Go Green Tips for RV Travelers

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