How to Improve Fuel Economy in Your RV

If you’re like most owners of recreational vehicles, or will be a new owner of one soon, the amount you’ll spend to in gas on your next vacation is likely at the forefront of your mind. Of course, one major factor in how much gas your RV will consume will depend on the type of rig you drive. Your typical Class A motorhome or coach may not deliver much above six to 10 miles per gallon. A typical Class C will likely have slightly better gas mileage than the Class A, and a Class B vehicle (usually built on a van chassis) could get slightly better gas mileage than the rest. Regardless of the type of RV you drive, however, there are a few tips you can follow to help improve fuel consumption in your rig. For example:

• Drive at a steady, reasonable speed – You might be used to driving your car or motorcycle at top speeds all the time, but in your rig, reining in your speed demon tendencies will help keep your fuel usage in check. Consider this: For every five miles per hour over 60 miles per hour you go, your fuel efficiency decreases. So keep your speed in the 55 to 60 mile per hour range and try to avoid fluctuating speeds while you’re driving. Using cruise control can help with this.
• Avoid driving aggressively – Don’t floor it when the stoplight turns green. Don’t dodge in and out of traffic. This type of behavior is harder to do in a large motorhome than some truck campers and smaller rigs, but it applies across the board. The more erratic you drive, the more fuel you’ll burn.
• Avoid carrying extra weight – Do you really need the foldable treadmill on your week-long journey? What about those power tools that you brought along, just in case? The weight of your RV can significantly affect its fuel consumption, so don’t pack things you really don’t need. Even streamline bedding, kitchen gadgets, and what you might consider as “can’t live without” items. Chances are you can live without them just fine.
• Check your tire pressure – Something as simple as tire pressure doesn’t seem as though it could affect your rig’s fuel economy, but it can. Be diligent about checking all your tires periodically to ensure that they’re filled properly and in good working order.
• Head to the shop for regular maintenance – Keeping your RV tuned up and in good running order can help in the fight for better gas mileage. Replace spark plugs and oxygen sensors when necessary and change out the air filter, too. Doing so can improve your rig’s performance and fuel efficiency.
• Avoid idling – When you’re idling, you’re engine is running without moving the vehicle. This burns gas, so if you’re going to be in one spot for more than just a few minutes, shut off the engine.

These are just a few of the ways that you can work toward improving the gas mileage in your RV. To learn more about RV fuel efficiency, contact us today!