How to Save Money on Easy RV Upgrades

Oct 11, 2021 | Gear & Tech, Maintenance & Mods

How to Save Money on Easy RV Upgrades

Use the camping off-season to upgrade your RV with products that won’t break your budget.

By Kerri Cox

Just because the weather isn’t ideal for camping, doesn’t mean your RV has to be abandoned for months on end. The off-season is the perfect time to tackle upgrades, so your rig is ready to roll in style when camping season returns. Even better, a Roadpass Pro membership gets you discounts on these easy, off-season upgrades and more.

Easy Upgrades to Do in the off-Season


Go Solar 

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Save on Overlander solar kits by Go Power!

Why It’s Worth It

If you’ve been thinking about getting off the grid and boondocking in beautiful places, adding a solar system to your RV means you won’t have to give up all your creature comforts. A solar kit enables you to camp without hookups, while still charging your devices, cooling your fridge, lighting your interior, and more. 

Jeep pulling a trailer with solar panels out absorbing sun. Beach, tropical landscape
Photo courtesy of Go Power!

Amp Up Your Battery Charge

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Save on Battle Born deep cycle batteries. 

Why It’s Worth It 

If you struggled to keep your battery charged while camping, then it may be time for an upgrade. Battle Born deep-cycle batteries come with an internal battery management system, which helps prevent common failures. Plus, lithium-ion batteries are known to be safer and last longer than traditional lead-acid batteries.


Update Your RV Mattress

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Discount on custom mattresses and bedding at Mattress Insider.

Why It’s Worth It

Are your camping trips being hampered by restless nights? Consider upgrading your RV’s mattress. Just like your bed at home, your RV mattress should be customized to your preferences. 

Minimally decorated bedroom in an RV
Photo: Andy Murphy

Lock It Up

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Save on RVLock security products. 

Why It’s Worth It 

Have you ever locked your RV keys inside your rig or arrive at a campground only to discover you’ve left them at home? Even if this hasn’t happened to you yet, you should still be prepared. Ditch the keys permanently with a keyless entry system. A digital keypad is easy to install and even easier to use.

Related RV Security Tips for Keeping Your Rig Safe


Haul More Gear

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Save on Swagman vehicle rack products. 

Why It’s Worth It 

RVing and outdoor recreation go hand in hand, but hauling bikes and other gear can be difficult with many RV setups. Swagman products are designed to attach to RV ladders, bumpers, and hitches, all engineered to handle the rigors of RV travel. 

A bike rack with bicycles on the back of a trailer
Photo: Kerri Cox

Add a Soft Start to Your A/C Unit

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Discount on energy-saving SoftStart RV products.

Why It’s Worth It

When RV appliances like your A/C first turn on, they pull a lot of electricity, increasing the likelihood of tripping a breaker. Adding a SoftStart kit reduces the initial amperage draw by as much as 70 percent, allowing you to run your A/C on a small generator or a 20-amp household electrical hookup. 

Related How to Keep Your RV Cool in Summer


Add Water Filtration

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Save on Berkey and Clearsource RV water filtration products, as well as Acuva UV-LED drinking water disinfection systems. 

Why It’s Worth It 

When you’re traveling, you don’t always know where your water comes from or if it’s safe to drink. Adding water disinfection and/or filtration system gives you reassurance about your water, while also making it taste better. 

Related The Best Water Filters for Your RV


Boost Your Coverage

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Discount on SureCall cell phone signal booster. 

Why It’s Worth It 

More travelers are working and learning from the road, making connectivity a necessity. Cell phone signal boosters give you peace of mind while traveling, increasing both your calling and data access. 

Related Staying Connected on the Road: A Guide to RV WiFi

Open laptop computer at a campground
Photo: Kerri Cox

Add a Water Heater for Hot Showers

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Save on Excel America’s water heater products. 

Why It’s Worth It

If you travel with several families or enjoy long, hot showers, you inevitably know the feeling of running out of hot water, as you furiously try to finish washing before the ice-cold blast. Adding a tankless water heater to your rig ensures you’ll have hot water on demand when you need it.  

Related Everything You Need to Know About RV Showers


Keep Your Tires Ready for the Road

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Savings on Smart TPMS and transmitters from TireMinder.

Why It’s Worth It 

Anyone whose blown an RV tire can attest to how scary, costly, and potentially dangerous this experience is. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts you to problems, helping to prevent blowouts. The TireMinder Smart TPMS uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone. The signal booster and transmitters can be installed in minutes, giving you peace of mind on the road ahead.

Photo: Lindsey Chambers


Stay Cool 

Roadpass Pro Member Benefit

Discount on MoonFab’s portable awning and shades.

Why It’s Worth It 

You may not spend a lot of time thinking about the summer heat during the off-season, but consider putting a portable awning on your holiday wish list. These awnings attach to your RV or tow vehicle, making it easy to take the shade wherever you go.

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Kerri Cox

Kerri is a teacher and freelance writer. The decision to buy a travel trailer (christened Birdy) in 2015 changed her life for the better. You can follow her journeys at Travels with Birdy. She lives in Missouri with her husband and teenage sons.