Saving Fuel when Towing

Saving fuel when towing
 
Thing we already know but need to be reminded of.
FUEL , up and down like a .... you know the rest The major cost and in many cases a unpredictable cost when touring.
The first consideration is obviously the vehicle doing the towing. Check these items
Check engine condition , if petrol pay attention to tuning
For diesels check that compression, fuel pump pressure and ensure those injectors are cleaned on a regular basis.
If using power increasing devices consider that power will increase fuel usage monitor and assess
Temperature. Ask the experts A cool engine temp is not necessarily a economical one . Maintain 80-85 degrees C
Look long and hard at you belts condition.
Tyres correct inflation and resistance to road (rolling resistance) cross ply V radial Check with tyre fitters
The weight behind
Weight should be kept to a minimum Theory 1 lt per 100kms for every 1 tonne extra
Consider reducing water tank levels if you are traveling in water available areas
Beware speed V air resistance. A 10% increase in speed can be a 15%+ in fuel
Don't drive too slow Have your vehicle running comfortably for the terrain you are driving
Avoid head winds try and plan the weather conditions
Use your cruise control correctly
Engine size is a important point . Having a small engine does not necessarily mean economy when towing your caravan.
Why , easy small engines have to work harder to do the same job and a weight on the back is what will determine the work for the vehicle.
I must add here that one main reason people trade their vehicle in when the caravan arrives is that prior to purchase of the caravan the vehicle already owned is insufficiently powered to ensure safe comfortable driving when towing.
Tyres and cruise control
On the subject of tyres for the tow vehicle and the caravan consider when purchasing the rolling resistance of the tyres and compare with others . Shop around and don't be lured into buying what the brand name tyre dealer tells you. Make your own decision based on your budget and use.
Check with the experts on tyre pressures and find out what will give you the safest and most economical advantage.
If you already don't have one get a cruise control. Be aware they will use more fuel in undulating terrain consider that .
 
It sometimes does you good to get away from the cruise for a while on a long journey.
Always if in doubt ask a expert.
Happy safe and economical touring .

Alternative fuel vehicle may be of use:

http://www.alternativefuel4x4.com
http://www.alternativefuel-cars.com

Types of Alternative Fuels

http://www.alternativefuel-cars.com

There are many different types of alternative fuels that are being developed these days which is an exciting innovation in the vehicle industry. Alternative fuels are the wave of the future as scientists look for cleaner burning fuels that won't damage the environment while providing great advantages to the vehicle owner. They have come up with several.

Probably the most well known type of alternative fuel is ethanol. Ethanol is often called grain alcohol as it is made from corn and/or soybeans. Right now on the market is E85 which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Even though it still has gasoline in it, ethanol burns much cleaner than regular gas and saves on gas mileage for those who use it. Ethanol can also be made from organic materials including agricultural crops and waste, plant material left from logging, and trash including paper!

Another type of alternative fuel is methanol, a cousin of ethanol as they are both alcohol based products. Methanol is sometimes called wood alcohol and can be made from various biomass resources like wood, as well as from coal. However, today nearly all methanol is made from natural gas, or methane, because it is cheaper.

Propane, or compressed natural gas has long been used to provide energy to homes, but it is rising in popularity as a type of alternative fuel for vehicles. Like oil, this common fuel comes from underground. However, natural gas, as the name implies, is a gas much like air, rather than a liquid like petroleum. It has been found to be one of the most environmentally friendly fuels, and its popularity is growing.

You can find another type of alternative fuel in the form of good old fashioned electricity. In fact, electric vehicles have been around for a long time, and they are coming back in popularity due to environmental concerns. Electric vehicles don't burn gasoline in an engine. They use electricity stored on the car in batteries. Sometimes, 12 or 24 batteries, or more, are needed to power the car.

One of the most interesting and promising type of alternative transportation fuels is hydrogen. While mostly only experimental vehicles are operating on this fuel now, the potential for this unique energy source is excellent. Hydrogen is the lightest of all elements and is easy to produce which is why it is sending excitement waves throughout the alternative fuel industry as they next big type of alternative fuel that can be used in vehicles.

These are only a few types of alternative fuels and more are being developed all the time. With a growing concern over global warming, the use of alternative fuels will grow in popularity over time and you will likely begin to see many other types of alternative fuels make their appearance.