Cutting RV Costs

While the length of time you camp and where you go may be entirely different from what another RVer chooses to do, there are a few traits that all RV users have in common. One of those is wanting to save money wherever possible. The expenses generated by the use of RVs, campers and trailers can get pretty high if you aren’t careful, draining your budget fast. You likely want to find as many ways as you can to save money and reduce your RV costs.

Here at The Outpost RV in Middlebury, IN, we know how important saving money is, particularly when you’re traveling on a strict budget. That’s where this guide to cutting RV costs will come in handy! Follow our tips to learn how you can spend less on RV travel while still reaping all the benefits that come with it.

Camp In The Off-Season

A great strategy for saving some of your hard-earned dough is to avoid camping during peak times of the year. The summer months will be the most popular camping and vacation months because of the warm weather along with kids being on break from school. However, if you can swing a trip in the early fall or spring, or even during the winter months, you can save yourself some money on your campsite. Many campsites offer discounted rates in the off-season and they’ll also be easier to book since they won’t all be filled up. Check out weekly prices if you plan to stay for a while, too.

Try Boondocking

Another way to save money while you camp is to avoid campsites altogether. Your trailer or camper is equipped to function without water and power hookups for a time, provided you fill up your freshwater tank and stash some propane for fuel. Boondocking, or dry camping, is camping without hookups, and it can be done freely on most public lands for up to two weeks at a time in one place. This saves you money on campsite fees and can help you to be closer to nature and further away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can even boondock for free in some parking lots and at truck stops if you just need a place to crash for the night on the way to your ultimate destination and you don’t want to fuss with a campsite.

Save On Food

Eating out for every meal gets really expensive, so cooking as much as you can in your RV or trailer is a great way to save money. When shopping for groceries, buy in bulk as often as possible to save on staple foods like rice, grains, nuts and flour. Buy your produce from local farmer’s markets to get fresh vegetables that aren’t expensive. Cook in batches to save water and stash leftovers in your freezer to quickly heat up in your microwave. If you do eat a meal out, try to make it breakfast or lunch instead of dinner, and look for coupons to save on meals. There may even be “kids eat free” specials at a local diner if you’re traveling with family.

With a little planning and diligence, you can save a bundle on your camping costs and keep more money for supplies, souvenirs and other things you’d rather spend it on. Need an RV for your traveling plans? Visit The Outpost RV dealership in Middlebury, IN, today to see our full selection of new and used campers, trailers and RVs for sale. Our dealership also proudly serves the city of Kalamazoo, MI.