How To Save Energy in Your Motorhome or Campervan

• 24th Jan 2019

Saving fuel while driving your motorhome or campervan is one of the best ways to go greener and save on the energy used for your camping holidays. However, it is also important to look at how you use energy while camping in your motorhome or campervan. Here are some tips to help you save energy on your camping adventures:

Choosing Off-Grid Electrical Options

Consider first of all what type of energy you use to run your heating, lighting, appliances etc.. Those with a campervan or motorhome could consider installing solar panels on their vehicles. Solar panels will allow you to be entirely self-sufficient in terms of your energy needs – saving you money and saving the planet.

Solar power installations, however, can be expensive. You may not be able to afford a full solar power installation right away. Even if a full switch to renewable power is not possible though, there is still a lot you can do to reduce the amount of energy you use.

Save Energy Heating Your Motorhome:

For example, when it comes to reducing the energy used to heat your motorhome or campervan, you can:

• Take advantage of the heat of the sun (by parking to maximise sunlight, increasing thermal mass etc...)
• Take advantage of human heat – throw a party, or invite more friends or family along.
• Check seals and make necessary repairs to windows and doors.
• Add (or improve) insulation.
• Add (DIY?) double glazing.
• Invest in good winter bedding to stay warm without extra heating.
• Consider off-grid heating solutions such as a solid fuel stove, rocket stove, or solar powered electrical heater.

Save Energy Lighting Your Motorhome:

To save energy when lighting your motorhome or campervan:

• switch to low energy LED lighting.
• Switch off lights when not in use.
• Consider off-grid, eco-friendly lighting, such as hand-cranked LED lanterns or solar-powered portable camping lights.

Save Energy Powering Your Motorhome Appliances:

To save energy on the appliances and gadgets in your campervan or motorhome:

• When buying new appliances, choose ultra-efficient options.
• Use only appliances and gadgets that are absolutely necessary.
• Switch off the inverter when not using AC appliances.
• Consider switching off the fridge for short journeys.
• Consider solar powered or hand cranked fans, radios and other appliances.

Save Energy Cooking in Your Motorhome

Rather than using an oven or hob in your motorhome or caravan, consider using other methods to cook, including:

• a simple campfire
• a barbecue
• eco-friendly camping stoves
• solar ovens

You can also save energy by:

• putting lids on pots when cooking.
• boiling water in a kettle rather than an open pot.
• Slow cooking or keeping things warm with a hay box oven or thermally insulated container.

These are just some tips to help you reduce the energy you use on your camping adventures. Your motorhome or campervan adventures may not be as green as tent camping – but they can be greener than you may think.