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Readers'
comments:
(Latest
first)
Tanya
:
Mimi, there's more to being environmentally friendly than just how much it takes to fill your tank. Did you know that the majority of the electricity we use comes from fossil fuel? It's not just cars that are doing the damage, but our AC/Heating units. The entire planet would greatly benefit if everyone sold their obselete, monstrosity of a house and moved into an RV. Less space, less utility, AND Rvers are more likely to use solar or turbines. Why I don't see more turbines on RVs, I have no idea since driving down the road would charge those batteries in no time.
Jose Hermand
:
We use very little energy full-timing. In a house we used more. We only heat and cool our little space and we have 2 solar panels. We move about 6 times in a year traveling about 6000 miles total and use less gas in total than most commuters. Our toad is a jeep and gets 26 mpg. We use less water than an average house and have no irrigation to supply.
andy101usa
:
Green depends on what your driving habits are and how you treat the camp areas you stay at.
We pull a 17 casita. Very lightweight and we never exceed 62mph.
As far as econmical well we do 3 day weekends a lot. Travel distances of 150 to 225 miles one way. $gas around $100 RT and food $?40 to 60. So apx $160 total. Two nights in a motel 6..At least $150 plus meals.. Answer is even at $5 a gal it is still economical.
Terry
:
I think RVs should have more solar power. I have a small solar panel on my Fleetwood but it could be much bigger. It's difficult and expensive to retrofit these but the manufacturer could and should build much bigger panels in when new.
Pat H
:
I spent $500 on gas yesterday, I suppose driving a class A motorhome is not very friendly for the environment. Maybe a class B would be better. But we're traveling less and staying more and so we do less miles so that's environment friendly. We also boondock sometimes and we've just got a bigger solar panel. We're fulltime and we use less resources than a house dweller. We use very little water and we use less heat and cooling.
Paul K
:
Why haven't the truck manufacturers and engine builders improved their designs. Engines should be more fuel efficient. More money should be spent on research and development to improve design, hybrids, etc.
Mimi
:
I think you're crazy! It costs me over $500.00 to fill my tank and all I'm getting is about 6.33 miles to the gallon. Hardly "friendly" at all.
fredb
:
The rest of America could benefit from seeing how little energy RVers use with only 30 to 50amp service providing for their daily living needs.
Lcd TVs as well as LED lighting are ways to significantly reduce weight and energy usage. Articles on LED lighting are appreciated.
Keep up the good work ROTI. Other mags..eat your heart out. ROTI is king of RV publications. Thanks.
Lori
:
I lived in Korea for several years in what was considered a "big" apartment - all of about 250 square feet! My husband and I and our 2 small dogs are about to move out of our 3bd/3ba condo into a 37' 5th wheel fulltime. We have been conditioned in our society to think we NEED "stuff". We really only need the basics and I am much happier for coming to the realization of it.
rt76
:
I think totally green is the way forward and I wish RV manufacturers would start to think that way. Where are the hybrid RVs and environmentally friendly materials?
Poppa Joe
:
This is 2008! We should have had fuel cells, solar panels and so many other fuel and enviromental impacting items - it's plain silly. Come on RV industry, step forward and lead everyone else into the future. Believe me after years and years of BS from the government, auto industry and big oil companies we would welcome you. Step out there and lead everyone!
RAE2059
:
Small IS planet friendly!! I don't understand why everyone doesn't agree. I lived in Atlanta for 58 years and it just got bigger and everything got worse. The roads the pollution the water. I bought a 26' motor home and now I live where I want and how I want. I don't regret getting rid of anything and my life is better than ever.
Oldman
:
We have an 18 ft. Alpenlite 5th wheel, which is just right for my wife and I. I like the 5th wheel because the bed is always made up and you don't have to take it apart to have couch to sit on when you move on.
It's much better than "moteling" it as you don't have to haul suitcases in and out every time you stay over night. I hate living out of suitcases. And you don't have to worry about getting off the road early to ensure getting a room for the night. Also you can stop wherever you want to stop, whether there is a motel around or not. 18ft. is not all that big, but is plenty adequate for two people.
Walter S
:
RVs also should improve fuel economy. Hybrid and fuel cell tech should be in the forefront. Incorporating hybrid technology would be very interesting and save on energy as well as improve the RV image with respect to the environment. Glad to see any developments
Connie C
:
We're already retired and we love being fulltimers. Can't think of anything we'd rather be doing. The thing we like most is seeing different parts of this beautiful country. The thing we like least is diesel fuel prices!
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