RVs provide an excellent means of cost-effective travel. Whether you are living in your RV or taking your recreational vehicle out for an adventure, energy efficiency is a must.
Before Customizing
Before we jump into the physical alterations we can make to our RVs; we should consider all the things we can do to optimize our energy usage beforehand. Taking these factors into consideration, we begin to improve the baseline energy efficiency of our RVs.
Creating a Schedule for Routine Maintenance
Make use of apps like the free RV Owner App that allows you to keep track of your RV’s last tune-up and stay on top of your next recommended service appointment.
Checking Tire Pressure
Did you know that a tire in good condition can lose one to two pounds of pressure every month? Studies show that almost half of RV owners go an average of up to six months without checking their tire pressure.
Low tire pressure will not only reduce the number of miles you get for the gallon but also put you and all of your passengers at risk of a dangerous tire blowout. Make sure to check your tire pressure regularly and do your best to distribute RV weight evenly between all four tires so that you do not put any undue strain on one tire over the others.
Optimizing Heating and Insulation
Here are some easy ways to address potential issues with heating and insulation.
- Sealing Vents and Windows – Rather than letting your air conditioning or heating seep out of your RV, take the time to seal up any vents or windows to increase overall energy efficiency. You can use EternaBond Roof Repair Tape to seal the seams of your vents and windows, ensuring that your RV is impervious to the elements.You can also consider installing double pane glass windows and glazing them to reduce any heat or cold coming into or escaping out of your RV. Adding a digital thermostat to your RV’s central air system will allow you to control the temperature of your ride down to the degree.
- Insulating Water Pipes – RVs use a lot of energy, heating your water supply. Consider how much energy you might be wasting pumping hot water through tubing that is not adequately insulated. By adding a layer of pipe wrap or insulation to the lines that get your water from the heater to the faucet, you can cut down on the time and energy your RV would otherwise exhaust. Consider purchasing a solar shower for the summer months to eliminate any unnecessary water waste and energy usage.
- Installing RV Skirts – RVs lose a lot of heat and energy to the winds that pass below the vehicle. By putting up wood, fabric, or vinyl sheeting along the bottom perimeter of the RV, we can reduce the amount of heat or cold that escapes or emanates up through the floorboards.
Optimizing Electrical Utility
Installing Solar Panels
When you consider the amount of electricity and generator fuel, you would otherwise spend powering your RV, you may realize that solar panels are just the thing you need for your next getaway. Link your solar panels up to backup batteries and turn that passive solar gain into a constant source of power.
