How to Save on Fuel on a Campervan Road Trip in Australia
Fuel doesn’t have to blow your budget on a campervan road trip. Whether you’re cruising the East Coast or heading deep into the Outback, a few smart habits can make a serious difference to how far each tank takes you.
The good news? You don’t need to drive less, you just need to drive smarter. Here’s how to save money on fuel while still making the most of your campervan adventure.
Best Driving Habits to Save Fuel
1. Slow Down (Seriously)
Speed is one of the biggest fuel killers on the road. The faster you drive, the harder your engine works to overcome wind resistance. Even dropping your speed slightly on highways can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15–20%.
Wicked tip:
Stick to a steady cruising speed and don’t treat speed limits as targets. You’ll save fuel and probably enjoy the drive more.
2. Drive Smooth, Not Aggressive
Rapid acceleration and hard braking burn through fuel fast. Smooth, consistent driving is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
- Accelerate gradually
- Anticipate traffic and coast where possible
- Avoid unnecessary braking
Driving more smoothly can significantly reduce fuel consumption over long distances.
3. Keep a Steady Speed on Highways
Constant speed = better fuel efficiency.
Using cruise control (if available) on flat roads helps maintain a consistent speed and avoids unnecessary fuel spikes caused by speeding up and slowing down. Make sure to turn it off on hilly roads though.
Pro move:
Choose open roads over stop-start city traffic, even if the route is slightly longer. It can actually use less fuel overall.
4. Pack Light (Your Van Isn’t a Storage Unit)
Every extra kilo in your campervan means more fuel burned. That “just in case” pile? It adds up fast.
- Remove unnecessary gear
- Don’t overload storage compartments
- Only bring what you’ll actually use
Reducing weight is one of the easiest ways to improve fuel efficiency on a road trip.
5. Check Your Tyre Pressure
Underinflated tyres = more resistance = more fuel.
Keeping your tyres properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by around 3–7%.
Quick habit:
Check tyre pressure before long drives and every few days on the road.
6. Avoid Idling
If you’re parked, turn the engine off.
Idling burns fuel without getting you anywhere, literally. Even short periods of idling can waste fuel unnecessarily.
Rule of thumb:
If you’re stopped for more than a minute, switch off.
7. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Air conditioning puts extra load on your engine.
- Use it sparingly at lower speeds
- At higher speeds, it’s often more efficient than open windows
- Park in the shade to reduce the need for cooling
Small changes here can add up over a long trip.
8. Plan Your Route (and Fuel Stops)
Winging it sounds fun, but it can cost you.
- Avoid heavy traffic routes
- Combine errands and stops
- Use apps like PetrolSpy to find the cheapest fuel near you in real time
Fuel prices can vary significantly between locations, so planning ahead can save you a surprising amount.
9. Drive in the Right Gear
If you’re driving a manual campervan, gear choice matters.
- Shift up early
- Avoid high revs
- Stay in the highest appropriate gear
Running your engine at high RPM unnecessarily burns more fuel.
10. Fill Up in Bigger Towns
Fuel prices can vary wildly depending on where you are, especially in Australia.
Smart strategy:
- Fill up before leaving major towns
- Avoid topping up in remote or tourist-heavy areas unless necessary
- Don’t wait until you’re nearly empty, give yourself options
On a long road trip, this one habit alone can save you a surprising amount.
Final Thoughts on Fuel Efficiency: Small Changes = Big Savings
Saving fuel on a campervan road trip isn’t about one big trick, it’s about stacking small wins.
Do all that, and you could cut your fuel costs by 10–20% or more across your trip.
Ready to Hit the Road?
At Wicked Campers, we’re all about cheap travel, maximum adventure. Follow these fuel-saving tips and you’ll stretch your budget further, without cutting your trip short.