Full Time RVer

In these days where fuel costs are taking a huge chunk out of the fulltimer’s budget, here are a few ideas to help cut costs elsewhere in your life:

* Unless you can travel to the “ideal” climate at all times, think heating and cooling costs. When buying an RV, look for one that’s well insulated. Are the windows insulated–either with double glazing, or “storm” windows? What about the drapes or curtains? Are they heavy enough to help with keeping the outside temperature outside? In really hot country (and cold alike) we’ve found that custom fitting “insulated window material” (bought off the roll at the hardware store) really does help with keeping inside temperatures moderated.

* Cut water heating costs where possible. If your heater is a “standing pilot” model, make sure the pilot light is adjusted to keep the thermocouple bulb adequately in the flame, but without excess flame. In warm weather, the pilot light itself may be enough to keep your water warm. If using an electronic ignition heater, turn it on a few minutes before you need hot water, and shut it off when you’re through.

* Use a catalytic or “blue flame” style heater instead of the factory equipped furnace. A lot of heat goes out the vent of a furnace, where only a fraction is wasted from a non-vented heater.

* When in a campground or RV park where your electricity is included in your nightly fee, switch the refrigerator over to electric. The same is true if your water heater has an electric element.

* When traveling, dump the holding tanks and keep the fresh water storage tank at a minimum level to reduce your overall weight. Every extra pound takes more fuel to tote.

* Be a boondocker. Many sites are free, and those that aren’t are usually far less costly than “utility” equipped camping areas.

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