How to save gas??

[Tyler6357]

Okay, I've been trying to think of ways to save gas for my motorhome. I hate to give up the open road in style because of gas prices because if I do the terrorists win! Here are some ideas my mind could think up, remember, every little bit helps.


- Always have the correct tire pressure in each tire before you leave
- Wax coach and clean front window! A clean smooth exterior can improve gas mileage
- Travel light! If you don't need it, leave it at home!!
- Keep water tanks at near empty when traveling
- Solar panels help save on generator use (how true is this? is it really worth it?)
- Don't put on heavy awnings that screw up the aerodynamics of your coach! Instead use a light canopy that you can take down and stow away for travel.
- Plan out your gas stops at the cheapest gas stations possible
- Lower average speed and enjoy the ride
- Avoid using cruse control (I hear that you will use more gas when in use, is that true?)
- Use a light, fuel efficient toad or when possible, none at all.
- Take shorter trips (I hate this option!)


Okay, I don't have a toad except for this, it's light, gets 150 mpg! It is totally legal in my state and I'm still under 50 so I can still ride it. But what am I leaving out? Anyone have any other ideas to add to this list? How much does solar really help with generator use? If you have any ideas, no matter how crazy, feel free to throw them out here.

[alba07]

We decided to make up the difference in fuel cost by not eating out or buying stuff while we're RVing. Other than that, we're not changing our RVing lifestyle.

[Coma]

In general, cruise control should be used. It makes smaller corrections more often.

[JJH3rd]

- Solar panels help save on generator use (how true is this? is it really worth it?)

Here's a real trade off: The strategy behind solar power on a MH is to charge batteries. The more batteries you have charged up the longer (Watt Hours) you can supply your coach's electric power from the inverter -battery system, to use when the sun is below the horizion or is obscured by clouds or a total solar eclipse . This means adding several big heavy batteries => more weight => more fuel consumption.

[RVNeophytes2]

Originally Posted by Tyler6357

- Take shorter trips (I hate this option!)

We've discovered some real gems, in our backyard. Our shortest weekend getaway so far: 12 miles.

[Ramblin]

Plan each leg of your trip around wind forecasts so you always have a tailwind. Literally, go where the wind blows you (or wait till the wind blows in the direction you want to go)

[bsirby]

We are going to stay longer at most locations. Usually weekly and monthly fees are less then 2-4 day stays. And you are not buying gas for the MH, just the toad to get around in.

[jwomack]

Hope the price of oil stays over $100. Remember 2008 when everyone whined about high fuel prices? They got their wish and prices came down - and the economy absolutely tanked, real estate values plummeted, and unemployment skyrocketed. Added 2 years to my working career instead of retiring at 65 and hitting the road. Be careful what you wish for, you might get it.

[Tyler6357]

Originally Posted by Ramblin

Plan each leg of your trip around wind forecasts so you always have a tailwind. Literally, go where the wind blows you (or wait till the wind blows in the direction you want to go)

This is actually a really great idea. Wind resistance is a huge factor. Great suggestion! That's what I'm talking about!!

We are going to stay longer at most locations. Usually weekly and monthly fees are less then 2-4 day stays. And you are not buying gas for the MH, just the toad to get around in.

Stay longer to make it worth all the cash you spent to get there, I like the way you think!

[historyljc]

Use the cruise control, it will save you fuel. Don't make the trip so much work that you can't enjoy it. That's being "penny wise and pound foolish".

[farmallbob]

park

[ronspradley]

Nothing affects fuel mileage as much as speed traveled. I run my old motor home on cruise at 60 mph. Much better than at 65 or higher. Never thought about "going where the wind blows" but that is a great idea.

And fuel in the morning. Fuel expands with a rise in temperature so you do not get as much for each gallon purchased.

ronspradley

[baraff]

Originally Posted by Ramblin

Plan each leg of your trip around wind forecasts so you always have a tailwind. Literally, go where the wind blows you (or wait till the wind blows in the direction you want to go)

This pretty much describes our sailing trip planning, when we used to sail Lake Michigan. It never worked out that way. No matter how well we planned it the wind was always "on the nose" and we would spend two weeks motoring instead of sailing.

[rjf7g]

"Drive like you don't have brakes." This was my dad's secret as he won his company's fuel mileage award every year as a long haul truck driver.