RV Tech Tips Newsletter > Latest Edition RV Tech Tips Issue 11 Apr 20, 2006, 11:47 Email this article  Printer friendly page

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Mark Polk

By Mark Polk

I for one am not going to let skyrocketing fuel prices change my plans for using and enjoying our RV. So, with that said and a motorhome that averages seven to eight miles to a gallon, I'm forced to find ways to save on fuel rather than waiting for fuel prices to go down. After a little research, I was surprised to learn how easy it can be to improve our fuel economy. Whether you're towing a trailer or driving a motorhome, there are many ways to stretch a tank of gas or diesel. By performing some simple maintenance procedures and changing our driving habits a little, we can save a significant amount of fuel.

One shocking thing I learned was that each five mph you go over 60 mph is equivalent to paying 10 cents more per gallon. So if you're traveling down the interstate at 75 mph, add 30 cents to the price on the pump! Wow, that can add up quick.

So how can we improve our fuel economy?

-- Talk to other RVers who have a motorhome or tow vehicle and trailer similar to yours. Compare gas mileage. If there's a significant difference, compare notes to try to determine why one does better than the other.

-- Something as simple as a clean air filter can improve your fuel economy as much as 10 percent.

-- Checking and adjusting your tire pressure to its proper level can increase fuel economy by three percent, not to mention preventing premature tire wear and failures or blowouts caused by over- or under-inflated tires. Tires can look normal when they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air pressure gauge and check your tires when they’re cold, before traveling more than one mile.

-- Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you're going to be sitting still for more than a couple of minutes, shut the engine off.

-- Using overdrive whenever you can saves fuel by decreasing the engine's speed.

-- Using the cruise control whenever possible saves fuel, because it keeps the vehicle at a constant speed rather than variable speeds. This applies when you are driving on a relatively flat surface. Keep in mind that the over-60-mph rule applies here, too.

-- Keeping the vehicle tuned-up and in top running condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy by 10 to 20 percent.

One way to save fuel is to slow down and drive in the right lane.

-- Poor emissions and/or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40 percent reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION!

-- Following the recommended service and maintenance schedules will save you fuel.

-- Using the recommended grade of motor oil will increase fuel economy by one to two percent.

-- Using synthetic oils will increase fuel economy by two or more percent.

-- Speeding and rapid acceleration reduces fuel economy anywhere from 5 to 33 percent depending on your driving habits.

-- Added weight that you don’t need reduces fuel economy significantly. We’re all guilty of this one!

-- Only using the dashboard air conditioner when it is absolutely necessary will save a significant amount of fuel.

-- Use regular unleaded gas unless your owner's manual specifies a higher octane gas. You're just throwing money away when you pay the extra money for premium fuel.

We may have no control over the prices at the pump, but as you can see, we have total control over getting the most out of the fuel we put in our tank.

De-Winterizing Tip
Depending on how your unit was winterized, it will need to be de-winterized. If you used nontoxic, RV antifreeze, you need to run fresh water through the entire system until the antifreeze is gone. To remove it from the 12-volt water pump, add water to the fresh water-holding tank, turn the pump on and open all water faucets. When antifreeze is out of the system, turn the pump off and take the water heater out of the by-pass mode (if applicable). Reinstall any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.

Towing Laws
Most U.S. States and Canadian Provinces have their own laws on the requirement for brakes on a towed trailer or vehicle being towed behind a motorhome. The brakes on a motorhome are designed by the vehicle manufacturer to stop the weight of that particular vehicle, not the additional weight being towed behind it. This additional weight adds a substantial increase to the distance required to stop safely. You need to have some type of braking system on the towed vehicle to SAFELY reduce the stopping distance and to protect you, your loved ones and the safety of others.

Audiovox Voyage Backup Camera Systems
Starting at $199.99 to the latest in Tri-view color flat screen technology
The best prices in Audiovox backup systems, starting at 5-inch manufacturer-refurbished systems, to the state of the art in backup systems with the Tri-view system that allows you to view the side of your coach when you hit the turn signals & much more. Learn more or order.

Cell phone won't work in out-of-the-way places?
Smoothtalker can help. Talk or get online in places you could never get online before. Learn more.

Explorer RV Insurance: Owners of motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels & medium-duty tow vehicles save up to 15% over our largest competitors by tailoring their coverage from over a dozen options. Learn more or get a quote.

Visit Camping World for RV supplies and accessories.

--"I need information about steering stabilizers," a reader asks, and gets plenty of feedback.

--Towing a car or other vehicle behind a motorhome is a popular topic. Read the discussion.

--Got a question or comment about pop up trailers? Here's the place.

-- An RVer asks: "What's a good brand of Fifth Wheel Trailer for me?" Lots of people have opinions, that's for sure.

DVDs:
Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel 101: Learn how to operate everything on a travel trailer or fifth wheel.
Class C Motorhomes 101: Covers how to operate everything on a Class C motorhome.
Class A Motorhomes 101: Learn how to operate everything on a Class A motorhome.
Pop Up Trailers 101: Covers everything you need to know about pop up trailers.
How to Winterize Your RV: Learn how to prepare an RV for winter and then again for spring.
Towing Behind Your Motorhome: Learn how to tow a vehicle behind a motor home.
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitch Work & Backing Video: Learn how to tow your trailer the safe and easy way.

eBooks: (delivered instantly to you via email).
Complete Guide to Dinghy Towing: Covers how to tow a car or other vehicle behind your motorhome.
How to Buy an RV Before You Buy It: Learn which RV is right for you, how to negotiate with an RV dealer and more.
Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork and Backing: Covers towing, weights, hitch work and backing.
A Collection of RV Tips: A vast collection of tips from Mark that will save you time and money.
The 3 Primary Systems of an RV: LP Gas, Water & Electricity : How to use these primary systems of an RV.

The advice in this newsletter is that of RV Technician Mark Polk and other RV repair and maintenance experts. It is intended to provide readers with advice and education regarding the maintenance and repair of an RV. It is not intended to be the last word on the subject. Please consult with a qualified RV technician for a "second opinion," before undertaking a repair or RV maintenance project based solely on what you have read here.

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