Tips on Conserving Fuel During the Current Crisis

Tips on Conserving Fuel During the Current Crisis

With fuel prices remaining volatile due to global supply pressures, road trips in campervans and motorhomes can feel more expensive than ever. But the good news? A few smart habits can dramatically reduce your fuel spend without sacrificing the adventure. And if you’re travelling on a budget, Imoova offering relocations for as little as $1/day make it even easier to offset rising fuel costs and still hit the road. Here’s how to make every litre go further.

1. Slow Down

Speed is one of the biggest fuel killers. Driving faster significantly increases fuel consumption due to air resistance. Even dropping your speed slightly can improve efficiency by up to 15–20% on long journeys. 

For motorhomes, the sweet spot is typically around 55–60mph, anything above that starts to burn fuel fast.

2. Drive Smoothly, Not Aggressively

Harsh acceleration and heavy braking waste fuel. Instead, aim for steady driving. Accelerate gently, anticipate traffic ahead and coast when slowing down. This “eco-driving” approach reduces fuel use and wear on the vehicle.

3. Travel Light

Campervans make it tempting to bring everything but weight matters. Every extra 100kg can increase fuel consumption by ~2%. Drain water tanks before driving and pack only essentials. Less weight = less fuel burned.

4. Check Tyre Pressure Before Every Trip

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Keeping tyres properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by around 3%, a simple win before any trip.

5. Reduce Drag

Motorhomes already have poor aerodynamics, so avoid making it worse: Remove roof racks when not in use, keep windows closed at high speeds, avoid unnecessary external storage. Roof boxes alone can increase fuel consumption by over 20% at motorway speeds.

6. Use Air Conditioning Sparingly

Air conditioning can increase fuel usage by 5–25%, especially in larger vehicles like RVs.  Use it when needed but switch to ventilation when possible.

7. Avoid Idling

Leaving your engine running while parked wastes fuel for zero distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, switch off as it’s one of the easiest ways to cut unnecessary consumption.

8. Plan Smarter Routes

Fuel isn’t just about how you drive, it’s where you drive. If you can, avoid traffic and stop-start routes and use helpful apps like Petrolspy to find cheaper fuel. Fewer stops = less fuel burned.

9. Take Advantage of Relocation Deals

One of the smartest ways to offset fuel costs entirely is by reducing your rental price. That’s where Imoova comes in. Instead of paying full price for a campervan, you can relocate vehicles between depots for as little as $1/day. These trips are designed to be enjoyed, giving you the flexibility to explore while dramatically lowering your overall travel costs. Many deals also offer fuel reimbursements as an incentive, you can even get up to $700 fuel refunded on select deals. In a time of rising fuel prices, that kind of saving can make the difference between taking a trip… or skipping it.

Fuel prices may be unpredictable, but your driving habits aren’t. By slowing down, driving smarter, and reducing unnecessary weight and drag, you can cut fuel costs significantly - often by 10–20% or more. Pair that with ultra-low-cost campervan relocations, and road trips remain one of the most affordable and rewarding ways to travel, even during a fuel crisis.