The busy travel and vacation season is quickly approaching! While this is an exciting time to start planning for your upcoming trips, the gas prices are probably on your mind. With gas prices reaching the highest point in history, it’s something that RVers are definitely thinking about when planning their travel. But if the rising gas prices are stealing from your excitement, the following tips will help you save on gas while RVing.
1. Lower the weight
Lowering the weight of your RV is going to help improve fuel efficiency. Be intentional about what you choose to bring along with you on the trip. Don’t load your RV down with things you don’t need. Look for things you can buy when you get to your destination instead of bringing it along. This can include things like food, firewood, and propane. Take inventory of what you already have in your RV; if it’s not something you use on your trips, take it out.
2. Do the proper maintenance
Keeping your RV properly maintained also helps with your fuel efficiency. This includes things like charging your batters and cleaning the a/c filters. Spring is a popular time to get RV maintenance done, which is especially important if your RV was sitting for the winter. Make sure you complete the necessary maintenance yourself or schedule an appointment to have it done for you.
3. Stay closer to home
One of the biggest ways to save on gas is to choose destinations that are closer to home, or where you store your RV. By doing this you directly reduce the amount of gas you need to get there. Many times we overlook the locations that are close to home, so take time to explore and see what you’ve been missing. Make the summer of 2022 the year you explore all the campgrounds within a set range from your house.
In addition, you could also look at finding a location where you can park your RV long-term. If there is a place you and your family love to visit, look for a park or campground that will allow you to leave your RV set up there for months, seasons, or even all year. This creates a similar situation to having a vacation home you can visit when you want. This way your RV stays in one place you love to visit and you can use a more gas efficient vehicle to go back and forth.
4. Be intentional about where you buy gas
Preplan where you’re going to fill up the tank instead of stopping when you see the needle moving toward the big “E”. Look for a membership that helps you save money; this could be through a certain gas station or a membership club like Sam’s or Costco.
You can also use apps to help you save on gas. Gasbuddy and GetUpside are both popular apps for helping you find the lowest price at the pump and giving you cashback or free gas as a reward.
5. Don’t bring a tow vehicle
If you have a motorhome, think twice about towing a vehicle along with you. Look for gas-free ways to travel once you reach your destination. For example, you can bring bikes along or rent bikes when you get there. You can find locations within walking distance of activities you want to do. You can also use Uber or another ride-sharing option if you need to travel farther from your campsite.
6. Check your tire pressure
Keeping your tire pressure at the right level is a great way to be more fuel-efficient. Check your tire pressure before you get on the road and when you stop for gas along the route. The U.S. Department of Energy shares, “You can improve your gas mileage by 0.6% on average—up to 3% in some cases—by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.”
7. Skip the A/C if you can
While you’re driving, put your windows down and avoid running the A/C if possible. A study found that using the A/C uses more gas than the impact caused by drag from having your windows down. The best fuel efficiency is when the A/C is off and windows are up, but if you’re getting too warm, try putting the window down first.
8. Have a plan
Another way to improve your gas efficiency is to have a plan of where you’re going so you can find the shortest route to take. This can also help you choose the best roads so you can avoid rough roads or routes that don’t allow you to maintain a steady speed.
9. Downsize your RV
If your RV is larger and heavier than you need, this is a good time to downsize. Maybe you’re an empty nester who no longer needs the extra room to sleep or maybe you just realize your current setup is more than you actually use. Downsizing your RV can help you find the floor plan that is right for you while also saving you money on fuel.
If you’re a solo RVer or couple just looking for the basics, check out the Aliner Expedition. It’s a lightweight, towable you can pull with an SUV.
10. Upgrade to a more fuel-efficient RV
Finally, if you have an older RV, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more fuel-efficient model. At Sky River RV you can trade-in your old RV for a newer model with the help of our trade-in experts who handle all the paperwork and title work for you to make the entire process hassle-free. Begin exploring your options here.
With these 10 tips, you don’t have to let rising gas prices stop you from looking forward to your upcoming RV trips.
