Get the Best MPG from Your Motorhome

Now that your motorhome is ready for the season, you may want to think about some easy-to-do and mostly inexpensive tips to help improve your RV’s mpg when you are on the road.  The good news is that the motorhomes of today are built with more fuel efficient engines but there are things you can do to make it even better.   

For starters, think about reducing any unnecessary weight that you are carrying in the motorhome.  Bring what you need for the trip you are taking and be aware of letting the clutter in the RV build up overtime.  Just like your home, periodically go through it and declutter. 

Another inexpensive thing to do is to periodically check the air filter, and if it is dirty, replace it with a quality high-flow filter.  Experts cite a clean air filter can help to improve fuel economy by up to 10%.  Along the same lines, routinely check the air pressure of the tires as properly inflated tires can increase fuel economy by up to 3% as well as help to save on wear and tear of the tires. 

Be sure to maintain your motorhome’s engine just like you do on your car.  Follow through with all scheduled tune-ups and change the oil frequently using a good quality or synthetic oil.  Furthermore use the recommended type of gas for the RV, and if it doesn’t require premium, don’t bother. 

Lastly be aware of your driving habits.  Take care in how you accelerate and use cruise control whenever possible.  Most importantly watch your speed.  It is estimated that for every 5mph over 60mph you go, it can increase the amount you pay for a gallon of gas by as much as 10 cents. 

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Tips Before You Take Your 1st RV Trip

Now that you have bought your beautiful new RV, there are some useful tips to consider that will help to ensure your first trip is trouble-free.  For a start, be sure to take advantage of all the information and advice your RV dealer can give you regarding maintaining and operating your RV.  Familiarize yourself with the different systems such as the propane tank, generator, and water pumps and learn how they work since you will be monitoring and maintaining them. 

Driving a motorhome or towing a travel trailer is not difficult but before you travel any distance with the new RV, take it out around the neighborhood to get used to the feel of it.  Practice adjusting the mirrors so you get the maximum viewing area and use them to park and maneuver the RV.  Remember that braking is different with a motorhome or trailer so you need to moderate your speed when preparing to stop.  Furthermore get used to how the RV handles while making turns as cornering a large RV does require more of a turning radius. 

It is important to keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure, and it is a good idea to get into the habit of checking both the tread and pressure weekly to ensure optimal performance.  Also many experienced RVers suggest being prepared for the unexpected so pack the RV with a flashlight, candles, and matches as well as bring first aid supplies and insect repellant.

Lastly check with your RV dealer about any classes they may offer or can recommend regarding safety, winterizing, or de-winterizing your vehicle.  Even seasoned RVers can benefit from these types of classes.  Your dealer may even have some recommendations for good storage options in the area. 

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Smartly Stock Your New RV

You may recently have bought a RV or are thinking about purchasing one for the upcoming season and need to consider how to stock it.  One of the convenient things about owning a RV is the fact that you can have it always packed and ready to go with all the basics other than clothing and personal items.

That being said, since storage space is limited and you do not want to exceed the weight restriction you can safely tow, be smart when stocking your RV.  Items that go into the RV do not have to be new and can be purchased at thrift stores or yard sales.  Another idea is to take older things from your home to be used in the RV and repurchase new ones for the house. 

Some RVers even go so far as to suggest you load the RV with everything you think you may need for a trip and then spend a weekend in it on the driveway without going into the house for supplies.  This should give you an indication if you are adequately prepared. 

Generally you will want to plan on outfitting your RV with enough dishes to serve everyone who will be traveling with you.  Many suggest reusable plastic dishes since they are light-weight and do not break, and are more environmentally friendly than constantly using paper products.  Your few basic pots and pans should be easy to clean and is not the place for heavy cast-iron skillets.  Stock a small supply of condiments, plastic trash bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, can opener, and a coffee pot.  Do not forget about dish towels, soap, sponges, matches, utensils and a fire extinguisher.

Pack the RV with a set of bedding and bath towels for each camper and include a clothes line so you can hang wet towels outside.  The bathroom should be stocked with shampoo and soap along with other basic necessities.  Additionally it is handy to have a multiple-outlet surge protector, outdoor extension cord, bungee cords or tie-downs, and a hand-held vacuum cleaner.   

A small well-stocked tool box is a must and be sure to bring along leveling blocks and wheel chocks.  It is also nice to have lawn chairs for sitting outside, and if you have room, a small portable table.   

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Buying Your First RV?

There are some important things to know and consider beforehand when buying your first RV.  After all it is a major investment and you want to make an educated, well-informed decision before you purchase one. 

Figuring out just what type of RV you need/want can be tricky as there are many options available.  You can do some initial research on the Internet and talk to family or friends for their recommendations and advice, but then you need to find a reputable RV dealer.  Top RV dealers generally employ a highly trained sales staff that can offer guidance to assist you with making a smart decision.  Also choose a dealership that operates a professional service department and one that has a large parts and accessory store as it makes it easier when you need something.  Also ask how long they have been in business and what brand of RVs they carry.   

Remember that communicating with your sales consulate is important.  One of the first things they will ask is what vehicle you plan to use if you are thinking of buying a RV that needs to be towed. Additionally let your rep know what you are looking for in a RV and how much you want to spend.  Give them an idea of the ways you plan to use it and the frequency of trips you will take each year. 

When choosing the right RV for your family, size is very important for not only towing purposes but for how well it serves your needs.  Many experts suggest for maximum comfort chose a RV that sleeps the amount of people you will travel with most of the time without having to utilize a dining area that converts into beds.  The hassle factor and inconvenience can quickly take some of the pleasure out of using the RV.  Also be sure to carefully consider floor plans and think about how well they will work for your family as well as serve your storage requirements.
 

 

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 as well as serving customers from the Denver Area.  Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Us

-Gary & Vicki Watts (Franklin, TN)

"I must give KUDOS to Bill at Pikes Peak Traveland. He has certainly gone the extra mile to do everything that he could to help us."

---

-Doug & Cheri Moloney (Colorado Springs, CO)-
"Thank you very, very much for helping us make our first trip of the season by repairing the broken "tee".
Our trip was a success due to your customer service dedication. We sincerely appreciate it."

---

-Noel & John Ekin (Hartsel, CO)-
"Recently, Dr. Farrell Coy, a friend of ours HIGHLY recommended Pikes Peak Traveland. We now know why!

Some time ago, we brought our travel trailer in to have some "water-leaks" repaired. Most everything worked well with one exception. We contacted John Cromwell who asked us to bring it in and he would have it repaired.

You should know that we live in the Hartsel area at 9200 feet and were not very knowledgeable with regard to "winterizing" the trailer. The bottom line is that John had our trailer "winterized" and when we picked it up today, he spent time with us showing and explaining just what we need to do to prevent costly "freeze-ups." (Our water heater still had water in it and we woke up one morning to a temp of ZERO degrees!) He prevented a costly repair item for us!

We greatly appreciate the service that John, Jim(?) and your technicians have given us! Thank you and John for your expert, professional and FRIENDLY service!"


RV sales Colorado Springs since 1982. One of the best Colorado Springs RV dealers offering personalized service and a large selection of new and used RVs, large RV parts department, and RV repairs.

RV Service and Sales in Colorado Springs

Whether your RV needs electrical work, satellite system programming, tow bar installation, roof replacement or any other service performed, rest assured we have what it takes to complete the task.  Our service department is trained with RV certified and master certified technicians to provide you with the best service for your RVs. With the modern complexities and rapid changing technologies, it is important to ensure your RV is being serviced by someone you know understands the various systems. Our technicians are constantly learning and researching the latest troubleshoots and with our "never quit" attitude, our technicians want to personally ensure your RV is fixed right the first time.

Our service department also gets involved in specific projects from time to time.  We have serviced many government trailers and police department mobile command posts over the years. We have converted a Freightliner FL70 truck truck into a mobile command unit to be used in Iraq. We have converted a Sprinter van into a mobile dental lab to allow a crown to be made while you wait. If you have a specific request, give us a call.

 

One of the Top Colorado Springs RV Dealers

Pikes Peak Traveland has been serving Colorado Springs since 1982. We believe strongly in relationships over volume. To achieve strong relationships, we believe in serving our customer by providing personalized service. The products we offer also reflect quality to provide our customers with the best possible RV experience whether they are right here in the beautiful Rocky Mountains or cruising the white sandy beaches of the Florida panhandle. Come by and see for yourself.

Our parts department is staffed by knowledgeable and experienced people who understand RVs. We offer one of the most complete RV parts and accessories stores in Southern Colorado. We also specialize in hard to find parts. If we can't find it, then it is probably no longer available. Come by and grab a cup of coffee on us. The advice is free too!

Our service department is trained with RV certified and master certified technicians to provide you with the best service for your RVs.