No matter what type of vehicle you drive, all drivers have been letting out a collective ‘yikes’ upon seeing the prices at the pump. But don’t let that discourage you from heading out on a summer road trip because we’re here to give you some tips on saving money and fuel so you can still have your get-away.
Routine Maintenance
If your RV has been sitting for a while, you’ll want to look over your rig and make sure everything is running in tip top shape.
Get your oil changed and your air filter replaced to keep everything running smoothly, make sure the battery is fully charged as well.
Also check the pressure in your tires and make sure they’re filled to the recommended capacity. Tires that are even one per cent below their capacity can reduce your fuel economy by three per cent, so keep an eye on them while you’re out and about.
Hot? Roll Down the Windows Instead
As tempting as it is to crank the air conditioning while you’re on the road, try and refrain from doing so. AC is a huge fuel drain that isn’t necessary to your drive, so avoid using it at all if possible.
To help keep you from melting into a puddle in the driver’s seat, dress in light clothes, roll down the windows, and try travelling early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoiding the heat of midday will help keep things cooler.
Pack Less
Next, try and reduce the weight of your load. The heavier your rig is, the harder the engine has to work to drive or pull it, thus burning more fuel.
Here’s a few tips to lightening the load:
- Empty the fresh water tanks and get them filled at your destination
- Consider getting firewood when you get there instead of bringing your own
- Sort through your bins, drawers, and other storage containers and remove anything you don’t regularly use
While all this might not seem like much, but any little bit helps when you’re trying to reduce your weight load.
Coupons
Save a few cents per litre where you can. Some grocery stores offer coupons for a few cents off per litre depending on how much you spend on groceries. Accumulate a bunch of these codes and use them while you’re on your trip. Several dollars saved each time you fill up will be immensely satisfying.
Stay Local
Ever hear the expression, “be a tourist in your own town”?
Consider following that advice, and explore the area you live in. While it might not be as epic as a road trip across the country, chances are there are some hidden gems in your own region. Driving just a couple hours away will still give you the away-on-vacation feel, but without the huge fuel cost that comes with driving halfway across the country.
Also consider staying longer at the places you do visit, rather than trying to cram more locations into your trip. Fewer locations means less driving, thus less fuel being consumed.
Slow Down
Last, but certainly not least, slow your roll. Driving your rig at a consistent pace, without constantly braking and accelerating, will reduce your fuel consumption considerably.
If you’ve got cruise control, use it! Set it to between five and 10 kilometres under the speed limit and let the vehicle do its thing. Yes, others on the highway will likely be cursing you to high heaven, but just stay in the right lane or pull over if you notice a huge line of vehicles behind you. Let them burn more fuel if they want.
Want to get yourself into a new or new-to-you RV? Visit us at Mike Rosman RV in Vernon, or call us at 1-833-293-3402.
