Discover how to reduce the fuel consumption of your motorhome
One of the things that worries us most when we go on a trip is fuel consumption. Today, in our blog, we tell you 10 ways to reduce this when travelling with your motorhome. Be attentive and take note! You can save up to five litres for 100 kilometres that you drive.
Make your motorhome trip not only unique, but also a practical, economical experience. The perfect combo!
1. Moderate speed
Without any hurry and savouring every kilometre. What makes travelling by motorhome unique is that, not only can you enjoy the destination (or destinations) you are heading to, but also the road. How many landscapes and places would you miss if it wasn’t like this!
Caravanning allows you to adapt your travel itinerary to the time you have, your preferences and needs. Do you want to stop at a viewpoint to look at the views or do you feel like visiting the village you are passing through and want to buy something typical of the area? Do it!
To reduce the fuel consumption of your motorhome, make sure that you steadily drive at the speed indicated on the road and without sudden changes in speed. With this tip, not only will your pocket benefit, but you will also enjoy your trip even more.
2. Proper use of gears and control of the revolutions.
In addition to maintaining a steady, moderate speed, you should pay attention to the gears and how these affect the revolution counter. It is as important to avoid speeding as it is to avoid going too slow.
If you have a motorhome with a manual gearbox, control the gears and try to keep the revolutions steady, this way you will avoid them increasing too much and so reducing the power and strength of your motorhome.
It is important to know that, if you change gear below 1300 rpm, you will have to accelerate for your motorhome to "pick up power", which will put the EGR valve at risk of failure.
3. Control going uphill and downhill.
Take advantage of downhill momentum to increase speed (if necessary) without having to increase fuel consumption to do so.
On the other hand, be careful when going up hills! Pay more attention to speed control: if possible, prepare for the climb ahead of time to maintain a steady pace without having to increase revolutions.
4. Weight in your motorhome.
Travel just with what is necessary. We advise you to discard the "just in case" things and live an authentic caravanning adventure: simple and minimalist. And we are not only referring to clothing, but also to the pantry, eat seasonal, zero km products
All this, in addition to reducing the weight of your motorhome, will also reduce fuel consumption.
5. Tyre pressure.
One of the mandatory checks before setting off with your motorhome is to check the condition of the tyres. In addition to safety and to avoid punctures and blow-outs, travelling by motorhome with the correct tyre pressure will help you maintain optimal fuel consumption.
How can you know what is the correct tyre pressure for your motorhome? This information can be found in your Benimar manual, and you can also contact your dealer if you have any further questions.
6. Turn off the air conditioning system.
Whenever possible, do not use air conditioning. It is an excellent way to reduce fuel consumption during motorhome trips.
Is it cold? Try wearing warmer clothing, without reducing your driving mobility. It is important to be comfortable and agile.
Is it hot? If you are driving on secondary roads at a moderate/slow speed, you can open the windows. The outside air will refresh you and the feeling of being in contact with the environment will be great. Be careful if you drive on main roads such as motorways or toll roads! In this case, the speed will be higher and it is better to close the windows, since opening them reduces the vehicle’s aerodynamics and increases fuel consumption.
7. Keeping maintenance up to date
A constant, correct maintenance of your motorhome will make everything work optimally, and that will help you to avoid extra fuel consumption.
Carry out the corresponding annual inspections, not only to save fuel in your motorhome, but also for safety.
8. Use the engine brake.
Engine brake. This is a more efficient form of driving, in addition to preventing the brake from heating up, it will help you save fuel.
What does braking with the engine mean? Braking through down-shifting. With this method, braking is progressive and "pleasant" for both the motorhome and its occupants. It will also help to optimise the revolutions as mentioned in the previous section.
9. Find the cheapest fuel.
It sounds logical but it is important to keep in mind. Not all petrol stations have the same price for fuel, so plan your stops so you can fill up at the one that suits you best.
Currently there are many location-based apps that not only show you the nearest refuelling points but also give you a very visual comparison of prices.
10. 2022 Fuel subsidies
How long will the government subsidise fuel purchases?
According to the government, the 2022 fuel subsidies will be extended until 30 September.
In addition to this, many service stations have offers, discount coupons through membership cards, etc. You can get information and make use of the ones that most interest you.
Did you know these tips? Now you have no excuse not to put them into practice on your next getaway and make the most of your travel budget.