Cut Your RVing Fuel Costs
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RV Trekker
Tips for Better Gas & Diesel Mileage
These recommendations come from RV Trekker's Old RVer, our
expert who has been
buying and selling motorhomes, fifth wheels, campers and travel trailers for decades.
With the steady rise in fuel prices, we asked him the best ways to save
while RVing.
These are his tips.
Slow down. Reducing your highway speed by 5 miles an hour
can increase your gas
mileage by at least a mile per gallon.
Get a performance exhaust system to increase mileage. One of the best
known
brands is Banks. Old RVer says a good exhaust system can generally increase
mileage
by about 2 miles per gallon.
Don't ride your brakes. This will not only wear out your brakes, but will also cost you
fuel. Going down long inclines it's better to gear down.
Make sure you have your RV tuned up by an expert. This is important, because an
improperly tuned motor will cost you a lot of fuel.
Check tire inflation. An under-inflated tire will cost you fuel mileage. So, be sure your
tires are properly inflated. Your tire will indicate how much air you need. While it's true
that you get a smoother ride on a softer tire, it will cost you more in
fuel.
Beware gas additive scams. For example, pills or pellets, that claim to increase
your fuel mileage, but don't really work. Avoid any unproven additives.
Our Old RVer adds that in general these tips work for diesel, too. He also
notes that
despite increasing gas and diesel prices, RVing is still a good way to go. In an RV you
have your sleeping and cooking quarters with you, and in your travels, you can stop
wherever and whenever you please.
