Posted by RV Pro on Aug 26, 2009
Cheap gas prices have encouraged RVers to hit the highways this summer. The price of a gallon of regular unleaded hovered at a relatively comfortable $2.63 a gallon at the beginning of July, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report. That’s an average $1.50 less per gallon than we were paying last year, but it can still make for a hefty charge when you’re filling up the tank on a Class A motorhome. More RVers are adopting “green” driving techniques to maximize fuel savings and keep gas charges low.
Promoted by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, EcoDriving USA offers tips to help RVers and other motorists save money at the pump and reduce their carbon footprints by up to 15%. Here are some of our favorite tips.
> Turn off your engine while you’re waiting at the curb while mom runs in to pick up a gallon of milk. You can save half a gallon of fuel for every hour spent idling.
> Remain calm while driving. You can increase fuel economy by as much as 33% by avoiding rapid starts and stops and driving less aggressively.
>Slow down. Sit back and enjoy the scenery; after all, isn’t that one of the reasons you RV? Gas mileage diminishes quickly at speeds above 60 mph. Every 5 mph over 60 will cost you the equivalent of 20 cents more per gallon of gas.
>Pump up. Check tires often and keep them inflated to manufacturer’s specifications. Properly inflated tires can boost RV mileage by 3.3%.
Posted by RV Pro on Jul 01, 2009
Life amidst nature is one of the joys of RV living. The view outside your window is always spectacular; nature’s bounty, just outside your door. Perhaps because RVers live in the midst of nature they are more attuned to the need to protect our natural resources. Most RVers practice environmental conservation and recycling and are always looking for new ways to preserve the natural world that provides them so much pleasure. Of course, RVers are as economy-conscious as they are environmentally friendly. They know that going green saves green — in their wallet!
Here are some great ”go green” tips from fellow RVers that will help you reduce your carbon footprint, preserve resources and save a little cash in the bargain:
> If you’re embarking on a long RV trip, turn off utilities at home and unplug electronics and appliances before you leave to eliminate energy use while you’re gone.
> Consider adding solar panels to your RV’s roof to provide power while you’re on the road.
> Turn the water off when brushing your teeth, washing your hair or showering. Lather up, turn off the water, scrub, then turn the water on to rinse off.
> Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL or LED bulbs.
> Don’t let the water run while washing dishes. Fill the sink to wash; refill with clear water to dip-rinse dishes.
> Turn off the A/C and enjoy nature’s breezes.
> Patronize RV campgrounds that offer recycling or drop your recycling off at a local collection center.
> When you reach your destination, unhitch your vehicle to save gas while taking local jaunts. If you have a motorhome, consider towing a small, low-mileage car for local travel at your destination. If you’re traveling to a bike-friendly location, ditch the car and take your bikes.
Posted by RV Pro on Apr 22, 2009
There’s a sign you see at the entrance to many national and state parks: “Take only memories; leave only footprints.” It’s the RV credo. RVers account for the majority of campsite users in state and national parks; three times as many people camp in RVs than in tents. As major users of our nation’s parks, it’s the responsibility of RV owners to protect our country’s natural beauty for ourselves, for our fellow travelers, and for future generations.
In our last post, we talked about ways RV travelers can further reduce their already small carbon footprint. Today, we’ll share some tips for living green when you’re traveling in your RV:
* Pack it out. Inspect your campsite before leaving. You should take out with you everything you brought in. Use reusable storage bags for groceries, supplies and gear. Avoid buying products that use unnecessary packaging or that come in packaging that can’t be recycled.
* Recycle. While traveling, recycle cans, paper products and plastic containers. Many campgrounds and parks provide recycling receptacles. Remember to recycle when you perform regular vehicle maintenance on your RV. Many municipal facilities and some service stations will recycle old tires, used engine oil and batteries.
* Save water. Install a water-saver showerhead in your RV to reduce water use and save energy. Water-saving aerators can be screwed into the ends of most sink faucets to reduce water use. Don’t let the water run when showering, brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, etc.
* Green clean. Use natural, non-toxic cleaning products to clean up during and after your trip. New products on the market provide dependable cleaning power without using chemicals that harm the environment.
Posted by RV Pro on Apr 20, 2009
It’s no surprise that RV owners are environmentally conscious. When you spend your time traveling and living in the great outdoors, it pays to be kind to Mother Nature. Perhaps because they spend more time with nature than most other travelers, RVers have a reputation for being eco-friendly.
RV living produces an admirably small carbon footprint. Not only are RVs inexpensive to heat and cool, but they use far less energy than the typical home. According to RV Living Magazine, you’d have to drive your RV across the country four times — 12,430 miles — in one year to equal the energy use of the average American home.
You can make your carbon footprint even smaller by buying an RV manufactured from renewable resources, choosing an engine that runs on biodiesel fuel, or installing solar panels on the roof. Solar panels can generate enough energy to run appliances and RV systems, eliminating as much as 90% of generator use.
Here are a few more tips for going green in your RV:
* Flip the switch. Save energy by turning off electronics when they’re not in use.
* Plan ahead. Cut fuel consumption and travel time by planning trip routes in advance to avoid backtracking. Map your route with an internet mapping program (Google Maps, MapQuest, etc.), take advantage of auto club or AAA trip mapping, or use a GPS to find the most efficient route to your destination.
* Lighten the load. You’ll get better fuel mileage if you relieve your RV of unnecessary weight. Remove out-of-season gear, sporting goods, etc. Take things you don’t use out of closets and storage compartments. Only carry what you need and use. Even removing excess drinking water — which weighs 8.2 pounds per gallon — can make a difference in your mileage.
More Go Green tips Wednesday
Posted by RVT Admin on Feb 23, 2009
You recycle. You use energy-efficient CFL bulbs. Maybe you even drive a hybrid. You feel good that you’re doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Then you go on vacation. You hop a plane, rent a car and check into a hotel. Even if you choose an economy car and take advantage of reduced maid service and limited linen replacement — if it’s even offered — one vacation can stomp out months of energy savings at home. If you want to maintain a small carbon footprint when you vacation, RVing is the way to go green. Read More…
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