Basic to any RVing trip is, of course, driving and maintaining either the vehicle that pulls the towable or a motorhome. RVers are always learning better and more ways to do things. In this series of posts, I’ll share with you tips from experienced RVers that make driving safer and more fuel-efficient.
Driving and Mileage
- If semi trucks seem to blow you off the road when they pass you, Camping world sells a product called Steer Safe Stabilizer. It really helps also on soft shoulders. – Louis and Ann Beeler, Salome, AZ
- For those who need to limit the amount of fluids or caffeine they drink when traveling, freeze a small bottle of water, then put it in an insulated cup holder. You can sip from it all day as you drive. – Robert Witter, Westminster, MD
- As you approach a line of barrels in road construction areas, watch out for any that are protruding into your lane.
- Be alert to possible overhead obstructions. You’ll avoid having a tree limb, low gas station roof, or low overpass tear off your antenna or rooftop air conditioner or scratch or dent the exterior of your RV.
- Avoid driving downtown through a large city unless the interstate takes you through it. There is often construction, many traffic lights, and much traffic.
- To get better mileage, (1) avoid driving with the water tank full (a gallon of water weighs about 8.2 pounds), and (2) drive at 55 miles per hour for gasoline engines or in the economy mode for diesel engines. The more weight the engine has to pull, the more fuel it uses.
- If your new motorhome is getting terrible gas mileage, don’t despair. Once the coach is broken in, you can expect better mileage. (One trucker reported that he started to get maximum mileage when his vehicle’s odometer read 30,000 miles.)
- Keep a calculator handy in a dashboard compartment so you can quickly figure gas mileage. Divide the number of gallons of gas purchased into the number of miles traveled since the last fill-up.
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice
Bernice Beard
Joni, I’m so pleased that you have a new motorhome and know that you will enjoy it. Here are my suggestions about winterizing it: (1) Please refer to the owner’s manual for instructions. (2) Or you can have it done at an RV dealership if you don’t want to do it yourself. (3) Or search online for RV winterizing information. (4) Or please see my article, “Preparing the RV for Winter,” at http://www.rvatyourownpace.com/item.asp?recordid=winterprep&pagestyle=default. Best to you. Bernice
Joni Ausmus
Bernice,
I have a new motorhome class A. This is our first winter. We won’t be using it and was wondering what you need to do to winterize it? Any info would be helpful!
Thanks, Joni
Randy Arseneault
I would try an air hitch, that should soften your ride quite a bit. Check out airsafehitch.com, there is quite a bit of info on them here.
Good Luck,
Hopefully soon to be full timer, Randy
Ken Henry
Bernice,
Great tips and they are appreciated by many, I am sure!
Question: RE: What can be done to a Ram 3500 truck to make it ride better even when pulling a 5er? Modify the seats and or the the supspension and or both.
Details please from someone that has had success to the point that the wife is now a happy camper!
Truly there must be something that can solve most of this problem?
Regards…Ken