Getting the Best Fuel Mileage in Your RV

| January 16, 2013

camperHigher prices at fuel pumps don’t have to stop you and your family from enjoying your RV. It’s important to keep the cost of maintaining your vehicle less than those high prices of hotels, as it places emphasis on your logic for your chosen mode of travel. A few simple habits can drastically reduce what it costs to operate your RV. Each of these techniques can shave considerable costs at the pump, freeing up dollars for fun side trips and souvenir shops along the way. Heck, you might even squeeze out enough to extend your trip for a day or two!

Stay Under the Speed Limit

Every five miles per hour over 60 miles per hour translates into paying ten cents more per gallon of gas. So, if you’re traveling at 75 miles per hour, you can add an extra 30 cents each time you fill up. These costs add up quickly. Using your cruise control keeps the vehicle at a steady speed, saving fuel. This trick can also keep you from getting a costly speeding ticket. Speeding tickets cost a hefty penny more than a gas fill-up and can quickly ruin a great vacation. Also, using overdrive saves fuel. Rapid acceleration is a big no-no, costing drivers as much as 33 percent more on fuel.

Maintain Good Air Pressure in Tires

Improperly inflated tires can reduce your fuel mileage by three percent or more. Improperly inflated tires also lead to premature tire failures, and nothing is a bigger bummer than having to change a tire on the freeway when

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you’re supposed to be at your next fun destination. Invest in a good quality gauge, and always check the tires when they’re cold. The best habit is to check air pressure in the tires before heading out for the day. Get maintenance done properly at trusted dealerships like www.arbogastrvs.com.

Keep Vehicle Up to Date With Maintenance

A well-tuned RV gets 10 to 20 percent better fuel mileage than a poorly tuned one. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cost you an extra 40 percent at the pump. A regular oil change, using the grade recommended by the manufacturer, is another one to two percent savings. Lack of oil changes causes build-ups and may make your engine work a lot harder than is necessary. Synthetic oil can shave another two percent off at the pump.

Avoid Hauling Excess Weight

Enjoyable camping trips are all about having everything you need to stay safe and comfortable. But many of us are hauling pounds of unnecessary weight, and this really adds up in fuel costs. Before heading out on your next venture, check all the storage compartments and cubby holes of your RV and remove any unneeded items. You’ll be surprised how much this little clean out shaves off your fuel charges.

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