Fuel prices usually start a slow climb right before Memorial Day. This year, we’d already reached record highs by mid-May.
The higher fuel prices don’t have to ruin your summer plans!
Check out these 5 money-saving tips to stretch your RV fuel budget so you can still get away in your RV.
#1: Explore local lakes and campgrounds. If you usually drive or pull your RV over 100 miles to your destination, check out locations closer to home.
You may want to consider the closest Corp of Engineers (COE) campground. These campsites are usually found near a lake. Activities include nature centers, hiking, and biking trails. Camping fees are generally less than most RV parks, which leaves more in your fuel budget.
- Destinations with a lot of ‘free things to do.’ Look for RV parks with enough amenities to keep your kids occupied and you relaxed. This choice may be less stressful than filling the tank to drive to amusement parks and similar tourist attractions with pricey admissions.
- Extending your stays. Instead of several quick weekends away, try taking fewer, longer trips. It’s more relaxing to stay four nights once than a couple of short 2-night stays.
- Mobile Phone Gas Apps: If you haven’t discovered gas apps yet, check these out. They use your phone’s current location and come in handy when looking for your next fuel stop. Just install the app on your phone to see the current cost per gallon at competing stations.
- Gas Buddy has free and premium versions. The premium version adds a discount per gallon.
- Gas Guru is a free app that shows the gas stations along your route. You can also search by city.
- Waze is a popular app among drivers who like to report issues on the road while they travel. It shows the nearest gas stations to your vehicle, along with the prices.
These are just a few of the many gas apps currently available — most of them are free.
- Participate in a fuel card plan. A great way to save money when filing your tank, some cards are for diesel fuel only, and others require memberships in a camping-related association or club. There are multiple cards to choose from — and you can have more than one.
The most popular cards for RV’ers:
- TSD Open Roads discount fuel program is for diesel fuel vehicles — including motorized RVs and pickup trucks. The discount is available at Love’s and Travel Centers of America.
- TCS Fuel Discount Card is available through Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). FMCA members receive a discount on diesel fuel at locations such as TA, Speedway, and Sapp Bros.
- Good Sam members receive discounts using their Pilot Flying J Charge Card. The value is based on your Good Sam membership level and is available for diesel, gasoline, dump station fees, and propane.
Use one or more of these options to stretch your fuel dollars and enjoy traveling in your RV this summer.
Safe travels!
Peggy Staver, the author of this blog, is a freelance copywriter specializing in outdoor recreation and hospitality. You can contact her at PSCopywriting.com. The majority of photos are taken by Photography by Andreas.
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