Tips to Save Money on Your Next Weekend RV Trip

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The best thing about owning an RV is that you can pack up and head out on an adventure at a moment’s notice. The drawback to owning an RV, however, is the cost of maintenance. While cleaning and repairs are certainly worth every cent, those pennies can add up. A great way to offset the cost is to find ways to save money elsewhere. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite money-saving tips for weekend trips so you can enjoy the open road without breaking the bank.

Save at Home

If you want to save the most cash, it helps to think big picture -- not just about your RV. If you’re leaving the house unattended while on vacation, letting power and appliances run for no reason is draining your pockets every minute you’re away from home. Unplug all appliances and electronics that don’t need to run while you’re away. Stereos, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, DVD players, video games, modems, coffee makers, toasters, mixers, and microwaves are just some of the things you don’t need to juice up while you’re gone. Unplug them and save big on your power bill for that month, even if it’s just a couple of days.

Other ways you can save at home while on a weekend RV trip:

• Adjust the thermostat, depending on the season, to keep a neutral temperature indoors. If it is warm, set the temperature to 85 degrees F. For colder weather in the fall or winter, turn it to 55 degrees F. 
• Avoid buying perishable food before you go away. Americans spend over $2,000 a year per household on food we simply throw in the garbage -- what a waste!
• If you do have perishable food in the fridge, bring it with you for snacks and meals on the road. One of the best parts of an RV is you can enjoy home-cooked food while traveling and avoid overpriced fast food on the road. 
• Before you leave, check the outside of the house to make sure your fence, roof, and pipes will be ready for any unfavorable weather. You don’t want to come home to costly repairs like burst pipes or a leaky roof. 
• Park your car in the garage or cover it under a carport to protect it from the elements. Consider disconnecting the battery to prevent drainage.

Save on the Road

Pinching pennies may not really fit into that whole adventure aesthetic you were going for when you bought an RV, but thankfully, you don’t have to act like a cheapskate to save a bit. It’s easy to save money when you have the right tools. Download a cheap gas app like Gas Guru or Dash so you can find the best price near you whenever the light turns on. Saving a few cents on a gallon of petrol may not seem like a big deal to the average road tripper, but the experienced RV-lover knows those pennies add up to big savings when you’re hauling weight. 

Other ways you can save on the road while on a weekend RV trip:

• Bring a toolkit and make repairs yourself. From patching a roof leak to replacing your sewer vent, you may be surprised at what you can do to avoid a trip to the mechanic. 
• See if your favorite campsites have discount clubs or memberships that reward guest who frequent. Or, try boondocking if you don’t mind roughing it to save a few bucks. 
• Your RV has all you need to make a simple meal -- so use it! Making your own food is more cost-efficient than even the cheapest hamburger out there. Stock up on ingredients before you go for RV-friendly meals everyone will love. 

The open road is calling -- don’t let worries about overspending keep you from answering! You can easily save money while on your next weekend RV trip simply by unplugging electronics and preparing the home for your absence. While you’re out there on the blacktop, save on things like gas with the help of budget-friendly apps that find the best prices.