With gas prices persistent on staying over $1 per litre well into the summer it will be important for many RVers to improve their fuel economy. Avid RVers won’t let high gas prices keep them from their next adventure but there are ways to keep a few more dollars in your pocket while out adventuring this summer. Whether you are driving a motorhome or towing a trailer there are several things you can do to make sure you are getting the most out of a tank of gas. By performing some simple maintenance techniques and changing some driving habits you can save a significant amount on fuel.
Your Speed Matters
How fast you travel can have a big impact on how much fuel your are using while RVing. For every 8 km/h you travel over 100km/h you are spending 2.5 cents per litre more. So if you are travelling down the highway at 116 km/h it is like adding an extra 5 cents per litre when you stop at the pump. By managing your speed while travelling between locations you can significantly improve your fuel economy. If you’re not in a rush it can end up saving you in the long run.
Make Sure you Have a Clean Air Filter
Something as simple as making sure your RV or towing vehicle has a new air filter can improve your fuel economy by up to 10%. An air filter affects your engines efficiency because of its need for air. Your motorhome or tow vehicles engine requires a flow of fresh air coming into the system to mix with gasoline to create the spark that powers your vehicle. When the right amount of air is mixed with the gasoline it can improve your engines performance considerably. When clean air mixes with gasoline it creates a higher fuel efficiency for your vehicle. Over time as an air filter becomes increasingly more clogged it begins to obstruct the air flowing into your engine. This in turn has a negative impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and will end up costing you more at the pump while out on your next adventure.
Ensure you Have Proper Tire Pressure
Through checking your motorhome or tow vehicles tire pressure and making sure your tires are at the correct pressure can save you up to 3% in fuel economy. Tires can visually appear fine even when they are under deflated, this is why it is important to check your tire pressure before heading out on your next trip. It is also important to check your tire pressure when your tires become cold as that can negatively affect your tire pressure as well. Ensuring your motorhome or vehicle has proper tire pressure not only improves your fuel economy it can also prevent premature tire wear and blowouts while travelling on the highway.
Perform Regular Maintenance on your Motorhome or Tow Vehicle
Making sure your motorhome or tow vehicles engine is tuned properly, has had regular oil changes and is inspected regularly is important in improving your fuel economy. Performing regular maintenance ensures your engine will be performing at its peak efficiency. When your engine is operating as efficiently as possible it will greatly improve your vehicle’s gas mileage.
Visit Bucars Service Centre
If you’re unsure if your motorhomes engine is operating at its peak efficiency the expert technicians at Bucars service centre can help. They can perform all the proper maintenance on your motorhome making sure you are getting the best gas mileage possible. For more information, if you have any questions or you would like to book an appointment please contact the service centre at Bucars RV dealership just north of Calgary.
