Cost-Saving Tips for Extended Motorhome Trips in Australia
Exploring Australia in a motorhome offers endless freedom, letting you discover its vast landscapes and diverse attractions at your own pace. However, long trips can add up in costs if not planned carefully. Here are practical tips to save on an extended motorhome journey, so you can focus on enjoying the road!
1. Choose the Right Motorhome for Long Trips
EX-RENTAL MOTORHOMES
Our ex-rental motorhomes and campervans for sale are often in better shape than privately owned vehicles with fewer kilometres. All our vehicles are well-maintained, durable, and available at a fraction of the cost of a new motorhome, making buying a well-travelled motorhome a smart move! Each vehicle goes through a comprehensive 150-checkpoint inspection when it leaves our fleet, ensuring essentials like brakes, tyres, and engines are in top condition. We also provide service histories and gas certificates for full transparency.
FUEL-EFFICIENT MODELS
When it comes to long road trips, fuel efficiency is essential—especially in remote areas where fuel prices may spike.
Our motorhomes, built on fuel-efficient Fiat Ducato chassis, are ideal for extended trips across Australia, with diesel engines designed to maximise fuel savings. We also offer Toyota Hiace campervans, which are renowned for their reliability and economy and are ideal for varied road conditions. With fuel consumption averaging 10–14 litres per 100 kilometres, our motorhomes keep fuel costs low, making them the smart choice for budget-conscious travellers.
FREE NATIONAL WARRANTIES
What’s better than added peace of mind, and for FREE?
We’ve partnered with National Warranty Company to offer a FREE 5-Year National Warranty on our 6-berth Avida and 2-berth Fiat Ducato Motorhomes, and a FREE 12-Month National Warranty on our Toyota Hiace Campervans!
2. Plan Your Route Efficiently
AVOID PEAK TIMES
Travelling off-season or exploring lesser-known destinations can help you save on campsite fees and avoid inflated tourist prices.
Planning your travel around peak times can save you a significant amount on accommodation, attraction entry fees, and even fuel costs. For example, visiting the Sunshine Coast in late spring (November) rather than summer reduces costs and provides a more relaxed experience. Iconic destinations like the Kimberley or Great Ocean Road are also quieter and often cheaper in spring or autumn.
HANDY APPS
Apps can be invaluable for saving money and time on the road. Here are three essential apps for extended motorhome trips:
- CamperMate: Find free camping spots, affordable campsites, amenities, and water refill stations. If you’re driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, CamperMate will show low-cost campsites near the Grampians National Park, helping you stay on budget.
- FuelMap Australia: Ideal for long journeys, FuelMap finds the cheapest fuel stations along your route, allowing you to maximise fuel savings!
- Roadtrippers: This app allows you to plan your journey while discovering attractions, roadside stops, and unique points of interest that fit your budget. For example, on a trip from Adelaide to Perth, you can map out scenic routes, identify free camping areas, and find cost-effective dining spots.
TIP: Many of these apps allow you to download maps offline, a helpful feature in remote areas with limited connectivity.
NATIONAL PARK PASS
A park pass can save you money if you plan to visit multiple national parks. For example, Tasmania’s Parks Pass provides unlimited park access at a fixed rate, allowing you and your travel companions (up to 8 people per vehicle) to share the cost.
3. Smart Cooking
BUY IN BULK AND COOK SIMPLE MEALS
Stock up on non-perishables at urban supermarkets (e.g., Coles and Woolworths) to avoid higher prices in rural areas. Simple, versatile meals like one-pot pasta and veggie stir-fries keep costs low and minimise cleanup.
FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN
Our motorhomes make cooking easy:
- Our 6-berth Avida Motorhomes come with a 3-way 190L fridge and freezer, a microwave, a 3-burner stove, and plenty of storage for all your favourite crockery, spices, and snacks!
- Our 2-berth Fiat Ducato Motorhomes have a fully equipped kitchen with a 3-way 95L fridge and freezer, a microwave, a 3-burner stove, and plenty of storage space!
- Finally, our Toyota Hiace Campervans offer a 2-way 60L fridge and freezer, a microwave, a 2-burner stove, and lots of storage!
Enjoy home-cooked meals with Australia’s stunning scenery as your backdrop! Browse our inventory to find your dream motorhome at the cheapest price!
Image: 6-berth Avida Motorhome’s kitchen
4. Eco-Friendly Habits
SOLAR PANELS FOR ENERGY
Our motorhomes are equipped with solar panels, which provide power for small appliances, lights, and devices without needing campsite hookups. Solar panels also let you free-camp in remote areas, avoiding campsites that charge for electricity.
CONSERVE WATER
Extend your water supply by taking short showers, washing dishes with minimal water, and refilling in towns. For example, dishwater can be reused to flush the toilet to reduce fresh water usage.
Are you planning a road trip and want to make it more sustainable? Check out our ultimate guide to make your road trip eco-friendly!
5. Motorhome Maintenance
BASIC REPAIR SKILLS
Knowing how to handle basic repairs, such as checking tyre pressure, changing fuses, and topping off fluids, can save you from mechanic fees. YouTube tutorials are a great resource for essential motorhome maintenance tips. Tyres play a primary role in your safety, so make sure you read our Effective Tyre Care Guide!
TOOLS
Carry essential tools like a spare tyre, fuses, and a basic toolkit, especially if travelling in remote areas. For instance, if you’re on the Nullarbor Plain and encounter a minor issue, having tools on hand can save time, money, and stress.
6. Internet Costs
SIM CARDS
Stay connected without high roaming charges by using a local prepaid SIM with data rollover. Telstra’s prepaid plans offer coverage even in remote areas. For budget-friendly options, consider Aldi’s prepaid SIM cards, which operate on the Telstra network and offer international calling to select countries.
OFFLINE MAPS AND RESOURCES
Download maps and guides before leaving major urban areas to save on data. Google Maps allows offline downloads, which reduces the need for a constant connection in rural areas.
7. Example Itinerary: Cost-Saving Tips on a Tasmanian Road Trip
Planning a 14-day road trip around Tasmania? Here’s how our tips can save you hundreds over your journey:
- Motorhome Choice: Our fuel-efficient ex-rental motorhomes keep fuel costs low and are priced competitively.
- Free Warranties: Enjoy peace of mind with our FREE warranties on select vehicles!
- Free Camping and National Park Passes: Use Tasmania’s Parks Pass and free campsites to cut down on nightly fees.
- Self-Catering: Stock up at a Hobart supermarket and cook meals in your motorhome, avoiding pricey dining stops.
- Route Planning: Use FuelMap and CamperMate to find affordable fuel stations and free campsites along the way.
- Internet: Opt for a local SIM, turn off data roaming at night, and use free Wi-Fi at cafes and libraries when possible.
Image: Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
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Ready to start your adventure today? Explore our range of ex-rental motorhomes for sale! If you don’t see the type of vehicle you’re interested in, go ahead and submit an inquiry form or give us a ring at 1300 124 329.
Did you purchase a motorhome from us? We’d love to hear about your adventures! Share your journey with #cruisinrvsales! Happy and safe travels!
*The deals and offers mentioned in this article might be withdrawn at any point. Please contact our sales team to learn about current offers.