Rising fuel costs hit RV travellers hard

Fuel costs are one of the biggest expenses for RV travellers, and they continue to cause hip-pocket pain for grey nomads in particular, with petrol prices recently closing in on $2 a litre in some capital cities.

Depending on your rig and style of camping, fuel can make up almost a third of daily costs during a big lap of Australia towing a caravan, so rising fuel prices can really cut into the budgets of many RV travellers.

While the average national price for petrol in Australia dipped by 25 cents per litre during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic, the gradual easing of travel restrictions has seen an upward trend in prices paid at the pump.

Fuel prices around Australia hit close to record highs around mid-2021, and they continue to remain high, with a number of factors at play including the price of crude oil recently hitting a seven-year high, the threat of Russia invading Ukraine affecting global oil supply and the weak Australian dollar.

As a result many RV travellers on tight budgets are being forced to reduce the number of kilometres travelled each week, or cut other travel expenses like caravan park fees to stay out longer on the road.

There are also a few fuel-saving measures that can be adopted to help stretch your travel dollars further on your next caravan or motorhome trip...

Use a wind deflector

This roof-mounted accessory works best when towing big, bluff caravans and because it helps reduce drag, can cut fuel use by up to two litres per 100km when touring. 

Keep tyre pressures up

Under-inflated tyres can increase fuel-burning drag. Most vehicles have a higher recommended pressure for loaded or high-speed driving — that’s the pressure you want in your tyres when towing a caravan. 

Keep speed down

At higher speeds, wind resistance is the main killer to fuel economy. Cruising at around 90-95km/h in 100km/h or 110km/h zones will not make you a dangerous road block for other road users and your vehicle will use less fuel than if you go faster. 

Don't use cruise control

Cruise control is a wonderful thing, taking the stress out of driving and reducing the chances of getting a speeding ticket. It’s also not very good for fuel consumption when towing, so avoid using it. 

Anticipate hill climbs

If there’s a hill coming up, don’t try to maintain speed come hell or high water. Rather let speed wash off a little (with some vehicles a lack of power will give you no choice). 

Use a fuel app

Keep an eye on the best prices via one of the many fuel apps available. As well as indicating prices in your area, many can pinpoint fuel prices along a planned route.

Carry extra fuel

While it can add to overall weight, carrying extra fuel bought at cheaper prices can pay off, whether it's by using a long range fuel tank fitted to your tow vehicle or carrying extra jerry cans on the 'van.