2020 was a bad year for the real estate industry due to the pandemic and so by 2021, it tried to “compensate” which resulted in a skyrocketing increase in house prices. This is bad news to more or less 1.6 billion people across the globe who put up with inadequate housing because that is the only shelter they can afford, and the approximate 150 million individuals who already are homeless.
We have one “creative” solution to this housing problem though. You can live in a recreational vehicle! There are plenty of ways to save money on RV rentals and Motorhomes, you know.
Why Live In An RV?
Driving across the country in an RV during the summer can be fun. But staying there for good is a different story. There are advantages, however, if you choose to live in a rented motorhome for long periods and enjoy the nomadic lifestyle.
- You have the liberty to move to another place anytime you want to since all your stuff and documents are already with you.
- This lifestyle allows you to explore new places, immerse in new traditions and cultures, and meet new people now and then.
- You can merge travel, work, and residence in one vehicle.
- Living in an RV or any other motorhome is cheaper because you eliminate several major expenses like home insurance, mortgage, and utility bills.
- You do not have to put up with troublesome neighbors since you can always leave.
- An RV is easier to clean and maintain compared to a whole house or an apartment unit.
Not only will you have ways to save money when you hire a motorhome or RV rental but you also get to enjoy the perks mentioned above.
Reducing the Cost of RV Living
RV lifestyle is not cheap per se. You can live in a motorhome and still spend thousands on your monthly budget. You have to make a conscious choice to save when you rely on a rented motorhome for shelter. Here are ways to save money on RV rentals and motorhomes.
- First and foremost, look for the perfect RV for you. Do thorough research on the unit you are going to rent since this will be your home in the coming months.
- Compare the prices between one RV rental and another. Pick the unit whose rental is the most affordable and reasonable while not compromising your needs and expectations from an RV. In most instances, you would save more when you rent from private owners than a big company because these individuals only want their unit to generate a bit of income instead of it sitting in the garage unused.
- Look for parks and camping sites that allow you to park for free or for a minimal charge.
- If possible, make your stay longer in a certain place because parking fees tend to go lower if you rent the space for extended periods.
- You will save more money if you simply refill your propane tanks instead of exchanging them. This is because you will get the entire 20 gallons of propane when you refill the tank but only get 15 gallons if you exchange it.
- Make sure that the RV is in great shape and your tires are properly inflated all the time. This will ensure that the vehicle will not need sudden repairs and parts replacements along the way. Properly inflated tires can also give the gas mileage as much as a 3% boost.
- Avoid shopping and gassing up on the highway because prices there tend to be higher.
- Travel light and do not fill the vehicle to its maximum weight capacity. A heavy load will put more pressure on the RV and will make it use more fuel to propel it.
- While it may be good to treat yourselves to a nice dinner somewhere in town or city, try to avoid eating out as much as possible. You will save a significant amount of money if you prepare your meals.
- Use apps and websites that allow you to save on necessities and extra perks such as GoodRX, GasBuddy, and Groupon.
- Search the web for a list of free tours and activities in your next destination and take advantage of them. You get to enjoy the place without spending extra bucks.
- Do not go crazy on souvenirs and memorabilia along the way. They will not only take your money but also take up space in the RV and add more weight to the load.
There are more or less a million Americans that currently live permanently in an RV. This is no longer surprising knowing that there are many options and ways to save money on RV rentals and motorhomes. The nomadic lifestyle is a way to pay off debt and minimize living expenses.
