It’s well-known that vacationing via an RV can be a real money-saver, particularly for families. Think of how much you’d spend if you didn’t have an RV.
Staying a few days in a popular tourist destination during the high season could result in spending upwards of $150+ per night per room. If you go for one week, that’s $1050 for one room. And that doesn’t include taxes. If you have a larger family (aka, more than four people), then you’ll need to book another room or two, which just increases how much you’re dishing out. Then there’s the cost of eating out. It can really add up.
When you own an RV, you don’t need to worry about booking a hotel room. Even if you’re still paying off your loan, the price per night at a campground, park, or resort is reasonable – even more so if you stay for an extended period of time, as many places offer discounts. Most RVs come equipped with everything you need to be comfortable and autonomous. You don’t need to eat out every meal because you already have a stove or a crock pot or a grill or a fire pit. On average, choosing to go the RV route can save you 30-40 percent. Here are some ways you can realize the savings.
Food
Life seems to revolve around mealtime, as does activity around the campsite. Save time and money by cooking in a crock pot. (Check out these recipes!) Slow-cooking allows you to leave the RV and go out and have fun with your family while being able to return to a mostly prepared meal. If you’re cooking meat, such as pork shoulder, choose generic, bland seasoning – and then you can use the meat over several meals, seasoning as needed to fit the menu. Another tip for saving food: only get what you need. This requires planning out your weekly menu ahead of time. Stick to this list, as it also helps you from wasting food.
Where do you get the goodies? Farmers markets offer a lot of seasonal variety as well as lower prices on fruits, vegetables, breads, and cheeses. You can also choose to belong to a membership club, such as Sam’s Club or Cost-Co, to get closer to wholesale prices. Bulk stores give you plenty of options for snacks to have on hand in the RV. Many grocery chains, such as Meijer in Michigan, have rewards or points programs to help you realize more savings. And, of course, you can save money by avoiding eating out whenever possible and by making coffee at the RV instead of picking up a cup on the road. You have a fully functional kitchen, so use it!
Travel
Obviously, vacationing outside the high season will result in lower fees, but there are some other things you can do to help affect your bottom line. Many campgrounds, RV parks, and RV resorts offer discounted rates if you’ll be staying for an extended period of time, such as a week or more. Often, these rates can be negotiated. It’s worth staying in as few places as possible during your time in the RV. It saves you from paying too many site fees as well as saves you gas money.
During transit, avoid driving in high winds if possible as your fuel mileage will be greatly reduced. Drive during off-peak traffic hours to avoid wasting fuel from sitting idle in traffic. And if you need gas, it’s worth going the extra mile. Most gas stations immediately off the interstate are more expensive than the gas stations you’ll find in town. In short, you’ll pay for the convenience. There are many apps, such as Gas Buddy, that can help you find the lowest price per gallon in your vicinity.
As for the items in your RV, it pays off to be prepared. Stock up on some items to avoid from paying much higher prices when in a pinch, such as phone chargers, flashlights and extra batteries, film, memory cards, ponchos, umbrellas, extra shoe or boot laces.
Maintenance
There’s always something to do when you own an RV, and it’s important to keep up with the little things that pop up here and there to avoid their becoming big things later on. This includes tasks such as replacing vent seals. One not so small thing: replacing the tires. However, any seasoned RVer will tell you that it’s worth the investment as well as the peace of mind. A blown tire or a flat tire can cause significantly more damage, not to mention danger to you and your passengers. One tip to prolong the life of your tires – and stretching the time between purchases – is by covering them.
Clean and replace filters, too, to improve fuel efficiency and indoor air quality. Always check filters before you leave on a trip and routinely change them. Doing so will help save you money in the long run.
Borrow
If you’re planning to stay for the season or you return to the same place(s) each year, get a library card from the local library. Then you can borrow books and movies for nothing, compared to having to pay for Hulu or Netflix. If you own a Kindle, you can download lots of books for free or participate in their sharing program for even more choices.
Borrowing extends to more than just books and movies, too. Space is limited in an RV, and you don’t have the luxury of bringing everything with you, especially in the home maintenance department. If your neighbors or the campground doesn’t have what you’re looking for (and you’re comfortable making that request in the first place), then check the local hardware stores. Many of them have tools you can borrow for a day for a reasonable fee. Now that crowdsourcing has become so popular, use it to your advantage. Check out websites or apps to find items available for renting or borrowing in your local area. For instance, www.peerby.com.
Discounts
Joining an RV club, even though there is an annual membership fee, helps you realize savings in many areas over your membership year. Some clubs include Good Sam and Passport America. There are also specialty RV clubs, which are more exclusively focused, that can help you realize even more discounts.
Always ask if there are military or teacher discounts, as most places usually offer them. And you can always use the web for even more savings. One example is Groupon, which offers deals on activities and restaurants (if you want to eat out). If you will be visiting a particular attraction, business, or restaurant, it’s worth checking the website beforehand for coupons and deals.
Attend RV shows when you can, even if you’re not looking for a new RV, to stock up on free or cheap deals offered by parks, resorts, campgrounds, service suppliers, and other RV related businesses. You might just get an idea of where to vacation next season!
The best money-saving tip is this: plan. If you plan your destinations, your stops, your menu, and your activities in advance, you’ll be able to more easily save money and stay on a budget without having to compromise on excellent meals, good times, and happy memories!