Tips to Save Money on Gas for Your RV as Prices Top Record Highs
Taking a trip with your RV or just pricing out how much it’s going to cost you on your next trip, I have some money-saving tips to help on your next trip as gas prices top record highs. Read Here!
For some camping in an RV is their way of budgeting their summer trips and to others, it is their favorite pastime. But who could expect what was to hit the US in 2022? Between a Pandemic and a raging war national gas prices per gallon top over $5 a gallon this summer, making it challenging to fill up any type of vehicle but especially those towing or driving a recreational vehicle. One of the toughest things to swallow is the price per gallon and the strain on your wallet, thus making it harder for families to choose between food on the table or taking that annual camping trip with the extended family.
Take a look at some of our favorite tips for saving gas this summer.
Skip the Tow Vehicle
Many large RV owners bring a secondary vehicle to use while they are docked at a campsite, but those very convenient tow vehicles can burn a lot of gas and whole in your wallet. I would suggest skipping every other trip or staying near accessible transportation locations or using ride shares if possible. We also suggest bringing your bicycles or scooters for traveling nearby areas. These tips can decrease your overall gas expenses as you’re not towing a considerable amount of weight behind your RV.
Spend More Time at Each Spot
Instead of hopping around from place to place, stay at one site for a longer period of time. See what the area has in store, and you will save some big bucks at the gas pump. Do your research on each location and discover new places or activities to do.
Reduce the Gross Weight
Another weight consideration is by packing only what you need or will essentially use for your trip. Many people pack way too much stuff and all that can cost you some serious cash. Things to consider is if you are not quite sure you’ll use it or have the time, don’t bring it. Many campsites already have items like a firepit and/ or charcoal grill, as well as make an effort to eliminate the heavier items as much as possible. Maintaining a vehicle’s weight and keeping it as light as possible is very fuel-efficient. Don’t ignore the gross vehicle weight limits and overload your RV.
Aerodynamics
Consider what and how much you are adding to your RV’s exterior surface for instance the rooftop and bumper. It is important to think of your RV aerodynamics, strapping big and bulky items onto the roof of the RV can slow you down and waste gas. Reduce all the barriers blocking the wind flow and consider using a hard-shell storage box for your RV or tow vehicle. They are light and are streamlined for wind. On the back of the RV, use cargo bags attached to the RV itself or the ladder. Avoid large gaps or pockets where air can get into slowing the vehicle down.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is important for safety and for fuel costs. Under-inflated tires will burn through additional fuel, this is due to the expanded surface area and abrasions on the highways. For longer trips, a good rule of thumb is to check your tires when your get gas. The temperature in the air and altitude can also play tricks on your tires, so keep that in mind.
Don’t Drive with Full Water Tanks
Before traveling, empty both water tanks. This is adding increasingly more weight to your camper. If you are camping in a remote spot or boondocking, then wait to add water closer to your destination.
Always Perform Routine Maintenance
The number one rule to owning a camper, make sure you properly maintain every square inch of your camper. Doing so is not only safer but will help you save tons of money in the long run.
On the Road
Avoid Rough or Bumpy Roads
Though we see construction just about everywhere and it is hard to stay away from, those harsh road conditions can put a lot of wear and tear on your RV and tow vehicle. When possible, map out your road trip to avoid construction, and rough road conditions. Elevated sand or muddy roads can also burn up gas twice as much.
Find the Most Fuel-Efficient Route and Avoid High-Volume Traveling Times
Check with google maps or Gas Buddy to find the most fuel-efficient route of travel. Taking a toll road could save you hundreds of miles for less than a fraction of the price of gas. Also look for the most current traffic conditions, especially in bigger cities.
Stop-and-go traffic can cost you a ton of gas, look for peak times to travel like rush hour or the end of the weekend. Knowing when it’s time to go through a big city like Dallas or Denver will save you time and money idling on the highway and crawling only a few feet just to get through an accident or construction.
Avoid Searching for the Lowest Gas Prices
Driving all over just to find the lowest gas price in town may cost you. Avoid the gas stations right off the highway and choose the next one down, if possible. Going through town to save a penny or two is going to cost you more and eat up a lot of fuel. Plan your fuel stops ahead of time and websites like Gas Buddy, can give you real-time gas prices in advance before you pull up to fuel, this saves money and time searching.
Don’t Speed
Pushing that pedal can cause you to spend more money. The simplest way to save money with your RV is to slow down and save your gas. You don’t have to drive 10 miles over the speed limit so you can get there faster. You are already hauling a trailer or driving a piece of equipment that will eat up more gas than you want to spend. Slow down and drive just under the speed limit. You’ll find your wallet and the engine will thank you.
Cruise Control when possible
Another tool I use is my cruise control. Cruise control should not be turned off and on over and over again and many people don’t understand that. Use your cruise control when you get on the open highway and avoid using it in large cities, mountain areas, and high-volume traffic. It’s also great for the environment, reducing carbon emissions.
Car Air Temperature and more
There will be several tips here:
- Save money on gas by setting the air conditioner on low.
- Recirculate air only if there is nobody in the back seat. Recirculating the air only works in the front section of the car, those who sit in the back will not have fresh air and it can get stale and hot.
- Make sure your air filter is clean. This can make your fan run harder and push out dirty air into the car.
- Use automatic climate control if you have it!
- Using the heater or air conditioner continuously does waste gas. If you are comfortable turn them off.
- Drive in the morning or evening when the temperature is cooler and where you can just use your fan.
Steer Clear of Idling
If you are permitting a vehicle to run while stationary, you are wasting gas. If you are doing this to keep the car cool here are some tips.
- Park in the shade if possible.
- Roll down all your windows, this will allow fresh air in and out.
- If you are parked for a longer period of time, use a sunshade and crack all windows down 2 inches.
- Larger RVs open up your roof vents and screened windows to allow for airflow.
Tools
We use several tools before, during, and after our trip that save us some money. Check them out.
- Use an App for Gas Savings- try Gas Buddy, Gas Guru, or Google Maps which show you the price of nearby gas stations
- Signup for Loyalty Memberships That Save Money on Fuel- Sam Goodies, Sam’s Club, and other Stores have memberships or cards to save you an extra few cents per gallon.
- Plan Your Route from Start to Ending- We use sites like Gas Buddy and Google Maps to help us plan for construction, accidents, restaurants, gas stations, and much more.
- Use apps like GetUpside or Dosh Dosh to get gas rewards or money for your next purchases.
These are just a few ways to save on gas for your next trip this summer. Beating the economical wave of inflation and Rona still lingering won’t stop you from having a good time. So get out there and enjoy those camping trips at the beach, the mountain lake, or just 2 towns away, because adventure is out there waiting for you!