RV biodiesel
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Soy diesel storage tank - Roaming Times courtesy US Dept of Energy

What about biodiesel for my RV?

The US Department of Energy says: "Are you looking for a domestically produced, renewable fuel that you can use in your diesel engine? If so, biodiesel may be the perfect fuel for you.

When biodiesel is blended with petroleum diesel, it produces a fuel that is compatible with diesel engines, displaces imported petroleum, and reduces harmful emissions. Blends like B2 (2% biodiesel and 98% diesel) and B5 (5% biodiesel and 95% diesel) are becoming increasingly common as drivers become more aware of the many benefits. (Caution - check with your engine builder before use - Roaming Times)

Biodiesel is manufactured by chemically reacting vegetable oils, recycled cooking grease, or animal fats with alcohol. Today's biodiesel is primarily made from domestically produced soybean oil, which has extremely low sulfur content. Cooking oil and animal fat biodiesel is also produced with very low sulfur so today's biodiesel already meets EPA 2006 regulations for ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel."

For availability check Availability Fuel Station Locator

See also:
Why don't we want the diesel? 
Motorhomes NEED to be more fuel efficient 
By the way, even the Mini Cooper will be available as a diesel option this year ...

The US Department of Energy says energy efficiency and renewable energy are "bringing you a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable and affordable."
What do you think? ...

Readers' comments:
Latest first

Spyder699 :   A lot of problems from biodiesel will come from biodiesel that is unprocessed vegetable oil that is only filtered. My idea is to find a complete biodiesel processing system that can be set up in an RV basement and install it into an RV whose warranty is already expired anyway.

Jodi :   I agree totally, not soon enough. What brand do you recommend that is the most environmentally friendly? We will be purchasing one and I was looking for the most environmentally friendly manuf. If you know could you email me @ evansenterprize@yahoo.com Thanks

Sue E :   I think we need to pressure congress for biofuel to be a bigger priority and more available at a competitive price. RV manufacturers should be looking at their RVs and presuring engine builders and equipment manufacturers to come up with more fuel efficient systems.

Delta Bunny :   Heres my small amount of knowledge on bio-diesel. Don't use it if you come where the tempertures are low. It will gel more quickly than diesel. Second, there is no real standard on Bio-diesel, so no one really knows what they are getting. In pickup trucks in our area, bio-diesel has caused havoc since it is a high detergent diesel. Expect to have plugged fuel filters if you have never run it before. It could take 2-3 filters if you vehicle has a number of miles. Bacteria really love bio-diesel because of what it is. Possibly may cause problems to injectors and filters. Setting in a meeting with GM folks, they did not oppose the addition of fuel additive. With low sulfur and wax content in the new fuel, seals, injectors and pumps will be more likely to experience wear. Quite honestly, I won't use the Bio-fuel until I have standards and more experience. I have seen too much problem with it if you change from regular diesel and back. The price difference is nothing compared to a tow and new filters. Take this advice for what it is, just advice.

Cosmickt :   It is absolutely immoral that in the year 2007, I cannot go out and buy a relatively inexpensive RV that is fully equipped with solar, be at least biodiesel powered and totally environmentally safe. There is something terribly wrong with a society that cannot bring this about. WHEN is this going to happen?

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