As we get ready for the last big trip of the summer ( . . . deep sigh), I’m starting to think about getting prepared for the drive and everything that goes into a care-free trip.

The beautiful Wrights Lake

Also because we are going to one of our absolute favorite places in the world – Wright’s Lake (in the El Dorado forest, south of Lake Tahoe), I want to be ready.

So what is my little secret?

Well, as you know one of the games of RVing is paying the absolute cheapest you can for a tank of gas. And although we’ve had some relief from the worst per gallon prices of last summer, it still smarts every time you pull up to the pump ($2.80 per gallon on average in Northern California).

So this is what we do to get the cheapest gas we can.

We do all our grocery shopping at Safeway (we live in Northern Cal and Safeways are everywhere). They have a rewards program that let’s you rack-up money for up to 20, 30 and some times 40 cents a gallon cheaper when you fill up at a Safeway Gas Station. Sounds great right? Well there is a little bit of a gotcha. Safeway gas stations are far and few between.

Luckily we have one close to where we store our travel trailer in Gilroy, CA. So we have a routine when getting ready to go on a trip. Before I pick-up the trailer I always fill-up at the Gilroy Safeway gas station. The cheapest I’ve gotten there was $1.71 a gallon back in May.

Check-out their program at: Safeway PowerPump Rewards

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Gas Mileage – My little Secret

This video from Sean Michael of the Long Long Honeymoon has an excellent message about beating the high price of gasoline. In another words there are many ways to go RVing.

Though gas isn’t as high as it was last summer, it is still probably the largest item you pay for on your RV trip.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

RV Gas Mileage: How to Beat High Gas Prices!

If you aren’t a member of Good Sam, I strongly suggest you join. It is $30 a year and more than pays for itself many times over in just the Good Sam member discounts at RV parks.

If you are a member, there is currently an extra benefit that I think you’ll be interested in. If you look in the current (June 2009) Good Sam Highways magazine, on page 23 you will see some great discounts for parts and service at Camping World.

You can get up to $300 off their Procare service is you show the discount coupon at your local Camping World among other discounts.Some great deals are offered just in time for the summer.

They also have some good deals online. Click the link below for more info.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

Good Sam Coupons for RV Parts and Service

This is a really informative video, and well worth the time to watch it.

Fun fact: “For every five miles you go over 60 mph you add the equivalent of 10 cents more per gallon you will pay at the pump.”

The following I’ve heard before but none-the-less important. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold (before you start your trip). Always keep them inflated at the factory recommended level. Don’t run the air conditioning unless you really need it. Use the cruise control as much as possible. It will keep the engine at a smooth level and consume less gas.

This post via the: Family RV Fun blog. Where you can get tips, tricks and valuable info on family RV travel.

How To Get Better Gas Mileage In Your RV