02/07/12

The idea of camping and traveling in an RV appeals to me but I am on a limited budget. What can I do to control the costs of RVing?

Joe: That's a tough question. The answer depends on what you want to do in your RV. An RV, after all, simply provides mobile living accommodations for whatever activity you wish to pursue. Here are a few suggestions for controlling the costs of RVing:

You might consider buying a used, inexpensive rig. There are some great values in used RVs out there.

Go to the library. Check out the many books on choosing an RV. Shop for an RV by looking on RV dealers' lots and attending RV shows.

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for an RV is how, when and where you intend to use it. You don't have to invest a lot of money in an RV if you only intend to use it for a few weekend camping trips and an occasional two week vacation.

Vicki: Shop for insurance. Talk to a number of insurance agents to find the best value of coverage for the premium. Does the value of your RV warrant theft and collision insurance? If your RV is a trailer, will the tow vehicle's liability insurance cover you while you are on the road. Will your homeowner's policy offer you any protection while camping? Check out the insurance company's reputation for responsiveness when their clients need them.

Joe: Learn how to do your own maintenance and minor repairs. Your RV's owner's manual should provide a maintenance schedule and may also offer instructions. Get a copy of Bob Livingston's RV Repair and Maintenance Manual. This easy-to-read book will help you diagnose a problem and then instruct you how to repair it yourself or how to get it repaired.

Control your fuel costs. When selecting an RV, keep in mind that a lightweight rig won't consume as much fuel as the heavier ones.

You only use fuel when you're traveling. Look for campgrounds, attractions and activities that are located relatively close to home. You'll spend less money on fuel, less time on the road and have more time to enjoy your destination.

Vicki: Stay in affordable campgrounds. Check your Trailer Life Campground/RV Park and Services Directory. It gives you the tools you need to select an RV park or campground that offers the location, facilities and rates that will best satisfy your interests and budget. (We are writing this column while parked in a clean, pleasant but no-frills, campground. Our site, with electric, water and sewer connections is only $15.00 a night.)

Many campgrounds, in addition to a basic nightly rate, charge an optional amount for electric, water, sewer, cable and telephone connections. You can control overnight costs by only taking (and paying for) the hookups you need.

Another way to control overnight costs is to take advantage of your Good Sam RV Club's 10% discount.

Ask about weekly and monthly rates. Have you noticed that rates are cheaper in some campgrounds during the "off-season" periods?

Your food budget is entirely up to you. One of the financial advantages of traveling in an RV is not having to eat every meal in restaurants. Even when we are on the road, I buy a local Sunday paper, cut out the food coupons and take advantage of the sale items.

Look for the free and low-cost attractions available to RVers. We recently visited the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Free parking and no admission charge. Factory tours can be fun, fascinating and free. Museums, parks and flea markets can provide low cost ways to spend a day. You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself.

Joe: These are only a few ideas for controlling your RVing costs. But you get the
picture. Once you are past the expense of purchasing a rig, RVing can be a relatively inexpensive pastime.