Ecodriving - the benefits for RVers - RoTi's golden rules- Roaming Times
Roaming Times home page Subscribe to Roaming Times newsletter RV reviews Links to other Roaming Times sections Links to RV-related services and products Roaming Times - now combined with RVing Times - RV resources and links to other sections on Roaming Times



ECODRIVING - HOW RVers CAN BENEFIT

Reduced fuel consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions
and reduced accident rates

Ecodriving has been adopted widely by many European countries.  In some, Sweden for example, it is now part of the requirements for the driving test!

Roaming Times believes it is particularly useful for our readers in times of increasing fuel prices and increasing environmental concern, because:

  • You can reduce your fuel consumption - by 10-15% or even more
  • You can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions - we all need to help
  • You can cut accident rates
RoTi's GOLDEN RULES FOR RVers
R Reduce your speed - if you drive at 55 instead of 65, the EPA estimates you can save 10-15%
O Only change speed when you have to - don't pump the accelerator - use cruise control - anticipate traffic flow. Fewer speed changes equals less fuel
T Tires - check them regularly - according to EU research, 25% too low tire pressure increases rolling resistance by 10% and your fuel consumption by 2%
I Idling - According to Ford, today's engines don't need a warming up, even in cold temperatures.  Start and immediately drive away.  Don't leave your vehicle idling - it wastes fuel and increases emissions


READERS' COMMENTS
(Latest comments first)

What do you think? - add your comments here  
  
authorcomments
dAPThose are good rules, thanks. Others who are reading these comments may want to check out UCAN.org and order their FREE pamphlet titled- 'GUZZLER BUSTER: 127 Secrets to squeezing more miles from each gallon. This will add greatly to the four tips you've presented here.
Coachman99I would stick to fourlane divided highways if I could find a map showing them. This lets me slow down from interstate speeds, and I like them more anyway. Where can I find this map of four lanes, please send to my e-mail too, chas.massey@frontiernet.net
wesTo Greengal:Just wanted to know how greengal tows her prius? I was told that a prius can't be towed? I would love to find out so I can tow mine! Thanks.
AzTransplantWhat John A. and some others may not know is that diesel motorhomes must dump air from their air bags before they level. When they get ready to leave, they MUST run the engine in order to add the air back to the air bags before they bring up their leveling jacks. So, that is the reason diesels run a while before they take off; it is not because the driver is wasting fuel.
Kath NormanThis is good and very easy to remember. My husband are using it leaving a park in Michigan this morning. I drive and normally run the engine for 10 minutes at least while my husband disconnects. This must annoy sleeping neighbors but I thought it was good for the engine. Today we did all the prep first and then we turned on and left immediately. We're going to stick to 50 with cruise control and vary speed only when necessary. We checked the tires and they were all about 10 pouds low except one that was nearly 20 pounds low. We'll correct this today. We've always checked fuel consumption at about 6.8 to 7.0 max. We'll see what we get today and let you know.
John AIdling is very common with RVers. It's not unusual in an RV park to see big diesel RVs stood idling for long long periods before the driver leaves the park. Idling is unnecessary, gets 0 mpg and annoys all the neighbors.
greengalWe would love to have the option of getting an RV with hybrid/diesel technology that would get at least 20mpg. We aren't into the denial or pointing fingers to justify owning a 38' diesel pusher. What we do is pull our Prius and use it for day trips while we are traveling. It isn't perfect, but it is still cheaper than having to stay in hotels and eat out everyday. Keeping the RV well maintained and keeping the speed down a little does help. We just returned from a 10K, 3 month trip and it will be awhile before we can justify paying $4.899 for diesel again at 10 mpg.
HomerWhile it is true the RV is a fuel guzzler, it is infrequently used on the highways. The surest way to decrease fuel consumption is to impose strict speed limits on all vehicles. This will make even Rv's a little more fuel efficient.
latest RoTi RV reviews
Keystone Montana High Country fifth wheel 2010"Helium Technology - advanced materials and manufacturing - significantly reduces weight with all the features, comforts and luxury you expect in a Montana"
Monaco Cayman 2011 motorhome press releaseMonaco announces the 2011 Monaco Cayman luxury motorhome - article with links and reviews
Holiday Rambler Neptune motorhome press releaseHoliday Rambler announces 2011 Holiday Rambler Neptune class A motorhome - article with links and reviews
Monaco Montclair class B+ motorhome 2010"Looking for a compact RV with a price tag to match, or a sleek motorhome that offers luxury amenities and high style? Montclair is all that, plus a bit more."
Winnebago ERA class B motorhome 2010 - special floorplanWinnebago introduce a floorplan for individuals with special mobility concerns
12345678910...

latest RVing news and articles
Winnebago motorhome deliveries up over 250% - press releaseWinnebago reports improved financial results for the Company's second quarter of fiscal year 2010
Fleetwood RV announces the retirement of CEO - press releaseFleetwood RV announces the retirement of CEO, Chuck Wilkinson - John Draheim takes over
Freightliner Custom Chassis and Thor - press releaseFreightliner Custom Chassis Corporation signs agreement for upcoming model years of all Damon and Four Winds rear-diesel Class A motorhomes
Roadtrek Partners with California’s Mike Thompson’s RV - press release"Mike Thompson’s is a perfect fit for Roadtrek,” stated Roadtrek chairman Jeff Hanemaayer. “Like us they’ve been around for almost 40 years."
Holiday Rambler Cayman motorhome press releaseMonaco RV announces 2011 Monaco Cayman luxury motorhome - article with links and reviews
12345678910...

  

Copyright 1999-2009 Roaming Times. All rights reserved. Contact us. Terms of service. Site Map. About Us. Corporate address: Roaming Times, PO Box 7050, Cave Creek, AZ 85337