You’ve been approved for your RV through our in-house financing—congratulations! Whether you’re moving it to family land, a long-term RV park, or that perfect spot you’ve had your eye on, that initial trip to your new home base matters. Fuel efficiency during this crucial move can save you hundreds of dollars that could go toward site setup, your first month’s rent, or keeping as an emergency fund.
At RV Depot, we believe in second chances. We know that for many of our customers, their RV isn’t just a weekend toy—it’s their path to affordable housing, financial recovery, and a fresh start. That’s why we’re sharing these fuel efficiency tips specifically for that one important journey to your RV’s permanent home.
Understanding Your One-Time Move: Why Fuel Efficiency Still Matters
Even if you’re only moving your RV once, the difference between smart and wasteful driving can be $200-500 on a single trip. For someone rebuilding financially, that’s real money that could cover:
- Your first month’s lot rent
- Electric and water hookups
- Basic setup supplies
- Emergency fund padding
Let’s make sure every gallon counts on your journey to your fresh start.
🔧 1. Pre-Move Tire Check: Your First Money-Saving Step
Underinflated tires are the silent fuel efficiency killer that costs RVers hundreds of dollars annually. Every 1 PSI drop in pressure can reduce fuel economy by 0.2%. For an RV with six tires, being 10 PSI low means you’re losing over 10% efficiency.
Why Tire Pressure Matters So Much
- Rolling resistance increases exponentially with low pressure
- Heat buildup from underinflation causes additional drag
- Uneven wear creates surface irregularities that hurt efficiency
Pro Tips for Maximum Fuel Efficiency:
- Check tire pressure when cold before every trip (heat increases PSI readings)
- Invest in a TPMS system ($200-400) that monitors all tires in real-time
- Use a quality gauge (digital preferred) for accuracy
- Check the spare tire too—emergency changes affect fuel efficiency
- Adjust for load: Heavier loads require higher PSI within manufacturer limits
🧹 2. Pack Smart for Your Permanent Move
Unlike vacationers who pack light, you’re moving your entire life. But strategic packing still improves fuel efficiency and saves money on this important journey.
Moving to Your Forever Spot:
- Fill water tanks AT your destination (saves 400+ lbs)
- Distribute weight evenly (prevents sway and improves MPG)
- Secure everything (one hard brake shouldn’t destroy your dishes)
- Use your tow vehicle for heavy items if applicable
Money-Saving Math: Empty tanks on a 200-mile move = $40 saved on fuel
⚙️ 3. The “One Shot” Driving Strategy
You’ve got one trip to get this right. These fuel efficiency driving techniques ensure you arrive with money in your pocket, not spent at gas stations. Your driving habits have the single biggest impact on fuel efficiency—potentially improving or destroying your MPG by 30% or more.
Save Fuel With These Proven Habits:
Speed Management:
- 55 MPH is the sweet spot for most RVs
- Every 5 MPH over 55 costs approximately 7% more fuel
- Use cruise control on flat terrain
- Disable cruise on hills (manual control is more efficient)
Acceleration and Braking:
- Accelerate gradually—pretend there’s an egg under the pedal
- Coast to stops when possible
- Maintain 3-second following distance to avoid brake/accelerate cycles
- Use engine braking on downgrades
Wind Resistance Strategies:
- Travel early morning when winds are typically calmer
- Check wind forecasts and plan accordingly
- Consider waiting out severe headwinds
- Draft behind trucks safely (maintain proper distance)
🗺️ 4. Plan Routes for Maximum Fuel Efficiency
Strategic route planning can improve fuel efficiency by 15-25% without adding significant time to your journey.
Optimize Your Routes With:
Free Resources:
- Google Maps for traffic patterns
- RV Life app for RV-specific routing
- GasBuddy for cheapest fuel along the way
Terrain Considerations:
- Avoid mountain passes when alternatives exist
- Choose interstate highways over stop-and-go local roads
- Plan fuel stops at lower elevations (better prices and efficiency)
- Consider slightly longer routes if they avoid major climbs
Timing Strategies:
- Avoid rush hour in major cities
- Travel Tuesday-Thursday for less traffic
- Plan overnight stops to avoid congested areas
🛠️ 5. Pre-Move Checklist for Your Tow Setup
Getting your RV to its new home safely and efficiently starts with your towing equipment. These checks improve fuel efficiency and prevent costly problems on moving day.
Worth Checking Before You Move:
- Trailer brakes adjusted (dragging brakes kill MPG)
- Proper hitch setup (reduces sway and drag)
- Tire pressure on BOTH vehicles (low pressure = poor efficiency)
- Safety chains crossed (peace of mind is priceless)
- Lights all working (avoid tickets and delays)
Money-Saving Reality: One roadside breakdown can cost more than your entire move budget. 30 minutes of checks prevents hours of delays.
🌬️ 6. Weight Distribution for Safe, Efficient Moving
Your RV is loaded with your life. Proper weight distribution isn’t just about fuel efficiency—it’s about arriving safely at your new beginning.
Loading for Your One Big Move:
- Heavy items over axles (improves stability)
- Balance side to side (prevents dangerous sway)
- Secure tall items (shifting loads affect handling)
- Tool accessibility (keep basics handy)
Safety = Savings: Proper loading prevents accidents and improves MPG by 5-8%
🌞 7. Emergency Preparedness Saves Money
When you’re moving your entire home, breakdowns aren’t just inconvenient—they’re expensive. Being prepared protects your fuel efficiency and wallet.
Your Move-Day Kit:
- Basic tools (borrowed is fine)
- Tire gauge and inflator
- Emergency fund cash ($200-300)
- Phone numbers (including RV Depot: (817) 678-5133)
Peace of Mind: Having supplies ready means you can handle minor issues yourself and keep your moving day on track.
🧳 8. Understanding Your RV’s Limits
Knowing its limits ensures fuel efficiency and safe arrival at your new home. Every RV has a personality—learn yours before that big move.
Know These Critical Numbers:
- Maximum safe speed (usually 55-65 MPH)
- Tank capacities (plan fuel stops accordingly)
- Weight limits (overloading kills MPG and safety)
- Tongue weight (improper balance affects handling)
- Height clearance (know before you go)
What These Limits Mean for Your Move:
- Pushing speed limits wastes fuel exponentially
- Running tanks too low can damage fuel pumps
- Exceeding weight strains everything and voids warranties
- Ignoring height leads to expensive bridge encounters
Smart Planning: Knowing your RV’s realistic fuel consumption helps you budget accurately for your move and avoid surprises at the pump. Write these numbers down and keep them in your tow vehicle.
⛽9. Arriving and Setting Up Efficiently
Your fuel efficiency journey doesn’t end when you arrive. Smart setup at your destination saves money for your new life chapter.
Arrival Strategies:
- Scout your spot first (before unhooking)
- One-shot parking (multiple attempts waste fuel)
- Level ground preferred (easier setup)
- Plan your orientation (sun/shade matters)
New Beginning Tip: Take photos of your setup for future reference
🚦 10. Your Future After the Big Move
Once you’re set up in your permanent spot, fuel efficiency becomes less critical, but the money saved on your move helps establish your new life.
Making Every Dollar Count:
- Extra gas money stays in your emergency fund
- Savings can cover setup costs at your new location
- Buffer funds help you feel secure in your new home
- Peace of mind knowing you maximized your moving budget
The Bottom Line: Every gallon saved during your move is money that stays in your pocket for building your new life.
Why RV Depot Makes Your Fresh Start Possible
We’re more than just in-house financing—we’re your partner in this journey. When banks see a credit score, we see a person deserving of affordable housing and dignity.
What Makes Us Different:
- No judgment about your situation
- Approval based on ability to pay, not credit scores
- Understanding that RVs are homes, not just recreation
- Support through your entire journey
🌟Your Journey Starts with One Phone Call
That RV isn’t just a vehicle—it’s your chance at affordable, dignified housing. Whether you’re moving it to family property, a permanent RV park, or seasonal locations, we’re here to make it possible. Remember: Every dollar saved on fuel efficiency during your move is a dollar toward building your new life. We believe in second chances because we’ve seen thousands of customers transform their lives, one RV at a time.
Ready for Your Fresh Start?
Get Pre Approved
Get Pre Approved
📍 4319 N. Main St, Cleburne, TX 76033 📞 (817) 678-5133
No credit? No problem. Past mistakes? We understand. Ready for affordable housing? We’re ready to help. Your new life begins with smart choices—starting with how you move your new home. Let’s make it happen together.
Have a fuel-saving tip we missed? Share it with our RV Depot community on Facebook and help fellow RVers save at the pump!
