How to save money when traveling in an RV, according to a couple who's road-tripped in 48 US states

Joey HaddenAug 24, 2021, 19:23 IST

Making your own meals and driving slower will help you save money on an RV trip.Marc and Julie Bennett; Jason Auch/Getty Images

Traveling the US in an RV can be expensive.
Your trip will be cheaper if you travel slower and stay places longer, seasoned RV lifers Marc and Julie Bennett said.
If you're only planning a few trips a year, they recommend renting an RV instead of buying one.

Husband-and-wife duo Marc and Julie Bennett have road-tripped to 48 US states in an RV together, and they've written two books on the subject: "RV Hacks" and "Living the RV Life."

Marc and Julie Bennett in Quartzsite, Arizona. Marc and Julie Bennett

Husband-and-wife duo Marc and Julie Bennett have road-tripped to 48 US states in an RV together, and they've written two books on the subject: "RV Hacks" and "Living the RV Life."

One of their tips for saving money when traveling by RV is to consider buying a used vehicle - and to make sure you're factoring in the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Marc repairs an RV. marc and Julie Bennett

If you're not going to live in it full-time, the couple said to consider renting an RV instead of purchasing one.

Marc said that if you're only taking a few trips a year, it may not be worth it to own an RV once you pay for storage, insurance, registration, repairs, and maintenance.

If you're staying at campsites across the US, the Bennetts recommend getting a camping membership, where you can pay a flat fee to stay at various sites.

Marc and Julie stayed at a campsite in Colorado. Marc and Julie Bennett

Another way to save money on the road is to travel slower, Julie said.

Marc drives the RV. Courtesy of Marc and Julie Bennett

Driving slower helps save gas, and staying in each destination longer can help save on camping ground fees, the Bennetts said.

Drive slower to save gas. Jason Auch/Getty Images

"If you stay for a week, you got to pay less on average than if you're just paying by the night," Julie said, speaking of most camping grounds in the US.

A tea creek campground information board sign. Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

To avoid paying for campsites altogether, Marc and Julie recommend staying the night off-grid, such as on public land governed by the Bureau of Land Management, where people can park their vehicles for free.

An RV boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona. Courtesy of Marc and Julie Bennett

To avoid paying for campsites altogether, Marc and Julie recommend staying the night off-grid, such as on public land governed by the Bureau of Land Management, where people can park their vehicles for free.

Marc added that if you check with business owners or managers beforehand, you may be able to park the RV overnight at a casino, winery, or brewery for free.

Marc and Julie at a winery in Virginia. Courtesy of Marc and Julie Bennett

Instead of going to a fast-food restaurant for dinner, get some groceries and cook at home, they said.

Marc and Julie have dinner on the road. Marc and Julie Bennett

For more RV life tips from the Bennetts, read their books "RV Hacks" and "Living the RV Life."

Marc and Julie with their books. Marc and Julie Bennett

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How to save money when traveling in an RV, according to a couple who's road-tripped in 48 US states

Husband-and-wife duo Marc and Julie Bennett have road-tripped to 48 US states in an RV together, and they've written two books on the subject: "RV Hacks" and "Living the RV Life."

One of their tips for saving money when traveling by RV is to consider buying a used vehicle - and to make sure you're factoring in the cost of maintenance and repairs.

If you're not going to live in it full-time, the couple said to consider renting an RV instead of purchasing one.

Marc said that if you're only taking a few trips a year, it may not be worth it to own an RV once you pay for storage, insurance, registration, repairs, and maintenance.

If you're staying at campsites across the US, the Bennetts recommend getting a camping membership, where you can pay a flat fee to stay at various sites.

Another way to save money on the road is to travel slower, Julie said.

Driving slower helps save gas, and staying in each destination longer can help save on camping ground fees, the Bennetts said.

"If you stay for a week, you got to pay less on average than if you're just paying by the night," Julie said, speaking of most camping grounds in the US.

To avoid paying for campsites altogether, Marc and Julie recommend staying the night off-grid, such as on public land governed by the Bureau of Land Management, where people can park their vehicles for free.

Marc added that if you check with business owners or managers beforehand, you may be able to park the RV overnight at a casino, winery, or brewery for free.

Instead of going to a fast-food restaurant for dinner, get some groceries and cook at home, they said.

For more RV life tips from the Bennetts, read their books "RV Hacks" and "Living the RV Life."