| Today we're going to be discussing something | | | | shut the engine off. |
| near and dear to all of us, especially RV owners. | | | | * Using overdrive whenever you can saves fuel |
| How can you improve your fuel economy? The | | | | by decreasing the engines speed. |
| 99 cents a gallon days are long gone. We'll | | | | * Using the cruise control whenever possible |
| probably be lucky to see the $2.80 a gallon days | | | | saves fuel because it keeps the vehicle at a |
| again and depending on what part of the country | | | | constant speed rather than variable speeds. This |
| you live in, you may be lucky to see the $2.30 a | | | | applies when you are driving on a relatively flat |
| gallon days again. It took a while but as with | | | | surface. Keep in mind the over 60 mph rule |
| everything else you eventually accept the fact | | | | applies here too. |
| that higher fuel prices are here to stay. | | | | * Keeping the vehicle tuned up and in top running |
| I for one am not going to let sky rocketing fuel | | | | condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can |
| prices change my plans for using and enjoying our | | | | lower fuel economy by 10 to 20%. |
| RV. So, with that said and a motor home that | | | | * Poor emissions and / or a faulty oxygen sensor |
| averages 7 to 8 miles to a gallon I am forced to | | | | can cause a 40% reduction in fuel economy. Can |
| find ways to save on fuel rather than waiting and | | | | you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION. |
| hoping that fuel prices will go down. After a little | | | | * Following the recommended service and |
| research, I was surprised to learn how easy it can | | | | maintenance schedules will save you fuel. |
| be to improve our fuel economy. Whether you're | | | | * Using the recommended grade of motor oil will |
| towing a trailer or driving a motor home there are | | | | increase fuel economy by 1 to 2%. |
| many ways to improve fuel economy. By | | | | * Using synthetic oils will increase fuel economy |
| performing some simple maintenance procedures | | | | by 2 or more percent. |
| and changing our driving habits a little we can save | | | | * Speeding and rapid acceleration reduces fuel |
| a significant amount of fuel. | | | | economy anywhere from 5 to 33% depending on |
| One shocking discovery was that for each 5mph | | | | your individual driving habits. |
| you go over 60mph is equivalent to paying 10 | | | | * Added weight that you don't need reduces fuel |
| cents more per gallon. So if you're traveling down | | | | economy significantly. We're all guilty of this one! |
| the Interstate at 75 mph add 30 cents to the | | | | * Only using the dash air conditioner when it is |
| price on the pump! Wow, that can add up quick. If | | | | absolutely necessary will save a significant amount |
| fuel prices drop to $2.55 a gallon you'll still be | | | | of fuel. |
| paying $2.85 a gallon. | | | | * Use regular gas unless your owner's manual |
| So how can we improve our fuel economy? | | | | specifies a higher octane gas. You're just throwing |
| * Talk to other RVers that have a motor home | | | | money away when you pay the extra money for |
| or tow vehicle and trailer similar to yours. | | | | premium fuel. |
| Compare gas mileage. If there is a significant | | | | Do you know how many miles you get to a gallon |
| difference compare notes and try to determine | | | | of gas? Here's how to find out. Fill the fuel tank |
| what makes the difference. | | | | and write down the odometer reading. The next |
| * Something as simple as a clean air filter can | | | | time you stop for gas fill the tank again. Now |
| improve your fuel economy up to 10%. | | | | divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by |
| * Checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the | | | | the amount of gas you bought the second time |
| proper pressure can increase fuel economy by | | | | you filled up. This is how many miles you are |
| 3%, not to mention preventing premature tire | | | | getting to a gallon of gas. We may have no |
| wear and failures or blowouts caused by over or | | | | control over the prices at the pump, but as you |
| under-inflated tires. Tires can look normal when | | | | can see we have total control over getting the |
| they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air | | | | most out of the fuel we put in our tank. |
| pressure guage and check your tires when | | | | Happy Camping, |
| they're cold, before traveling more than one mile. | | | | Mark |
| * Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you're going to | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |
| be sitting still for more than a couple of minutes | | | | |