At The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) we hear a lot from our members about some of the biggest expenses when it comes to RVing. Commonly, there’s maintenance, repairs, tires, and general operating costs such as insurance and fuel. Fuel probably already was at or near the top of the list of major expenses for most RV owners, and with prices continuing to climb, it’s becoming even more so.
We know that as we gear up to hit the road this spring, everyone’s pocketbooks are starting to feel the pinch. So, we’ve come up with a list of suggestions on how you can save a little money when it comes to fueling up.
Tire Pressure Is Important
It is important to make sure that your tires are inflated properly. Whether you have a motorhome, conventional travel trailer, or a fifth-wheel, all of your tires should be checked, including those on your towing/towed vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that you can improve your gas mileage by 0.6% on average — up to 3% in some cases — by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in the average pressure of all tires. An added bonus is that properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
Take A Load Off
While all RVs have weight limits that should be adhered to for safety reasons, you could also be saving yourself a little bit of pocket change by making sure you aren’t hauling around unneeded pounds. A lighter load is more cost-efficient. So, it’s important to plan out what you are packing and where you are going. Maybe you can fill up on water when you get to your location. Do they have a grill or fire pit? Consider leaving yours behind. Also, make sure you are emptying your waste tanks regularly before hitting the road. This alone can take a few extra pounds off the weight of your RV.
Get The Apps
Many different apps can help you save a little money on fuel prices. Apps such as GasBuddy and Gas Guru use your location to provide you with a list of current fuel prices in the area. These apps allow you to filter the list by fuel grade, price, payment, and distance to the filling station. Plus, GasBuddy and Gas Guru are free apps, and you don’t need to create an account.
Utilize Fuel Discounts
Many stores and fuel stations have loyalty programs that give you discounts on fuel for every dollar spent at their stores. Kroger, for example, is located in 38 states and has a loyalty program that helps you save on fuel every time you shop. You earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Once you reach 100 points, you receive $0.10 off a gallon up to so many gallons of fuel.
With an FMCA membership, you gain access to the TCS Fuel Discount Card, which can save you an average of $0.34 per gallon for diesel fuel at their in-network locations.
Thinking Outside the Box (A/C)
A clever trick motorhome owners can use is to run their rooftop A/C unit to cool down the RV interior before hitting the road. Staying hooked up to the campground electric as long as possible prior to departure and cooling the inside down allows you to avoid running the dashboard A/C (at least for a while) and to save a little fuel in the process.
Don’t own a motorhome? Then consider other ways of limiting the use of your vehicle’s A/C unit. Drive in the early mornings or late evenings when it’s cooler outside, or consider cracking open the windows when the opportunity presents itself.
Cruise Control is Key
It’s simple: by using cruise control to set the pace, you can improve your overall fuel efficiency. This is because you are avoiding rapid acceleration, speeding, and frequent braking, which cause more fuel to be used in the driving process. Maintaining a set pace for your RV allows for an easy ride and fuel savings.
We all like to keep our travel expenses as low as possible so that we can add miles and miles of more fun. With rising fuel prices and no real end in sight, it will pay for us to slow down and enjoy the view a little more. Lowering our speed a bit saves fuel and also reminds us to take time to enjoy the scenery. And that’s a good tip regardless of fuel prices. Also, don’t forget to utilize the resources offered with your FMCA membership.
