Often times Brian and I will be leisurely cruising down the highway, and before we know it, an RV is passing us up, then there goes another one, and another one. We sit and wonder what's the big hurry? Is there a big fire they are going to? Are they all rushing thinking they are going to get the last spot on earth? Or maybe they are rushing home because of a family emergency....

When we finally get to our destination and all set up; we will walk around and visit with other RV'ers. A conversation will strike up about how bad of a gas mileage they got getting there. Of course we have to put our two cents worth in, for we saved that two cents!! While a lot of big rigs will only get anywhere from 7-10 miles per gallon, we will get anywhere from 13-18 miles per gallon and yes, we do pull a big rig!

Okay, now they want to know what our secret is for getting better mileage. Number one thing we tell them: We take our time! We don't go down the intertate cruising at 65 or 70 mph! On all interstates and 4-lane highways, I keep my speed between 55 & 60 mph whenever pulling the rig. On two lane highways I try to maintain between 50 & 55 mph. While cruising through a town, I always stay about 5 mph below the speed limit it tells me.

There are many other factors to consider when cruising down the road other than gas mileage.

• As I mention, better gas mileage when traveling. We never try to travel during high winds (25+ mph), unless of course the winds are pushing us in the direction we are going.
• Try not to travel in heavy rains. Not because of gas mileage, but it's really not safe. During heavy rains, you chance hydro-planing. It's scary enough hydro-planing in a car, can you image what it would be like with a rig?!?! Also roads are slippery when wet-try stopping a rig on wet roads, when an idiot decides to cut you off; not a pretty site....
• Can you stop your rig in time when you have a blow-out while cruising at 70 mph? Again, it's not easy as slowing down and just pulling over. You chance swaying and loosing control. And if you are able to keep it under control, and able to pull over-I almost guarantee you that you will have other damages to your rig.

Aren't we all retired now and aren't we suppose to take life at a slower pace? Well, when slowing your lifestyle down, also try slowing down on the roadways. Yeah, you may get a line of cars behind you and you may get driver a bit upset with you-ignore them-they don't have to pay for the damages or for your fuel. There will be time for them to pass you by. Most generally they don't get too upset with you.

In the state of Texas, they allow you to pull over and drive on the shoulder on two-lane highways (unless otherwise marked), and many times the cars behind us, think we should just pull over to that shoulder and allow them to pass. But we won't and don't. It's not a marked lane for one thing, and there seems to be more road debris on the side of the road, and we don't want to chance a nail or something in our tires.

When inside city limits, I don't like going the speed limit, and prefer going slower because you just don't know when someone is going to dart out into the street, or if a car is not going to stop at the intersection. It's easier to slow a big rig down at a slower speed, than it is at a higher speed.

Some helpful tips that may also help on fuel and even the life of your engine. (Note: This is for those with automatic transmission):

• When coming into a town, take your foot off that gas peddle and start slowing the rig down. Once below 45 mph, shift down to 2nd (your lower gear). This will help to slow your engine down without you having to put on the brakes constantly. If the speed limit is where you can stay below the 45 mph, just keep it in that 2nd gear.  If you are going through a town with a lot of stop and start, if you see the light is changing, once you are below 25 mph shift down to 1st (your lowest gear).  This again slows the engine down even more and helps saves on the brakes
• If going through a lot of hills both uphill and downhill grades, shift into second gear (at 45 mph or below) to help your transmission more precisely control your heavy load.  The transmission has more power while inclining and better breaking or holding back while declining-saving on braking more often.  You may have to occassionally tap your brakes, but it's better than holding down on the brakes and burning them up.

Read your manual to your truck and rig, motorhome or whatever you have purchased.  Follow all mainentance that would be require; This will help you to have less stress later on down the road and keep everything running smoothly.

1.  Get the radiator flushed according to your manual. 
2. Transmission should be flushed and new filter after about 50,000 miles (or according to your manual), this will help prolong your transmission.
3. Don't ignore that oil change!
4. Check your battery water level on a regular basis (this is for rigs only). 
5. Check your tires and check again after cruising a while down the road.  Make sure they are wearing properly and have good pressure according the manufactor specs.
6. Make sure that once you are all hooked up and ready to roll, that ALL your lights and blinkers are working properly.  Whenever stopping for fuel, make sure that plug is snugged in and hasn't come loose while cruising down the road.  If that plug comes out-not only do you loose all your lights, but also your breaking unit on the rig!

 So the next time I see you cruising down the road and you pass me up, I will just think to myself that there must be a family emergency and just need to get home...or maybe you will be getting that very last camping spot and I will be out of luck....

Happy Trails!