How to Save Money on Gas in Vanlife
Vanlife is an exciting adventure, but one thing that's a given is the gas costs. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce gas expenses and make your vanlife more budget-friendly. In this article, we'll explore various tips and strategies to save money on gas.
Choose a Fuel-Efficient Van
Newer models of vans are much more fuel-efficient than older ones. In fact, fuel efficiency has improved by 35.4% in the past 20 years. This means you can travel 35% further with a new van than a 20-year-old van. Old vans can have a fuel efficiency as low as 10 MPG, while new vans, like the Ford Transit, can offer up to 43 MPG.
Diesel vans generally have better miles per gallon than petrol vans. However, diesel usually costs more, so you'll need to do your own calculations to determine which type of van is most cost-effective for you. Diesel vans also tend to have a longer lifespan than petrol vans, often lasting twice as long.
Plan Your Route Strategically
Gas prices can vary significantly between different regions. For example, gas prices on the west coast of the USA are typically $2-4 more expensive per gallon than in the south and midwest. Avoiding the west coast can help save on gas costs. Gas is also generally cheaper during the winter, so if you're planning on driving long distances, it's best to do so during the colder months.
Maintain Your Van
Proper van maintenance can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Some key maintenance tasks to keep in mind include:
Keeping tires inflated: Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by around 3%.
Checking oil and coolant levels: Ensuring these levels are optimal reduces the strain on the engine.
Regular servicing: Keeping your van serviced helps maintain fuel efficiency.
Lightening your load: Consider the weight of materials when building your van. Reclaimed wood can be heavy, while plywood is lighter. Reduce clutter to further decrease weight.
Reducing drag: Roof racks and open windows can increase drag, reducing fuel efficiency.
Avoiding air conditioning: Using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 8-10%.
Drive Efficiently
Driving habits can significantly impact fuel consumption. Some tips for driving more efficiently include:
Slowing down: Driving at 60 mph on the highway is more economical than driving at 70 mph.
Planning your journey: Avoid unnecessary detours by carefully planning your route.
Avoiding harsh braking and acceleration: These actions can consume fuel more quickly.
Filling up halfway: A full tank of fuel can weigh as much as a bag of cement, so consider filling up only halfway to save on fuel consumption.
Turning off the engine in traffic: If you're stuck in delays, switch off the engine to save fuel. Many vans now have a stop/start system that does this automatically.
Using cruise control on highways: Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, reducing fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary acceleration.
Traveling during off-peak hours: Plan your travel during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic, allowing for smoother driving conditions and potential fuel savings.
Combining trips and planning routes: Plan your route efficiently to minimize backtracking and unnecessary detours. Combining multiple errands into one trip can also help save fuel.
Utilize Technology and Resources
Several apps and websites can help you save money on gas. Some popular options include:
Waze and Google Maps: Both of these apps now allow you to pick fuel-efficient routes.
GasBuddy: This app helps you find the cheapest gas prices in your area. Users can also report and update gas prices, ensuring real-time accuracy.
Fuelio: This comprehensive fuel tracking app allows you to log fuel costs, track your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and analyze your driving habits. It provides insights into your fuel consumption trends.
Fueleconomy.gov: This website and app allow you to compare fuel efficiency ratings for different vehicles and provide tips for improving your fuel economy. It's a valuable resource for making informed vehicle choices.
In conclusion, there are various ways to save money on gas in vanlife. By choosing a fuel-efficient van, maintaining your vehicle, driving efficiently, and utilizing technology and resources, you can significantly reduce your gas expenses and make your vanlife adventure more budget-friendly.