How To Save Gas On Long Road Trips

Fuel costs can add up fast when you’re traveling with an RV. The good news? A few smart habits and simple checks can make a big difference. 

We know that every litre counts. That’s why we’ve put together this friendly guide to help first-time and seasoned RV owners reduce fuel consumption on long road trips. 

Step 1: Bearing Repacks — Keep Your Wheels Rolling Smoothly

Your RV’s wheel bearings are small but mighty. They keep your wheels spinning freely and prevent friction that can waste fuel. 

What is a wheel bearing?  Wheel bearings are small sets of steel balls or rollers housed in a metal ring that sit inside your wheel hub. Their job is to reduce friction and allow your wheels to spin smoothly while carrying the weight of your RV. Without properly functioning bearings, your wheels can’t rotate freely, which puts stress on both the RV and the tow vehicle. 

What is a bearing repack? A bearing repack is when a technician removes the wheel bearings, thoroughly cleans them, inspects for wear or damage, and then applies fresh grease before reinstalling. This process ensures the bearings stay lubricated and protected against heat and friction. 

Why it matters: Dirty or dry bearings create drag, which makes your tow vehicle work harder and burn more fuel. Neglected bearings can also overheat and fail, potentially leading to dangerous breakdowns or costly axle repairs. Regular repacking keeps your RV rolling safely and efficiently. 

How often: Most RV owners should schedule a bearing repack every 12 months or every 12,000 km, whichever comes first. If you tow frequently, carry heavy loads, or travel in dusty or wet conditions, you may need service more often. 

Book a bearing repack with Arrkann RV’s service team before your next big trip. It’s one of the easiest ways to save fuel and avoid roadside breakdowns. 

Book Bearing Repack

Step 2: Alignment Checks — Straight Wheels Save Gas

Why alignment matters: When your RV or tow vehicle isn’t properly aligned, the tires don’t roll in perfect harmony. Instead, they fight against each other, creating drag. That extra resistance means your engine works harder, fuel economy drops, and your tires wear unevenly. 

Signs you need an alignment: 

• Uneven tire wear (one side of the tread wearing faster than the other)
• Pulling to one side when driving straight
• Steering that feels loose, “off,” or requires constant correction
• A crooked steering wheel even when driving straight

Fuel impact: Misaligned wheels can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Over the course of a long trip, that adds up to extra fuel stops and higher costs. 

Safety benefits: Proper alignment improves handling and stability, especially when towing heavy loads. It reduces driver fatigue and helps keep your RV tracking straight on highways and winding roads. 

Bonus savings: Correct alignment extends tire life, saving you money on replacements. Tires are one of the biggest RV maintenance expenses, so keeping them in good shape pays off. 

Pro Tip: Ask Arrkann RV to check your alignment during routine service. It’s a quick fix that pays off every time you hit the highway—better mileage, smoother handling, and longer-lasting tires. 

Step 3: Tire Pressure — Small Numbers, Big Difference

Underinflated tires: Even a small drop in pressure increases rolling resistance, which forces your engine to burn more fuel. It also generates excess heat, raising the risk of blowouts on long trips. 

Check before every trip: Use a reliable tire gauge to measure all tires—including the spare—when they’re cold. Temperature changes and altitude shifts can affect pressure, so checking regularly ensures accuracy. 

Know your PSI: Every RV and tow vehicle has a manufacturer‑recommended tire pressure listed on a placard or in the owner’s manual. Sticking to these numbers keeps handling stable, braking responsive, and tread wear even. 

Fuel savings: Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3–5%. Over the course of a season, that adds up to noticeable savings at the pump. 

Safety bonus: Correct tire pressure reduces stopping distance and improves overall control, especially when towing heavy loads. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in both efficiency and peace of mind. 

Step 4: Pack Smart — Weight and Balance Matter

Heavy items low and centred: Place bins, coolers, tools, and other heavy gear near the floor and close to the axle. This keeps the RV’s centre of gravity stable, reduces sway while driving, and helps prevent excess strain on suspension components. 

Light items up high: Store pillows, blankets, clothing, and other lightweight essentials in overhead cabinets. Keeping lighter gear above ensures cabinets don’t get overloaded and reduces the risk of items shifting or falling during travel. 

Distribute evenly: Balance weight across both sides of the RV. Loading one side heavier than the other can cause uneven tire wear, steering pull, and extra strain on your tow vehicle. Even distribution makes handling smoother and safer. 

Don’t overload: Every RV has a cargo carrying capacity (CCC), which is the maximum safe weight of passengers, gear, and fluids combined. Exceeding this limit can damage suspension, reduce braking efficiency, and increase fuel consumption. Always know your CCC before packing. 

Secure your load: Use straps, nets, or bungee cords to keep items from shifting while driving. A well-secured load prevents damage inside the RV and keeps weight distribution consistent throughout the trip.