RV-ing is a one of a kind adventure experience. It has travel and the comforts of home in one package, However for this exact reason when you combine travel and survival expenses it can become very expensive, very quickly. From campground fees, to fuel expenses it can become more costly than you might have thought initially.
However, it does not have to be that way. There are so many ways to reduce costs and make sure that your RV life does not break the bank. In this blog we will show you that it is possible to have budget-friendly RV adventures, whilst still enjoying the RV lifestyle to the fullest without making too many compromises.
1. Plan Your Trip Properly
Create a Budget
Before hitting the road you must plan out all your expected and potential expenses. Making a budget surrounding your trip duration, the distance you want to cover, the places you wish to stay and attractions that you plan on visiting can give you a better idea of what to expect when out and about.
It can help in identifying areas that you can save money at and hence the trip can be made cheaper, before you even step a foot outside.
Plan Your Route
Similarly to a budget, also plan the route you intend on taking, and plan all the potential gas stops that will derail the least from your original destination. Also when planning routes you can identify toll free routes which may be even more scenic. Finally you can plan all the attractions that you want to visit, and opting for free or low cost attractions can help the trip to stay within the budget.
Off Season Travel
Consider traveling off season to save the most money. Campground fees become a lot more affordable, local grocery stores do not overcharge. But also you can actually enjoy the scenic beauty and not be surrounded by a crowd.
2. Save on Campgrounds
Consider Boondocking
Private campgrounds can be very expensive especially on short trips and peak seasons. Although they do provide good facilities to make it more worth it, it does not change the fact that they can create a blackhole in your wallet. Instead boondocking for a few days every once in a while can lower expenses.
Boondocking basically means camping out in locations with little or no fees. They do not provide the same level of amenities as a private campground, but an RV is capable of full independent survival for a few days easily. It can greatly reduce costs and after a few days you can always return to a better campground to recharge and refuel.
Discount Programs
If you are a frequent RV-er then consider memberships and other subscription based platforms that provide cheap rent and other discounts across multiple different campgrounds. It will allow you to save a lot of money if you use the subscription wisely to only go on campgrounds where you can avail such discounts.
State Parks and National Forests
Camping is allowed in some state parks and national forests, so do your research and consider camping there. Not only will you be met with the most breathtaking and raw view of nature, but it is also very affordable. These spots are limited and get booked fast, so consider booking early so you don’t scramble for spots at the moment.
3. Food and Dining
Cook Your Own Meals
When in an RV adventure many people have the feeling of being away from home and thus they have to eat out all the time. They forget that their RV has a proper kitchen, which can be utilized to prepare meals and snacks for the day. It is good to try out local cuisines, but in order to stay on a budget you cannot have takeout three times a day.
Brew your own coffee, make your own breakfast, have lunch or dinner outside if you wish, but balance out costs by having the rest of your meals home cooked.
Shop Smart
When in an RV remember your home travels with you. You can go to local farms and grocery stores to get fresh groceries daily. This will be a lot cheaper, and also more nutritious, and fresh food is also more flavourful so it should be a no brainer. Avail discounts that shops may have for locals, and do not tie your grocery and other snacks to gas station shops and other for-tourist shops since they are unnecessarily expensive.
4. Maintenance and Fuel efficiency
Regular Maintenance
Everybody knows the longer you avoid a problem, the worse it can get. This is especially true for RVs. Make sure to regularly maintain the engine, other mechanics, interior and exterior thoroughly. Keep up with oil and filter changes, since when traveling for long many people can lose track, leading to engine damage. Keep your interior clean too, it is better to clean flooring and carpets before you have to replace them. For serious interior detailing by professionals contact interior RV cleaning services in your area.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel costs can be lower if your fuel efficiency for the vehicle increases. To achieve this:
- Keep weight low, do not store unnecessary heavy equipment.
- Make sure tires are inflated, and not worn out.
- Travel at a stable speed
DIY Maintenance and repairs
To save costs, try to repair and maintain the RV yourself. There are tutorials online, for changing pipes, changing fluids, filters and tires. Doing them yourself will allow you to save a lot of money, However, if the problem looks complex do not try to fix it yourself because you might end up making it worse.
For example if your fiberglass panels on the exterior are chipping or cracking, contact a professional RV fiberglass company for repairs, because they can do a much better job and it is one area that should be left in the hands of the professionals.
Conclusion
RV adventures do not have to be expensive. In Fact we just proved it isn’t. The only case that people end up spending more than they expected, is when they do not plan it out thoroughly. You should know where you want to go, what route to take and fairly assume costs according to everything you plan to do along the way. You can then decide to save on camping, food and dining or even what activities to do. Remember to maintain your RV to keep repair costs low and in case of a complex repair always leave it to the professionals.
