Just about everyone is feeling the pains of the gas pump. With record-high prices for diesel and gasoline, many are putting their summer RVing plans on hold or choosing somewhere closer to visit. At Harvest Hosts, we don’t think fuel prices should put a damper on your summer plans. We’ve put together some tips for saving money and making your RV more fuel efficient. Continue reading to learn our six tips for RV fuel efficiency.
1. Lighten the Load
When heading to and from your destination, try to travel as light as possible. Be sure to empty out your tanks ahead of time in order to make your RV lighter. Carefully choose what to pack as well in order to travel lighter. For example, consider switching to an inflatable boat in lieu of a heavy canoe. Only pack what you’ll need for your trip. If you didn’t use it last time, chances are you won’t use it this time.
2. Don’t Tow Unless Necessary
If your RV is drivable, don’t bring your tow car unless you’re 100% sure you’ll need it. Many campgrounds and tourist destinations offer free or low-cost rideshare services, like shuttles, to get you to popular spots. You can also consider packing bikes to ride around or utilizing electric scooters if you’re near a city. After all, towing a vehicle is thousands of extra pounds, and you’ll use more gas upon arrival by driving around.
3. Tune Up Under the Hood
Ensuring your RV or tow vehicle is running smoothly can help with fuel efficiency. Air filters, fuel filters, along with gaskets and seals are just a few items on the list that can impact fuel efficiency. If it’s been at least six months since this was done on your vehicle, consider taking it to a shop or check out our handy article on RV Engine Maintenance to learn some of the basics.
4. Don’t Run your Generator
Did you know that generators can guzzle 0.25-0.75 gallons of gas per hour? Depending on the size and how well-maintained it is, this can certainly add up and consume your precious fuel. Unless absolutely necessary, we recommend skipping the generator. Many Boondockers Welcome locations offer electric hookups, along with some Harvest Hosts locations as well. For about $30 or less, you can have access to your air conditioners and all the power you need in lieu of using more gas.
You can also choose to camp in a more temperate location that won’t force you to use your air conditioners or heaters, which is the main reason for running an RV generator. If you’re traveling in the summer, consider heading north for your adventures to reach a cooler climate. If it’s the colder months, then head south and you may not need your heaters at all. In the summer, you can also try to park in the shade and open your windows to lessen the need for AC. Check out our helpful tips on Comfortable Areas for Boondocking in the Summer.
5. Check your Tires
The tires on your tow vehicle or RV can make a huge difference for fuel efficiency. Before hitting the road, you should always check them to ensure they’re properly and evenly inflated. Don’t forget to get those tires rotated as well! We’ve previously discussed RV Tires and all the ways to ensure proper inflation for fuel efficiency and safety.
6. Choose Your Stops and Destination Wisely
Our last tip involves planning and taking different points into consideration. In addition to considering climate, when choosing your destination there’s even more to consider. The terrain can make a huge difference because if there are tons of hills or steep inclines, these will use more gas. How far you choose to travel in your RV will obviously make a difference as well. Depending on your budget and how much time you have for your trip, you can consider staying closer to home for a longer vacation, or traveling further for a shorter vacation.
When planning your route, be sure to plan out all your stops ahead of time. This can help you budget for gas and limit detours. If you’re opting for a vacation closer to home, then consider adding in fun stops along the way to enhance your trip. If you’re traveling further, it will be more fuel-efficient to travel in longer stretches to maintain your gas mileage.
There are many small changes you can make to make your gas last longer this summer. While RVs are notorious gas guzzlers, it doesn’t have to spoil your vacation. Take these tips into consideration to spend less on gas, and enjoy your next trip more.
Where are you heading this summer? What are things you do to save gas in your RV? Tell us about it in the comments!
