If you live in or near Walcott, Iowa, you have excellent access to the Midwest states and all the fabulous destinations they offer to RV campers. With the cost of fuel still high, you might be worried about fuel efficiency while you’re towing. It’s no secret that you burn more fuel when you tow an RV, which costs you more money and has a negative impact on the environment. But you don’t have to stick close to home or cancel your plans—just follow our tips on how to maximize fuel efficiency while towing your RV.
Preparing Your RV and Tow Vehicle for Optimal Performance
Before taking your RV on the road, we recommend you do some important maintenance. If you winterized your RV, you’ll want to perform the following RV services before setting out:
- Dewinterize your RV.
- Inspect the tires and roof.
- Check and charge your RV’s battery and appliances.
- Service your RV’s generator and air conditioning.
Your tow vehicle also needs some attention before you start your road trip. Take the following steps to ensure you maximize its performance and efficiency:
- Change your vehicle’s engine oil and filter.
- Check the air filter and replace it if needed.
- Inspect the tires.
- Service your vehicle’s battery.
Small things such as a clogged air filter or underinflated tires can lead to higher fuel costs. Taking these steps will help your tow vehicle and trailer run at their peak performance and get better miles per gallon.
Optimizing Your Tow Vehicle’s Aerodynamics
Most trucks have aerodynamic designs that get the best gas mileage towing. You might be considering adding a truck topper or camper shell for additional cargo space and sleeping quarters. Our customers often ask us, does a camper shell affect gas mileage? The answer depends on the type of shell or topper you use. Many drivers find that cab-high shells and toppers have the least impact on towing fuel efficiency—1-2 mpg lower compared to shells that rise above the cab’s height.
The best towing vehicle with good gas mileage will likely experience lower fuel efficiency when an equipped shell rises above the cab’s height. The shell creates additional drag that makes your vehicle work harder, and just the added weight alone can reduce fuel efficiency.
If you need the space, we recommend you shop for toppers and shells with aerodynamic designs that will help get the best travel trailer miles per gallon on every trip.
Choosing the Best Tow Vehicle for Fuel Efficiency
It’s important to find the best gas mileage tow vehicle to suit your needs. Engine type plays a significant role in fuel efficiency. Diesel engines burn less fuel, but diesel costs more than gas. However, diesel engines often have higher tow ratings because they produce more torque than gas engines, making them ideal choices for towing.
That doesn’t mean you can’t find a fuel-efficient gas engine that will get the job done. In fact, some of the best fuel economy towing vehicles operate on gas thanks to advanced engine technologies. Turbochargers, direct injection, and variable valve timing help maximize power and efficiency while towing.
More recent advancements such as idle stop-and-go functions and cylinder deactivation also reduce fuel consumption. The best fuel economy towing vehicles often have these new systems. Cylinder deactivation will shut down up to half your engine’s cylinders when you reach cruising speeds on the highway, which can save you a lot of money.
Driving Techniques To Enhance Fuel Efficiency
Practicing certain driving techniques can improve your tow vehicle’s fuel efficiency. For example, maintain a comfortable speed that matches the traffic flow and avoid constant passing of other vehicles. Many new trucks have adaptive cruise control. This system uses radar and cameras to keep you at a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead without driver input, automatically slowing you down and speeding you up as the traffic changes.
Idling for long periods needlessly burns fuel because it doesn’t take you anywhere. If you find yourself in a traffic jam, maybe it’s time to pull over and get some lunch and let the traffic clear.
Enhancing Aerodynamics for Better Performance
You can improve your tow vehicle’s aerodynamics to get better fuel economy. Reducing vehicle drag—the force that works in the opposite direction of a moving object—will improve efficiency. Consider a front air dam, an attachment to your front lower bumper that redirects airflow.
The overall weight of your vehicle and trailer creates a certain drag, so packing light will help save you money on fuel. Consider buying what you need when you arrive at your destination if you can, rather than packing it.
Strategic Route Planning for Efficient Towing
Given that you’re on vacation, it’s smart to choose the scenic route. Map out your route to avoid high-traffic areas that can slow you down and use more fuel. We also suggest you find less hilly terrain if you can. Go around the mountain rather than over it, as your engine can consume quite a bit of fuel towing up hills.
Maintenance Tips for Maximizing Towing Efficiency
Keeping your tow vehicle in tip-top shape will maximize its efficiency. Fresh oil, clean air filters, and routine tuneups will keep your engine running at its peak. Your transmission’s health can also improve efficiency, so don’t overlook this important component. Maintain your transmission and flush its fluid as often as the manufacturer recommends, and you’ll get better gas mileage.
Achieving Maximum Fuel Efficiency While Enjoying Your RV Experience
As you plan your next RV adventure, remember to properly inspect and maintain your tow vehicle and RV to get the best mileage and performance. Also consider any changes you can make to enhance your aerodynamics and reduce drag.
If you have questions on how to improve your fuel efficiency or need expert service on your RV, we invite you to contact our professional staff at Cheyenne Camping Center for assistance. They’ll answer all your questions and help you make informed decisions on how to create an efficient, cost-effective RV towing experience.
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