Conversion vans offer something that other vehicles do not. The conversion allows the owner to use the vehicle as a passenger or cargo van during the week, and a recreational vehicle on the weekends. Many have seats that fold down into beds in the back, are equipped with entertainment centers and have better insulation than other vehicles. This allows travel and camping all year long. There are ways to get the most out of your conversion van and help the environment at the same time.

1. Maintain The Entire Vehicle

Electrical systems, brakes, transmission and the engine should receive regular maintenance. This ensures that everything is in peak working condition. Maintained engines use less fuel than poorly maintained ones; this goes for both gasoline and diesel models. It also reduces the possibility of a breakdown on the road. Ensure the tires are properly inflated; this is one of the most common causes of reduced gas mileage and blowouts.

2. Develop Good Driving Habits

Move the vehicle up to speed gradually instead of punching the accelerator. Driving the speed limit is one of the best ways to save fuel and reduce emissions. When taking a trip, it is best to give yourself enough time to arrive safely; take road and traffic conditions into account. Impatient drivers waste fuel and create hazardous conditions for others.

3. Watch The Weight

The owner’s manual will tell you how much weight the vehicle is rated to carry. This includes the weight of cargo and passengers; exceeding this reduces the handling ability of the van and the fuel mileage. Remove seats when the van is not carrying passengers, carrying freeze-dried foods for camping trips and inflatable beds are good ways to reduce the weight. Empty trash, ice chests and barbeque pits before traveling home.

4. Idling Costs Fuel

Traffic jams and fast food drive-throughs are a waste of fuel. If the vehicle is going to sit in place for more than five minutes, turn the engine off. You will use less gas restarting the engine than letting it idle for long periods of time. Most new engines today do not need to warm up before driving, regardless of the outdoor temperature.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Products For Your Van

Choose eco-friendly products when maintaining or caring for your van. This includes radiator fluid, synthetic oil and other fluids the van’s engine and systems use. A drop or two of biodegradable dish soap in a gallon of water can replace the fluid commonly used. For washing the van’s exterior and tires, choose products that degrade in the soil instead of harming it. Use a UV-reflective wax that will help keep the interior cooler, thus using less air conditioning and ultimately less fuel.