Guest Author - Evanne Schmarder

I once read about a couple that had a unique method for saving fuel on their RV trips. Each morning they’d gauge the wind direction and set out for destinations unknown with the wind at their back. Guess it worked for them but I can’t see this taking root in the general traveling public - can you?

If you’re anything like me, you cringe when you get a glimpse of current fuel prices. Today, a gallon under 3 bucks is a deal. Affinity cards at stations such as Love’s, Flying J, and even Safeway, to name a few, certainly help (I just received a .10/gallon discount at Safeway). Even so, motorhomes and their 100+ gallon tanks and pick-up trucks with their 35+ gallon capacities can put a dent in any traveler’s budget.

Don't hang up the keys just yet - all is not lost. There are a few tricks, tips and ideas that will help you with fuel economy. Take a look and decide what may work for you.

• Travel closer to home

The beauty of this country is amazing. Have you explored camping opportunities in a 50-100 mile range of your home? Perhaps there’s a mountain hamlet that beckons, a beach community that excites the whole family or another vacation paradise not too far away. State visitor bureaus can offer you plenty of hidden gems to uncover.

• Stay longer or consider storing your RV at your camp of choice and returning frequently

Many campgrounds offer specials that allow “locals” to store their campers during the week and enjoy a weekend vacation getaway. Ask your favorite “close to home” campground if they can accommodate you in this manner.

• Carry as little weight as possible

Just like our bodies, the less weight we carry in our campers the easier and more efficient our engines run. Bring the items you need but avoid excessive packing. Also keep in mind the weight of your holding tanks. A gallon of liquid weighs about 8 pounds – if at all possible travel empty.

• Drive 55

Everyone wants to get to their destination as quickly as possible leaving more time to sit back and relax. However, you can reap an average fuel savings of nearly 12% if you slow it down a bit. Additionally, if you’re towing a trailer remember that trailer tires are designed to go no faster than 65 mph and have a tendency to fail at greater speeds. Something to think about, huh?

• Practice steady starts and smooth stops

Avoid tromping on the gas pedal when a light turns green or the brakes when you approach a stopping situation. Steady as she goes. And remember, you’re on vacation. Aggressive driving – tailgating, excessive lane changing, speeding around a slow poke, etc. – can cost you nearly 31% more in fuel.

• Engage cruise control

If road conditions allow and your vehicle has cruise control, use it. The consistent fuel supply to your engine can save you an average of 7% - not to mention relieving leg fatigue.

• Avoid excessive idling

Except for a cool down period after long drives, avoid excessive idling – this includes start up. Studies have shown that if you are going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turning your engine off can deliver fuel savings of up to nearly 19%.

• Check tire pressure

By inflating and maintaining your tires to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended psi (pounds/square inch) - which can be found inside the vehicle’s driver’s door – you not only travel safer but you save fuel dollars.

• Employ good engine maintenance

Keep your engine in tip-top shape by changing your oil and transmission fluid at recommended intervals and tuning up (if you have a gas engine). This important step will save at the pump as well as prolong your vehicles life. Love that!

And my husband’s favorite…washing and waxing your vehicle – the more smooth and waxed your vehicle is the less friction you'll encounter. Well, that’s his theory at least.