Fill It Up–Regular or Premium?

While gas prices continue to skyrocket out of control, the age-old question keeps coming up: Which should I fill up with, regular or premium? We had an RVer swear they got better mileage out of their tow vehicle burning premium than when running regular. Just how does this shake out?

As far as “efficiency” and your wallet are concerned it’s simple: If your rig says it REQUIRES the more expensive “high test,” then you’re stuck. If not, dollar for dollar, gallon for gallon, you’re better off economically to pump the regular.

And is there much difference between brands? Despite the hype, in the US gasoline refiners still have to meet federal standards on formulation. The experts still tell us that the off-brands burn just as well as the higher-priced name brands.

What’s the ticket to better economy? The usual recommendations: Keep the tires inflated properly (saves you tire blow outs, too). Don’t carry excess weight–for example, keep the gray water tank empty and the fresh water tank limited, unless you’re headed someplace where water isn’t available. Toss out the rock collection and the excess tools if possible. Keep the engine tuned up, the air cleaner clean. Go easy on the accelerator–pretend there’s an egg between your foot and the pedal.

And yes, it really DOES save money to keep the speed down–wind resistance to a big motorhome or trailer can put huge stresses on your fuel economy.

photo: iotae on flickr.com