Reduce idling time. Start the engine and drive off slowly until things come up to temperature. Long warm-ups are not necessary in today's engines. Idling the RV promotes unnecessary waste of fuel. For best results, start the engine and monitor the oil pressure gauge for no longer than three minutes. Refrain from putting the engine under full throttle during the first couple of driving miles.

Further reduce idle requirements by planning travel times and routes away from rush hour traffic conditions. Oftentimes, choosing an alternate route will add a few miles to the journey, but save on fuel requirements by eliminating frequent stop and go driving conditions.

Keeps tires aired up. Ignoring the importance of proper tire pressure will insure a waste of fuel. Low tire air pressure will add a drag to the vehicle that can increase fuel requirements. Frequently monitor tire pressures, and add air pressure as needed to match the axle weights. Keep tires full, softer tires are harder on the vehicle, and drive-up fuel use.

Pack light. Remember, the heavier the load - the more fuel consumed, so leave unnecessary items behind. Heavier vehicles drag and use more fuel. Keep cargo and passenger loads within the listed weight ratings as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Before your next trip, unload a bunch of stuff that ends up in RV after a previous trip and you don't really need there! All the extra clothes, books, shoes, canned goods, etc. should go back into the house. Don't drag it around! Carry enough water for the trip, fill up again when you arrive. Travel with empty black & gray tanks of course!

Check the alignment of your vehicles. Improper front-end alignment can put an additional drain on the RV fuel tank. Have all alignment issues promptly repaired.

Get a tune-up. It’s always a good idea to get a tune-up before setting out on your road trip. Not only will it save you fuel, it can head off any problems or breakdowns en route. Poorly maintained engine components require excess fuel supply.

Follow the manufacturer recommendations for regular inspection of engine hoses and filters, and by performing routine oil changes using the oil specified by the manufacture. During engine maintenance procedures check fuel lines for signs of leaks that may be unknowingly draining the fuel supply.

Change your travel times to match traffic. By setting out at off-peak times, i.e. no Friday afternoon departures, you’re guaranteed to make better time. The upshot is that you’ll spend less time in traffic and enjoy your hard-earned time off more. Try traveling at night for less use of the air conditioner. Sometimes just the floor vents and one rear vent for exhausting inside air is all it takes for a cool ride. Camp during the days when you can keep cool using park electric for air units.

Check the roof for air drag items. Driving with the antenna up, or with a missing A/C cover will create air drag and increase fuel requirements.

Avoid high speeds. Higher speeds are major contributing factors to RV fuel economy. Slow down a little. There's a lot to see and motorhomes are a great way to see them.

The Department of Energy offers some good fuel-saving advice at its website. One very important tip: "Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional ten cents per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Watch your acceleration. Keep your foot out of the fuel pedal for the harder you punch the accelerator the more fuel you use. Resist 'flooring it.' Make gradual starts and stops. Drive the vehicle in a steady and moderate manner. Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops, they tend to gobble up fuel. Some people like to pump the throttle constantly from nervousness or while listening to the music.

Use cruise control. Stable speeds mean less fuel used. Frequent use of the cruise control feature during highway travel will help to promote consistent speed, and that means better fuel efficiency.

Don't rush up the hills. Resist the urge to climb a long hill as quickly as possible by pushing the throttle as far down as it will go. Instead, obtain fuel economy by applying light throttle during long climbs to conserve on fuel in addition to protecting the engine from an overheat situation. Down shift on steep hills and avoid lugging the engine. Higher engine r.p.m. with a light accelerator pedal is far better than 3/4 throttle in a higher gear.

Know where your going. Good planning also comes in the form of knowing where you’re going, what you’re doing, and doing your best at mapping out routes ahead of time. If possible, select well-maintained roads. With a little advance research you can find the fastest and most direct routes to your destination.