Whether you drive a Class A, B, or C, your RV is going to be one of the biggest vehicles on the road just about anywhere you go. While that size is important for comfort and utility while you’re camping and exploring, it also comes with a drawback: a negative impact on your gas mileage.
If you aren’t careful, you could be spending a larger-than-necessary chunk of your trip’s budget on keeping your RV fueled up and on the road. So, to help you keep more money in your wallet and out of your gas tank, we’ve put together a list of tips for getting the best mileage out of your RV.
Avoid High Speeds
Driving a little bit slower is a great way to save on gas money. Most RV experts agree that 55 mph is the best speed for maintaining maximum fuel efficiency, and a good rule of thumb is that for every 5 mph over 60, your fuel economy will drop by about 10%.
Our advice? Slow down and enjoy the sites!
Go Easy on the Pedals
Hard braking and rapid acceleration aren’t good for your RV. Avoid jack-rabbit starts and unnecessary braking caused by following other cars too closely. Applying steady acceleration and braking can improve your fuel economy by up to 20%.
Anticipate the Flow of Traffic
This goes hand in hand with our last tip. Keep your eyes on the road and do your best to anticipate the flow of traffic and avoid unnecessary stopping and starting on the road. Coast when you can and ease onto the accelerator when it’s time to go. Lastly, avoid idling for too long. Turn off the engine when you park.
Check Your Tires
Tire pressure affects fuel economy for all vehicles on the road. The best thing you can do is check your tire pressure regularly (when the tires are cool!) and keep them at the levels recommended by the manufacturer. Too low, and they could be impacting your fuel consumption.
Don’t Overload Your RV
Don’t carry more weight than necessary, and definitely don’t exceed the rating for your RV. The heavier your RV, the worse the strain on your tires and your fuel mileage. If you’re towing a trailer behind your RV, this is an especially important step to consider. A trailer produces drag and, the heavier the trailer, the harder your RV has to work to tow it.
If possible, travel with empty gray and black water holding tanks and a fresh water tank no more than a quarter full.
Plan Your Route
Plan your route before you get behind the wheel. Make sure you pick roads and highways that are RV friendly and will allow you to maximize your mileage with cruise control and minimal braking and acceleration. You can also find shorter distances to help you save fuel.
What are your favorite tips for getting the most out of your RV’s gas mileage? Let us know, and enjoy your trip!