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MotorhomeFuel Saving Tips

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The rise in the cost of fuel

It won’t have gone unnoticed that the cost of fuel in the UK, though has receded ever so slightly from it’s record highs last year, is still ridiculously expensive.

This of course will affect all motorhome hire customers and maybe an extra cost that they hadn’t anticipated when initially booking their campervan holiday.

Whilst there is nothing LandCruise can do about the rising costs at the pumps, we do have some tops tips on saving fuel which can help reduce the impact on your holiday budget.

Top 10 Fuel Saving Tips

1. Lighten your load

Travel as light as you can. There’s no need to bring the kitchen sink as we already supply you with one! Our motorhomes come with everything you need for a comfortable stay so remember to not overpack, and try and keep it to your essentials.

Don’t drive with a full fresh water or waste water tank. This would add considerable weight to the load and reduce the vehicle’s economy.  Always drain both tanks before leaving a campsite, then fill up again on fresh water once you have arrived at your destination – this will ensure fuel-efficient driving.

2. Cool it on the Air Conditioning

Only use the cab air-con when absolutely necessary. Using the A/C on it’s max setting can reduce fuel efficiency by 5-25%, therefore saving you money on your road trip.

3. Drive Smoother

When driving any vehicle, dramatic accelerations and fast driving can quickly drain your tank – increasing fuel consumption. Try to keep your speed steady when you can (cruise control) and gradually move up through the gears when accelerating. Likewise, when decelerating, take it easy and start slowing down sooner instead of leaving it later and breaking harder.

When on dual carriageways and motorways try and maintain a constant speed, around 55-60mph to increase your fuel efficiency. Every 5mph over the optimum will result in a ten per cent loss in fuel economy. Another top tip for driving on dual carriageways or motorways is to make the most of large vehicles in front of you. This can reduce wind resistance which will positively impact your miles per gallon.

4. Map your route

Plan your route ahead of time so that you know where you intend to travel to and avoid aimlessly driving round looking for somewhere to pitch or park.

5. Sign up to Fuel Station loyalty schemes

This may not have an immediate impact on your fuel costs, but will benefit you in the long run when refuelling your own vehicle. Fuel can usually be found cheaper at supermarket petrol stations so if you already have a Tesco Clubcard or Sainsburys Nectar Card at least you can get something back from the amount you’re having to spend.

6. Avoid idling

Something we should be doing anyway when in heavy traffic or waiting at the traffic lights, but as well as helping the environment you’ll now prevent unnecessary fuel waste too.

7. Avoid peak times

Plan ahead and avoid peak traffic times if you can. Crawling through slow moving traffic is the No. 1 impact on fuel consumption.

8. Download PetrolPrices mobile app

There are a few mobile apps available that have a similar offering, but PetrolPrices allows you to find the cheapest or nearest petrol stations within any UK postcode, town or city. Ideal to help plan your route and avoid unnecessary miles searching.

9. Spend more time at each stop

Maybe think about reducing the amount of driving you actually do by not trying to cram too much into your week long holiday. Instead of visiting a different destination each day why not have a think about the places you really want to see and spend 2/3 nights there before moving to another.

10. Camp closer, stay longer

Look at alternative destinations that are a bit closer. Instead of Scotland go to Wales, instead of the Lake District go to the Peak District. There are some fabulous places to visit in the UK, and they don’t all involve driving for miles.

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