Be it full- or part-time RVing, having some knowledge along with certain items handy will save money in the long run. From apps that monitor road conditions to essential supplies like hand warmer packets and slippers. You’ll want to travel light as heavier vehicles use more fuel for travel.
Boon Docking
Boondocking can be an economical RVing alternative, involving staying in remote areas without amenities like water or electricity. Before embarking on any boondocking trips, be sure your RV is in top shape and that there is sufficient food and water available for the duration.
Make sure to provide yourself with a backup energy source such as a generator or solar panels and check the rules of the area prior to emptying black and gray tanks; doing this could prevent expensive fines! This step is particularly crucial if boondocking on public land.
Traveling in the Off-Season
Traveling during the off-season can save money on camping fees and restaurant/museum admissions – not to mention its environmental benefits: fewer people means less consumption and waste creation.
Plan to spend at least a month or more in any location in order to take full advantage of off-season travel and fully experience all it has to offer. Doing so allows you to fully discover the wonders of your chosen location.
Keep in mind that living in an RV full-time will still cost money for fuel and maintenance costs; this is simply part of living the mobile life! However, this trade-off comes at the price of not owning a regular house.
Performing Preventative Maintenance
Preventative RV maintenance costs much less than repairs for your home on wheels, saving both money and keeping it looking like new for longer. Regular service visits, both seasonal and annual, can keep your RV in mint condition while saving you time and effort in maintaining it.
RVs can quickly be damaged from exposure to the elements over time when stored unused, such as when left exposed to direct sunlight. A roof left exposed can deteriorate quickly and lead to costly roof leaks that will require costly repairs.
RV owners must routinely inspect air, fuel, coolant and hydraulic filters in their RV in order to prevent costly engine and component damage. A tire pressure check and inspection are also important in order to prevent tire blowouts.
Improving Your RV Fuel Economy
Fuel can be a huge expense for RVers, but there are ways to cut back and extend between refills.
Begin your trip light. Carrying extra weight puts added strain on the RV engine, and can reduce gas mileage by as much as 7 percent.
Don’t use your air conditioning unless it is absolutely necessary and always adhere to speed limits. Additionally, regularly check tire pressure as an under-inflated tire can reduce fuel economy by as much as 3 percent – keeping them properly inflated will save money and wear and tear on your RV, all adding up!
Plan Free Activities
RVing can be an enjoyable way to see America, but it can also be expensive. To avoid overspending on travel costs, make sure that you carefully plan your trips and stick with a budget.
Be mindful that it will take 20 to 25 percent longer to get to your destination when traveling in an RV. Plug your destination into Google Maps or an RV-specific GPS to gauge how long the drive will be before embarking.
To save money while traveling, aim for restaurants offering affordable menu options (better yet, cook all meals in your RV or on an open fire, and pack clothes that can easily be mixed and matched together.
Learn to Do RV Repairs
RVs are large, complex vehicles that require special maintenance to remain functional. Unfortunately, just like any vehicle they can experience a variety of issues; fortunately, many of these issues are relatively easy to resolve.
For instance, replacing a flat tire on an RV is just like changing one on your car; all it requires is having an appropriate spare tire with sufficient air pressure, keeping track of the maintenance schedule, and staying organized!
Knowing how to DIY other common RV problems, like leaking faucets, are also easy to address – this will save money on RV expenses! Here is a helpful article on the most common RV repairs you can do yourself.
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