How to Save Money on an RV Road Trip: Top 10 Tips
The more you save, the more you can travel! That’s why you need these tips on how to save money on an RV road trip. Between campground fees, food, fuel, and other expenses, the dollars really add up over several weeks or months on the move. Thankfully, it is possible to significantly cut costs and save money while still enjoying RV life to the fullest. In this article, we explore 10 effective tips for budget-friendly RV travel. With a little planning and flexibility, you can enjoy an affordable RV adventure.
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We’ll cover membership discounts, free camping options, apps to track spending, fuel-saving techniques, and more. All of which can save you quite a bit upfront and a lot in the long run!
1. Use Reciprocal Memberships
RVers can save big with reciprocal memberships that offer free or discounted access to a network of museums, zoos, and more!
Reciprocal memberships are collaborations between cultural institutions that extend member benefits across their network. For example, a membership with one museum can provide access to all museums within its network. Benefits may include free or discounted admission, merchandise discounts, special newsletters, and other great deals.
If you have a membership at a participating museum in your hometown, you can often get free or discounted entry to hundreds of other museums, zoos, and cultural sites across the country. This can be a huge money-saver, especially if you enjoy visiting these attractions regularly. Some popular reciprocal membership programs include the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association, Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), and the American Horticultural Society (AHS).
2. Use Fuel Discount Cards
Whether your RV runs on diesel or gas, fuel costs are a significant part of your travel budget. RV fuel discount cards and programs can help you stretch those dollars further. The benefits range from discounted gas prices to multiple ways to save at specific locations. Some cards require an upfront fee or annual membership fee, while others are free to join.
Several fuel discount programs can help you save money on your travels. For example, the Good Sam Club offers a fuel discount card that can save you up to $0.05 per gallon at Pilot Flying J stations. The TSD Logistics Fuel Program offers discounts for diesel fuel at major truck stops across the country. There’s also the Mudflap app, which provides discounts at thousands of diesel fuel locations with no upfront fees.
3. Camp for Free with Boondocking
One of the best ways to save money on campground fees is by boondocking, or camping for free on public lands. Many national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands allow dispersed camping at no cost. This type of camping typically involves staying in remote areas without amenities like water or electricity, but it offers a chance to enjoy nature in a more secluded setting.
Websites like FreeCampsites.net and apps like Campendium and iOverlander can help you find free camping spots. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service websites provide information on dispersed camping rules and locations.
4. Join Discount Camping Clubs
Membership in discount camping clubs can lead to significant savings on campground fees. Clubs like Passport America offer 50% off nightly rates at participating campgrounds. Harvest Hosts provides unique overnight experiences at wineries, farms, and attractions, while Boondockers Welcome connects RVers with private landowners offering free or low-cost overnight parking.
These memberships typically require an annual fee but can pay for themselves quickly if you use them regularly. For instance, if you save $20 per night on campground fees and use the discount 10 times, you’ve already saved $200. Look into the specific benefits and participating locations of each club to determine which is best for your travel style.
5. Plan Your Route and Stops Wisely
Careful planning of your route and stops can help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Use apps like Roadtrippers and RV Trip Wizard to map out your journey, find the most fuel-efficient routes, and discover attractions along the way. These tools can also help you locate affordable campgrounds, free dump stations, and places to restock supplies.
By planning ahead, you can avoid last-minute decisions that might lead to higher costs. For example, booking campgrounds in advance often results in lower rates compared to last-minute reservations. Additionally, planning your stops around grocery stores or farmers’ markets can help you save on food costs by avoiding overpriced convenience stores.
6. Cook Your Own Meals
Eating out can quickly become one of the most significant expenses on a road trip. By cooking your own meals in your RV, you can save a considerable amount of money. Stock up on groceries at larger stores where prices are typically lower, and plan your meals to make the most of your kitchen space and equipment.
Invest in a good set of pots, pans, and cooking utensils suitable for your RV. Slow cookers, Instant Pots, and portable grills can make cooking on the road more convenient. Additionally, take advantage of local produce and farmers’ markets to get fresh ingredients at lower prices. Websites like AllRecipes and apps like Yummly offer great recipes tailored for RV kitchens.
7. Use Apps to Track Spending
Keeping a close eye on your expenses is crucial for sticking to your budget. Several apps can help you track your spending and identify areas where you can cut costs. Mint is a popular free app that allows you to track all your expenses in one place and create budgets for different categories. YNAB (You Need A Budget) is another excellent tool that offers a more hands-on approach to budgeting and expense tracking.
These apps can sync with your bank accounts and credit cards, making it easy to monitor your spending in real-time. Regularly reviewing your expenses can help you make more informed financial decisions and adjust your budget as needed.
8. Maintain Your RV
Regular maintenance of your RV can prevent costly repairs and improve fuel efficiency. Keep up with routine tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and checking fluid levels. Inspect your tires regularly for proper inflation and wear, as underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of blowouts.
Create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Many RV manufacturers provide maintenance checklists that can guide you through the process. Investing time and money in preventive maintenance can save you from expensive breakdowns and ensure your RV runs smoothly.
9. Save on Attraction Fees
Many attractions offer discounts for seniors, military personnel, students, and AAA members. Before you visit, check the attraction’s website or call ahead to inquire about available discounts. Additionally, look for free or low-cost activities such as hiking, swimming, or visiting local parks and historical sites.
Consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass, which provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, for one year. This pass can save you money if you plan to visit multiple national parks and federal lands during your trip.
10. Optimize Your RV’s Fuel Efficiency
Improving your RV’s fuel efficiency can result in significant savings over the course of your trip. Here are some tips to help you get better mileage:
- Drive at a steady speed: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, which can decrease fuel efficiency. Using cruise control on highways can help maintain a consistent speed.
- Reduce weight: Remove unnecessary items from your RV to reduce weight. Carrying less weight means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard, improving fuel efficiency.
- Maintain your RV: Regular maintenance, as mentioned earlier, keeps your RV running efficiently.
- Check your tires: Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
- Use fuel-efficient driving techniques: Coasting to a stop and accelerating slowly can help save fuel.
Additionally, consider using fuel-saving technologies like fuel additives or devices designed to improve engine performance. While the effectiveness of these products can vary, some RVers find them helpful in reducing fuel consumption.
Conclusion
Saving money on an RV road trip is all about planning, flexibility, and making smart choices. By using reciprocal memberships, fuel discount cards, and apps to track spending, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Cooking your own meals, maintaining your RV, and optimizing fuel efficiency are also key strategies for staying within budget.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy your RV adventure to the fullest without breaking the bank. With these tips, you can explore more, experience more, and create lasting memories on the road.
Happy travels!
