While gas prices have dropped recently (in October and November) from the rates we saw earlier this year (in July and August), it still pays to drive efficiently. And, of course, it always pays to drive safely and comfortably. Here are more tips regarding driving, mileage and fuel:
Driving and Mileage
- Keep your gas tank at least one-fourth full at all times. If you’re in an area where gasoline stations are few and far between, try to keep the tank more than half full.
- Always expect road construction when you travel—you won’t be disappointed.
- If you get a flat tire on the road, first of all move out of traffic lanes. Then decide if you will change it yourself, use an emergency road service, or look up a local service or truck service center. Many people with Type C motorhomes or trailers or fifth wheels can change a flat tire themselves as if it were a car tire. If you decide to change the tire yourself, consult the owner’s manual, then see if your vehicle is equipped with the tools you need. If you have an emergency road service plan with an organization such as AAA, Good Sam, or Family Motor Coach Association, you can call the organization for help. Otherwise, search out a local service center. For a heavy RV, you will probably need to find a truck service center.
- On a road with three lanes, consider which lane you want to drive in. By driving in the right-hand lane, you have to watch for traffic on only one side. On the other hand, if you drive in the middle lane, trucks and faster traffic can pass you from the rear on either side.
- Try to keep your last travel day short. If you arrive home by midafternoon, you’ll be able to unload in daylight and do all the necessary tasks when you’re not weary from a long day’s travel.
- If you don’t keep your headlights on all the time, be sure to turn them on when it rains. In many states, you’re required to do so.
- When it’s time to fuel the RV, choose a gas station carefully. Using a gas station on the right side of the street is easier than crossing traffic. Before pulling up to the pump, check to see how the station is laid out. Is the roof over the pumps high enough to clear the fifth wheel or motorhome? Is there enough room to maneuver to and from the gas pumps? Are the entrance and exit level enough that the rear hitch on the motorhome won’t drag on the ground?
- Truck stop stores carry all kinds of merchandise that truckers (or tourists) might need or want—from travel logs to clothes to snacks and souvenirs. And of course the adjoining restaurants usually serve good food because that’s especially important to people making their living on the road.
- Truck stops stay open all night. You can buy a directory there that lists the locations of truck stops across the country or find various online listing sites simply by searching via your favorite search engine.
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice