Ecodriving - the benefits for RVers - RoTi's golden rules- Roaming Times
Roaming Times - RV, motorhome, fifth wheel, travel trailer, RVing



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
Coachmen Clipper Sport Camping Trailer "A folding trailer with floorplans and prices to satisfy virtually every family"
Holiday Rambler Traveler 2009 Class C motorhomeAll new for 2009, built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis
Monaco Covina 2009 Class C motorhomeAll new for 2009, built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis
Winnebago View 2009 Class C motorhomeBuilt on the popular Dodge Sprinter chassis with a beautiful interior
Adventurer truck camper 950BIdeal for families - "features the industries FIRST slide out bunk!"
12345678910...

latest RVing news and articles
Time for a good deal on an RV?Buy now and save big time on manufacturers rebates. When the market comes back prices will be up ...
A pent-up demand for RVs?Sure, the RV industry is not looking good - but it just mirrors the overall economy and it's cyclical
Big changes with RVs in the years to come "We need to improve our industry's readiness for upcoming change" CEO speaks out about energy scarcity and falling sales
RVing and the economy“The botom line: the big RV manufacturers will hang in there .. people love the RV lifestyle"
Hospital overcharges"Hospitals are fleecing patients out of billions of dollars annually" - what can you do?
12345678910...

Fifth wheels, travel trailers, motorhomes, luxury motorcoaches
Just click on your interest - small travel trailers, fifth wheels, travel trailers, motorhomes, luxury motorcoaches

Copyright 1999-2006 Roaming Times. All rights reserved. Contact us. Terms of service. Site Map. About Us. Corporate address: Roaming Times, 4575 E Bajada Rd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331