Maximising your motorhome adventure: Cost-saving hacks for budget-friendly travel

The Christmas season has passed, and we’re already well into the New Year. For motorhomers, thoughts are turning to getting back out on the road and experiencing new places. Spring and summer will soon be here, and so will the chance to hit the road for some adventures.

In this edition of our blog we focus on ways to ensure that your motorhome journey is cost-saving. We’ll provide simple, practical ways you can reduce travelling costs without sacrificing the quality of your trip.

One of the most significant strategies you can use to save costs is planning up front. By knowing where you want to go and when, you can save money on a variety of fronts – especially parking, fuel and even food.

• Off-peak travel: Travelling outside of the traditional summer on-season means the demand for campsites and motorhome parking spots is going to be lower than usual. Many campsites charge lower rates during off-peak months, as they look to keep their bookings ticking over, and this can sometimes result in you making considerable savings. You’re also more likely to be able to find free or low-cost parking options. The added bonus to travelling off-peak? You’ll experience fewer crowds, so you’ll have a more peaceful, enjoyable experience in those places you love to visit.
• Book campsites in advance: Many campsites offer discounts for early bookings or for stays longer than a few days, so booking ahead of time will possibly save you money. This is especially true if the campsite is in a popular area, where spontaneous bookings lead to inflated prices. Membership of certain clubs (such as the Caravan & Motorhome Club) can provide discounted rates, making joining worthwhile if you travel often.
• Free and low-cost stopovers: You don’t have to spend every night of your trips parked up on a commercial campsite. Some areas have free or low-cost stopovers, often run by local councils or communities, and apps like Park4Night or Campercontact can assist you in finding these hidden gems. They’re often located in stunning, unusual and less commercialised locations, and they can provide you with that extra ‘something special’ you’re looking for from your trip.

Although motorhome travel offers the freedom to eat wherever you like, this can often mean just opting to eat out or buying food on the go. Doing this every day, every night, can chew your budget rather quickly. Instead, it’s a smart move to pack wisely and prepare meals in advance, if you can. Doing so will make a substantial difference to your over-all travel costs.

• Non-perishables: Stocking up on non-perishable foods such as pasta, rice, dried fruit and tinned goods can save you from having to make expensive supermarket trips. Also take along long-lasting cooking essentials like spices, oils and condiments, as these can enhance your meals without costing much.
• Pre-cook and freeze: One of the easiest ways to save time and money on a motorhome trip is to have meals prepared before you leave. Cooking in bulk and freezing your meals ahead of time will save on the cost you’re likely to incur if you constantly eat out. You’ll also save the time you’d have spent preparing and cooking meals while you could be enjoying motorhome life. This method can also reduce food waste (you’re less likely to buy unnecessary ingredients in supermarkets during the trip).
• Efficient kitchen: Most motorhomes include a well-kitted kitchen, though by their very nature the space is likely to be more limited than it is ‘back home’. So it’s important to use the space effectively. Cooking simple meals (stir-fries, stews and other one-pot dishes) are perfect for the motorhome way of living, as they require very little equipment and can be made with just a few ingredients.
• Food waste: Try to use up all of your ingredients. Many motorhomers find that meal planning and batch cooking are great for reducing food waste and avoiding unnecessary stops at a supermarket. You can also be resourceful with leftovers from your meals: extra vegetables can be tossed into soups, and any leftover meat can be added to pasta or used to make sandwiches. As the saying goes: “Waste not, want not!”

Motorhomes, especially the larger models, can use a lot of fuel. So, finding ways to increase your fuel efficiency is one of the most effective ways that you can cut costs. There are various strategies you can use to make your motorhome more fuel-efficient.

• Speed: It’s a very simple fact that the faster you drive, the more fuel your motorhome is going to consume. Driving at a consistent, moderate speed can improve fuel efficiency quite dramatically. Most motorhomes perform best at a cruising speed of around 50 to 60mph, so you should avoid pushing the speed limits when you’re on the motorway. This not only saves fuel, but also reduces wear on the engine and tyres.
• Tyre pressure: Speaking of tyres, under inflated tyres cause more friction with the road, and in turn this increases the motorhome’s consumption of fuel. Checking (on a regular basis) and maintaining the correct tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency and reduces premature tyre wear. Your tyres should always be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Buy a tyre pressure monitor for extra convenience.
• Weight and drag: The weight and wind resistance of your motorhome also affect its fuel efficiency. If you have a roof box, make sure it’s as aerodynamic as possible (or, indeed, remove it when not in use) and avoid carrying unnecessary items in your motorhome that add weight. Also, look at packing more efficiently. Organise your things so that they take up less space and don’t add extra drag.
• Solar Power: Another great way to save is to try and impact your energy costs while on the road by installing solar power. Solar panels can charge your motorhome’s batteries, which in turn power your lights, fridge and electronics. This will mean less need to run the engine or use power hook-up from campsites. These days some motorhomes come with solar panel(s) already fitted, but if not, you could get one fitted or use a portable version. While there’s an initial investment involved in getting set up, the long-term savings can be significant.

Repairs and maintenance on a motorhome can become costly – especially if there are issues you leave unresolved. By taking regular and methodical steps to make sure that your motorhome stays in its best condition, you can avoid unnecessary large costs down the line.

• Check and maintain: Prevention is key. Check the engine, brakes, tyres and other essential systems. Stay on top of oil changes, fluid levels and tyre rotations, and address any small issues before they become larger (and more expensive) problems. It’s also essential to check your motorhome’s electrical and plumbing systems.
• DIY: Learning how to perform basic maintenance and repair tasks on your motorhome will save you money and time. Things like changing the oil, cleaning the air filter, replacing the wiper blades and checking the battery can be easily learned and will save you from paying a mechanic. There are plenty of tutorials available online (handy YouTube videos etc) and there are several forums dedicated to motorhome DIY.
• Repairs: If you need a more significant repair or if the motorhome needs a service, refer to the professionals! At Chelston we offer Habitation and Mechanical service plans, contact us for more information.
• Emergency fund: Just in life in general it’s always good to keep an emergency fund running, just in case of those unexpected events. It’s a fact of life that even with regular maintenance, things can go wrong with a vehicle. Set aside a small amount of money in your budget for emergency situations, and you won’t be caught off guard if a major issue arises during your trip.

Motorhome travel is definitely one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, and it doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. By following our series of cost-saving hacks you should be able to enjoy a budget-friendly adventure without sacrificing the joy and freedom that comes with the open road.