If you're an RV owner, you know that the cost of fuel can be one of the most significant expenses of your travels. With the rising fuel prices, it's essential to find ways to improve your RV's gas mileage and save money. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can use to make your RV more fuel-efficient.
In this blog, we'll explore some of the best ways to improve your RV's gas mileage so that you can travel more while spending less on fuel. Whether you're a seasoned RV owner or new to the lifestyle, these tips can help you get the most out of your RV and your budget. So, let's get started!
Maintain Your RV: Regular maintenance of your RV is essential. But don’t just stop at engine tuning and general maintenance, as other factors can be guzzling your fuel. Maintaining a clean air filter is crucial for improving your RV's fuel efficiency, as a dirty air filter can reduce it by approximately 10%. However, a faulty oxygen sensor can be even more detrimental, potentially cutting your gas mileage by up to 40%.
Watch Your Speed: Excessive speed while driving your RV can result in overworking the engine, causing it to use more fuel than necessary. To improve your RV's fuel efficiency, it's advisable to maintain a steady speed and avoid frequent braking and acceleration. By driving at a consistent pace, you can reduce unnecessary strain on your engine and optimize your fuel consumption. Cruise control is an excellent tool for maintaining a steady speed and avoiding sudden acceleration, which can significantly reduce your RV's fuel efficiency.
Plan Your Route: Plan your route ahead of time to avoid heavy traffic and congestion, also avoid roads windy roads and intersections which can cause your RV to consume more fuel. Google Maps now offers a feature that shows the most fuel-efficient route, denoted by a leaf symbol, when presenting route options. However, other apps may prioritize the shortest possible route, which could include increased stops or windy roads that could hurt your fuel efficiency. While some routes appear slightly longer, they can save you gas in the long run by allowing you to drive smoothly and maintain a consistent speed.
Reduce Weight: The more weight your RV carries, the more fuel it will consume. Therefore, reduce the amount of unnecessary weight you carry by only packing essential items and removing any excess weight from your RV.
Downsize Your RV: Reducing the size of your RV can have a significant effect on your fuel economy. Typically, class A RVs achieve between 8-13 miles per gallon (MPGs), while class B RVs average around 18-20 MPGs. Class C vehicles typically achieve 10-15 MPGs on average.
Check Tire Pressure: Maintaining the tire pressure of your RV is a crucial factor that significantly impacts your fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires can improve your RV's gas mileage by up to 3%. You can typically find a sticker on your RV's door frame or consult your user manual to determine the recommended tire pressure. It’s best to check your RV's tire pressure when the tires are cold. Avoid checking the tire pressure immediately after a trip, as the heat generated during driving can cause the pressure to increase and provide a false reading.
It's important to note that you shouldn't fill your RV's tires based solely on the PSI number indicated on the tires themselves. This number denotes the maximum pressure that the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your RV's specific make and model.
Avoid Idling: Leaving your RV's engine idling can consume a significant amount of fuel. If you anticipate making a stop that will last more than a few minutes, it's best to turn off the engine to conserve fuel. Additionally, you should try to avoid driving through towns during rush hour traffic to minimize fuel usage.
Upgrade to Fuel-Efficient Tires: Fuel-efficient tires are a great way to improve the fuel economy of your vehicle. Fuel-efficient tires are designed to reduce rolling resistance, which means they require less energy to move and ultimately improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Additionally, these types of tires may also have a tread pattern and compound that reduce friction and provide better traction, resulting in improved handling and safety on the road.
Improving gas mileage is not only good for your wallet but also good for the environment. By implementing the tips and tricks, you can significantly increase your RVs fuel efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.
More for you to read;
Essential Maintenance And Upkeep Tips For RV Owners
What Is The Cost Of Owning An RV?
How To Choose The Perfect RV For Your Next Adventure.
Written by: RVCrazy Team
May 01, 2023
