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There are several ways to save on the road regardless of how long your trip is.
Words by Steve Fennell
RVing is one of the most affordable ways to experience unique destinations. Some costs are unavoidable, but there are ways to save and adhere to your budget. We have compiled a list of some of the most unique practices that’ll take some stress off your wallet while still being able to enjoy the benefits of RV travel.
Try a Boondocking Experience
Camping off the grid can be enjoyed with practically any type of RV, depending on the location. But most importantly, it offers a lot of savings.
If you don’t like roughing it all that much, remember you don’t need to boondock every trip. But it is practical and very budget-friendly during your travels or when visiting side trips from your hosting park.
We researched four campgrounds along the popular I-95 in Tennessee for October. Fees for RV parks ranged from $30, $45, and $60 to $92 USD. Additionally, according to Cruise America, the cost of staying in a U.S. National Park ranged from $18 up to $130 USD per night. When you consider staying for two nights or longer, the costs can add up during lengthy trips.
Locations are easily found after a quick online search. Although services are limited or not available at all, you don’t necessarily need them. Portable power options are widely available and with some careful planning, you can benefit from great savings.
Utilize Roadside Assistance
Roadside and dealer assistance programs have many benefits. They include time and cost savings on repairs, parts, accessories and towing fees. Most importantly, these programs provide peace of mind.
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Makenzie Cooper
Many RVers choose to boondock as it’s a cost-effective way to camp and you’ll avoid a lot of crowds.
There are several available. The largest Canadian group of like-minded RV dealers is the RV Care Network, a Canada-based program of 90-plus locations across the country. A highlight is its Customer Care Promises, which is available when you become an RV Care customer after purchasing a new or pre-owned model from a designated RV Care dealer.
If you’re travelling south of the border, its U.S. Alliance partner, the Route 66 RV Dealer Network (with 125 locations), offers the same program. Both combine to provide access and special services to RV Care/Route 66 dealers across North America.
In the event you experience a breakdown with your travel trailer or motorhome, you can locate the nearest RV Care/Route 66 dealer through the RV Care App (or contact your local dealer for a location). Once you arrive at one, they will prioritize the required repairs and address the problems to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. You can also use the Customer Care Promises to receive 10 percent off all parts and accessory purchases (depending on what is required).
Upgraded packages are also available. These include the RV Traveler’s Choice - Service Protection Plans that include a 24/7 tech support hotline and the membership also offers towing for your travel trailer, motorhome, and even your tow vehicle.
Additionally, RV Care and Route 66 have partnered with KOA where you can receive a 10 percent discount on your night’s stay at any of the 525-plus locations across North America. For more information and all of the incentives visit RV Care at www.rvcare.ca or check out its new online store at www.shoprvcare.ca
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Becoming a member of an RV club that has roadside assistance or joining a designated program like RV Care Network provides help when you need it.
Another roadside assistance and support program for RVers is the Family Motor Coach Association’s (FMCA) Roadside Rescue (in association with the SafeRide RV Motor Club). Some incentives include unlimited towing to the nearest dealer or service centre, battery boosts, lockout services, tire changes, as well as the assistance of an on-site mobile mechanic.
Other incentives include FMCAssist, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, and trip delay coverage of up to $300 per day. Keep in mind, The RoadSide Rescue and the FMCAssist are two different policies. While the FMCAssist is included with paid membership, the RoadSide Rescue is offered at a group rate.
You may also want to sign up for the Emergency Roadside Service available to members of The Explorer RV Club. From unlimited calls and tow mileage to flat tire changes, lockout assistance and trip interruption reimbursement, the program is touted as a top choice when RVing.
More savings can be found through the club’s various discount programs, providing savings on campgrounds, RV parts, insurance, retail stores, restaurants and more.
For more information about incentives and programs visit https://www.fmca.com and www.explorerrvclub.com
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Travel Texas
The scenery in provincial, state and national parks can be stunning. Seen here is Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City, TX.
Trip Plan with AI Technology/ChatGPT
According to a survey reported in the KOA’s June 2023 Monthly Research Report, “campers are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) more quickly than other leisure travellers. Currently, 32 percent of campers say that they have used AI for trip planning, while another 22 percent plan to utilize it in the future.” This is in comparison to only seven percent of non-campers that have planned a trip using AI.
If you’re not up on the latest AI trends, some examples include Google or Alexia Voice assistants. Other popular AI chatbots are the new Bing Chat, Google Bard and ChatGPT, one of the newest and most popular options.
We put the search to the test with ChatGPT. After inputting ‘Where is the cheapest campground in Tennessee,’ we were provided with the most affordable option as well as details about the park’s amenities, services, and nearby attractions. Information on secondary camping options and the value of more expensive campgrounds was also available.
ChatGPT is not 100 percent accurate with every inquiry about trip planning, but it’s a great start to access practical information about destinations, RV tips, and local outdoor family recreation.
Adhering to a budget and time savings on the road doesn’t have to be restrictive. With a little planning, research and creativity, you can cut back on costs, enjoy the savings and enjoy memorable times RVing this snowbird season and next year.