10 COST SAVING TIPS for Full Time RV Living //

[@HopeLivesHere721]

Great video Carolyn. Lots of good info. I will definitely be using them. I appreciate all you do for the RVing community with your videos on helpful tips, how too's and great advice. It's always nice to learn from someone with experience and someone who walks the talk. You're awesome.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Hi Hope, I appreciate that! I'm glad my videos help and inspire you. Take care, good luck and have fun1

[@robinsaxophone232]

There’s a free dump station in Montpelier ID, at the city park next to the Oregon Trail Museum.

[@maryjoschlee2297]

I always cook on a fire whenever possible. And eat alot non- refrigerated items. Aluminum foil has alot of uses. Dumpster diving can be good.

[@alicejump2290]

Great tips as you said not only for RV living, even the toilet paper thing could wake up to using so much! I remember learning how to use it, get clean don’t overuse! Love your soup idea, my older grandson and I planed left over meals! Spaghetti and meatballs became a Spaghetti casserole with a few added vegetables and cheese toppings!

[@RVthereyetmemaw]

Hi, using cruise control will save fuel also. Cell service phones are so expensive but we do a family plan an everyone get a chunk. We have a thousand trails membership ($$$)but we did it an live it, or harvest host ($) also. National park pass. Dump stations cost $25, that’s crazy… there was a free one at bass pro/Cabelas in Hamburg PA I have heard. We got a great rig for $50k, it is fantastic we got lucky! TP is a need just don’t us a lot! We filled up on propane on January 1st 2023 an haven’t moved off of full yet! We don’t run the Water heater on propane unless we are needed too! We do not go out to eat, but use food an buy bigger amounts. We do vehicle checks always, an have it inspected regularly! Great tips thank you!

[@Amie9176]

As always you give us the information we need! I’ll be staying mainly in my state of NM. Moving to RV to survive since I can’t afford to rent anything in Santa Fe after being here 40 yrs, but my soul lives in NM - ALWAYS!!

[@mtnwalkingdogwoman]

Very helpful. I live in a modular house. These tips can be used for both types of dwellers. I use up all my food that is nonperishable before going shopping. With the prices spiraling out of control we need to do this!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Try my partner Mint Mobile: TryMintMobile.com/CarolynsRVLife Patrons are a huge part of keeping this channel going: Join! www.patreon.com/CarolynsRVLife

[@emiliagarcia6868]

Good morning Carolyn 🙋‍♀️ Great tips👍 Have a great day ❣️❤😊Stay safe ❣️❤😊

[@halfwaymo9075]

Good tips........keep posting been with you for years............... Missouri 💙

[@CarolynsRVLife]

thank you so much for being here all these years. I appreciate you.

[@a.swifty1081]

Always good to know how to save $$

[@jeanettekraft8691]

so true i was just watching again, and noticed it had me unscribed, keep reminding them.

[@elaineg4921]

Thanks for the info. Blessings always

[@havenonwheels5158]

Great tips! I’ll have to check out Mint Mobile.

[@BarbConner]

#dumpstations WA rest areas have free dump and potable water. I90 and I5.

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Great information! Thanks for the video and good morning 😊

[@danklein8587]

I have had mint mobile for 2 years with no problem. I pay $200 for a full year.

[@jennifergulley9285]

I know that in the state where I live all City wastewater treatment facilities are supposed to supply free public RV dump stations; in Idaho. I don't know about other states but I do know that the city I currently live in which is the biggest city and the capital, Boise, does not have a wastewater treatment facility so it does not have a public dump facility. There is literally only 2 dump stations in the entire city, and they're both paid dump cites. 1 is at a flying J truck stop byis it is way way out on the very edge of town in a highly industrial area and that one is usually broken or it has been whenever I have attempted to go there and use it. The other one is in a campground that is actually within city limits. So very limited. Not what you would call an RV friendly kind of an area for the most part .

[@Denniejones]

I also don’t boil a full pot of water for just 2 cups or less of coffee. Saves on propane. Also found hydrogen peroxide (for its etc) is a GREAT spot cleaner on clothes, materials.

[@Glo_star]

Thank you Carolyn great advice

[@wyrdadventures]

Great info! I save on laundry by wearing blue jeans jumpers and tshirts.

[@douglashoward5738]

Good morning and thanks for the tips! Have a great day 😊

[@sky02148]

Thus video was awesome wicked helpful. Thanks for sharing and as always stay safe and God bless love ya Nancy and I always watch till they end

[@debbiehawk-payne8507]

Thank you Carolyn! Very helpful ideas for us all ! Your experiences are valuable to all travels! 🙂❤️ Thank you for all you do & all the content you share ! 👏🙂 You're Awesome! 🙂

[@mavisgillard653]

Thanks for all your help ❤❤

[@pursleydl2009]

Great tips! Already trying some of them out. The cell phone switch I will definitely look into by Researching through reviews. That is my money saver to add to this. Always research a company or product before purchase. I have saved so much $$$$ by making wise and informed decisions. Take nothing for granted. Plus, I sleep better at night knowing my money was carefully and wisely spent.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pamgaither4744]

You channel is so informative ty for updating carry on my friend!!

[@dalerice4439]

Thank you very, very important information. We can always count on you to keep us posted and updated on stuff. Thanks so much you’re awesome.

[@susietincknellsmith653]

Excellent video with excellent tips!

[@renadraper8103]

MINT MOBILE is pretty awesome. I’m in my 2nd 6 month plan. I’ve only been one place where I didn’t have service in the 8 months I’ve had it.

[@deedeeotero4475]

Who do you have for internet??

[@renadraper8103]

@@deedeeotero4475 if you’re asking me, we use our phone’s hotspots for internet currently. Not traveling full time.

[@richarddunn4045]

Great video, Carolyn

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kathystevens8163]

Thanks for sharing, Carolyn..🙋‍♀️

[@priscillawrites6685]

Good morning Carolyn and Sadie

[@PrincessofErised]

Wow one of your best vids. Great tips!

[@davanachase2372]

Love Sadie wanting to get on camera too!

[@craftytraveler9238]

Thanks for the video. All great ideas.

[@cherylreiter2107]

Coconut oil to clean my face, moisturize my body, hands and build strong nails!, I haven’t used toilet paper for nine years, or paper towels. Also, brush your teeth with coconut oil.

[@eleanorcramer7986]

Washington state rest areas along major freeways have free dum. May have potable water too. Happy trails.

[@nancyadamson6755]

Thank you Carolyn for this post, I'm going out west this fall and I need to save money on my trip. I will use all your tips 😊

[@michaelzorro2738]

Thank you for sharing this was very informative and educational.

[@proudtexan5513]

Excellent tips for saving CA$h!

[@shellyosborne7545]

I have been using vinegar for cleaning for years…great tip!

[@rexg2985]

Great tips! We use and reuse. Such as used old t- shirts as cleaning rags that are clean, in place of paper towels. Reuse plastic bags from store as doggie poop bags and shopping bags and garbage bags. We also reuse plastic containers that lunch meat comes in. Their great for keeping nuts and bolts to freezing soup in them. To name a few.

[@peggybloomfield1406]

Thanks Carolyn. Food and gas is where all my extra money goes. When I bought my ambulance three years ago I didn’t worry so much about 12 mpg. Now, using diesel, I’m not sure I could afford cross country, which like most, is a goal. Going to try again this winter. Hopefully the universe will let up a bit and let us be the nomads we were meant to be ❤

[@DanielGoodman-i3n]

Some of WA. state rest stops have free dump stations.

[@walkabootpilgrim4937]

In a 96 Jeep ZJ I can just last year in SW MO I had a fellow camper that can barely make a call with mint mobile 15$ plan

[@lori5142]

My small town has free dump at the city park.

[@carolgray8391]

Good tips, love your videos.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Glad you like them!

[@danajensen2935]

#dumpstations - Wyoming has dump stations at rest areas all along I-25.

[@Birdbike719]

Always love your helpful tips videos. Although I'm not an RVer I find the tips helpful even if just for camping

[@kathyadam9932]

Your The best. Hugs To You girlsq❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@coyoterosenbaum9186]

Loved the video!!!!!

[@joycecollins5796]

Thank you Caroljyn for your tips!!! Hopefully get to meet you if your in Quartsite this winter???!!! I am senior Canadian lady living in Class C similar to yours!!! Would like to get Mint--not sure about calls to 🇨🇦 Canada and if chip eould go in my Samsung phone?? All the best and hugs to Sadie!@😍😍😍

[@joannajordan38]

Also make your own wipes with paper towels and Dr. Bronner's soap and mostly water. Rip paper towels in half, place in zip lock bag, pour mostly water with a splash of Dr. Bronner's liquid soap. The water/soap mixture will absorb and you have great wipes to wash with, and household wipe downs in kitchen and bathroom. Put liquid soap in water before pouring in bag with wipes. You csn add more water and paper towels if you did too much soap. They go a long way! 🎉

[@terrisexton6727]

Bummer 😥 my phone is comparable but service is poor in my neck of the woods here in Vt. Maybe later when I get on the rd I will definitely check into it again. Thanks for sharing. Great tips all in all. 😃 ✌ ❤

[@deborahnewton5229]

Love all the tips.❤ Keep up the great videos

[@agr8h2o]

#dumpstations are free in some rest areas in Washington state.

[@skooliecarol8542]

Great info...Thnx

[@csmoothsk8ter17]

Great tips❣❣💙🦋💙

[@joycebacik2502]

Thank you for all the good information. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have been loving your content.

[@Birdbike719]

Welcome to our Carolyn community!

[@bridgetoconnor7229]

Great tips! Thanks so much Carolyn!!😎

[@geogypsytraveler]

All good suggestions. Make a shopping list and stay out of unnecessary stores to end impulse buying.

[@SCARFACE69247]

A lot of other countries are cheaper to live on a tight budget if you don't mind trying to learn another language and culture. There are even "expat" communities where you might not even need to learn the language.

[@cherylreiter2107]

Thanks for a great video! I’m checking out mint! I just need to get a new phone. Mine is a flip. I need a better one before I start traveling.

[@CherylMinskey]

Wow, thanks so much for these very useful tips! I consider myself pretty frugal but there were a few things I hadn't thought of like the toilet paper and hot water heater tips.❤

[@rhondatraywick3724]

Thanks for all the tips, good whether you are a nomad or not, I always conserve water (our most precious resource) and food, try to waste any. I’ve not heard of Mint Mobile, will check it out! I see Sadie making a “cameo” appearance! ❤️😃 safe travels!

[@lynettehodnicki5240]

I missed Sadie's appearance. Going to watch again!

[@cbryce9243]

I got my first cell phone ever about 2 months ago and I am super ignorant in this subject. If anyone can help me out, I'd really appreciate it. I am paying $75 a month for (Consumer Cellular) a friend's and my phone, and I'd like to switch to Mint. The 75 was taken out of my bank today so I am paid up for a month. When I switch, do I have to cancel my other service first and then switch to Mint, or do they do that for the customer automatically? And will I be able to get my money back? This is a time limited offer, I don't want to miss it, but I also don't want to pay the 75 and the 30 if I don't have to. How long is the "limited time offer" anyway? I will likely call them tomorrow, but I might sleep better if I have an idea of what to expect or what to ask before calling. Thanks in advance. Thank you Carolyn!

[@MBMCincy63]

0:49 🥶🖤🔔👍 I agree with the food use, and try to make things go as far as possible, I am unsure about the vinegar method but I may try that, I have no control over the water in my apartment so It is usually hot right away from the others using it.[ If I hear the neighbor showering or the sink being used- I know I can get some hot water to wash my dishes! 😜}

[@Birdbike719]

That's smart! LOL

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Thanks for sharing

[@Splash99]

I just changed cell company's. It's so entailed! I went with TM but I almost went with Mint. I barely use my cell but now I'm paying about 50.00 a month.

[@michellec8273]

That's still so much cheaper than Verizon!

[@corinnejohnson3839]

#dumpstations, WA has them at rest areas, free of charge.

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Wish i could live over there parking in U.K. is very bad now no over night parking it’s very depressing 😢

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

good tips! thanks!🦌💌❤️🚙

[@justskoolinaround11]

Thank you! I appreciate Everything you Share. Always good information and real life experiences. Very helpful and encouraging. 🌼

[@RoadArtAdventure]

I know that you don’t like campgrounds, but alternating Boondocking with campgrounds allows for electric water and dumping as well as laundry. I have a membership which costs 700 a year. It lets me camp all I want all year. And this is in any of their parks. Over the course of the year, factoring in all the electric for heat, and AC, as well as water, and dumping, I see it is quite a good savings. Also, totally off-topic, that quick little view of Sadie over your shoulder gave me quite a giggle and let me point and say, “a bear! “Thanks for another great video!

[@kare5525]

Unlimited campground for $700 per year is awesome! What is the name of the company offering this deal?

[@Jax4umalta]

Could you please spell out the app for the sanitation dump. I’ve tried to find it in my App Store and can’t

[@michellec8273]

#freedumpstation Washington State rest areas. Great tips, thanks.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

You bet!

[@datasmybag6050]

#Dumpstation Kansas rest stops on I70

[@joannajordan38]

Dr. Bronner's natural liquid soap can be watered down and used for shower, hair, face, dishes and laundry, and countertops. It's a little pricey, but it lasts because it's a concentrate. I also use their bar soap to wash my hair and shower. It's a GREEN product!

[@Birdbike719]

It covers a lot of uses for sure. We used to call it "hippie soap" because all the groovy people used it. LOL

[@elizabethfoote2492]

Great video

[@sharon2434]

Excellent video loaded with information and good ideas, thank you!

[@michelleherbert4577]

Great tips! I appreciate you taking the time to share with us. hoping to meet you at RTR this year!!!

[@Fred-Ash]

Carolyn is right on. Vehicle costs and fuel. Wow. I hate monthly bills. Hate 'em. I can squeeze food stores, find cheap water. Free camps. Just can't get past vehicle costs and...insurance. Compare and contrast. I have a 2006 Ford F-250 6 liter diesel I bought for $8,000 five years ago with 159,000 miles. Two wheel drive. Only! 4x4's are nice but there's extra weight and maintenance. I was getting 16 mpg. It was expensive to do but this summer I had my engine "bulletproofed" which will almost guarantee it'll run another 200,000 miles. It cost about an eighth of what a new pickup costs. For me it was a no brainer. I'm also getting close to 20 mpg with new injectors and the other goodies they put in the innards of my motor. Keep your fuel system clean with injector cleaners. Those who have gasoline engines particularly. It's money in the bank. I authorized my insurance company to track my driving habits. They watch my speed and brake application intensity. As a semi driver I already was used to "big brother" watching. Truth is he's watching anyway. By giving my insurance carrier the authorization to track me, they right off the bat cut my rates by 20%. Since I'm a breakdown paranoid I carry a motorcycle. But it is my 50 mpg grocery getter as well. My 2001 cargo trailer/camper conversion, a homemade gooseneck which few other pick up trucks can just magically hook up to and speed away with, the insurance is $141/year with $3,000 contents coverage. My motorcycle is $68 a year. The first 6 months 20% discount pays the yearly premium on both those two other vehicles. And I'll get another one at renewal. I'll let big brother watch me all day as long as it pays me. I don't drive stupid anyway. Vehicle insurance is something we're stuck with. So check with your carrier to see if they have something similar. Older vehicles are cheaper to license as well. Cautionary note. I do much of my own maintenance within reason. Older vehicles need maintenance. My old Ford has never failed to start even in 20 below polar vortexes. But I baby it. If you're like me and hate being broke down, I listen to 50 year mechanic Scotty Kilmer's KZbin videos. Both of us will tell you there's a reason a lot of people buy Fords. It's the same reason Ford Motor Company never asked the government for a bail out. Every vehicle has it's flaws. Learn them and fix 'em. There's one cost none of us ever factors in. What worry costs us. Over the years, worry has cost me a lot more than the repairs I've paid for. Believe me, as a former semi truck owner, I paid repair bills that would choke a horse. For example, back during $5 a gallon days (they're pushing it again) I pumped $1,100 worth of diesel into my semi to get from Youngstown, Ohio to Oklahoma. Last pair of steer tires I bought (federal law requires them to be virgin tires) the cheapest was $2,000 for the pair., Twice the cost for two as for the four on my pickup. I hit a deer in my last semi. The bill for a new hood, lights, bumper, ruined tires, and suspension parts was $12,000. Watch the trees at night. Deer will usually jump out from cover. But not always. Always check tire pressure particularly during season changes and hot weather. Don't speed. Few tires are rated for beyond 75 mpg. Semi truck repairs are typically 10 times more expensive than a similar repair to smaller vehicles. Oh, the horror stories I have. (Like the $15,000 smog system repair to a 2015 Freightliner). It's not uncommon to have a $30,000 engine rebuild bill. Can it be earned easily? I've never had a spare $30k just laying around. Now I'm not scared. I'm prepared. As best as I can be. I carry an air compressor, too. Tires are always a headache no matter what you drive. Alright, I've babbled long enough. Happy Trails.

[@saranohdislikeshandles]

#dumpstations Washington State has them at certain rest areas!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Great! thanks for the tip Sara!

[@Deekers2020]

It’s my understanding that Mint was bought by T-Mobile. However, Reynolds, an owner and spokesman for Mint Mobile who starred in the provider’s commercials “will continue on in his creative role,”. If he still owns part I’m not sure. Doesn’t matter to me who owns it, the prices are great for people that need cell coverage. If interested, a person, as you say, must DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE and check the coverage area map. Mint may not be useful, like other providers, in certain parts of the country.

[@FidoHouse]

Great tips. I no longer buy flavoured beverages or soft drinks. If i have a craving i just squirt some lemon juice in a glass of cold water. I've been using Dawn dish detergent and/or white vinegar for most washing up - dishes, hair, self. I haven't bought shampoo in years and don't miss it.

[@christinamcdaniel220]

I had Mint for a year. They were awesome and had great customer service.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I've wasted SO much money --- I am working on it ... but it's not easy. One thing NOT to cut out of your budget even if you cut makeup and skin care: SUNSCREEN!!!! Wear it every day when you're in the sun's rays ... which is basically any time you're driving, outside, etc. Your face, neck, arms, etc. need to be protected when you're driving!!!! That goes under the category of maintaining your other "vehicle," your human body. Eat right, move and take care of yourself. Those processed, packaged and fast foods might be cheap in the short run, but they will definitely cost you BIG in the long run --- your health is everything and being healthy enough to live the lifestyle you choose as LONG as you can is invaluable.

[@christinamerritt9669]

What's the reception like with mint mobile in the forest etc?

[@pamgaither4744]

Good question!

[@sue9252]

👍😊

[@jocelynb8935]

Can you keep your phone number if u switch to mint? I will always wanna keep my number had it since 2007….

[@jocelynb8935]

Disregard I googled it and YES you can keep your number! Cool

[@shellcshells2902]

Is it still very helpful to watch the adds all the way through?

[@halfwaymo9075]

Yes, she gets better ratings for thumbs up--comments and if you watch all the video. I been with her for years, because she constantly changes things up, it's never same ole same ole. It's worth watching all the way through.

[@pamflowers8364]

Great video. Question - when boondocking in a BLM site, how do I find out online how far away I have to move and for how long before I can come back to the same place? I can't find that on the BLM sites. Thank you for providing a great service!

[@budgetwithfatima6530]

Great video Carolyn I live in a house it’s very expensive living in a home right now but we’re surviving by budgeting and trying not to spend much money 💴 some months we do good other months 🙈🙈🙈🙈I guess it pencils out at the end ,sometimes I want to take off in a RV but I like one like yours it’s always been my wish I’m 59 my husband 55 years young 😂😂we have a small business but I want to experience different things I’m more adventurous and my husband a home body but I’m not going to loose the faith I’m going to save and supprise my husband here’s a down payment let’s get one if he doesn’t want to he can stay home 😂😂😂

[@candacepeterson8932]

Thanks Carolyn! These are all great tips! When, hopefully, I get on the road next summer, I'll only have 1300 SS checks to live on!!!

[@Birdbike719]

Is that before or after the Medicare deduction?

[@candacepeterson8932]

@@Birdbike719 This is after.

[@deedeeotero4475]

Wow I only have $736..😌

[@skooliecarol8542]

1300..is plenty.....Thats sa e as mine....but I do camphosting...and sugarbeet harvest......$5,000 for 24 dats,plus free,Nice,campground....And follow carolyn and Bob Wells financial saving advixe

[@carolynhoover9444]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tristanduke2662]

Emergency ALLERT : Any one in the desert southwest needs to head to high ground! Desert flash flooding is deadly

[@CeeBreeze-e3n]

I just bought 2 phones from Consumer Cellular. I think their rates are the same, but not positive. I considered Mint, i will have to do a comparison. Thank you so much Carolyn, your tips are helpful to so many. ❤

[@skyluv420]

not gonna get into details but idk you want to promote mint mobile

[@MaxPartridge146]

Just subscribed. Really great content. Going to check out some older videos. Make-up is a terrible thing. For a few reasons.

[@GiorgioSilvioPatalani]

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