Saving money can come as a challenge to anyone, whether you’re an RVer or not. Unexpected expenses can pop out of nowhere and set you back financially. On the flip side, there are several ways for you to save money while on the road. Having an RV shouldn’t feel like a money pit for you, instead, RVing can offer you freedom and liberation from excess household bills. We’re sharing some money-saving tips that will leave your wallet happy. Be sure to share your best RV budget guidance in the comments section below!

Free RV Camping

While RV camping, take advantage of BLM land! These “campgrounds” are free and you can stay in one location for up to 2 weeks. Boondocking can be a great way to get away from the rest of the world and soak in the solitude. Boondocking offers you a chance to truly recharge and take in the natural surroundings. That said, it isn’t quite as “easy” as a big campground with plug-ins, so make sure you research ahead of time. In order to set yourself up for a great boondocking trip, you’ll want to be prepared and make sure you pack everything you’ll need. Check out this comprehensive list for a hassle-free experience.

Additionally, there are also actual campgrounds that are free or heavily discounted. Some offer RV hookups like water and electricity. Free campgrounds can sometimes be hard to come by. These will often require reservations, memberships, and planning weeks in advance. To help your search for free campgrounds, phone applications can be your saving grace.

Use your Kitchen

A major advantage that RVers have is the ability to have a home-cooked meal on the road. While you’re traveling, eating at restaurants can become very expensive, especially if you have a family. Your motorhome has a kitchen, put it to good use! This will save you tons of money in the long run. Plan to cook your major meals like breakfast and dinner in your rig. Saving money on food will allow you to have spend money on other things like entertainment. Now that you’re committed to using your rig’s kitchen more, check out these yummy recipes and must-have cooking utensils.

Invest in RV Memberships

Joining RV clubs and memberships can save you hundreds of dollars a year. While you do have to pay a fee to join them, they are well worth it! For instance, joining Harvest Hosts will allow you to stay at many of their locations for free! These unique camping accommodations allow you to stay at wineries, distilleries, breweries, and use golf courses too! Next, you have Escapees RV Club. With this membership, you can enjoy many discounts, free campgrounds, and become a part of a close-knit community of RVers. These exclusive memberships give RVers added perks while saving them money!

Add an Extended RV Warranty

There’s nothing worse than breaking down on the side of the road, or ending a trip early due to costly repair bills. RV breakdowns can be incredibly expensive. If you’re not protecting your travel trailer or motorhome with a warranty, you’re missing out on possible savings. In the event that you were to break down and needed a repair, your RVs warranty would be able to help you cover the cost. All you need to take care of is the deductible! Warranties help protect your adventures and pockets. When you live in your RV, you rely on your rig heavily and need it to be working properly every day. RV warranties also offer roadside assistance and tire & wheel coverage. When you’re on the road, you want to make sure you’re covered from both a safety and a financial, perspective.

Go off the Beaten Path

You may find popular destinations during the high travel season can be quite expensive. If you’re going on a road trip, try going during the off-season or avoiding very touristy spots. RVing during the summer can be the most expensive, and in many parts of the country, other seasons can be just as enjoyable. Popular locations and attractions can also be pricey. Instead, discover the hidden gems and enjoy places that are not overcrowded and overhyped.

A big part of saving money while traveling is planning out your trips and routes. When you have a route mapped out, you can save money on gas and reduce unexpected wrong turns or longer routes. When you’re an RVer, planning or being organized is key!

Your RV doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Many people start RVing in order to escape or reduce the endless amount of bills and expenses. There are plenty of ways to save money and a supportive RV community ready to jump in with tips on how to do so. Do you have any money-saving tips? How do you save extra bucks while traveling? Share in the comments below.

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