Energy Saving Tips Every RV Camper Should Know

Nothing feels better than taking a break from the daily hustle and bustle to find peace, fulfillment, and adventure in the wilderness. Campers and motorhomes offer a comfortable home away from home with all the modern conveniences. However, pulling up to the pump or plugging into a campsite that charges for usage can add a layer of financial stress to your getaway. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the cost of your next vacation by prioritizing energy efficiency upgrades and practices. Explore the six energy efficient practices and upgrades that set your RV up for smooth sailing on every voyage.

Energy efficiency means consuming less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same result. This practice involves using technology or human behavior to reduce energy waste.  Energy efficiency improves how homes, buildings, and vehicles function while reducing their environmental impacts.

Energy-efficient camping practices help you save money, conserve resources and protect the environment. Whether you’re limiting electrical power or learning to conserve fuels, energy efficiency provides a pathway to camping cost savings. 

 

Prioritizing fuel efficiency ensures that you arrive on time and on budget for your next getaway. Furthermore, practicing power conservation provides more cost savings at campsites that charge for electrical hook-ups. Beyond financial benefits, energy-efficient habits also extend the lifetime of your RV, appliances, and electronic devices.

 

The benefits of energy-efficient camping extend beyond yourself and your equipment. Reducing energy consumption also leads to fewer harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Your efficiency and conservation efforts contribute to a healthier national parks system for many generations to come.

An average sized RV consumes roughly 20 kilowatt-hours of energy per day. That’s equivalent to the daily energy usage of a small apartment! If your campground charges for power based on usage, those bills can become steep very quickly. Energy efficiency offers a method to reduce energy expenses and contribute to a healthier planet.

On average, RV campers weigh between 13,000-30,000 lbs, causing them to have poor gas mileage and quickly burn through fuel. Most RV owners are aware of their considerable gasoline needs at the time of purchase; however, there are opportunities to transform your camper into the most fuel-efficient RV it can be. 

 

Start by ensuring you have proper tire pressure, and all regular maintenance has been conducted before adventuring into the wilderness. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel mileage by 1-5 miles per gallon. Make the most of your trip and your fuel efficiency with thoughtful route planning.  Avoid roadways with stop-and-go traffic congestion. If you need to navigate high-traffic areas, leave at an “off-hour” to avoid rush hour traffic. It’s also important to thoughtfully pack supplies as excess weight and poor weight distribution will impact fuel efficiency.

 

When on the road, driving a bit slower than usual can help optimize the fuel efficiency of your RV. The faster your camper cruises along the highway, the faster your camper burns fuel. Furthermore, fuel efficiency worsens when you fluctuate speeds. Use cruise control to maintain a consistent highway speed of 55-65 MPH to get the most mileage per gallon. 

 

Nothing feels better than crisp, cold air after a hot summer afternoon outdoors. It can be highly tempting to crank up the air conditioning to full blast. However, the A/C reprieve from the heat could be costing you money and shortening the equipment’s lifespan by overworking it. 

One of the most effective ways to improve the performance of your camper’s A/C is by sealing any air leaks or gaps with weatherstripping or foil tape. Gaps, cracks, and air leaks create energy waste through temperature loss or gain. Sealants and weatherstripping eliminate energy waste, ensuring the cold air never escapes your RV haven. Incorporating small fans throughout your camper can improve airflow and climate distribution, further contributing to a comfortable trip.

 

Another effective tactic that can reduce the need for air conditioning is using sunlight and shade to your advantage. Once you arrive at your campsite, survey your surroundings for areas of natural shade and direct sunlight. On hot summer days, parking under a shady tree will keep your camper cool and comfortable. If camping during the colder months, parking in direct sunlight will naturally heat your camper. Thoughtful RV parking helps reduce the need for air conditioning or heating, resulting in unexpected cost savings.

A low-cost upgrade that dramatically improves RV efficiency are LED lighting solutions. LED lightbulbs are up to 90% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also have a significantly longer lifespan, saving on replacement costs. LED lighting can be added to both the interior and exterior of your camper. They even make LED headlights and refrigerator lights, saving additional energy and money in unexpected places. 

Investing in energy-efficient RV appliances can also make a big difference in the efficiency of your RV. While your RV or motorhome came fully equipped with the appliances you need, they might not be the most efficient. Inefficient RV appliances can waste valuable propane fuel or result in expensive electrical fees at the campground. 

 

Fortunately, RV owners can upgrade to appliances bearing the Energy Star seal. Energy star certification means that an appliance meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s stringent efficiency standards. You can trust that Energy Star appliances operate at peak efficiency with the latest technological advancements.

 

Some of the most impactful energy-efficient appliances are refrigerators, on-demand water heaters, and air conditioners. Induction cooktops are also a space-saving and energy efficient cooking solution. Many smaller cooking appliances, like toaster ovens, microwaves, or slow cookers, are cost-effective cooking methods that reduce energy consumption as well.

Many RV appliances rely on propane, especially when boondocking. In order to turn propane into usable energy, it must be combusted, resulting in harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, mindful use of your fuel not only makes your tank last longer but is kinder to the environment. When using propane, make sure to turn off all appliances when they are no longer in use to reduce energy waste. 

 

If using a propane-powered air conditioning unit, use window shades or foil coverings to improve insulation efforts. Conversely, to reduce propane-powered heating needs, make sure to pack wool blankets and appropriate clothing. Climate appropriate clothing and bedding enables you to maintain more comfortable temperatures with less reliance on heating appliances. By limiting propane usage, you’ll reduce your RV’s carbon footprint, contributing to a more environmentally friendly camping trip.

If you want to reduce emissions and shore power charges or rough-it without electrical hookups, renewable energy provides an alternate solution. Motorhomes and RVs can easily be upgraded with rooftop solar panels or battery storage systems. 

 

Solar panels have many applications around a campsite. Beyond a rooftop array, RV campers can purchase solar-powered outdoor lighting or portable PV panels. Portable solar panels come in a variety of sizes. You can choose a larger model to connect directly to your RV to generate electricity while you’re enjoying an afternoon outdoors. There are also handheld portable solar solutions that can power personal devices or small appliances.

 

While solar panels are a cost-effective investment, they don’t produce power unless the sun is shining. RV owners can improve the reliability and longevity of solar power by installing a battery storage solution. Energy storage comes is a wide variety of sizes. Portable battery storage can power phones or GPS devices during hikes and afternoon adventures. You can also invest in a larger RV storage solution to create a fully off-grid power system, ideal for long-term boondocking.

By incorporating these energy-saving tips, you can reduce costs, extend your RV’s lifespan, and minimize your environmental footprint. Energy-efficient practices not only save money but also contribute to preserving our natural surroundings for future generations. Embrace these strategies to enjoy more sustainable and affordable RV adventures.

Article by Kat.
Kat is a Cleveland transplant who hails from the Pacific Northwest. When she isn’t busy writing about sustainability and the energy industry, Kat is passionate about creating dialog and visual art illustrating the intersection of environmental conservatism and modern technology.