Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on Your Next RV Road Trip

When you’re dreaming of getting out on the open road and seeing all the beautiful sights during the spring and summer, it’s probably time to think about getting your RV ready to go. There are many steps you’ll need to get ready, and some of them help you become more energy efficient and reduce your carbon footprint when you’re on the road. While safety is a factor as well, you can prepare for any RV adventure with these tips. 

Good Tires Improve Gas Mileage 

Even when stored in the garage and securely covered, tires lose pressure as they sit unused. Driving with underinflated tires could cause significant damage and even accidents. Additionally, they cause your truck or motorhome to be less fuel efficient and to burn through more gas. Don’t forget to check and inflate your RV wheels. Give your tires a once-over to see if there is any damage that needs to be repaired. If the tread is bad or you notice tears, holes, cracks, and balding, you should consider getting them replaced. Otherwise, use an air pressure gauge to check and inflate all your tires. 

Inspect Your RV Inside and Out for Problems That Could Cause Your to Use More Fuel 

The condition of your RV will ultimately impact your road trip experience. Whether you stored your RV in the garage, covered it in the driveway, or left it exposed and parked on the street all winter, you want to check its condition before you hit the road this spring. 

More than cosmetic changes like chipped paint or dents, you want to evaluate the interior and exterior for structural damage. Check for leaks, water damage, cracks, rust, and other damage that needs to be repaired. Analyze the kitchen and bathroom plumbing and ensure the weatherstripping around the windows and doors is secure. When these are all in good condition, they also help your RV be more energy efficient and ensure your carbon footprint is as low as possible.  

Using Batteries, Generators, and Solar Panels Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

Powering your RV is important if you want water or food. Imagine getting to the first stop on your road trip and realizing that you don’t have enough energy to power your necessities and devices. Seeing as how this could complicate the entire trip, it’s best to test your power sources before your departure. Charge your batteries to replace any juice they lost during storage. Recycle them if they are no longer any good. Look into getting solar panels as well to reduce your energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. 

If you have an onboard generator or purchased a 10000 watt generator, check the oil levels and test them for efficiency. You may need to let the generator run for a few hours. If you can’t get the battery or generator to run, take your RV to an expert for repair or replacement. 

Mechanical Work

You should never plan a road trip without first visiting an RV mechanic. A mechanic has the necessary knowledge, tools, and equipment to thoroughly evaluate and repair the inner workings of your vehicle, particularly the engine. A mechanic can also complete minor maintenance tasks like changing the oil, air filters, and fluids. When everything works right, you’ll need less repairs.  

Flush And Sanitize Water Systems

You want clean, safe water to use during your road trip, which is why you must flush and sanitize your water system. Flushing is necessary to eliminate the non-toxic antifreeze placed in the system during the winter. 

Next, you want to eliminate the bacteria and mold in the water through sanitation. Close the drains, add household bleach to the system, run the water to allow the bleach to get through the entire system, then let the bleach to sit for a few hours (no more than 12). Finally, allow the water to run to remove the bleach and refill the tanks with fresh drinkable water. 

Spring Cleaning

Now that you’ve ensured your RV is safe for driving, is efficient, and ready to endure the open road, the final step is to give the vehicle a thorough cleaning. Scrub and hose down the exterior, clean and sanitize the hard surfaces, nooks, and crannies in the interior, vacuum, and change the linens. 
After the winter we’ve had, the thought of hitting the road in the RV this spring is welcoming. Before you pack your bags, grab the family, and start your journey, ensure that your vehicle is road-ready. Use the tips above to get your recreational vehicle in tip-top shape so you can explore the country all spring and summer long.