A new forum to discuss the economics of camping

Hokiehall · 10-08-2007, 09:44 PM

Here is a new forum for you to all discuss the various economic issues we all face when we decided to start camping. This forum was created from a suggestion by member Radio. Thanks to him for his suggestion.

This area can be used to discuss anything related to the costs associated with our lifestyle. Have a go at it gang.

Radio · 10-09-2007, 09:46 AM

Yeah, it was my idea, so blame me!

Really though, I can't think of any other forum on the net that has a place to discuss what RVing actually costs. So heres a place to talk about:

Getting the best price on an RV
Buying new or used
Warranty Issues
Insurance
Campground Memberships
And my personal favorite...borrow money or pay cash!

So let's put our collective minds to it and figure out how to get as much camping as we can out of every dollar!

Radio

MRimmer · 10-09-2007, 09:55 AM

And a very good idea imo.

Thanks to you radio for the suggestion and thanks to the admin that set it up.

Mike

welshman599 · 10-09-2007, 10:30 AM

There's a cost?? hehee. Actually it is a very good idea, paticularly for those who are considering getting in, or are finding it too expensive as they are now doing it. Could be there are some great hints for economizing that we can share.

RAC · 10-09-2007, 11:43 AM

Steve's economics of camping (101).

Have money in Bank= Make plans for a long trip.

No Money in Bank=stay at local area.

Paul B · 10-09-2007, 05:31 PM

Rving and camping= priceless at any price......

Paul B

powerboatr · 10-09-2007, 05:52 PM

great idea

Pat H · 03-12-2008, 02:51 AM

Hi,

I'm new here :-) I've never been on a forum before and I'm not real sure how this works.

My husband & I have had our Wildwood 5th-wheel since October 2006. We stayed in Texas for 2 months last January + February 2007. We have done a few other short trips during the year.

But here's my question: We want to leave in May and be gone for about 4 months. How are you doing it with the deisel prices? We WILL go on our trip but won't be as rich as I had hoped we'd be ;-/ We also plan to stay a few days longer in each place to cut down on number of moves per month (we only have so much $$ to use for the month for travel from one place to another).

All tips and advice will be appreciated.....

Pat from MO

welshman599 · 03-15-2008, 09:41 AM

Hi Pat! Well you've asked the $64,000. question there. Fuel prices really account for a big chunk of a camping trip budget and at these levels it takes some adjusting to make it affordable.

Economically, there are three components to a camping trip:

the cost of getting there (fuel)
the cost of staying there (fees)
the cost of living while there (food, entertainment)

As far as fuel goes, the things you've thought of are probably the best ways to keep fuel cost down. Staying longer at a site and choosing travel destinations that are less far afield are the only real ways, other than actually reducing fuel consumption, to keep the cost down.

The other option is to work on reducing the other two components to account for the rising fuel cost. Choosing campgrounds with lower rates and making other choices to reduce your overall trip cost will help you keep from going broke on the road.

Good luck on the trip!

Pat H · 03-15-2008, 09:55 AM

Thanks for the advice & encouragement. I wasn't sure if my idea of just staying longer in a place to lower my monthly fuel costs for moves, was the best way to stay within our budget. I talked with my husband and he agreed he'll do more picnic lunches (he likes to eat out) and save money on activities by mostly spending for those high on our list of to dos.

welshman599 · 03-17-2008, 07:47 PM

Since you're considering longer stays, check to see if the campground offers discounts... our's offers the 7th night free. Others have weekly and monthly rates that are pretty good compared to nightly. It might pay to have a club card or two on hand to take advantage of special pricing too.

Pat H · 03-18-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshman599

Since you're considering longer stays, check to see if the campground offers discounts... our's offers the 7th night free. Others have weekly and monthly rates that are pretty good compared to nightly. It might pay to have a club card or two on hand to take advantage of special pricing too.

Thanks.... I do have some club memberships that will help us....but I didn't think about asking for a 7 day discount of some kind. I'll do that :-) Every little bit helps.....

dabrows6 · 01-23-2009, 07:19 PM

Agree with Paul B. Camping at any price is worth it. Having just bought a Surveyor 233t last week, I'm looking to get in all the camping I can this year. It is quite a step up for my wife and I, considering we tented the last three years.(Last year with a puppy) Hence, it is a great idea to talk about ways to save. There will def. be more bag lunches for this guy.

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