Here’s something I don’t think I’ve really discussed in previous blogs and yet it is a glaringly obvious topic: How do you conserve fuel in your new motorhome? I know we all have our own ideas. If there is anyone (non-commercial) that fuel prices affect, it’s RVers. Our rigs are heavy and your gas card reflects one of the responsibilities of RV ownership. You have to keep her fed.
I thought to myself, “What are some things that I do to conserve fuel while towing my fifth-wheel?”.
Slow Down On The Highway
I’ve heard that for every five miles per hour in excess of 60 m.p.h., you lose 7 to 23 percent of fuel efficiency. Hmmmm, that’s a good hint for all of you commuters! You might save a gallon of gas a week this way. Hey, that’s some extra grocery money!
Keep Calm
Driving or towing your RV is stressful. We can sometimes have the tendency to already be on edge which not only makes your driving worse, but you can consume more fuel by driving more aggressively and accelerating rapidly. You are RVing, you should be relaxing. Slow down and enjoy the sights. Stop and rest, take breaks from your stress if you are experiencing it. I know there is nothing we can do about the driving of others, but remaining calm really will help with your fuel consumption.
Keep Tires At Proper Pressure
Really? Do I really need to tell all of you RVers, to keep your tires inflated properly? The right pressure will mean less drag, longer lasting tires and saving more dollars at the pump. Plain and simple.
Keep Up With Your Maintainence Schedule
Take care of your RV! Keep it maintained. If it’s about time for that 200,000 mile tune up, get it! A simple tune up can really increase economy. New belts and hoses, air filters, oil changes…all are a part of being an RV owner. Sometimes it can be hard to remember that our RVs are not just our homes, they are machines that need attention and care, both when actively being used and when they are in storage.
Now, I know these are “no-brainers”, I just wanted to get everyone really thinking about ways to save on fuel, not that we weren’t thinking about it already. I was hoping to jog a few brain cells out there to come up with new ways to save. Oh, like using your smart phone and apps like GasBuddy to help you find cheaper fuel… see, it’s already got me thinking.
Let RV Nana and PPL Motorhomes know your tricks and tips on saving at the pump. How do you keep your RVing fuel costs down?