RV Fuel Efficiency: Real Tips to Save Money on Gas
After putting over 50,000 miles on my RV, I've learned a thing or two about saving fuel. When I first started, I was getting about 7 MPG. Now, I consistently get 9-10 MPG. Here's how I did it.
The Speed Sweet Spot
I discovered that driving at 62-65 mph is the sweet spot for most RVs. Sure, you could go faster, but every 5 mph over 65 can reduce fuel economy by up to 5%. On my last trip from Arizona to Colorado, this simple change saved me about $100 in fuel costs.
Maintenance Matters
- Tire pressure: Check weekly (saved me 0.6 MPG)
- Air filters: Clean monthly (0.3 MPG improvement)
- Engine tune-up: Every 10,000 miles (1 MPG boost)
Weight Reduction Tips
Every 100 pounds you remove can improve fuel efficiency by 2%. Here's what worked for me:
- Only fill water tanks when needed
- Remove unused equipment
- Use lighter-weight alternatives for supplies
- Regular decluttering (you won't believe what accumulates!)
Quick Savings Example
On a 1,000-mile trip at $3.50/gallon:
- At 7 MPG: $500 in fuel
- At 9 MPG: $389 in fuel
- Potential savings: $111
Calculate Your Fuel Costs
Use our RV Cost Calculator to estimate your fuel expenses based on your specific RV and travel plans.