I was just thinking-wondering?

I enjoy spending money. That's what money is for. Saving it is no fun.

How did the DW take the trip with the secretary? You are single I take it, or you are now anyway :).

Spending less for something is not saving money. You can save money in a bank but NOT in a store. Staying out of stores can help you save money, but not spending money on item A today and spending it on item B tomorrow, is not saving anything.

Money is paper God gives us to have fun with!

I know what you mean. Not all cost saving ideas pencil out. If you spend 40K on a TV with good mileage at what point does that pencil out with the old school 454 or 460 cubic inch old school TV? I always try to fix what I can before I replace something. Old school I guess. Best way to save money is to save money. Happy Trails

g1g wrote:
So in short what are the best saving purchases that we can realistically see a savings in the shortest payback time?

IMO the best way to save money on vehicle maintenance is not just to perform per the recommended schedule, but to do it yourself. Parts still cost money, but the labor is all but free and the job is done right by the person who cares the most to get it right. First thing I always do with a new vehicle is purchase the shop service manual. I'll never rebuild and engine or transmission, but there are many jobs that I can DIY with a few tools and reference to the manual.

Our motorhome is 11 years old, has 82,000 miles and has been a shop only for new tires. All other work has been DIY.

I agree, slowing down will save the most fuel. For example in any speed zone over 60 we drive 62-63 even if the limit is 75! Let the guys speeding by take the risks and burn more fuel! In any speed zone of a lower posted speed we drive that speed (45, 55, etc.)

Do replace your dirty air filter as often as needed because a dirty filter can damage the engine which is more costly and if it does use less fuel after a filter change you are ahead even if you think you aren't.

Folks complain all the time and with reg. gas and diesel being really high we all want to save money. But, towing or not, not running the generator or not, or not going across mountains will only save a small amount of change versus the hassle & discomfort of not doing all that. Just keep the engine in top shape, drive slower, try not to drive on windy days, and it will use the amount of fuel it does.

There is no RV of any type that will not cost you to own and use it. The real truth is...if we can' afford it then we shouldn't have it. Do the best you can to maintain the rig to top specs then enjoy it. Or sell it and decide what to do with the money you save.

Another option is to buy a trailer which doesn't have an engine and transmission to maintain but you will still have to maintain and run the truck to tow it.

I work hard in order to play, I will start saving money when I can no longer play. Too many people save money for a rainy day, and find out that when the rain comes it is too late.

The last cheque I write before I die will bounce!

beemerphile1 wrote:
Drive slower. Costs nothing and saves lots of fuel.

To save even more vehicle fuel - stay home.

Drive like you don't have brakes...my dad was a long haul driver who always got the safe driving pin and always won the fuel conserver award and always made his drops and pickups on time. This was his secret! It drives him nuts if I accelerate towards a light that is likely to change before I get to it...."coast to it."

A few from my blog:
passport America membership if you are retired or will really use it (some of it is offseason or shoulder season)
A hot plate to cook on instead of propane (and you may already have one at home or get it at yard sale).