Much has been said about the high cost of RV ownership. But there are ways to reduce those costs without sacrificing your camping experience. This blog post will explore some of the best ways to keep your RVing budget in check. So whether you’re a new RVer or have been hitting the open road for years, read on for tips that will help you save money while enjoying the great outdoors!
RV Initial Cost
For many people, the cost of an RV is a major hurdle to ownership. New RVs can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and prices have risen faster than household income for the past several years. However, there are several ways to save money on an RV purchase.
One option is to buy a used RV. Not only are prices lower, but you can also avoid the rapid depreciation that occurs with new RVs. Another way to save is to purchase an RV that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. For example, opting for a smaller model or choosing a basic trim level can help keep costs down. However, be sure not to sacrifice quality and necessities for price. That will cause you to camp less because you are unhappy. Lastly, be sure to shop around for financing. Getting pre-approved for a loan and comparing interest rates can help you get the best deal possible. Better yet, save and pay cash to avoid paying any interest on the purchase.
Rent First
One thing you can do that is focused on long-term savings is rent the same model RV you are considering purchasing and take it for a trip. This will allow you to see what it is like to camp in it before buying it. The last thing you want is to make the investment in an RV and find that you don’t like it. You probably will not be able to sell it without losing some money and having to start the search for a new RV. Several traditional and peer-to-peer rental agencies will allow you to find the exact RV you are interested in purchasing. We have talked with RVnGO on the podcast a couple of times. Listen to episodes 32 and 57 to learn about how peer-to-peer rentals work.
RV Maintenance and Repairs
Like a car, your RV requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. However, RVs can be considerably more expensive to maintain than cars, so it’s essential to factor that into your budget. One way to offset the cost of RV maintenance is to consider an RV extended warranty. These warranties typically cover the cost of parts and labor for a wide range of common repairs, and they can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your RV. Of course, no one likes to think about unexpected repairs, but they’re always possible. Planning and budgeting for them can help ensure that they won’t put a dent in your travel plans.
One company we like for extended warranties is Wholesale Warranties. They are a broker that can find a warranty or extended service contract to meet your needs. They also offer a free quote. To learn more about how extended warranties work, listen to our episode with Wholesale Warranties on episode 13 of our podcast.
Preventive Maintenance
Most RVers realize that preventive maintenance is key to keeping your RV out of the shop. But my rig is built to last, right? That may be true, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect basic maintenance tasks. On the contrary, by keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedule for all your RVs components, you can help ensure that it remains in top condition for years to come. Plus, it’s a lot less expensive to perform preventive maintenance than repair or replace major components down the road. So, think twice the next time you consider skipping a scheduled maintenance task. Your RV will thank you for it!
A great place to look for the preventive maintenance required on your RV equipment is in the big packet of manuals you received when you purchased it. The other option is to search the Internet for the manuals accompanying the various equipment pieces.
DIY
Learn to make repairs yourself. No matter how well you take care of your RV, eventually, something will break down and need to be fixed. And while some RV repairs are best left to the professionals, there are many that you can easily do yourself with just a little time and effort. So whether you’re dealing with a broken fridge or a faulty water pump, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and do some DIY RV repairs. Not only will it save you money, but it will also give you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you fixed it yourself. YouTube can be an excellent resource for learning how to do some DIY repairs. Chances are, several videos can walk you through whatever problem you are trying to diagnose or any repair you are trying to perform.
Budgeting for RV Trips
RVing is a great way to see the country and visit new places, but doing your research first is essential. RV Trip Wizard is an excellent resource for finding RV parks and campgrounds and learning about the costs of RVing. For example, did you know that the average RV trip costs $50 daily? That includes gas, food, lodging, and activities. So if you’re planning an RV trip, budget accordingly! Another resource we will discuss in the following paragraphs is Passport America. Besides the great discounts on campgrounds, they all have a trip planner that can be valuable. We had a great discussion with the folks at RV Trip Wizard on episode 85.
Another option during times of high fuel costs is to plan RV vacations that are closer to home. Most RVers stick to within 150 miles of their homes for weekend getaways. The same could be done for a vacation. Both Passport America and RV Trip Wizard can assist you in finding unique locations you have not previously visited closer to your home.
Campground Fees
RV campground fees vary widely, from a few dollars per night to over $100. In addition, many campgrounds charge extra for amenities like showers and laundry facilities. And don’t forget about the cost of gas – RVs can guzzle fuel at an alarming rate! One way to save money on camping fees is to sign up for a Passport America membership. With Passport America, you can stay at over 1,200 participating campgrounds for just $44 annually. So if you’re planning on hitting the open road this summer, make sure you’re aware of all the costs – otherwise, you might spend more than you bargained for!
In addition to Passport America, several programs can offer unique camping experiences. For example, Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome are memberships that offer RVers out-of-campground experiences at reasonable costs. We interviewed the CEO, Joel Holland, in episodes 31 and 77.
RV Ownership – What is Your Experience
Reducing the high cost of RV travel is possible with creativity and some strategic planning. What have you done to reduce the cost of your RV travels? Leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
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