What Does “Frugal RV” Mean?

Everyone comes up with a different image when I mention “frugal RV.” Some think of a young couple in a converted utility van boondocking in the woods. Others picture a large motorhome in a Walmart parking lot. Still, others envision a camper adding solar power to a fifth-wheel trailer.

Technically, all are truly frugal RVers — reducing the cost of travel. However, the typical frugal RVer is following an economic philosophy rather than a mandate. Yes, in some cases, frugality is a necessity, giving homes to the homeless.

But must frugal RVers choose to be so to travel more and spend less. A frugal RVer seeks value for every dollar spent: buying a rig, filling it with fuel, finding enjoyable campsites, making meals, sharing the outdoors, and broadening horizons.

Traveling in a frugal RV can be as varied as the purposes for travel. Some campers are getting away while others are going towards. Many will carry all the necessities for a dinner party, and others will have a single plate and cup for each occupant.

Other frugal RVers will work on their own rigs, and some will seek the lowest-cost repair station. The common element among all is value — paying what something is truly worth rather than whatever the market will bear.

Of course, value is subjective. The frugal RVer approaches each purchase and each trip by considering relative value. Do we really need a 40′ motorhome for our weekend trips? Is solar power worth the installation costs? How about RV road insurance, discount campsite clubs, a portable screen room, fuel additives, an off-season RV cover, a portable generator, a resort campsite, club membership, or any of the other things offered to RVers?

Free RV Resource and Facebook Group

RV Troop is your online resource for getting the most from every dollar you spend on camping in a recreational vehicle (tenters can listen and learn, too). As a young man, I built travel trailers, truck campers, and mobile homes for major manufacturers. Later, my wife and I vacationed and even lived full-time in a variety of RVs, including a “hippie van,” motorhome, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailer, and a van camper with a family of five (plus pets!), and now as a retired couple. Been there, done that, had fun!

I sincerely hope you’ll bookmark and return to RV Troop often as I populate it with helpful articles for you. I’m also offering free membership in our Frugal RV tips Facebook group to help you travel more and spend less. Consider joining us there, too!

RV Living Cheap! How to Save $100’s per Month! (Video)