Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner! You’re probably already making a list of vacation destinations in your new or used RV. If soaring gas prices have you down, don’t fret. Here are 5 RV tips for improving your gas mileage.
Pre-Trip TLC
Did you know routine RV maintenance can improve your gas mileage? It’s true. Over time in storage, an RV’s tires can lose air pressure, air filters can get clogged and collect dirt, and batteries can lose their charge. All of these things can cause the engine to overcompensate, resulting in increased fuel injection. A quick service check before you hit the road helps make sure all the systems are clean, charged, and road ready.
Contact our RV service department to make your appointment! Once you’re on the road, check the tire pressure regularly and adjust as necessary. Quick changes in climate or atmosphere can cause the pressure to shift.
Gas Buddy
The Gas Buddy app is a traveler’s best friend! You’ll be able to check prices at all surrounding gas stations so you can fill up where it’s most cost-efficient. Nothing is more frustrating than filling up only to see substantially lower prices just a few miles later. The best part of this app? It’s free!
Every Ounce Counts
This may seem obvious, but everything you pack in your RV increases the weight you’re towing while decreasing your fuel efficiency. A few tips to lose some extra pounds? First, only travel with the bare minimum of fresh water you need to reach your destination. Plan to refill your tank as soon as you arrive. Water is extremely heavy, so just travel with what you need to get where you’re headed. Also, don’t pack firewood with you. Not only do many states have firewood restrictions, but loads of firewood are another item that weigh you down unnecessarily. If you have leftover firewood at the end of your camping trip, don’t pack it back home. Instead, offer it to another camper as a gift. You’ll appreciate driving with less weight, and they’ll appreciate your kindness.
Easy Does It
Try to keep your acceleration steady, and don’t “floor it” on your way out of full stops. A steady speed and easing out of stops increases fuel efficiency. (And don’t speed!) Finally, try to use cruise control and overdrive as much as you can to keep your speed at a steady rate.
Stay Close to Home
What if the grass is greener…right here? Minnesota is home to several amazing National and State Parks. By vacationing a bit closer to home, you can enjoy the benefits of what this beautiful state has to offer as well as not dropping your entire vacation budget on the fuel it takes to get there.
Plus, when you travel shorter distances and save money on fuel, you have more to spend and enjoy on what your destination has to offer.
These are just a few RV tips for improving your gas mileage. Do you have any great hacks for saving money on gas while traveling? Contact us or let us know in the comments below!
