Accelerate quickly and drive smoothly
In order to optimize fuel consumption, you need the right driving style. There are several things to note here. On the one hand, you should quickly reach the targeted cruising speed. Stepping hesitantly on the gas pedal does not in any way save fuel. It is better to take heart and accelerate quickly. On the other hand, lawns are of course completely wrong. You have to find an average speed for optimal fuel consumption. According to the KARABAG website, the optimal speed is between 50 and 70 km/h. Below that, but also above that, fuel consumption is higher. However, this only applies if you are driving in the right gear at the same time. In order to drive economically, you should be driving in high gears at low engine speeds.
After the optimal cruising speed has been reached and the right gear has been found, it is important to drive evenly and with foresight. Frequent braking and renewed acceleration reduce efficiency and increase consumption. It is better to use the existing momentum and glide through the traffic. For example, with a proactive driving style, travelers can simply let their motor home coast instead of having to hit the brakes hard. When taxiing, you should also not disengage the clutch, but stay in gear to reduce fuel consumption. Because according to KARABAG, the overrun cut-off of the engines only prevents further fuel consumption when a gear is engaged.
keep the weight as low as possible
In principle, of course, the weight carried is also related to the fuel consumption. The heavier the entire vehicle, the more fuel it needs. For a cost-effective and environmentally friendly journey, you should therefore only transport as little weight as possible. Any luggage that is not necessary for the trip or vacation should not be taken with you in the mobile home. In addition, it makes sense to completely empty the waste water tank of the mobile home before starting the journey. With fresh water, things are a bit different. Its quantity cannot be reduced to zero, but it should not exceed what is needed for the trip.
reduce air resistance
Similar to weight, RV drag should also be minimized for optimal fuel economy. Structures on the roof of the vehicle, such as bicycle or luggage racks, are therefore unfavorable. These things are much better stored at the rear of the mobile home or inside. It is also important to keep the windows closed as a matter of principle. The open windows reduce aerodynamics and increase fuel consumption, particularly at high speeds.
However, open windows are often used to cool the interior, which can otherwise only be done with air conditioning. However, the air conditioning is a real energy guzzler. It is therefore important to weigh up what drives fuel consumption up more: the open windows or the air conditioning. KARABAG advises opening the windows and turning off the air conditioning at low speeds and doing the exact opposite at high speeds. Of course, striving for minimized fuel consumption should not get the upper hand. Before you get a heat collapse in the interior of the vehicle due to high temperatures, you should definitely switch on the air conditioning.
The right tire pressure makes the difference
Last but not least, the right tire pressure can also help to save fuel. If there is not enough air in the tires, this increases friction on the road and increases fuel consumption. In addition, the tires wear out faster. However, you should also refrain from too high a pressure. Although this reduces friction, it also increases the braking distance. This can have serious safety implications and can lead to a disaster in an emergency. To be on the safe side and to have the optimal tire pressure, travelers should therefore follow the information that can be found in the manual of the mobile home. There the manufacturer says exactly how many bars are best. In order to be able to drive with this tire pressure in the long term, you should check it regularly.
Nicolas Flohr / Editor finanzen.net
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