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Tips to Go Farther by Saving More

Oct. 18 2023 News By Independence RV

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Regardless of your travel preferences, everyone can appreciate a good deal. Don’t you always feel better about a purchase if you’re not paying top dollar? This month we’ll offer suggestions to stretch your dollar or even save a few when traveling in your motorhome.

FUEL

Hate to lead with a sore spot, but one remedy to combat the ever-climbing fuel prices is to find the nearest and least expensive gas station. If you haven’t already, download the Gas Buddy app to find nearest locations with the best prices.

fuel savings

Also, a well-maintained motorhome runs better which means it uses less fuel. Contact the Service Department at Independence RV to schedule an appointment before taking your next trip. Also, be sure to check your motorhome’s tire pressure often while traveling. Even in good condition, tires can lose 1 to 2 pounds of pressure a month. In addition to decreasing your gas mileage, an underinflated tire is a safety risk.

Regarding propane fuel, advice from full-time RVers is to refill the tanks at a refill center rather than exchange them. It’s been their experience the exchanged tanks aren’t always full.

RELAX AND STAY AWHILE
This is a two-fold solution to savings. When planning a stay at a campground or resort, consider booking it for a lengthier stay. Whether it’s a week, a month or a season – staying longer will provide you with a better rate – and you’ll be off the road and saving fuel! When perusing the sites, check for extended stay rates. It’s not uncommon for those rates to be discounted as much as 50 percent.


PARKING

The only thing worse than trying to find a spot large enough to park your RV is having to pay for the space. Here are some alternatives that may require permission and or have restrictions, but with competition for RV parking at a premium, they’re worth checking into.

  • Harvest Hosts is a network of almost 300 wineries, breweries, museums, farms, and other small businesses spread across the United States and Canada. By becoming a member, you can book a stay at any of these unique host locations. Your stay is free, although you’re expected to purchase something worth at least $20 on your visit.
  • Boondockers Welcome is similar to Harvest Hosts (integrated in same app), however private individuals act as hosts and allow other RVers to park at their homes. ($50 annual fee)
  • Casinos, (especially along the Nascar circuit), allow RVers to park when space is permissible.
  • Park & Ride Sites. If you’re able to find one just outside city limits, it’s a win-win affording you alternative transportation in the city.
  • Walmart. Always best to get permission, but historically Walmart has always welcomed RVers when it’s safe to do so.
  • Schools & Churches. Not always an option, but with permission and possibly a donation, you may find a school or church willing to let you stay overnight.
  • Truck Stops are not just for truckers. You’ll find RVs parked at truck stops across the country. Be courteous, park straight, and be gone by mid-morning is the trucker code.
  • Campendium is an app to locate free or affordable campsites as well as dump stations.

RV CLUB MEMBERSHIP

RV clubs are great for many reasons – they often provide you access to roadside assistance programs, insurance discounts, and most importantly, discounts on weekly and daily rates at RV parks. You can quickly recoup the cost of your membership after just a few nights at an RV park, and then you’re saving every night from thereon.

RV TIMESHARE

Similar to hotel timeshare, RV resorts also sell timeshare memberships in a similar fashion. As such, if you’re willing to sit through a timeshare presentation, you can stay for a few days totally free at the RV park.

FREE WALKING TOURS

You’ve arrived and now you’re ready to take in the sites. But some cities are so rich in culture or history, a tour guide would most certainly improve the experience. Free Tours by Foot is a free walking tour company offering daily tours year-round in over 30 cities.

BOTTOM LINE

Whether you see RVing as a route to retirement or financial independence, or you’re simply doing it to get away for a weekend, there are plenty of ways that you can make any RV adventure more economical.