total that also included the repair work on your leaf springs and didnt you get a tire too. It looked to me thst everything was pretty close. Looking forward to next week's and dont mind the haters cause they going to hate. Stay safe

  • @tomgagne4575
    @tomgagne4575 Před 2 měsíci +1

    I think it’s a bit misleading to include non recurring charges (repairs) in your comparison. On the fuel charges you don’t mention number of miles driven. I enjoy your videos, happy travels to the both of you!

  • @NavigatingChaos
    @NavigatingChaos Před 2 měsíci

    My Son lived in Chula Vista when he was living in San Diego with the Navy. He just moved back home a year ago.

  • @wanderingwithwellness
    @wanderingwithwellness Před 2 měsíci +1

    Hello Too bad we are not more connected. I was staying just outside of San Diego in Ramona for free!! lol. I could have hooked you up. lol Was stationed there many years ago. It is a beautiful area, but so $$$. Sad. Maybe one day we will meet again (Hanksgiving alum. lol). Safe Travels.

  • @MrCtt76
    @MrCtt76 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Hopefully you got to stop in the San Luis Obispo area: Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Paso Robles, etc. Central Coast. One of the best places to RV and visit overall.

  • @tm8747
    @tm8747 Před 2 měsíci +3

    so what your saying is for the people traveling into ca. STAY OUT , IT WILL COST YOU DOUBLE THE PRICE ON places to stay and fuel, mostly fuel.

    • @MaryWehmeier
      @MaryWehmeier Před 2 měsíci +2

      Reg gas is $4.50 a gallon on average. Diesel is always a $1 higher.

  • @dnrsvp
    @dnrsvp Před 2 měsíci

    More great content! Thanks Hanks!
    Good to know how reasonable San Diego is in the wintertime. Wonder if it will be busier next year, now that the word is out? 🙂 Let's see. 196,000+ subscribers to the channel. Virtually every one of them and RVer.... I can hear it now, across kitchen tables all over North America. "Hey honey! The Hanks said it wasn't crowded in San Diego during snowbird season. Let's try there next year!" ;-)
    I will say that one of your big expenses in Cali was a $1508 RV repair bill. You didn't have any repairs to do on you Idaho trip. I don't know if it is fair to include one time repairs to a particular trip's budget. You are wearing on your RV every trip you take. This trip, it just happened that the leaf springs finally went, but you were putting wear and tear on them ever trip you have taken. It's probably better to amortize one time expenses over the entire year. As your RV and truck get older, you will have increasing repair costs, but the wear that causes those repairs isn't usually occurring on that one trip. (Repairs after a collision are the exception.)
    Regular maintenance is easier to calculate per trip, based on how many miles you drove for that trip. If you change your oil every 5K, and you drove 1k miles, then include 1/5 of the cost of an oil change for this trip. Same goes for tires, brakes, and other wear items.

  • @user-sd5ul1jy6e
    @user-sd5ul1jy6e Před 2 měsíci

    For fuel costs (and other day-to-day essentials) you can draw further comparisons by detailing the local, state, and federal sales/excise taxes included in the cost.

  • @ymbmom
    @ymbmom Před 2 měsíci +2

    Did you have fun though? I love California ❤

  • @WeSometimesRV
    @WeSometimesRV Před 2 měsíci

    Great video as always. The Good Sam Card will get you 5¢ off per gallon at Pilot and Flying J fuel stations for Gas

  • @Just___me_
    @Just___me_ Před 2 měsíci

    Ocotillo, CA, about 90 miles east of San Diego. Stayed a month for $300 + $80 for electric. Full hookup with cable.

  • @judy6416
    @judy6416 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Upside is a way to get your discount back in rewards/cash

  • @kathyweber793
    @kathyweber793 Před 2 měsíci

    Wow on the gas from Redding to San Diego. I drove my class c 28 ft.... from Seattle WA to Lancaster CA towing on a tow dolly my chevy cruze and it was $630 for 1700 miles. That was at beginning of Nov 2023.

  • @FMTFXE22
    @FMTFXE22 Před 2 měsíci

    I’m an RVer that lives in San Diego would have loved to meet up with you. We hope you’ll be here for awhile 😊

  • @ohioclassCcamper
    @ohioclassCcamper Před 2 měsíci +1

    I am surprised you're not thousand trail camping. I am not a fan we live in ohio and just do electricity at state park about 15 to 20 a night with senior discounts. But all the u tube Full time say it is the bees knees for full time in the west Coast and Florida. What your thoughts. Might be time for up dated best programs you use for traveling. Love your Videos