How to reduce costs when caravanning

Some of us are so time-poor that just a few days away at a time is all we get with our RVs, and you don’t need to save a few dollars for such short down time. 

However, if you’ve taken time off work or are retired and planning a longer trip, you could be simply poor – not time poor -- if you don’t budget right for the big trip...

Opt for a diesel

Before you even start your holidays, the cost of getting to camp can be horrendous. Towing increases drag so your tow vehicle uses more fuel, especially if it’s petrol powered. 

If you’re aiming to do plenty of kilometres on tour – and do so regularly – consider trading your petrol tug for a more economical diesel. This can be tricky as the cost/benefit analysis has to take in more than simple fuel consumption but all else being equal, go for the more economical diesel over a petrol vehicle. 

When towing, a typical mid-sized, six-cylinder petrol SUV consumes at least 18L/100km while a turbo-diesel four can sip away distillate at around 14L/100km.

Don’t be a drag

Aerodynamics – or lack of them – make a big difference to fuel consumption when towing a full-size van. An aerofoil such as the Aeroplus fitted to the roof of your tow vehicle directs airflow over the bluff front of the van and will save you fuel. 

We’ve tested such a device on a 2000km journey towing a full-size van and saw a reduction of 2L/100km when using the aerofoil. A more slippery air flow also allows your tow vehicle to perform a little better too.

Keep up the pressure

Low tyre pressures also increase drag – both vehicle and van tyres should normally be inflated to the maximum recommended placard tyre pressure – and check them often when on tour.

In fact, there’s no way around the fact that a properly maintained vehicle costs money to keep it that way. The investment not only helps reduce the chance of a breakdown but allows the vehicle to operate at peak efficiency, saving you cash on your trip. If not done recently, fresh fluids and filters should be a priority before you head off.

Watch your speed

The Bosch Automotive Handbook states that a vehicle’s aerodynamic drag begins to have an effect on efficiency at about 80km/h, so sitting at 110km/h where legal won’t save you money – your vehicle will definitely use more fuel. 

Most newer vehicles have a trip computer that shows instant fuel consumption – where it’s safe to do so, on a level road at constant speed, see where your rig is most efficient. 

Many tow tugs have a ‘sweet spot’, so find the speed at which your vehicle is most efficient and stick to it where possible. The only proviso is that you can’t risk becoming an obstacle for other traffic. 

Sitting at too low a speed might save you a bit more fuel but on the open road  but you’ll become a hazard to both yourself and other motorists. Sticking to around 90km/h in a 100km/h or 110km/h zone will save fuel and not make you a road hazard.

Travel light

Even though dragging along every piece of gear in your van just in case you might need it sounds like a good idea, you’ll pay for it. The extra weight will make your tow vehicle work that bit harder – and use more fuel doing it. Pare back what you take with you to the essentials if you want to save money. 

The same applies to carrying water in your van – a full 90-litre water tank adds 90kg to overall weight. If you know that you’ll have a plentiful town water supply at your destination, empty the water tank(s) before you leave home to save weight and therefore fuel use. 

Stock up appropriately

Buying supplies at the caravan park kiosk every time you camp is guaranteed to send you broke if you make a habit of it. 

Before you go stock up with supplies from one of the large supermarkets, but don’t go crazy with dry food, or you’ll add a heap more weight that you’ll pay for in higher fuel consumption. 

If you plan ahead, for when you need to re-stock supplies, you’ll be able to save cash by re-stocking at supermarkets in major towns on your trip. 

Avoid caravan parks

Caravan parks can offer plenty of comforts when touring, but you’ll save plenty of money if you don’t always stay in one. Free camping, as the name suggests, costs you nothing, and there’s plenty of online information about where to find free camps including ratings and reviews by fellow travelers.

It’s also worth checking out the areas you’re keen to visit to see if local farmers would be happy for you to camp on their land. Sometimes farmers ask that you lend a hand or pay a nominal fee, but it should still be cheaper than a powered site.

You’ll need to be much more self-sufficient, of course, including a good solar set-up, so work out before you go how long you think you’ll stay off the grid and now much power ‘back-up’ you’ll need. 

Topping up with gas for cooking if needed and having enough water and food before heading to a free camp will also save you the hassle and cost of driving to a town for more supplies.

Pick non-peak periods

If you prefer caravan parks, check out when school holidays are in that state. Together with public holidays, that’s when you’ll pay a premium to stay so aim to avoid the peak periods. Also consider a cheaper, unpowered site – again, a good solar/battery set-up is vital here.

If you’re keen on a particular area and think you’ll be happy for a long stay there (a month or more, for example) then it’s worth contacting the caravan park beforehand to see if they’ll give you a reduced rate.

Save on washing

Whether you’re in a caravan park or free camping, you’ll have to wash your clothes at some stage. 

A simple portable washing machine that requires no power (or even a fancy powered one, if you have 240v access or the right inverter/battery set-up) can be had for little cost (under $100) and will save you heaps in laundromat fees.

Top up your savings

The last thing many travellers want to do is to work when on tour, but on an extended trip it’s not a bad idea as a way of topping up your travelling funds. You could find work seasonal fruit picking, for example, or even manage a caravan park while the park manager is on leave.

It’s all too easy to let your costs blow out on any RV holiday but with a bit of pre-planning and following some of these tips, you’ll be able to make your hard-earned dollars last a lot longer.

Related: The rising cost of holiday camping