| Great American humorist, Kin Hubbard once said, | | | | and sewer) at little or no cost. Whether it's a parking |
| "The safest way to double your money is to fold it | | | | lot or in the desert on public land, some RVers only |
| over and put it in your pocket." But when RV living is | | | | boondock. Most RVers, however, stay at a |
| your way of life, saving every penny may not be as | | | | campground every few days in order to empty their |
| easy as you might expect. The following RV tips are | | | | tanks, do laundry and fill up on fresh water. |
| sure to help you save, and even earn, money while | | | | 6. Make house calls. If boondocking isn't your style, |
| enjoying the RV way of life. | | | | why not turn your RV road trip into an opportunity |
| Ways to save money | | | | to visit with family and friends? Be sure to be |
| 1. Get more bank for your tank. Enjoy better gas | | | | respectful and always ask before showing up; |
| mileage by practicing these simple driving tips: | | | | however, most close friends and family would be |
| - Slow down - The faster you drive, the lower your | | | | delighted for an impromptu visit that doesn't involve |
| fuel economy will be | | | | clean sheets and extra towels. Parking your RV in the |
| - Inflate - Proper tire inflation is a sure way to | | | | driveway shouldn't be a problem; just make sure to |
| improve your gas mileage | | | | ask if there are any city ordinances requiring parking |
| - Lighten your load - Eliminating excess RV weight | | | | permits in the neighborhood. |
| increases your fuel efficiency | | | | 7. Join the club. RV membership clubs like The Good |
| 2. Stop and shop. Forget about stocking up on | | | | Sam Club, KOA, Passport America, Camp Club USA, |
| everything you need for your entire trip by buying in | | | | Happy Camper and Escapees offer a wide range of |
| bulk beforehand. Instead, shop often and locally. You'll | | | | benefits to their members, including substantial |
| not only reduce the weight of your RV and get | | | | discounts on campground fees. Do your research |
| better fuel economy, but also save money by | | | | before embarking on your journey to see what deals |
| skipping the national chains and shopping for produce, | | | | and discounts you can find for the road. |
| meat, dairy and other items at local discount and | | | | 8. Get online. RV forums can be found on numerous |
| dollar stores. | | | | websites. And while you're surfing, try finding online |
| 3. Eating in is in. Skip the restaurants and eat in. Your | | | | coupons, codes and discounts for all of your other |
| meals not only will be more affordable, but also they | | | | necessary RV purchases. |
| will be healthier than those bought at the fast food | | | | 9. Save money on storage by selling your stuff. Save |
| restaurants and old-fashioned diners along the | | | | that monthly storage unit fee and make some |
| highway. | | | | money at the same time. Before embarking on your |
| 4. Go green. Use plastic, not paper. Although paper | | | | road trip, hold a sale and eliminate all of your unused |
| products are easy to use, and even easier to throw | | | | belongings, then donate whatever is left to the local |
| away, why not go green while on the road? While | | | | Goodwill or Salvation Army. In addition to a little extra |
| the initial investment of purchasing a set of washable | | | | income, you'll receive a deduction on your taxes. |
| and reusable dishes may cost more upfront, not | | | | |
| having to continually purchase paper plates, cups and | | | | 10. Investigate your policies. Research your insurance |
| utensils will save in the long run. | | | | policies to ensure you are getting what you need at |
| 5. Try "boondocking." According to Jack and Julee | | | | a price you can afford. Whether you're looking at |
| Meltzer, authors of The Smart RVers Guide to | | | | your RV insurance options or trying to find discount |
| Saving Money: Have More Fun RVing For Less | | | | RV insurance coverage for your vehicle, sometimes |
| Money, boondocking, or "dry-camping," usually entails | | | | changing your provider or premiums can save you |
| staying somewhere that offers no hook-ups (water | | | | money. |