How to Prevent Energy Drain and Improve RV Efficiency

As an RV enthusiast, you are aware that there is much freedom and adventure to be had with an RV, but it’s hard to escape the challenges associated with maintaining RV efficiency.

Some RVers aren’t even aware that some of their habits are energy-wasting “ghosts” that haunt their RV efficiency. The more aware you are of these behaviors, the better equipped you will be to get rid of these ghosts for good.

Energy costs can get out of hand, especially for those who have extended stays in their RVs. Unless you have put in plenty of planning, gone through some trial-and-error situations and made steps to prevent energy loss, you may be losing a lot of efficiency.

Better Batteries

When your adventures take you off the grid, power up with premium batteries and consider getting multiple batteries for extended use on your longer stays. And because they are much lighter than lead-acid batteries, you won’t have to worry too much about the added weight load of multiple lithium batteries.

Sometimes you get more value when you pay more up front for something, and that is true of the new lithium-ion batteries, which last longer than the traditional lead-acid batteries, but they also charge faster and will operate more consistently in extreme environmental situations.

Lighting

Themost popular energy-efficient lighting source comes from LED lights. The cost associated with powering your lights might seem insignificant, but it adds up over time, which long-term RVers can attest to.

With LED lights, you can extend your boondocking or dry camping time and not have to worry about the inconveniences of visiting undeveloped campsites.

Also, consider installing sensors that turn on your LED lights when they detect motion. This motion-activated system not only turns the lights on for you when you enter specific areas but will also turn them off when you leave.

Solar Advantages

The cost of solar panels has decreased over the last decade, making installation of these on the roof of the RV more affordable. But the rooftop panels aren’t the only method for utilizing the power of the sun.

  • Solar water heaters
    Enjoy a hot shower or wash your dishes with a water heater that utilizes solar energy.
  • Solar-powered fans
    Want to keep your RV cool and the air circulating? Use the sun’s heat to power fans that keep your RV comfortable.
  • Solar-powered refrigerators
    Yes, even refrigerators are operating off solar power today.
  • Solar lights and lanterns
    Never buy expensive D batteries again. Use a flashlight or lantern that takes its charge from solar power. You can also install outdoor and interior lights that are solar-powered.


There are many products on the market today that utilize solar power, so look around your RV and see what you can swap out to save energy.

Shades

Snowbirds are getting excited at this time of year, as they know winter is approaching and have trips in the planning stages. For a more comfortable living situation, consider making blackout shades part of your planning. These shades will reduce the HVAC load, as they trap heat inside your RV and cut way back on those frigid drafts.

Blackout shades will also benefit you in the summer months, as they will prevent harsh ultraviolet rays from penetrating your windows and heating up your interiors. Your AC won’t have to work as hard to keep your RV cool.

Need more ideas about how to prevent those haunting, energy-stealing ghosts from hiking your utility bills? At Gray Diesel & Equipment Services, we’ve got many years of experience with all types of RVs, so we will know where to look, what to change and how to make your RV more energy efficient.