It doesn’t matter if you’re towing a travel trailer, a fifth wheel or driving a motorhome, there is always room for improvement when it comes to fuel economy. By following a few simple steps we can all improve our efficiency and save some money.
CLEAN YOUR FILTER
Every time I change my motorhome’s engine oil, I inspect the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Some studies say that a dirty or clogged air filter reduces fuel efficiency by one to two percent. Other studies even suggest it is as high as 14 percent! The bottom line is that engines need clean air to operate properly. Checking your engine’s air filter is easy to do, so whether it reduces fuel efficiency by two percent or 14 percent, it’s worth it. This applies to all vehicles.
CHECK YOUR PRESSURE
In another study I read, checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendation can increase fuel economy by three percent. Running the proper tire pressure also helps prevent premature tire wear and tire failure caused by underinflated tires. It is important to understand tires can look normal when they are seriously underinflated. Use a quality air pressure gauge (not a cheap one) and check your tires when they are cold before traveling more than one mile.
DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT
Another interesting discovery I found was that for each five miles per hour you drive over 60 miles an hour is equivalent to paying 10 cents more per gallon at the gas pump. So, if you are traveling down the Interstate at 70 miles per hour, add 20 cents to the price at the pump! The EPA uses figures comparable to this, but there are lots of variables involved. You need to consider the size and weight of the vehicle, the terrain you are traveling in and the speed you are traveling at. But it is probably safe to say the faster you drive over 60 miles per hour, the more it will cost you in fuel.
CHANGE THE OIL
Changing the engine oil and oil filter and using synthetic oil increases fuel economy. I tested this theory on our Jeep Wrangler JL. The average fuel economy prior to changing the oil was 22.8 miles per hour. After the synthetic oil and filter change (and driving far enough to get reliable information), the average fuel economy increased to 23.5 miles per hour. That is a three percent increase. Fresh oil alone lubricates better, which contributes to increased fuel economy.
WATCH YOUR WEIGHT
Adding weight that you do not need reduces fuel economy significantly. I always tell RV owners to only take the amount of fresh water they need to get to their destination. I also advise if there is something in the RV they have not used in the past six months, take it out, because you probably don’t need it. Anything you can do to decrease weight is helpful. The lighter the RV load, the better.
READ THE MANUAL
Keeping any vehicle in top running condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy and poor emissions or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40 percent reduction in fuel economy. That is a major reduction! Read your owner’s manual for information about the tow/haul mode and proper transmission shifting. And following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance intervals and schedules will save fuel.
This article was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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