Tag: family

RV Travel on a Budget: Tips That Save You Thousands
By Jimmy Gerhold | RV Specialist at Riverside Camping Center
📞 Call or text me anytime at 252-404-9207

Let’s be real — RV travel can be one of the most affordable and rewarding ways to explore the world with your family… if you know where to save and how to do it smart.

I’ve helped hundreds of families get into RVs they can afford, and more importantly — actually use. Here’s how to keep more money in your pocket while still creating million-dollar memories.

💸 1. Buy Smart — Not Fancy

Sure, the newest luxury rig might have all the bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your goals. Often, you can get a lightly used RV or even a brand-new unit with practical features (not just flashy ones) for a fraction of the price.

Pro tip: Go for floorplan and function over flash. I can walk you through options that fit your lifestyle and your budget.

🏕️ 2. Camp Cheap (Or Free)

Skip the overpriced resorts. There are thousands of budget-friendly — and even free — places to camp:
- State parks and national forest campgrounds
- Boondocking (dry camping on public land — especially out west)
- Harvest Hosts – overnight stays at wineries, farms, and small businesses
- Thousand Trails, Passport America – membership discounts that pay for themselves
I can point you toward some of my favorite spots that families love.

🍳 3. Cook Your Own Meals

This one adds up fast. Even if you’re just feeding a family of four, eating out on the road can run you hundreds a week. RV kitchens are designed to make cooking easy — and honestly, there’s nothing better than grilling out under the awning while the kids play nearby.

Stock up at grocery stores, use a slow cooker, and bring your favorite seasonings from home. It’s all part of the adventure.

⛽ 4. Plan Efficient Routes to Save on Gas

Fuel is one of your biggest expenses. Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheap fuel along your route, and plan stops with minimal backtracking. Bonus tip: keep your RV weight down — empty your tanks before long drives and ditch anything you don’t need.

Also, don’t speed. Slower = safer and more fuel-efficient.

🔧 5. Do the Simple Maintenance Yourself

Changing water filters, flushing tanks, even resealing windows — lots of RV upkeep can be done with basic tools and a quick YouTube video. Doing it yourself could save you hundreds (or more) in shop fees.

I’ll even show you a few simple maintenance tricks when you pick up your RV.

🎟️ 6. Look for Free or Low-Cost Attractions

Your RV gives you access to incredible experiences that don’t cost much — national parks, museums with free admission, hiking trails, swimming holes, fishing spots, and small-town festivals.

Let the adventure come from the destination, not the cost.

🎯 The Bottom Line:

RV travel doesn’t have to break the bank — and it shouldn’t. With the right setup, a little planning, and some good advice, you can take your family on unforgettable journeys for way less than you’d spend on a typical vacation.

If you’re looking for a rig that makes financial sense and fits your goals, I’d love to help.

📞 Call or text me directly at 252-404-9207
Let’s get you on the road the smart way — without blowing the budget.

See you soon,
– Jimmy

Riverside Camping Center

With a passion for revolutionizing the buying experience, I’ve dedicated myself to breaking the mold in automotive and RV sales. At Riverside Camping Center, I’m proud to offer a wide range of campers and RVs that cater to all kinds of adventures. But my commitment doesn’t stop there—I continue to sell cars, trucks, and SUVs with the same dedication and integrity that my clients have come to expect, now by appointment through Riverside Automotive. I’m not your typical salesperson. My approach is rooted in transparency, empathy, and genuine customer satisfaction. I believe in building long-lasting relationships, ensuring that every purchase, whether it’s a vehicle or an RV, is an informed and enjoyable journey. My reputation is built on active listening, personalized guidance, and a commitment to truly understanding your needs. Let’s redefine the way you buy—whether it’s hitting the open road in an RV or driving off in your dream car. Schedule an appointment today, and let’s make your next purchase a memorable one.
May 10, 2025
Why I Got Into the RV Business (And What It Means for You)

By Jimmy Gerhold | RV Specialist at Riverside Camping Center
📞 Call or text me anytime at 252-404-9207

If you’ve been following my story or shopping for an RV with me, you might be wondering — why RVs? Why not stick with just cars, or go do something totally different?

Well, I’ll tell you exactly why I got into the RV business — and more importantly, what that means for you when you work with me.

It’s About Family, First and Always

Everything I do — every sale, every long day, every deal I fight to get right — is for my family. I’m a husband, a dad to four amazing kids, and a granddad. And for us, some of our best memories have come from time spent together unplugged, on the move, and making the most of life. That’s what RV travel is all about.

When I saw how RVs bring families together — how they give you the freedom to go where you want, connect without distractions, and make lifelong memories — I knew I was in the right business.

I’ve Sold a Lot of Vehicles… But RVs Hit Different

I came from the automotive world, and I’ve helped thousands of people find the right car or truck. But RVs? They’re different. When someone buys an RV, it’s not just transportation — it’s transformation. You’re buying freedom. You’re investing in experiences. You’re choosing to live more and stress less.

That lights me up. I love helping people step into that lifestyle, especially families who want to travel, connect, and create something unforgettable together.

I Work for You, Not the Dealership

Yeah, my office is inside Riverside Camping Center — but make no mistake, I work for you. I’m not here to pressure you into something you don’t need or push you toward whatever unit is gathering dust on the lot.

I’m here to listen, to learn what’s important to you, and to make sure you walk away with something that truly fits your needs, your goals, and your lifestyle.

What This Means for You

When you work with me, you’re not just buying an RV — you’re getting a guide, a supporter, and someone who will have your back before, during, and long after the sale.

✅ I’ll shoot you straight — no games, no gimmicks
✅ I’ll help you find the right RV, not the most expensive one
✅ I’ll treat your family like my own, because I know how much this lifestyle means

Ready to Start Your RV Journey?

Whether it’s your first RV or your fifth, I’m here to make the process simple, personal, and actually enjoyable. Let’s find you something that brings your family together and opens the door to the kind of life you really want.

📞 Call or text me directly at 252-404-9207
Let’s talk about where you want to go — and how I can help get you there.

See you soon,
– Jimmy

Riverside Camping Center

With a passion for revolutionizing the buying experience, I’ve dedicated myself to breaking the mold in automotive and RV sales. At Riverside Camping Center, I’m proud to offer a wide range of campers and RVs that cater to all kinds of adventures. But my commitment doesn’t stop there—I continue to sell cars, trucks, and SUVs with the same dedication and integrity that my clients have come to expect, now by appointment through Riverside Automotive. I’m not your typical salesperson. My approach is rooted in transparency, empathy, and genuine customer satisfaction. I believe in building long-lasting relationships, ensuring that every purchase, whether it’s a vehicle or an RV, is an informed and enjoyable journey. My reputation is built on active listening, personalized guidance, and a commitment to truly understanding your needs. Let’s redefine the way you buy—whether it’s hitting the open road in an RV or driving off in your dream car. Schedule an appointment today, and let’s make your next purchase a memorable one.

May 9, 2025