RV vacations still affordable despite high gas prices

The experts are predicting fuel costs will reach $4 a gallon this summer. Don’t let this affect your vacation plans. Even if you factor in higher fuel prices, RV vacations remain the most economical.

In fact, A recent study by PKF Consulting found that fuel prices would have to triple from their current level to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel.

A typical vacation, even with just a family of four, can become quite expensive. There are costs for transportation, lodging, food — and don’t forget the entertainment. Amusement park tickets, museum admission, historic tours, boat rentals and the like all add into vacation expenses. RV family vacations are, on average, 26-74 per-cent less expensive than travel by personal car, airline or cruise ship.

The RV combines your transportation, lodging and restaurant all in one. RVs come fully equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens, bathrooms, central air and heat, king-sized beds, entertainment systems and more, allowing you to bring all the comforts of home when you travel.

RV camping tips

Here are some tips that will help you save money on fuel while still enjoying all the fun, freedom and flexibility that RVing has to offer.

■ Camp closer to home. There’s no need to venture outside the state. There are more than 1,000 campgrounds in Michigan, located near popular destinations, along major tourist routes and even in metropolitan areas. You’re always on vacation at the campsite, even if it’s only an hour drive home.

■ Stay longer in one place. Many RV parks are vacation destinations in their own right, offering something for everyone — swimming pools, playgrounds, game rooms, boating, fishing, nature trails, planned activities and more.

■ Eat in. Cook your family favorites in the convenience of an RV to avoid the high costs of eating out. Better yet, cook over your campfire.

■ Drive 55 instead of 65. AAA reports, for every 1 mph increase over 55 mph, fuel efficiency decreases 2.2 percent.

■ Adjust home thermostats to save energy when traveling.

■ Pack light and purchase firewood, water and other camping materials at the campground to keep the RV light-weight while traveling.

■ Tune up the engine of your motorhome or tow vehicle, inflate tires properly and conduct regular maintenance to maximize fuel efficiency.

■ Use the grade of fuel recommended by the engine manufacturer to increase miles per gallon.

■ Travel during off-peak times. Avoid rush hour or travel at night when the weather is cooler and the vehicle air conditioning is needed less.

A veteran RVer, Jayne Kasper travels nearly 2,000 miles in Michigan each year with husband Ted and dog Jasper. Jayne doesn’t let the cost of gas slow her down,

“We stay at campgrounds closer to home,” she said. “I’m on vacation the moment I step into my motor home, whether we’re 20 minutes or two hours from home.”

Here are some other facts to remember:

Airfares and hotel rates are rising rapidly as fuel costs increase and fuel surcharges are added. You can avoid those costs in an RV.

Fuel is typically only the fourth largest expense on a road trip, behind lodging, food and vehicle payment and maintenance.

Save on entertainment costs by bringing along your family’s favorite DVDs and game systems.

Memories made on RV trips will last a lifetime — as will the physical and mental health benefits. With a few simple adjustments for fuel price increases, RVing remains as affordable and as fun as ever.

RVing is still one of the most cost effective ways to explore Michigan. Replace family memories of airport delays, cramped hotel rooms and expensive restaurants with those of scenic drives, comfortable amenity-filled campgrounds, campfire cookouts and outdoor adventures. There’s so much to see and do right here in Michigan.

RV owners surveyed by Robert Hilton Associates cited the most important benefits of family camping are bringing the family closer together, having new experiences and teaching a respect of nature.

Bill Sheffer is the director of the Michigan Association of Recreational Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC). For more information about an RV vacation with your family, visit the MARVAC Web site at www.marvac.org. You’ll also be able to request a free “RV & Campsite Guide to Camping in Michigan” or locate an RV dealer or camp-ground. MARVAC is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging growth in the recreation vehicle and private campground industries while contributing to the quality of Michigan tourism.