The increased price of fuel will certainly affect your travel budget. Coupled with inflation across all sectors it may be enough of an increase to cause you to rethink your travel plans. Before you do anything drastic, consider these 6 fuel-saving tips and a couple of ways to lower the cost of camping fees.
CHEAP GAS
Starting with the obvious. Shop for inexpensive fuel. We use the GasBuddy app, Good Sam Club/Flying J discount card, and Costco to pay the lowest price per gallon. We don’t drive too far out of our way to save pennies because the extra miles just consume more fuel. We also see value in the amenities and easy entrance/exit that a large truck stop offers. Small, cheap, dirty gas stations with stinky or non-working restrooms and no coffee are not worth whatever I am going to save on fuel.
DROP SOME WEIGHT
Size matters. Many of us have more than one vintage trailer. A smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic trailer may be a better choice if you are making a longer road trip. Do not overpack. Don’t travel with full freshwater or wastewater tanks.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
There are multiple online apps and maps that will help you plan your route. You may be staying closer to home or traveling to another state but either way, you want to get the most bang for your buck. Getting lost or backtracking can add to your fuel costs so make sure you know in advance where you are headed.
KEEP YOUR TOW VEHICLE IN TOP CONDITION (Also applies to RVs)
- Keep your trailer and tow vehicle tires inflated to their recommended tire pressure. Every five pounds per square inch (psi) of tire pressure you lose can translate into a two percent loss of fuel economy.
- Oil changes and tune-ups on your motorhome or tow vehicle can result in between a 4% and 40% increase in fuel economy.
- Change your tow vehicle air filters. A dirty air filter can significantly reduce fuel economy.
- Speeding and rapid accelerations will drain your tank. A consistent speed is best. You may give up fuel economy by a whopping 15 to 30 percent if you’ve got a lead foot. 55 to 60 miles per hour is typically the law for towing and will maximize your fuel economy.
SAVE MONEY ON CAMPSITES
Discount cards like Good Sam, AAA, and Passport America all offer savings on lodging. Passport America is the “Original” & World’s Largest 50% Discount Camping Club! Apps like The Dyrt can direct you to money-saving options and Campground Views can take you on a tour of the campground before you book your site.
BOONDOCKING
You can save a substantial amount of money on your next trip by overnighting for free. Find a Walmart, join Harvest Hosts, or pull off into the wilderness. We broke down on a recent trip and pulled into a church parking lot for the night. If you just need a shower a major truck stop is a good place to freshen up without having to rent a campsite.
Camping is still a good value for vacationing. Even with unpredictable fuel prices, you can keep your trip as economical as possible by following these tips, making your own meals enjoying the sites and the company of your travel mates and the new friends you meet along the way.
Share your money saving ideas and feedback or questions in the comments.
