The campervan lifestyle involves racking up hundreds, if not thousands, of miles on the open road. So whether you are tackling the 2448 miles of Route 66 or simply doing a 100-mile day trip, you want to get the most out of your fuel.
It’s no secret that RV’s generally have poor miles per gallon (MPG) values due to their size and weight, which can give you fuel anxiety. Whether it’s your first trip out in an RV rental or your own RV, there are ways to improve an RV’s fuel efficiency.
This article will explore the 5 best tips on how to improve your RV gas mileage using nothing more than some smart guidance.
1. Have the correct tire pressure
Tire pressure can be found in two formats; PSI (pounds per square in) or BAR (bars of pressure). Either way, you will find the pressure needed for your tire either on the tire itself, on the inside of the door, or in the vehicle manual.
Tire pressure changes with the weight of an RV, so you must match the tire pressure to the load you carry. Furthermore, it is normal to have different tire pressures in the front set of tires compared to the back. This helps support the load. It’s always wise to have a tire pressure inflator kit or spare tire in your RV should you get a flat.
An underinflated tire will sag and create more friction causing the MPG to reduce. Equally, an overinflated tire is prone to blowing out and will not wear evenly on the road. This deadly combination causes the MPG to decrease and increases the risk of an accident. Before every trip, we recommend checking the tread depth and pressure of your tires.
2. Cruise to your destination
As excited as you may be to arrive at your destination as soon as possible, speeding your way to it is not smart. Going fast in an RV is the easiest way to reduce your MPG.
It will cost you more in fuel to get somewhere if you drive fast than if you were to cruise at a steady and consistent pace. RVs drink fuel when they accelerate as they need to get their huge loads up to speed. Therefore the smoother you drive, the better.
If a road has a 50MPH limit, hit the cruise control and enjoy a steady journey. This simple tip could save you a lot of fuel, especially during longer trips.
3. Avoid traffic
The less traffic you encounter, the better the impact on your MPG. To sit in traffic is literally burning fuel for nothing. It’s this traffic that causes air pollution in cities such as Los Angeles. It’s not good for you or the environment just to be sat there.
If you are using a Sat Nav, it should plan a route that avoids traffic, road accidents, and road works. Even without technology, you can be smart and not drive at rush hour. Pick a quieter time on the road, such as midday or late at night. This way, you are likely to have a less stressful start to your adventure.
4. Stay on top of engine maintenance
Often overlooked in regards to RV MPG is the quality and age of an engine. In particular, diesel engines become less efficient over time and with a lot of use. Regular servicing will keep an engine in top shape.
The older the RV engine, the less efficient it is likely to be. Along with servicing, you can pay for engine cleaning and tuning, which can help your engine to realise its potential. A well-maintained engine will give a better MPG than an engine that hasn’t been maintained at all.
5. Be aware of the weather
Some things you can control directly, such as the previous points about maintaining an RV and the way you drive. You can’t, however, control the weather – but that doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself the best chance!
RVs are big vehicles so if the wind is strong, this could not only make driving more difficult, but it could knock your RV’s MPG down. Imagine an A-Class RV driving into a 50mph wind. That headwind will make the engine work harder, causing more fuel to be used. Conversely, if the wind is in the direction you are driving, it can positively impact the MPG.
Rain and snow can make it harder for you to drive your RV consistently, although the MPG is not likely to change much due to these factors. This tip on how to improve your RV gas mileage is totally out of your hands but with good planning; you can avoid extremely windy weather.
How to improve your RV gas milage summary
In summary, the 5 tips explored above will give you the best chance of getting the most efficient MPG out of your RV. The truth about RVs is that unless you have an electric one, they are gas guzzlers. It’s part of the campervan lifestyle that an RV is not fuel-efficient nor environmentally friendly.
Generally, the more modern the RV, the better its MPG is likely to be. Class A motorhomes can be up to 40 feet in length, so they will never have an amazing MPG. Smaller campers will have a better MPG than larger ones. Regardless of the RV size, if it is well maintained, loaded correctly, and you drive it wisely, you will get the maximum MPG your RV is capable of.