How To Drive More Efficiently and Reduce Fuel Costs

A motorhome offers holiday freedom and flexibility for most owners, particularly off the back of travel restrictions both internationally and here in the UK. However, it’s no secret that the cost of fuel is continuing to rise significantly, with recent reports showing the price of diesel has now reached a record high of over £1.80 per litre.

Whilst many campervan and motorhome owners usually embrace spring as the start of their holidaying season, some may be thinking about cutting back on the amount of motorhome driving and the journeys they make to save on fuel and combat the cost of living. And with 9 in 10 adults reporting an increase in the cost of living in March 2022, luxuries such as holidays and weekend breaks could take a hit as people reduce their spending.

But there are ways to cut back on your fuel expenditure without reducing your campervan driving. We’ve gathered some top fuel-saving tips for motorhome owners which will allow you to take care of your spending and still enjoy your pride and joy this summer.

How to save fuel while driving your motorhome

Whether you have a large, luxurious home away from home or a converted campervan, you’ll want to know how to get the most out of your fuel. Broadly speaking, larger vehicles are more likely to use an increased amount of fuel in a shorter space of time. But this is often dependent on the payload, or the weight you’re carrying; the bigger the load, the more petrol or diesel you’ll use when motorhome driving.

Manage your payload

As a motorhome owner, you’ll probably already be aware of the MIRO (mass in running order) and MTPLM (maximum technically permissible laden mass) of your vehicle. The MIRO is the weight of your motorhome at the point of manufacture, whilst the MTPLM is important to determine the weight limit that you cannot exceed by law.

To get a gauge of your motorhome or campervan payload (the difference between the two), use the manufacturer weight calculations of any optional extras you’ve included on your vehicle. You could also use a local public weighbridge to understand and manage your motorhome’s payload.

If you’re looking at how to reduce fuel costs for your motorhome, there are a few ways to ensure you keep the payload down.

Get your onboard water at your destination

Carrying water on board can mean extra unnecessary weight. A typical tank can hold between 60 and 140 litres of water which will add a significant amount onto your payload. Carry only what is needed for your journey and fill up your tank on arrival at your destination.

Offload your waste before you leave

Many sites offer facilities to enable you to get rid of your grey water waste. A portable tank can be a handy solution if you’re unable to reach the waste drain or you don’t have a suitable hose to drain the tank with.

Carry minimal items

Although it may seem obvious, keeping onboard items to a minimum is a great fuel-saving tip for motorhome owners. Consider choosing lighter equipment where possible and only carry what you really need.

Consider modifications carefully

If you’re adding extras or making modifications to your motorhome, such as bicycle racks, consider the best location for them to reduce drag and fuel usage. It’s a good idea to check the manufacturer guide before making additions.

How to drive your motorhome efficiently

Just like driving a car or any other vehicle, you’ll want to drive in a way that doesn’t burn through fuel quickly. To ensure you get the most out of your tank, follow these tips on driving a motorhome or campervan for greater fuel efficiency:

• Maintain a steady speed
• Avoid sudden and hard braking
• Use the stop/start function if available
• Use air conditioning wisely
• Choose the right gear

Maintain your motorhome

Before you set off on your campervan driving trip, make sure to carry out general checks, such as tyre pressure, to keep your motorhome in working order. This will also help maximise fuel efficiency.

Use fuel apps

Another easy tip on how to reduce fuel costs for your campervan is to make use of fuel apps, both in the UK and when motorhome driving abroad. Apps such as PetrolPrices and 1-2-3 Fuel will help you find the cheapest nearby fuel, saving you money at the pump.

We’ll keep you covered

We might not be able to change the cost of fuel, but we can help keep you on the road with our range of motorhome and campervan insurance policies. To find out more about insuring your home away from home, call our team of friendly advisors on 0208 984 0666 or simply email us at info@comfort-insurance.co.uk.