How to Save Money in Your RV

As any RVer knows, vacationing in an RV is the least expensive way to travel compared to flying or driving by car, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants. If you are new to RVing, or just getting interested, maybe you didn’t know that. (See our article in the RV Topics Section of the Newsletter Archive) Below is our "Top Ten List" of money saving tips to get even more bang for the buck from your RV vacations.

Our Top Ten Money Saving Tips

Before starting your trip, be sure that your RV & towing vehicle or tow-behind dinghy are up-to-date on routine maintenance items like tune-ups, & air and fuel filter replacement, and be sure that all tires are properly inflated. Dirty filters, out-of-tune engines, and improperly inflated tires will waste fuel. Refer to your vehicle’s owner manual or tire manufacturer for proper tire inflation.

Several weeks before you plan to leave, make sure your RV appliances are in good working order. You might need the extra time to order parts or schedule service. Be sure that everything is operating OK before leaving home (refer to our Spring Checklist in the RV Service Tips section of the Newsletter Archive).

Sometimes, unexpected repairs are unavoidable, but nothing hits you in the pocketbook like unplanned, vacation-spoiling, breakdowns. Consider buying an extended warranty to cover major repairs, and make sure that emergency towing is included. If you’ve owned your new RV for less than a year, you are still eligible to purchase a new extended warranty without a penalty. For information on extended service plans, contact our Sales Department at (800) 880-0335.

Lighten the load by taking only what you really need for traveling. For instance, hauling too much fresh water can cut into your fuel economy. A gallon of water weighs over eight pounds, so an extra 50 gallons in your tank means more than 400 lbs of added weight. Unless your boondocking, put just enough in your tank for basics like toilet use and hand washing, etc. When you get to your destination, use campground water, and dump your waste tanks before hitting the road for home.

Drive the speed limit. Fuel economy drops drastically over 60 mph. besides, what’s the rush? Getting there is half the fun, isn’t it?

Stop at tourist welcome centers and look for discount coupons for attractions you are interested in visiting.

Try camping in a state park. Camping fees are very reasonable, although there are not as many amenities as private campgrounds (like a camp store, or video arcade). Be sure to book early in the season, as these sites tend to fill up fast. Check out our newsletter article on camping in state parks in the RV Camping & Travel section of the Newsletter Archive.

America the Beautiful Public Lands Pass, is good at all public sites administered by the National Parks Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Forest Service. Besides the regular annual pass, there are a lifetime senior’s pass for $10, a free lifetime access pass for persons with permanent disabilities, and a free annual volunteer pass for civic-minded persons who want to help preserve our public lands. Check out our newsletter article with a list of national parks in our region also in the RV Camping & Travel section.

Become a Media Camping Center Fan on Facebook and receive a complimentary 4 Day/ 3 Night Camping Get-a-Way at any Thousand Trails Camping Resort in the country.
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Take advantage of our Unadvertised Specials in our Parts and Service Departments.
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And here’s, Our #1 Money Saving Tip - Purchase your new or used RV from Media Camping Center in Hatfield and don’t just get a great deal, you'll also receive over 100 nights of free camping coupons plus a 3-park membership to Thousand Trails Camping Resorts. Call us at (800) 880-0335, or better yet, stop in for all the details.

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