Tips for Adjusting Your RV Budget in the New Year

Now that 2021 is coming to an end, it’s wise to take a look back over the past 12 months and think critically about how you can make your RVing life, whether it’s full-time or part-time, even better in the upcoming year.

One of the biggest things you can do is choose to focus on your budget. Let’s face it, adjusting your budget isn’t always fun, but living with a financial plan will reduce stress and make your life easier and your RV adventures more enjoyable. Here are some of the best tips for adjusting your budget in the new year so you can spend less time crunching numbers and more time exploring.

Get Ahead of Any Problems

An inspection of the RV should be completed before hitting the road.

One of the easiest and most impactful steps any RV owner can take is to have a full RV inspection prior to heading out for the season. In doing so, you will learn of things currently needing repair, and ensure there are no unexpected hardware issues.

Having a well-informed outlook on your RV and its current health can help you avoid costly repairs in the future, which in turn will keep you on the road longer–that’s always the goal, after all. Schedule an inspection today at any Camping World Service Center.

Evaluate Your Power

Solar panels on top of a motor home under bright overcast sky.

Another way to improve upon your RV experience, as well as save you some money and free up additional funds in the budget, is to evaluate your power sources and usage. Specifically, take a good look at where your power goes, and how much of it you’re actually using when on the road. Campgrounds that charge for electricity makes this all the more important. Propane-powered appliances and usage can quickly cut into your budget. Generators guzzling up gas are costly over time.

Removing unused and unwanted power drains can have a significant impact on your energy needs. Additionally, installing items like solar panels can be a great way to navigate around fuel storage and can often cut your energy needs considerably saving you money and headaches in the long run.

RV & Outdoor Show Season

Ultimate RV Show Florida

If this year’s project is to upgrade or outfit your RV, there will be no better time than during the highly anticipated RV & Outdoor show season. Not only are you able to see all of the latest gadgets and gear on display, but you will also find the best pricing of the year on nearly all of the highly sought-after items.

During show season, explore with the family at your nearest convention, visit a Camping World RV & Outdoors retail store near you for exclusive pricing, or shop online and save instantly on over 20,000 RV models. Plus, look out for installation specials from the best service technicians in the business, which can save you even more on any upgrades you decide to make before hitting the road.

Route It Out

Image from Getty

The freedom of the road is a strong pull – it’s true. And, let’s agree, exploring the unknown is arguably the absolute best part of the RV lifestyle. Unfortunately, wandering from amazing place to amazing place in your RV can sometimes add unexpected fees and costs to your excursion and can potentially steer you away from your initial path.

Making the effort to outline your route ahead of time can have a huge impact and can help ensure you hit all the hotspots you want along the way. Or, plug in a destination to a RV GPS navigator and let a computer do the rest. Removing turn-by-turn decisions from the day-to-day of RVing can reduce stress, save you money in the form of both fuel and time, and allow you to simply soak in the RV lifestyle during your time on the road.

For help starting this process, visit the Online Trip Planning Tool provided by Good Sam. This intuitive tool features information designed to help you have the best road trip every time with point-to-point trip planning, research and location capability of Good Sam Parks along your route, options to avoid highways and tolls, and much more.

Group Perks

Traveling with a group? It definitely has its advantages. Check-in with your chosen destination ahead of time to see if there are any special rates available for groups. One of the best ways, and most convenient ways, to stretch the budget in the new year is to look for offers you already qualify for.

When purchasing event tickets, activity passes, or attraction fees, make a point to always ask about any available group discounts. You’ll be surprised how often they are offered! Keep in mind: groups don’t have to mean 15 or more people. Often, group rates will start with a total of just five guests so your immediate family could qualify and you not even realize it. 

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so get in the habit of asking and then ask away. The worst they could say is no. The best? Yes. The latter translates into immediate savings.

Join the Good Sam Family

Good Sam Roadside Assistance always ensures you’re never alone on the road.

Nothing improves your RV life, plus the adventures you take and the memories you make, more than when you become a Good Sam member. Good Sam Memberships include access to campground discounts, fuel and propane savings, savings at retailers, and so much more.

When looking at how to improve your RV spending in the next year, these are a few of the steps you can take to make sure the next 12 months are among the best ever. Not only does your Good Sam membership help you save on all areas of the RV lifestyle, but it also further connects one of the strongest communities – the RV community. 

To recap, inspect your RV just before the season begins to address any issues and concerns before hitting the road. Assess your power supply and make any necessary adjustments that will help preserve the power you’re using and save money in the process. Plan to attend an RV show or two, especially if upgrades are in your plans. Route out your path ahead of time and lean on your plan once on the road. Ask questions, specifically regarding discounts, ahead of time and along the way.

Last, but certainly not least, join the Good Sam family and become an even more valuable part of the RV community.

Have any questions or concerns? Leave a comment below!