justifying the gas $$$

[timmer594]

Planning our first trip. Tampa to Huntsville in motor home. Looking at $500 in gas round trip. I can fly for $100 or so. I'm trying to make this work in my head. We are wanting to camp but on a budget. DW's sister is in Huntsville that's why were headed there first. I know we could stay close by tampa for future trips to save gas but that kinda defeats the purpose of having rv. Is it possible for cheapskates to camp? other than Walmart? Thanks for your input.

[Midniteoyl]

Look at the other costs of the trip such as airport parking, baggage fees, motels, lunch and dinner at restaurants, etc.. I think you'll find that you can take more with you, for a longer period of time for the same or less...With less stress.

You should look at state/federal campgrounds too.. they are usually cheaper than the local private ones.

[94-Newmar]

Your signature doesn't identify what kind/type of RV you have. Gas? Diesel? 5er?
Tampa to Huntsville should be about 650 miles or so round trip. What kind of MPG do you get? At 10mpg that would be about 130 gallons x 3.xx = approx $400.00. As midniteoyl mentioned above there are other factors too. Taking your own food not spending $$$ on restaurants for every meal may pay for the trip itself in the long run. When I'm figuring on trips and the $$$ are pretty close between flying or just traveling in a car I have to figure the convenience factor as well... but then again it depends upon how quickly you need to be at your destination, and what all you need or want to take with you. Just my $0.02 cents worth :-)

[MaverickBBD]

Everybody does their own thing. Enjoy your airport grope and "don't let the bed bugs bite".

[timmer594]

It's a new 2 me 88 LaSalle PO says 8 mpg. Soumds reasonable with a 454 @ 30ft. We will def eat in and we set up a couple nites at Montesano. Gas is just the Biggest expense. And its hard for me to lope along at 55. Lol.

[wildtoad]

Moving these beasts down the hi-way is not and never will be cheap. If you try to justify the cost per trip on the price of gas or even the cost of a room & board you will a) go nuts and b) go nuts. Years ago my wife asked "Do you know how many hotel rooms you can get for the $80k we spent on the thing out there"? I like riding down the road in a a mh especially that I can stop and (you know) as often as I need to. I like being able to get a sandwich and beverage of my choice any time any where. I most like sleeping in my own bed and not worrying about what the previous guest did in the room. I also like waking up to the sounds of birds and taking my first cup of coffee outside and sitting amongst the trees at state parks.

Point being cost is a concern outweighed by many other benefits.

Tom

[RustyJC]

Owning an RV is like owning a boat or airplane. With a few exceptions such as fulltiming, if you try to justify it based on financial savings, the numbers don't work. We RV because we enjoy it and want to - it would be a lot cheaper to sit at the house, I guess....

Rusty

[Ed S]

timmer,

I know this is easy to say...but you only live once and it pays to enjoy life. The motorhome thing is very enjoyable otherwise why would everyone here have an rv??? It is a life style, a life style you will either love or hate, so give it a chance and see what you think.

[Chuck 1935]

If it's about going from point A to point B, buy a Prius and stay at the No Tell Motel. But if you want to turn a trip into an adventure and memories, the Motorhome is the way to go.
Ed S said it well. We only make one lap, enjoy it as best you can !!

[dagray]

I traveled without a motor home for several years. When one figures the price of the moterhomes, gas, and insurance it is cheaper to travel by car or even plane and stay in the Bates Motel. I am older now and just love to take my time, stop where I want. I don't get molested by the airline security folks, sleep in my own bed and have great food available. The people you meet in motorhomes are always so nice. I just like it. Worth the cost.

[ralper]

If you are 62 or older you can get a Senior Pass for a $10.00 one time fee, good for lifetime that lets you camp in federal CG's for 50% off the regular and usually quite reasonable fee.
Passport America is a 50% off CG fees membership thing that will pay for itself with 3 or 4 nights camping.
You need no other memberships than these. They are worth their weight in gold. The budget minded need these.

[RVThere]

To answer your original question:

Is it possible for cheapskates to camp?

Not in a RV. Enjoy the road and your time on it!

[4Knights]

In my 25+ years of Army service we had the opportunity to move from state to state, base to base and my only regret is not buying a rig and keeping it sooner. The $ is not and should not be your prime consideration. I agree with everyone here a MH is just like all the other toys/electronic gadgets etc.. The time you spend with your family is amazing! You'll begin conversations about and see things you had no idea were in this great country. Tent camping or driving your traveling home is not about the money it's about the experiences. Good and not so good. Now if speed is the issue fly otherwise find out something new about your partner.
Ron

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmer594 Planning our first trip. Tampa to Huntsville in motor home. Looking at $500 in gas round trip. I can fly for $100 or so. I'm trying to make this work in my head. We are wanting to camp but on a budget. DW's sister is in Huntsville that's why were headed there first. I know we could stay close by tampa for future trips to save gas but that kinda defeats the purpose of having rv. Is it possible for cheapskates to camp? other than Walmart? Thanks for your input.

Standing in line, getting groped by TSA, flight delays, car rental, lost luggage, fear of having flight cancelled... Hey, this is coming from an airline pilot.

We appreciate your business, but for cryin' out loud... if you have an RV, use it.