Using Your RV
Frugal RVing: Keep an eye on the road -- and your budget
By John Noble

RVing is great fun -- and not expensive, especially if you pay attention to details.

Hitting the road in your RV can be one of the most economical ways to travel. If you do a little planning and research ahead of time, it's easy to save even more -- without ever feeling like you're pinching pennies.

One obvious way to take the frugal route is to plan your RV travel during the "shoulder seasons" -- before and after prime travel time when discounts are often offered at various campgrounds and attractions. Here are five cost-cutting RV travel tips that are good any time of the year:

1. RV Travel On One Tank of Gas
Remember the ending to The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy says she doesn't have to look any farther than her own backyard to find her heart's desire? Well, we're not suggesting camping out right outside the house, but think about going to places not too far away that you've always meant to check out. You'll be surprised at how many new and interesting destinations are just one tank of gas away. A lot of territory can be covered in just a few hundred miles, and you're bound to discover exciting locations you never knew existed so close to home.

2. Put Your RV On A Diet And Get Better Gas-Mileage
It's a fact that the less your RV weighs, the more mileage you'll get on the road. Look around for places in your rig where you can institute a "less is more" policy. For example, you don't have to set out with a full, fresh water tank for your RV excursion. Take what you need for the first day's travel, plus a small reserve, and fill up once you've reached your day's destination.

Forget that bulky, economy-sized can of coffee: empty a smaller amount into an airtight plastic container that you can refill later. (One place not to cut back, though, is tire inflation: riding on fully inflated tires is a sure way to increase your gas mileage.)

Tip: When buying food staples, consider dehydrated items like soup and dried fruit, and transfer cereal and pasta from bulky boxes into heavy-duty plastic bags -- not only do they take up less space, you can reuse them once they're empty!

3. Plastic not Paper Dinnerware
Sure, the eat-and-toss approach of paper plates and cups is the easy way to go -- and might even seem economical when you buy in bulk. But lightweight, inexpensive plastic dishes are easy to find, and while they might not last forever, they'll certainly see you through the duration of a long-distance RV excursion. Choosing plastic over a big stack of paper goods is also another way to save on weight, especially when you're starting out on your RV trip.

Tip: Buy your plastic ware in a mix-and-match variety of vibrant colors, and these snazzy dishes will brighten up even the simplest road fare!

4. Drive Less, Stay More - Save on Gas AND Get Campsite Discounts
When creating your RV travel itinerary, consider making fewer stops and spending more time at each destination. This will save on fuel and campsites costs as most of them offer discounts for lengthier stays. By driving less and staying more, you'll receive an additional benefit: It's much more relaxing to know that once you've turned off the ignition you're settling in for a while. Also, by spending more time in one place, you'll be able to do some more in-depth exploring of the area.

Tip: Look online at the local newspaper for the area you'll be visiting. Check for listings of events that you might not hear about otherwise … and don't forget to look in the classifieds for yard sales and flea markets, too!

5. Stop and Shop - At Local Discount or Dollar Stores
When you need to refill on groceries avoid supermarkets and convenience stores where prices are at a premium. Instead, look for local discount and dollar stores and roadside fruit and vegetable stands -- depending on the season. You might not save much money there, but there's nothing better than freshly picked produce. Keep an eye open for discount outlets in the area. And stop at flea markets and yard sales where you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Not only do these unconventional choices offer the opportunity to find unusual items, it's a great way to get to know the local neighborhoods and people.

Tip: Keep your birthday and holiday gift list handy -- you might spot the perfect knickknack for a family member at someone’s yard sale!

Some Final Frugal RV Travel Tips:
- Make use of the cheaper parks, like state parks.
- Join Good Sam Club for 10 percent discount at its parks.
- Subscribe to RV magazines for great ideas on RV travel .
- Shop around for best prices on camping stuff like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, GI Joes - instead of RV stores.
- Avoid buying your RV "supplies" like toilet paper that claim to be for RVs. Save money by buying the cheap stuff.
- Join a discount camping organization. The Happy Camper Club and Passport America are the best known. Both offer annual memberships for less than $50 and will save you 50 percent on campsite fees at more than 1,000 RV parks.
- Save money and cook all your meals in the RV; don't eat out. You can even make dishes ahead and store in your RV's refrigerator.
- Ask for senior discounts everywhere you go .
- If members of AAA, see if any campgrounds give discounts. Look at a "Trailer Life Campground Directory" at your local library to compare camping fees.
- Plan!!

John Noble is the Marketing Consultant for Sky River RV Inc, a California-based sales and service RV dealership featuring Itasca and Airstream RV, motor home and travel trailers. 


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