You’re thinking about hitting the road in your brand new Heartland North Trail 22RBK, but first you need to learn how to maximize your RV MPG. When hitched up to your trailer, there are a lot of factors influencing the fuel economy of your tow car. Whether you already own a travel trailer or fifth wheel and are looking for best practices to improve your RV MPG, or you’re in the market for an RV that will help you save money at the pump, here are some ways to get more miles for your money:
How to Improve MPG When Towing Your RV
1. Maintenance
The number one rule for improving your mileage, with or without your RV, is to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual and perform required maintenance tasks when directed. Maintaining your vehicle will keep it running in tip-top shape, improving its efficiency and fuel economy. Be sure to also use the proper fuel as instructed by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If your vehicle requires premium fuel, don’t put in regular. This might save you upfront, but it’ll cause maintenance problems for you in the future.
2. Manage Your Weight
Weight can be a huge factor in fuel efficiency. Follow these best practices when loading up your RV:
Pay attention to your RV’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and don’t overload it. You can check your weight at many repair facilities or at truck stops that have scales.
You also want to make sure that the weight is evenly distributed in your coach when you’re loading up.
Don’t fill your water tanks unless you plan on dry camping. You can fill up at your campsite and don’t need the extra weight on your journey. One gallon of water weighs upwards of 8 pounds! That’s nearly 300 extra pounds for your 2014 Heartland North Trail 22RBK if you filled up the fresh water.
Along those same lines, make sure your waste tanks are dumped and flushed before you leave.
Think carefully about what you really need to take with you and what can be purchased near the campground. Firewood, for example, is usually easy to find near campgrounds, but can add a lot of weight if you take it with you.
3. Drive Consciously
Practice good driving habits to improve MPG when towing your RV. This includes keeping a steady pace, accelerating gradually and sticking to the speed limit. Use cruise control, but only when you’re on a nice, flat road.
The Heartland MPG and Other Small Trailers
You may have heard of the compact, affordable and MPG-friendly Heartland MPG travel trailer. Unfortunately, that product line has been discontinued, but there are similar units for the RV traveler looking for top quality at a more affordable rate. If you’re a Heartland fan, check out some of their other models. Otherwise, for a unit similar to the Heartland MPG, try something from the Jayco Jay Flight Swift series. This line of travel trailers features some of the best-selling RVs at Guaranty RV Super Centers. Like the Heartland MPG, these trailers are lightweight, affordable and can be pulled with most minivans, crossovers, small trucks and SUVs. You may not even have to upgrade your current vehicle, and if you choose to do so, you can pick something that gets better gas mileage.
For the weekend warrior, the Jayco Jay Flight 145RB Swift will save you money upfront and on fuel later on. This affordable little trailer is 16’ long and with a GVWR just under 3,000 pounds. This lightweight unit will put less strain on your tow car, sapping less fuel.
For more tips on how to improve your MPG when you’re travelling with your RV, give us a call at Guaranty RV. To find your fuel-efficient dream RV, come on by to check out a Jayco Jay Flight SWIFT or take a look at units from the variety of manufacturers we carry.
