Budgeting is a way of life for most RVers, whether you’re new to the traveling life or are an experienced snowbird.
By Kim Colavito Markesich
May 2008
Saving money as you travel will provide a bit of extra cash to use for fun. And who can say no to that? Here are a few money-saving tips from seasoned roadies.
Saving money begins before you purchase your motorhome. Use these tips when selecting an RV:
- Try not to be swayed by glitz. Look over the entire unit with a discriminating eye.
- Is there enough storage space to suit your needs?
- Check out the kitchen layout. Is it functional and large enough for everyday meal preparation for your family?
- Scrutinize the bathroom. Not all family members are the same size. Stand in the shower. Sit on the commode. Pretend you are brushing your teeth.
- Look at the sleeping area. Sit on the mattress. Will you be able to comfortably get into and out of the bed and make the bed?
- Sit on the couch and chairs. Make sure you are comfortable reading and watching TV.
- Is the coach well lit?
- Will you be able to maneuver through the coach at night?
- Does the coach accommodate any special physical needs or health issues?
Buying the RV that best suits your lifestyle will make for a pleasurable experience, and avoid a costly trade-in.
Travel light
Bring only what you need. Leave the heavy canned goods and liquids at home. Buy them when you arrive at your destination. If you’re traveling long distances, purchase enough to hold you over for a few days or a week. Don’t carry around a month’s worth of bottled water and canned groceries.
More fuel is needed to move more weight, so empty the holding tanks before hitting the road. You’ll need a small amount of fresh water to allow for personal needs while traveling. Reduce that weight and save money on fuel.
Speaking of fuel prices, travelers should track fuel costs and mileage. This will determine your optimal speed for the best fuel efficiency. Dave Simso of Dave’s RV Center in Danbury, Connecticut, has found in his coach that it ranges between 62 and 66 mph. At one time Dave found himself rushing to each new destination, but he discovered that by driving a little slower, he saved money on fuel, was able to enjoy more of the scenery, and arrived at his destination happier and less stressed. By the way, don’t forget to keep your tires properly inflated for better fuel efficiency.
When camping, be a social butterfly. You’ll meet people and find that everyone shares their experiences. That’s where you’ll discover the real hidden gems: where to stay at reasonable prices, where to shop, where to eat, etc. Get together with other people in the park and plan potluck suppers, where everyone prepares one dish and all enjoy an inexpensive meal.
You also can take advantage of volume purchasing. Get together with neighboring RVers and go to a local warehouse store. Buy in quantity, then split the bill and the goodies. This way, everyone enjoys low prices without overloading their coaches.
While staying in a campground, most RVers switch over to electric to save on propane. Good idea. But at some campgrounds, the electric service may be inadequate to run the refrigerator, an appliance that is very sensitive to low voltage and expensive to replace. You may want to install an electric gauge that will alert you when the campground’s electric service is inadequate – a sign to switch your refrigerator over to propane. Camping World’s Web site offers an AC voltage meter (#29375), and the Good Governor (#16036), which tests AC voltage, polarity, and more. Or, switch the fridge to “auto” and allow it to choose the better power choice.
If your motorhome does not house a dual hot water system with an option to run propane or electric, you may be able to install a Hott Rod kit, which allows you to use electric power to heat water. It is available through PPL Motorhomes and fits Atwood, Suburban, MorFlo, and American brand water heaters (www.pplmotorhomes.com). However, be aware that more and more campgrounds, particularly in the Sun Belt states, are equipping individual campsites with electric meters and are charging according to electrical use. It might be cheaper to not use the campground’s electricity.
If you’re a part-timer, prepare homemade frozen dinners at your stationary residence and freeze them in plastic containers. Make a little extra at each meal and sock away the frozen dishes. Bring them along on your trip and save time, energy, and money.
If you need a motorhome repair, ask some local residents for referrals. Find where the locals go for the best deal on good work, whether it is mechanical, carpentry, electrical, etc. Keep a repair log, and jot down information regarding the service for future reference should you travel in that region again. Also, check around the campground. Many fellow campers are readily available to lend a hand with tools or expertise.
As you travel down the road, don’t ignore those state welcome centers. They may offer valuable discount coupons for restaurants and entertainment venues.
If you’re in the military or retired from a military career, check out the armed forces’ family campgrounds, which are available at very nominal fees. Army Corps Park Campgrounds are also very reasonable.
America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass “” Senior Pass “” costs only $10 (one-time fee) if you are age 62 or over. It admits you and your passengers to national parks, forests, and monuments, and gives you cut-rate accommodations at campgrounds across the country. You must buy the pass in person at a park. Visit http://store.usgs.gov/pass/general.html for details.
Looking for a little adventure? Consider working at a national park. One retiree I met said he wrote to the national park offices and had 42 job offers the first year. As a campground host, his campsite was free, he was paid a nominal stipend, and most importantly, he and his wife had a great time (www.workamper.com, www.nationalparks.org, and www.recreation.gov).
If you are a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or hold a membership in the Lions Club or Knights of Columbus, you may be able to save money by parking overnight at these facilities.
George Routhier, a consultant at All RV in East Hampton, Connecticut, prefers the off-the-beaten-path locations such as state beaches. He reminds travelers that you don’t have to “plug in” to have a good time. Your motorhome batteries will do just fine for lights and incidentals. Your generator can operate your air conditioner and microwave oven, if needed, and you’ll experience a sense of freedom in the great outdoors.
And don’t forget, many roadside rest areas have water and dump stations available for free or a nominal fee that will fit anyone’s budget.