You wouldn't douse your favorite houseplant in bleach. Or scratch your brand-new car with keys. We look after the things we cherish! Why should it be any different with our planet? For all the adventurers out there who wish to conserve nature while enjoying the RV lifestyle, here are our top suggestions for a Green RV Living.
The Sustainable, Green RV Living – Handy Hints & Tricks
Yes, you can pursue your RV adventures and contribute to environmental sustainability simultaneously. Here's how:
Minimize Fossil Fuel Consumption
You're likely aware that RVs have a rather large fuel appetite. This isn't just eco-unfriendly, it's not kind on your wallet either. Given that the average diesel RV only gets about 8-14 miles per gallon, optimizing fuel efficiency is crucial. Here are some tips to curb gas consumption:
Choose a compact vehicle.
If you're considering an RV and want to minimize gas usage as much as possible, go for a smaller class C RV, or even a van-style class B. The larger the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes.
Stay on top of maintenance.
Small adjustments can have a significant impact. For instance, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by up to 3%.
Switch to biodiesel fuel.
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. Although not all gas stations offer it yet, it's gaining traction, and this convenient online tool can help you find an alternative fueling station near you.
Moderate your speed.
Take your time and appreciate the beauty of the scenic route. By accelerating less and maintaining a steady speed, you can conserve fuel. The ideal speed for RVs is 55 to 60 mph.
Pack light.
Bring only the essentials for your journey. Extra weight slows down your RV and consumes more fuel.
Pro Tip: Switch to RV batteries from Renewgy to reduce hitch weight by up to 70%. Renewgy's lithium RV batteries are half the weight of lead-acid batteries with equal capacity.
Power Your Gadgets With Solar Energy
We all have a number of devices we use regularly. Think cellphones, laptops, cameras, and more. They all need charging, so why not harness the sun's energy and reduce your energy usage? After all, solar is a wholly renewable energy source.
Equipped with one of our 20W or 40W solar panels and Mobile Power Portable Power Bank, you can charge your gadgets from anywhere, as long as the sun's out. Our 20W and 40W panels are ultra-lightweight and easy to transport. Whether you're stationed in your RV or backpacking in the mountains for the weekend, it's always beneficial to have solar power at your disposal. Plus, charging your devices with solar energy is better for the environment.
Now is an excellent time to invest in solar panels. They're more portable and affordable than ever. You can get a lightweight, portable 40W solar panel to charge your gadgets for under $100.
RV Traveling Through The Mountains
Dry camping and boondocking are excellent ways to make your RV greener. They're also quite enjoyable! If you can do without electrical hookups for a few days, you'll be rewarded with vast open spaces and a starlit sky, particularly for the boondockers out there.
Being off-grid doesn't mean you have to compromise
on comfort. With an efficient house battery, you can still power your essentials such as your water system, lighting, and overhead fans. But not any battery will suffice. You'll need a reliable and energy-efficient power source for your off-grid adventures.
With our reliable 12V LiFePO4 batteries from Renewgy, you can skip the electrical hookups and fully immerse yourself in nature.
Pro Tip: Use a 12V lithium battery (or 2, or 4) from Renewgy to power your lights, fans, and water pump even when you're off the beaten path. Lithium is the best RV battery for boondocking due to its efficiency, reliability, and minimal environmental impact.
Transition to Green, Energy Efficient Renewgy Batteries
One small step can significantly propel your journey towards green RVing: switch to Renewgy's lithium RV batteries. Here's why:
Renewgy's batteries are toxin-free.
While lead-acid batteries may be the cheapest choice for your RV, they're not the most eco-friendly. They contain harmful substances, including sulfuric acid and lead, which is why they need regular maintenance and proper storage to prevent leaks that contaminate the environment. Renewgy's lithium batteries are a safer, smarter alternative for your green RV. They're non-toxic, leak-free, and recyclable. You can even store them indoors.
Renewgy's batteries are smart.
These lithium batteries have a built-in battery management system to prevent overcharging and consequent damage. They can also connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth. A few taps, and you can check exactly how much energy is left.
Renewgy's batteries are more efficient.
They have a 99% charge efficiency, compared to 85% for lead-acid. You can use a much smaller and less expensive solar setup to charge these batteries than you would need for a similarly sized lead-acid battery. Due to their efficiency, Renewgy battery banks seldom run out of power. This is especially important for times when you need to use limited power wisely, such as when you're boondocking!
Quick Tips for Sustainable, Green RV Living
Reducing fossil fuel use, staying off the grid, harnessing solar power, and transitioning to smart batteries from Renewgy are all significant ways to transform your mobile home into a green RV. Here are a few more tips to help you go even greener:
- Use enzyme-based tank cleaners instead of chemical-based ones for your RV toilet.
- Swap your regular bulbs for energy-saving LED lights.
- Choose reusable, lightweight plates and utensils over disposable plastic and styrofoam.
- Save water by using a personal water filtration system and utilizing surrounding water. Install a water-saving showerhead to minimize waste.
- Leave no trace! Ensure you take everything you brought to the campsite with you when you depart.