Simple ways to save $$$ on Fuel
You’re all set, rolling down the highway with everything feeling spot on. The van is towing nicely, the road is open, and the trip is off to a great start. Then comes the first fuel stop, sooner than expected, and the mood shifts as the cost starts to add up...
Fuel is no longer just another line on your travel budget. It is one of the biggest costs every time you hit the road. With fuel prices nearly doubling, getting more kilometres out of every litre has become critical, especially when towing.
The good news is that saving fuel does not require drastic changes. It comes down to a handful of practical adjustments that, when combined, make a noticeable difference.
That is exactly why we have teamed up with Drive a Weigh to put the below fuel saving guide together.
Here are five practical ways to get more out of every tank, plus a bonus tip.
1. Reduce Weight: The Easiest Way to Save Fuel
Weight is one of the biggest factors in fuel consumption. The heavier your setup, the harder your towing vehicle has to work. What often surprises people is that it is not always the big items causing the issue, but a build-up of smaller things over time.
Reducing weight does not always mean removing big items like bikes or generators. That can help, but most of the gains come from smaller changes.
A simple check before you leave can make a difference:
- Remove items you rarely use
- Carry less food and shop locally where possible
- Reduce water in your tanks and only fill them when needed, especially if you are not free camping
- Avoid doubling up on tools or equipment “just in case"
A few simple habits can help you go even further:
- Take fewer clothes and shoes
- Limit crockery and wash up more often
- Skip kitchen gadgets unless you use them daily
- Use e-books instead of bringing multiple paper books
- Choose multi-use items over single-purpose gear
A simple rule of thumb: if something is rarely used or only serves one purpose, it is worth reconsidering whether it needs to come along.
2. Smooth Driving: Get More Out of Every Litre
How you drive has a direct impact on fuel consumption, especially when towing. Harsh acceleration and heavy braking force your vehicle to work harder than necessary. A smoother driving style helps you get more kilometres out of every litre and makes towing more comfortable.
Aim to keep your driving steady where possible. Gradual acceleration, anticipating traffic and avoiding unnecessary braking all help reduce fuel use. Avoid harsh acceleration and heavy braking unless necessary to avoid a problem. Aim to keep the revs in the 1600 to 2600 range, depending on the terrain you are towing Keeping your speed consistent also makes a difference, as higher speeds increase air resistance and require more fuel to maintain.
Where conditions allow, using cruise control on flat roads can help maintain a steady speed. Try to avoid heavy traffic where possible, as stop-start driving increases fuel use.
As a general guide, keeping your revs in the mid-range where possible helps your engine work efficiently without unnecessary strain.
3. Minimise Air Resistance: Reduce Drag on the Road
Air resistance plays a bigger role than many people realise, especially at highway speeds.
Items mounted on the front of your caravan, such as bikes, jerry cans or storage boxes, can create significant drag. This forces your vehicle to work harder and use more fuel to maintain speed.
Where possible, relocate bulky items inside the caravan or tow vehicle to reduce resistance and improve airflow.
To improve airflow up and over your van, a wind deflector can reduce drag at highway speeds. The Aeroplus Caravan Wind Deflector helps reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency when towing.
4. Factor In The Weather: Work With the Conditions
Weather conditions can have a real impact on fuel consumption, especially when towing.
A strong headwind or crosswind increases resistance, forcing your vehicle to work harder and use more fuel to maintain speed. Over the course of a full travel day, this can add up, particularly at highway speeds.
Driving in heavy rain increases rolling resistance, while high temperatures can put extra strain on your vehicle. Both can have an impact on fuel use.
If possible, plan your travel around the conditions. Check the forecast before you leave and try to avoid strong winds where possible. Travelling on days where winds are lighter or coming from behind you can improve fuel efficiency and make the drive more comfortable.
5. Check Tyre Pressure: A Simple Way To Reduce Fuel Use
Tyre pressure is one of the most overlooked factors when it comes to fuel consumption.
Underinflated tyres create more resistance on the road, forcing your vehicle to work harder and use more fuel. A quick check before you leave can make a noticeable difference, especially when towing.
Always check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold and follow the recommended settings for both your car and caravan. These can vary depending on your setup, load and towing conditions.
As you travel, tyre pressures can change with temperature and road conditions. Using a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System makes it easy to monitor pressures in real time across multiple tyres, including both your vehicle and caravan. The iCheck TPMS 8 Tyres Kit alerts you to pressure changes while driving, so you can respond quickly and avoid unnecessary fuel use.
For a quick check before departure, a digital tyre pressure gauge is a simple and reliable tool to have on hand.
Bonus Tip: Carac Weigh Day
At Carac, we regularly host Weigh Days in partnership with Drive A Weigh. These sessions give you clear insight into your setup, helping you reduce unnecessary load and improve fuel efficiency.
Keep an eye on our socials via Facebook or Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming Weigh Days.
Saving fuel is not about one big change, but a series of small adjustments that work together. With the right setup and a few simple habits, you can get more out of every tank and enjoy the road with a little less spent at the pump.