Rising electricity, gas, and fuel prices are affecting everyone. Many people are forgoing exclusive vacations for this reason and choosing cheaper vacation destinations. Because of inflation, each of us has had to reduce our current expenses: we tend to buy cheaper products, we have given up some, and there are fewer amusements and attractions of all kinds than in previous years. However, is it worth giving up our dreams? Is it possible to organize an attractive vacation these days, while avoiding high costs?
We answer that yes! Despite the prevailing economic crisis, the fashion for caravanning is becoming increasingly popular, and there is no shortage of those who would like to rent an RV and drive it to different parts of the world. We can take the whole family, transport sports equipment or cook our own meals. We have already described the many advantages of traveling in an RV, and today we will tell you how we can save electricity, obtain energy and properly manage these and other resources while traveling.
We also recommend reading the interesting article small camper van interior ideas.
How to Optimize the Equipment of an RV?
Before we prepare the vehicle in terms of financial savings, we need to consider what equipment we will use in it. We’ll definitely want to bring a laptop for transferring photos from the camera or phone. Chargers are another necessity when using digital equipment repeatedly. Food preparation can’t do without a gas stove, and we’ll need a blender for dishes and juices on hot days.
Energy demands are increasing with every appliance that comes our way. Then there’s the issue of transporting people and objects in an RV. The more loaded the vehicle, the more fuel it burns. What can we do to make sure we don’t run out of electricity, gas, or water? Will there be enough money for fuel? We will explain to you in a few steps how to save these resources.
Use of Batteries in an RV
Campers draw power from two types of batteries: starting and onboard batteries. The former is used only to start the engine, while the latter power equipment inside the vehicle, such as lighting, air conditioning, refrigerator, TV, or alarm systems.
Given that we will be drawing electricity from the onboard battery, we should calculate the energy requirements in our RV. How should we go about doing this? There is a simple formula for calculating the daily demand in watts per hour (Wh). We should count and include all the electrical items inside the vehicle. Then add up their energy requirements, and then multiply the total number (W) by the daily usage time of the devices.
E.g. Light bulb (25W) + Refrigerator (80W) + TV (40W) = 145W. The usage took us a total of 10 hours (h). We multiply the total energy consumption by the time, which gives us a value of 1450 (Wh). It is also worth taking into account the additional energy consumption, taking into account the safety factor of 1.2. We multiply it by the total energy required and get 1740 (Wh).
A well-calculated energy balance will help us choose the right battery and solar panels, as well as make us aware of which devices consume a lot of electricity and which are best to give up. Given the huge number of electrical items (laptop, refrigerator, TV, radio, air conditioning) in our RV, we will have to choose such energy sources to be sure that they will provide us with daily use of the equipment in the vehicle. The optimal solution will be an AGM battery with two 160W or 180W solar panels. Such a combination with the use of an MPPT regulator will ensure a stable energy system in the RV.
Remember to first compare appliances in terms of energy requirements. This will help you find out which are the most costly in terms of power consumption, as well as whether the camper will be technologically prepared to ensure the life of the equipment. Before renting a vehicle, it is best to ask about its equipment.
Camper VS. Inverter
In the situation of huge equipment in a vehicle, the devices in it are divided into two categories: powered by 12V and 230V. The first group includes USB chargers, heating, water pumps, and energy-saving lighting. The second includes devices that consume more electricity, such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, or laptop. Inverters change the voltage from 12V to 230V. With them, we can constantly use a laptop or blender for our own needs.
How to reduce energy consumption? Going on a longer, but cheaper vacation, during which we will forgo eating in expensive restaurants, we need to use the appliances in our vehicle. It is worth noting that refrigerators in campers are powered by 230V, 12V, and gas. The last solution saves energy, and thanks to the heat flow we get excellent cooling. Gas refrigerators are powered by propane, which means that they do not need a power source. Our only responsibility will be to change the cylinder regularly.
So we can dispense with appliances that will not be particularly needed in the camper but also get more energy-efficient equipment. The selection of items requires meticulous selection in terms of cost and utility. While a refrigerator is necessary because it stores to produce and cools drinks, a laptop computer may prove to be a time-eater that is better spent reading books while traveling. If the camper consists of appliances with lower power requirements, an inverter will not be needed. In case it would be difficult for us to give up a lot of electrical appliances, it is best to purchase an inverter with the Eco Mode function, which reduces standby power consumption.
Energy-efficient Lighting in an RV
LED bulbs turned out to be a hit. They save a lot of electricity, plus you do not have to replace them too often. They perfectly illuminate hardly visible places in the camper. So they are not only environmentally friendly, but above all practical.
If you plan to hold an outdoor camping trip next to your camper, it is worth installing an LED entrance light at the entrance of the vehicle. It provides even light. The lamp is best mounted under an awning, if you have one. Then we can set up chairs and a table under the light and curtain, relaxing in a pleasant atmosphere.
Eco-driving by Camper Van
Prices at gas stations are as high as PLN 10 per liter of gasoline. There is no doubt that now the greatest demand will be for vehicles that burn as little fuel as possible. A camper, like any other vehicle, has the possibility of engine braking. This is a technique that involves slowing down the vehicle by reducing the revolutions. So we reduce the use of the brake to an absolute minimum.
What does this look like in practice? When the engine reaches close to 1,500 rpm, we press the clutch, reduce it to smaller gear and let go again. After these actions, the camper begins to brake on its own. This technique, however, requires keeping a close eye on the traffic situation. As in any vehicle, we need to make quick decisions, both when turning at intersections and when driving smoothly.
Less loaded vehicles are the most comfortable on the road. That’s why we should do a tidy-up in the trunk of the RV and get rid of items we don’t use at all. Loading the vehicle is associated with longer braking distances, but most importantly with increased fuel burn by up to 10%. Remember to place the heavy items that you necessarily want to take with you in the trunk as low as possible. Both stability and handling of the car depend on this.
Optimum Speed of an RV
Since we have touched on the topic of moving large vehicles, let’s remind them what rules of joining traffic apply to them. The camper, just like trucks, was not created for racing purposes. As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is used for transporting people, cooking, or sleeping comfortably while traveling. A long trip from A to B is supposed to provide us with comfort that we can’t feel when accelerating on the road.
Passenger safety is one issue, and another is low fuel consumption. If we do not want to overpay at gas stations, we should reduce the speed below 100 km/h. The rightness of this decision is confirmed by the example of the Fiat Ducato with a 2.3L diesel engine and 130 horsepower. The vehicle’s combustion is determined by the variation of speed, but when moving this model of camper at 80-85 km/h, the average combustion level is 8.5l. Above 100 km/h, the value rises to as much as 12l.
Solar Energy in an RV
Photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly popular among caravanning enthusiasts. They are mounted on the roof of the camper, but their installation requires leaving an empty space. What does this mean? If we have a roof rack on top for carrying cargo, it should be removed so as not to interfere with the installation of the panels. When we have a dilemma, we should opt for the more useful solution from an economic point of view. In return, we will get a smooth supply of energy throughout the summer.
Eco-friendly panels extract energy from the sun’s rays, store resources, and produce electricity. Photovoltaic devices also have the advantage of not emitting carbon dioxide and similar harmful substances. They are practical and completely environmentally friendly. Deciding to buy them, you have an additional source of electricity, which makes it easier to adapt the RV to your needs.
There are two types of photovoltaic systems to choose from classic (PMW) and high-tech (MPPT). The former is designed for charging in full sunlight, while the latter is designed for traveling to places where rainy and cloudy days prevail. Experts recommend buying MPPT panels due to the fact that we can save up to 40% of electricity with them.
Gas Cylinders for an RV
The most popular type of fuel used to heat water and power the gas stove at camping sites is gas. The source of raw materials is gas cylinders, which we can exchange at retail outlets, gas stations, and camping centers. Before the trip, remember a very important point — there are cylinders, which differ by the different output threads.
The best solution in both cases is undoubtedly composite cylinders, which lighten the weight of the camper. Empty, they weigh a maximum of 5 kg, and after filling with approximately 19 liters of gas, each cylinder weighs only 15 kg. This reduces the load on the vehicle by as much as 8 kg. A perfect example of the reduced load is the GasBank, which is as much as 40 percent lighter than standard containers!
Using Water in an RV
Access to water is something required by all of us, especially in the summer heat. In the vehicle, while traveling, we perform identical activities as at home. We wash the dishes, wash, and, above all, drink water when we are thirsty. What should be done so that no one runs out of it?
The camper should have such a tap installed at the sink that can be quickly and easily adjusted. I.e., if you gently open the tap, the water should not flow in great quantities, as when it is opened to the maximum. It is also important that when you close it, the drops do not drip on the surface.
If you’ve taken a lot of clothes with you, another proven way to save water in your RV is to use a nearby laundromat. At a clothing laundry point, we will clean our shirts, dresses, and pants for a small amount, without wasting time scrubbing stains and dirt ourselves. On the other hand, we can use the saved water in the camper to wash in the shower after an active vacation.
Summary
We can plan a vacation with a camper, saving a lot of money. The most important thing is to remember the basic things. First, rent a vehicle model that will burn as little fuel as possible. Second, make sure that energy-saving devices are installed inside, such as whether the lighting is based on traditional bulbs or energy-saving ones. The next step is to pack the necessary accessories in the trunk and write down a list of points where we will refuel gas cylinders and wash clothes.
Low electricity and water consumption ensures that we won’t run out of baths, lighting at night, or cool drinks on hot days. And lightweight items in the trunk and storage compartments guarantee safe driving and, above all, lower fuel consumption. So we are on the plus side when it comes to finances! The best, however, lies ahead. Mountain hiking, windsurfing, and other sports activities will make this year’s vacation a great one to remember for a very long time.