Planning Your RV Road Trip: Budget Hacks You Can’t Ignore

Here’s the thing nobody mentions when you’re dreaming of van life: the rental or purchase price of your rolling home is just the opening act for your budget! The real show starts when you hit the road and realize your wallet’s getting lighter faster than you can say “dump station fee.”

But don’t panic! We’ve got your back with the budget intel you need – read on to get the straight facts about RV road tripping costs, and how to keep more cash in your pocket for fun.

Budgeting for RV Gas Mileage

Let’s rip off the Band-Aid right away. A rental company telling you their Class C gets 10-14 MPG is being optimistic.

Your actual mileage will likely range from 6-8 MPG for Class A motorhomes, 10-12 MPG for Class C, and possibly 18-24 MPG if you’re towing a small travel trailer with a decent truck. And remember: wind resistance can turn your RV into a gas-guzzling monster, especially when you’re fighting headwinds or climbing mountains.

Here’s what this means for your budget: A 2,000-mile trip in a Class C, averaging 8 MPG, requires 250 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, you’re looking at $875 for your fuel costs.

• Read our guide to picking a vehicle for your cross-country road trip

Money-Saving Fuel Hacks:

• Slow down! Dropping from 70 to 60 MPH can improve your mileage by up to 20%.
• Use apps like GasBuddy. Price differences of 30-50 cents per gallon between stations are common, especially near highways versus a few miles into town.
• Plan routes that avoid mountain passes when possible. Your engine (and wallet) will thank you.
• Consider a ScanGauge II to monitor real-time fuel consumption. Knowledge is power, and power saves money.

Budgeting for Campground Stays

Free camping sounds like an incredible deal until you realize most “free” spots come with zero amenities. No electricity means running your generator (burning gas), no water means careful conservation, and no sewer means finding (and paying for) dump stations. Your costs can add up to $30+ per day on those needs alone.

Campground fees vary widely depending on your preferences. You might pay $20 for a basic state park site or $90+ for an RV resort with all the bells and whistles. If you prefer a full-hookup campsite, you can expect to pay at least $55 per night.

Smart Campground Money-Saving Strategies

Mix it up! Alternate between paid sites and boondocking. Three nights at a beautiful, full-service campground will let you recharge (literally and figuratively), do laundry, and take long showers. Then camp for free elsewhere for a few nights using those fresh resources.

Join camping clubs like Thousand Trails or Passport America. Annual memberships may feel costly, but depending on how much camping you’ll do, they can be a no-brainer for your budget. Do the math based on your travel frequency.

State park annual passes often pay for themselves after 5-7 nights, and many include camping discounts beyond just entry fees.

And finally, book directly with campgrounds when possible – third-party booking sites charge fees that campground owners often waive for direct bookings.

The Hidden Money Pits

Propane

An RV runs on propane like a teenager runs on TikTok. Refrigerators, water heaters, and furnaces all gulp the stuff. Budget $50-100 per month for propane, or more if you’re chasing cold weather.

• Many RV fridges can run on electricity when plugged in. Use this feature at campgrounds to save propane for boondocking days.

Dump Stations

Free dump stations are still available at some places, but they’re becoming increasingly rare. Most charge $10-25 per dump. Some gas stations offer free dumping with fuel purchase.

Generator Gas

Running your generator 6-8 hours daily while boondocking can burn 0.5-1 gallon per hour. That’s another $15-25 per day in gas that you need to factor in.

• Consider investing in portable solar panels to reduce dependency on generators. The upfront cost stings, but you can save hundreds in gas over a long trip.

Maintenance

RV maintenance can be costly, and unfortunately, you can’t just ignore it – budget at least $100-200 per month for repairs. Blown tires, dead batteries, and malfunctioning slides can happen more often than you’d think.

Food

Depending on your tiny RV fridge means you’ll make more frequent grocery runs. Small-town grocery stores near tourist areas charge premium prices. Stock up on non-perishables at big-box stores before heading to remote areas. A well-stocked pantry saves both money and stress.

Internet

Working from your RV? Reliable internet gets expensive fast. Campground wifi usually stinks, so you’ll need your own solution.

A few options:

• Phone hotspots (often throttled after 20-50GB)
• Dedicated RV internet setups
• Starlink for RVs runs about $150 / month plus equipment costs, but it works almost everywhere

Insurance and Registration

RV insurance costs more than your car policy. Expect to pay $1,000+ annually for decent coverage. Registration fees vary by state, with some charging based on weight or value. If you’re full-timing and based in the USA, research domicile states carefully. South Dakota, Texas, and Florida offer RV-friendly registration and tax laws that can save you thousands of dollars annually.

More Money-Saving Strategies for Your RV Adventures

Slow travel saves cash. Moving every day burns gas and increases wear. Stay put for a week and watch your costs plummet. Many campgrounds also offer weekly discounts.

Cook more, eat out less. Your RV kitchen might be tiny, but it works! Master one-pot meals, and your budget will love you. A good Instant Pot can become your best friend.

State park annual passes pay off quickly. Most cost $50-75 and include camping discounts. Stay at five or so parks throughout the year, and you’re golden.

Track every expense for your first month. You’ll spot money leaks fast. Apps like Credit Karma or YNAB work great for RV budgeting.

Learn basic RV maintenance. Visit YouTube to find videos covering everything from winterizing to minor repairs. If you can handle some basics, that’s labor at an RV repair shop you won’t have to pay for.

Buy used gear from other RVers. Facebook Marketplace at popular RV destinations offers fantastic deals on everything from camping chairs to solar setups.

Ready to Travel?

Ready to hit the road? Your adventure awaits, and now you know exactly what it’ll cost. Time to start saving those pennies and planning that route!

Featured image by Clay Banks on Unsplash