When it comes to fuel economy, how you drive your RV will be different than how you drive your automobile.
RVs are large, heavy, and slow to accelerate. RVs usually have larger engines, more horsepower and torque than the family automobile. However, due to the size and weight of the RV, the power-to-weight ratio is much lower for the RV than the automobile.
The way to obtain maximum fuel economy is to keep the engine load as light as possible. That is to say, don’t make the engine work any harder than necessary.
With today’s electronic control of engine performance, there is no reason not to accelerate as quickly as possible to the desired cruising speed. Yes, I said, step on it! You are making the engine work hard, but you are quickly getting into a higher gear ratio and reaching your target speed, which reduces engine load and fuel consumption. An RV accelerating slowly from 0-60 mph, and cruising for 10 miles, uses more fuel than an RV accelerating as quickly as possible and traveling the same distance.
Stop-and-go driving reduces fuel economy. You use almost as much distance accelerating as you do stopping. Remember, the fewer times you have to accelerate from a full stop, the better your fuel economy will be.
Speed management is important to achieving maximum fuel economy. Slow speed in a high gear loads the engine, reducing fuel economy. In most cases, keeping your speed at the posted speed limit while cruising will give you the best fuel economy. Take advantage of coasting whenever possible. And when on upgrades, it is better to downshift early and keep as much of your speed as possible.
To review: The goal is to use the minimum amount of fuel over a given distance. Keep the RV at the posted cruising speed when possible. Keep speed at a constant pace. Avoid stop-and-go driving.
Other ways to improve fuel economy: Keep your tires at the maximum recommended pressure. And try different grades of fuel. A higher octane rating might lead to better engine performance, which could improve fuel economy.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 or visit www.FinalTouch-USA.com .