Last Updated on November 1, 2024 by Dawn Head
Travel Sustainably in an RV – If you are passionate about sustainability in all aspects of your lifestyle, including your travel choices, you may have ruled out the possibility of vacationing in a fuel-guzzling RV.
However, this family-friendly, versatile, and cost-effective way of traveling can actually be a lot more environmentally friendly than you might think.
Ways to Travel Sustainably in an RV
From developments in the manufacturing processes of RVs in the U.S to eco-improvements made by RV rental companies including the installation of solar panels and wind turbines, to ways in which you can make your trip more eco-friendly, keep reading to learn how you could travel sustainably in an RV for your next vacation.
Scale down your choice of RV
Obviously, if you have a large family or are traveling in a big group, you will need a larger RV, but if you can look into a smaller RV rental, then you will use less fuel and therefore, be more energy efficient.
Although a smaller RV may have fewer mod cons than a larger one, this will encourage you to spend more time outside of your vehicle, enjoying the great outdoors.
You could even choose to cook by campfire rather than using the facilities in your RV.
Having a smaller RV will also encourage you to take less on your trip. Less weight means less gas is used, reducing the emissions your RV is giving off.
Make eco-friendly alterations to your RV
If you own your own RV or are looking to buy one for your annual vacations, then an excellent way to ensure your RV traveling is more sustainable is by installing environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels or wind turbines.
Solar panels are a much more eco-friendly power source, plus they are light and portable.
Wind turbines can also be useful and can be created to fit on the roof of your RV; unfortunately, these can be a bit noisy.
However, what is extra noise when you are doing your part and saving the planet?
Limit your water usage
It can be all too easy to waste water when you are on vacation, especially in an RV when you may be tempted to take a lot of showers to freshen up from both driving and exploring the great outdoors.
That being said, if you can embrace the dirt a bit (and that never hurt anyone), and limit the number of showers you take, it can dramatically lessen your trip’s impact on the environment.
You may also want to consider looking for an RV with a waterless toilet as flushing uses a lot of water, too, as well as washing up in one bucket or large container rather than in the sink.
Reduce landfill waste
Rather than use plastic dinnerware and kitchenware, why not invest in reusable or recyclable plates and cutlery?
America has over 3,000 active landfills, so do you really want to contribute more waste to these unsightly and environmentally damaging sites?
Another good idea is to try and cook one-pot meals so that you are not only using less cooking equipment but also less water and gas, too.
Limit your speed
There is no need to drive fast when traveling in an RV; after all, you are on your vacation, so what’s the big rush?
Plus, by driving slower and also more smoothly, you can dramatically reduce your fuel consumption and, in turn, your carbon footprint.
If you can, try and drive at around 55mph as this is the optimal speed for an RV if you are trying to be more eco-friendly.
Don’t bring everything you own
Yes, an RV should feel like a home from home. However, you don’t need to pack every item of clothing that you own, and you will not need a vast array of modern appliances.
One of the main joys of an RV vacation is the ability to unplug from modern life, so do yourself a favor and leave all your devices, beauty appliances, and other unnecessary belongings at home.
Everything that you need will be part of the RV – anything else, be critical as to whether you really need to take it with you.
Instead, embrace the simpler life; you never know, you might just prefer it!
Make sure your RV is well-maintained
If you are renting your RV, then this will have already been taken care of for you, but if not, it is vital that you ensure your vehicle is serviced before embarking on your trip.
Not only do you need to ensure that your RV is safe for the journey ahead, but a well-maintained RV will be more energy efficient.
Areas of RV maintenance that you should focus on for increased sustainability include:
- Changing the oil
- Replacing the air filters
- Checking your tires
Try not to use the AC too much
If you are traveling in the peak summer months, it can be tempting to simply crank up the air conditioning, sit back and let the cool breeze blow over you.
That being said, this is not a great idea if you want to limit your trip’s impact on the environment.
Instead, why not invest in a handheld fan, try to park up in shaded areas for the night so that your RV does not become too hot, and, if possible, consider the direction of the sun when driving so you can limit your exposure.
Too cold?
Don’t turn on the heater, simply pop on a few more layers or snuggle up under a blanket or two, and don’t forget, you can lose up to 10% of your body heat through your head, so wear a hat.
As long as you bear these tips in mind, you will be able to travel sustainably and in style. Be mindful when you are traveling and keep to the shortest routes.
You will be able to live a simple and sustainable life if you keep your RV well-maintained and reduce you carbon footprint in other ways.