GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #35 | Page 4

RV MAIL LETTERS FROM THE ROAD FAIR FUEL TEST You couldn’t have done your fuel test (GoRV #34) better or fairer! Of course, you know one of the favourite topics at the campsite is fuel consumption, as we all need to know how much the fuel is going to cost us on our holiday or how far we can travel between fill-ups. To some, the cost is irrelevant, they just fill up, but to many grey nomads on fixed incomes, it’s of great importance. I use an app (Motor Mouth) which gives me the price of fuel at the service stations, and it’s very handy to locate petrol outlets with the cheapest prices. Sometimes, this can be as much as 10 cents per litre in the same town. Although this can be handy, we all know that when we refuel with a caravan on the back, ease of entry/departure is paramount and many service stations are just not a practical option! Stuart Wragg Via email WIND TEST REQUEST I was interested to read your article on on fuel consumption in issue 34. It basically confirmed what has been the general consensus for some time now. My wife and I have used both full-height caravans and a pop-top, and did find we used less fuel towing the pop-top, but not a huge amount. One idea I would like you to explore (if you feel like driving the same route to Traralgon again) would be the use of a caravan wind deflector. When set-up and used correctly, I find we can achieve a fuel saving of between 1-2L/100km, which narrows the gap back to the the pop- top a little. We choose to use full-height vans for their better insulation properties (both temperature and sound), and the enhanced storage opportunities they offer. We understand we are paying a little more at the bowser, but we like our comfort. Thanks for a great magazine. Bob Murray Via email Thanks for your letter, Bob. I will certainly consider your suggestion about replicating this fuel test for the purposes of assessing the effectiveness of wind deflectors. From previous experience with them, however, I believe they work as advertised, and I know a number of vanners who feel the same. – Ed + FUEL DUEL If you have an opinion or thought about the RV lifestyle, or about this digital magazine, we’d like to hear it! Email your feedback to info@gorv.com.au 04 \