Travelling in a motorhome is synonymous with freedom and adventure, but it can also become a considerable expense if you don’t know how to save fuel in it. High fuel consumption can ruin your travel budget without you even realising it. However, there are simple tricks and effective tips that can help you optimise fuel consumption and reduce costs on the road.
Tricks and Tips
1. Keep Your Motorhome in Good Condition
Check the Tire Pressure
Change Air and Oil Filters Regularly
A dirty air filter reduces the amount of oxygen entering the engine, increasing fuel consumption. Keeping it clean improves the air-fuel mixture, optimising efficiency. Regular oil changes are also crucial, as they reduce friction and prevent wear, ensuring smoother operation and prolonging the life of your motorhome.
Control the Weight of the Motorhome
Every extra kilo increases fuel consumption. Review your luggage and only carry what’s necessary. Less weight, less expenditure.
2. Drive Efficiently
Maintain a Constant Speed
Don’t Exceed 90 km/h if You Want to Save Fuel
Motorhomes are not designed for high speeds, as their size and weight cause the engine to work harder when driving fast, increasing fuel consumption. Staying below 90 km/h not only improves the vehicle’s efficiency but also significantly reduces fuel expenditure and decreases wear on mechanical components. Additionally, driving at a moderate speed increases safety on the road and allows you to enjoy the landscape better during the trip.
Anticipate Braking
Observe traffic and brake gently. Every sudden stop means wasted energy that you’ll need to recover by accelerating again.
3.Optimise the Use of Air Conditioning and Heating
Excessive use of systems like air conditioning and heating can significantly increase fuel consumption, as they require additional energy from the engine to function. Keeping these devices on for long periods, especially when not strictly necessary, forces the vehicle to consume more. To optimise fuel consumption, it’s recommended to use them efficiently, combining them with other measures like natural ventilation or proper insulation of the motorhome.
Ventilate Naturally
Use Heating Efficiently
4. Plan Your Route
Avoid Traffic and Poor Roads
Use navigation apps that help you avoid traffic and complicated routes that may increase fuel consumption. Getting stuck in traffic or taking winding, hilly roads forces the engine to work harder, increasing consumption. Tools like Google Maps or Waze not only give you the fastest routes but also the most fuel-efficient ones. Moreover, these apps update information in real time, allowing you to adjust your route to save both time and fuel during the trip.
Choose Routes with Fewer Slopes
Climbs require more effort from the engine, which translates into higher fuel consumption. Opt for flatter routes when possible, as they allow you to maintain a constant speed and reduce consumption. If you can’t avoid slopes, try to tackle them at a moderate speed without sudden accelerations to minimise engine strain and optimise fuel performance.
5. Take Advantage of Weather Conditions
The weather also plays a significant role in fuel consumption, as adverse conditions like rain, strong winds, or snow increase resistance to the vehicle’s movement, forcing the engine to work harder. Moreover, in extreme temperatures, the use of systems like air conditioning or heating increases fuel expenditure. Planning your trips on days with favourable weather not only improves fuel efficiency but also makes the journey safer and more comfortable.
Drive in Good Weather to Save Fuel in Your Motorhome
Use Inertia to Your Advantage
When going downhill, take advantage of gravity and reduce speed without needing to brake abruptly.
6. Quality Fuel and Smart Refuelling
Not all fuel is the same, and how you use it also influences your expenditure. Choosing quality fuel improves engine performance, ensuring more efficient combustion and reducing long-term consumption. Additionally, filling up during the cooler times of the day, such as in the morning, can help you get more out of each litre, as fuel is denser and expands less. These small details make a difference in consumption efficiency during your trips.
Choose Trusted Service Stations
Fill Up in the Morning
7. Reduce the Use of Electrical Devices
Every electrical device connected to the motorhome consumes energy, and this energy partly comes from the fuel, as the engine has to work harder to generate electricity. Devices like chargers, appliances, or entertainment systems increase energy demand, translating into higher consumption. To save fuel, it’s recommended to disconnect devices you’re not using and opt for more efficient solutions, such as LED lighting or auxiliary batteries. These small changes can make a big difference in your travel efficiency.
Disconnect Unnecessary Devices
Avoid leaving devices plugged in that you’re not using, like chargers or small appliances.
Use LED Lighting
LED lights consume less energy than traditional bulbs, helping reduce overall energy expenditure.
8. Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of your motorhome can make a big difference in fuel consumption, as any element that increases wind resistance forces the engine to work harder. Accessories like roof racks, antennas, or poorly positioned panels can create turbulence that increases expenditure. Keeping the roof clear and windows and skylights properly closed while driving helps improve aerodynamic efficiency. These small adjustments not only reduce consumption but also contribute to smoother and more stable driving.
Avoid Unnecessary Roof Accessories
Roof racks, antennas, or poorly placed panels increase wind resistance. Remove what isn’t essential.
Keep Windows and Skylights Closed
This reduces wind resistance and improves fuel efficiency.
Start Travelling While Saving
Saving fuel in a motorhome is not complicated if you follow these tricks and tips. From proper maintenance to efficient driving and route planning, every detail counts. And don’t forget the extra tip about aerodynamics: keeping your motorhome as aerodynamic as possible can make all the difference in your expenses.
If you’re looking for the ideal motorhome for your next adventure, at Autocaravanas Piqueras you’ll find a wide range of efficient and well-equipped models that will help you optimise every kilometre travelled.
