How to Plan an Energy-Efficient RV Trip in 7 Steps

As spring swings into full bloom, it’s time to start planning this year’s RV excursions. Whether you’re planning cross-country adventure or exploring parks closer to home, there are many opportunities to improve efficiency and be kinder to the environment. Join us on a journey to discover the seven steps to planning a more energy-efficient RV trip. By implementing some of the tips and tricks below, you’ll have improved RV performance, enabling you to see the beauty of America for many years to come. 

1. Optimize Fuel Efficiency
Instead of gunning the gas to get to your destination as soon as possible, take a slower approach. Driving at a slower, consistent speed optimizes fuel efficiency, leading to lower gas expenses. So set that cruise control and enjoy the ride!

 

Before driving off into the sunset, make sure to perform regular RV maintenance. Getting an oil change, checking tires, and completing a simple pre-road trip checklist improves fuel efficiency and provides peace of mind for your travels. Regular maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your RV and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns or appliance issues.

 

There are a variety of other unexpected factors that affect fuel efficiency and increase gas expenses. Avoid wasting gas while sitting in traffic by planning routes ahead of time and prioritizing travel around peak traffic. Weather conditions can also affect fuel efficiency. Avoid driving during periods of high wind, which impedes fuel efficiency and can be very unsafe for larger vehicles. Additionally, make an effort to travel as light as possible. Excess weight slows your vehicle down, requires more gas to achieve highway speeds, and causes additional tailpipe emissions. 

 

RVs are notorious for being gas-guzzlers, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. However, did you know that most RV models can make the switch to renewable biodiesel? There are more than 800 biodiesel fueling stations across North America, providing an eco-friendly way to fuel your next road trip. Check with the manufacturer if your RV is biodiesel compatible, so you can keep cruising while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

 

The appliances in your RV, especially with older models, can be dragging down your vacation. If your RV has appliances, consider whether they’re helping or hurting your RV’s efficiency. Older appliances are notorious energy hogs. If you spend a lot of time cooking inside your RV, upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances is a smart move. Energy Star is the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. Their seal indicates a high-performing appliance that won’t drain your energy resources. Get the most out of your RV battery and reduce shore power charges by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and RV components.

One of the quickest and most cost-effective efficiency upgrades is making the switch to interior and exterior LED lights. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lightbulbs use up to 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and las up to 15 times longer. Furthermore, they offer a better quality of illumination and many models come with smart features to optimize use even further. 

 

You can incorporate LEDs in your headlights, cabin lights, and appliances. Each LED lightbulb saves up to $55 over its lifetime. It’s a simple way to improve efficiency while reducing maintenance and energy costs. Make the switch to LEDs lightbulbs and illuminate your travels for many years to come!

 

Most RV generators are heavy equipment that substantially reduces fuel efficiency. They require additional fuel to generate power while also creating air and noise pollution in the process. If you’re looking to upgrade your power generation game, consider making the switch to renewable solar power.  

 

Solar panels are a renewable way to charge personal devices and small appliances while road tripping. Portable solar panels come in a wide variety of sizes and power generating capacity. They’re significantly less heavy than traditional generators and contribute to a healthier, more peaceful environment.  

 

Solar panels also provide greater flexibility, enabling reliable power when fully off-the-grid or boondocking. While newer RV models may come with solar panel upgrade options, you can also affix them to older models or opt for fully portable options that can be placed around your campsite. Whether you want to power small appliances or offset your RV’s entire energy demand, solar panels are a forward-thinking way to power your vacations.

 

Like your home, adequate RV insulation keeps warmth inside when it’s cold out and cold air inside when it’s hot out. Reduce the amount of extra fuel or energy resources needed to keep your home-away-from-home comfortable by improving insulation. This is another simple upgrade with a major impact on comfort. It’s as simple as applying weatherstripping to windows and doors or using caulk to seal gaps and cracks. As an added bonus, eliminating air leaks and filling cracks also helps improve fuel efficiency while on the road!

 

While it seems like a no-brainer, mindful parking practices are often overlooked. The less you run air conditioning or heating, the more energy-efficient your RV will be. Beyond improving your RV’s insulation, you can also park in the sun or shade to create a comfortable atmosphere. Think of where you park as natural climate control! On cooler days, parking your RV in direct sunlight can help naturally warm it. On warmer days, parking in the shade and using window shades can help keep the interior cooler. While this is a simple practice, it can significantly reduce the amount of RV heating and cooling used each trip.

 

As you begin preparations for this summer’s great adventures, don’t forget about the impact your RV can have on the environment.  A proactive approach to RV maintenance, a little bit of extra preparation, and energy conservation practices turns a traditional road trip into an eco-friendly getaway. If every RV camper takes one step to improve their efficiency and sustainability, the national parks will remain beautiful for generations to come.

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.