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The ultimate guide to hypermiling for van lifers

Have you heard of hypermiling? 

With gas prices on the rise and commuters and travelers alike planning many miles to drive, hypermiling is a growing movement centered around achieving vehicles’ maximum fuel economy. In extreme cases, hypermilers have achieved increases of over 100% over official fuel mileage ratings! What could fuel savings like this bring to your life? What would you do with double the range for the same cost at the pump?

Want to get started? Here’s your ultimate guide to hypermiling – with a specific focus on things to pay attention to as a van lifer. 

Table of Contents

What is hypermiling?

Hypermiling is a set of vehicle maintenance and driving techniques that enable you to maximize the fuel economy of your vehicle – even if it’s old, clunky, and normally a gas guzzler.

At its core, you don’t need any special equipment to practice hypermile techniques, and anyone can do it. However, the more effort you put into the practice, the more returns you’ll see – both for the planet and for your wallet. 

Hypermiling and a sustainability mindset go hand in hand

Hypermiling is a holistic practice, and works best when it is coupled with a mindset shift on driving and travel. In other words, don’t think of hypermiling as just a way to save gas. Rather, use hypermiling as a tool to reject fast travel and short horizon thinking in favor of slow travel and more sustainable habits.

Instead of planning whirlwind trips to geographically distant destinations, can you slow down the plan? It’s ok to keep items on that bucket list unchecked. A go-go-go approach to travel may be tempting (and, when pressured by all sorts of societal messaging, may even feel necessary!) but the age-old adage of quality over quantity rings no more true than in travel.

Spend more time rather than less in a single destination, opting for slow or low-carbon transportation options like walking, biking, or public transit while there. The more time you spend in a place, the better understanding you’ll develop for it: you’ll likely venture off the beaten path, find local gems, and develop a more meaningful connection with the place and its people. Your van life can only be richer for it.

The basics on fuel economy

First off, let’s acknowledge the main forces that propel your vehicle: your engine (by burning fuel to power your wheels), and gravity (when it’s on your side, on descending terrain). Hypermiling is all about understanding how to optimally engage your engine to maximize distance traveled for the fuel burned.

Now, let’s understand the main forces that slow your vehicle, often resulting in a reduction in fuel efficiency: rolling resistance (from your tires deforming as they push against the ground) and aerodynamic drag, or put simply, air resistance (from the air your vehicle displaces as it moves).

Hypermilers are always thinking about how to reduce rolling resistance and air resistance in relation to fuel spend, speed, and distance traveled– or, how to use them to their advantage!

Core tenets of hypermiling

In a nutshell, hypermilers try to:

  • Minimize acceleration
  • Conserve momentum
  • Drive as efficiently as possible

They do this by optimizing…

The holy trinity of hypermiling

There are three broad factors that impact your hypermiling potential:

  1. The state of your vehicle
  2. The way you drive
  3. The way you park

It’s best to put all pieces from all 3 categories together for the best results, but if you can only do some, do that! When it comes to hypermiling, something is always better than nothing. 

1. Your vehicle matters

Hypermiling mantra #1: treat your camper right

The number #1 most effective thing you can do to maximize your mileage is to start with a fuel efficient vehicle. Newer vehicles usually have better mileage than older ones, and now there are even hybrid and electric trucks and campers on the market!

But when upgrading your ride isn’t an option, there are still valuable steps you can take to make sure that the vehicle you DO have is set up for hypermiling success.

Keep your vehicle in great shape

The easiest way to maximize your hypermiling potential is to keep your vehicle well maintained and serviced. Address any warning lights on the dashboard as soon as possible to ensure that nothing under the hood is detracting from your range (or worse), and get regular tune ups to keep your camper running in tip top shape.

One important aspect of good car maintenance is using the recommended oil for your engine. You could save 2% on fuel economy just by using the manufacturer-recommended grade of oil. Be sure to change the oil as needed.

Not only does proper vehicle maintenance create the foundation for reaching optimal fuel economy, but it also makes van life better and less stressful overall. No one wants to run into car trouble on the road – especially if it could have been prevented.

Pay attention to your tires 

One of the main factors that impacts fuel economy is the amount of rolling resistance a vehicle faces. Heavy trucks use as much as 33% of their energy to overcome this resistance! Swapping to low rolling resistance tires can save light and heavy duty rigs 3% on fuel economy. Not all tires are made to have low rolling resistance though, and different tires are built for different sized loads, so talk to your dealer or tire shop for recommendations for your specific setup. 

You can also save 3% on your mileage by simply keeping your tires properly inflated. Not to mention, underinflated tires pose a serious safety risk. In general, the higher the pressure, the more fuel efficient, but never overinflate your tires – that also poses safety risks that are just not worth it.

Lighten your load

The heavier your cargo, the worse your fuel economy. That’s because heavier vehicles face more rolling resistance than lighter ones. Sounds like bad news for van lifers, since we carry our entire homes with us on our drives. Have a truck camper or haul a trailer, though? Lucky you: you can unload your heavy home at camp, or whenever you don’t need it.

Wherever possible, try to reduce the load you’re carrying. Can you choose a lighter material option for your build? Can you unload heavy items that you don’t need for the day? Are you carrying any unused items that could be donated? Unloading extra weight helps smaller vehicles’ fuel efficiency more than large ones, but it’s always good to check that you’re only traveling with what you need.

Reduce drag

The smaller and more aerodynamic your rig, the better mileage you’ll get. In this sense, a minivan camper will beat out a high roof van, which will beat a truck camper, which is better than an RV. 

When it comes to truck campers vs towing trailers, which is better depends on the size and shape of your set up. Opt for aerodynamic camper (such as pop ups) or trailer options (such as bullet-shaped ones) when possible, which can contribute considerable fuel savings over blockier designs. 

What’s van life without the adventure gear? If you carry bikes, skis, or anything else with you, keep your gear in the rear! Roof racks make your vehicle less aerodynamic, resulting in up to 25% more fuel burned for the same speed and distance traveled. Opt for a rear rack instead, or choose aerodynamic roof options if needed. 

For some interesting studies on how roof racks impact gas mileage, see 

Most tires aren’t designed to be aerodynamic and that’s a shame. Simply adding hubcaps to improve your aerodynamics can save you 1-2% on fuel, making them an easy investment that will pay for itself.

Track your mileage with tools and apps

If you don’t know what mileage you’re getting, how can you improve it? Many newer vehicles will display mileage stats out of the box, but any vehicle can utilize additional hardware to get accurate real time data, or even free mileage tracking apps to get an overview of your actual overall fuel economy.

Fuel tracking apps for aggregate mileage 

Most free fuel tracking apps work by having you input data whenever you fill up your tank.  Some require you to input how many miles were driven between fill ups, while others will automatically track how far you’ve driven. These tools calculate aggregated fuel economy over all miles driven between fill ups and are a great record keeping tool to help you identify mileage trends over time.

Using scan tools for real time fuel efficiency

Scan tools connect to your vehicle’s diagnostics connector to read back all aspects of your vehicles’ function, such as horsepower, coolant temperature, and diagnostic trouble codes (if present). Most importantly for hypermiling though, they provide real time information on your fuel economy. As you drive, you get instantaneous feedback on how your driving habits, as well as external factors like terrain and weather, impact your mileage. 

Automotive computers are standalone hardware that you install in your vehicle. ScanGauge is an excellent universal option with an easy to use interface and clear data displays. Scan tool apps work in conjunction with Bluetooth ODBII adaptors to display the same stats on your mobile device. Torque is one great option for Android.

Use scan tools and fuel trackers in conjunction for the most comprehensive view of your hypermiling journey. Check your mileage often, especially as you try the following techniques in this article. Hypermiling is an inexact art, and a little trial and error is needed to see what works best for your specific set up. Keep trying, and watch that MPG rise! 

2. Your driving matters

Hypermiling mantra #2: slow and steady wins the race

Now that your van is set up for optimal mileage, let’s get to some hypermiling driving techniques.

Drive less

This one is simple: to save fuel, drive as little as possible. Can you walk or bike to closer destinations instead of starting up your engine? Is public transit available to help you get around? The more often you opt for carbon-free or public transit options, the further you’ll go without spending a drop of fuel from your own tank.


When you do drive, plan ahead so you’re taking the most direct route possible. Proper planning will help you see everything you could possibly want to see, without zigzagging or backtracking when things come up later. It can be surprisingly fun and rewarding to scrutinize the map and see what interesting things lie en route to your destination – and to make that part of your trip too.

Slow it down

Did you know that most vehicles reach their optimal fuel economy at speeds between 40 mph – 50 mph? Smaller, more aerodynamic cars will get their best mileage at higher speeds, while bigger, less aerodynamic vehicles will get their best mileage at lower speeds. Using a scan tool will help you measure exactly how different speeds affect your particular set up’s fuel mileage.

Fuel economy decreases steadily above 50mph, and the difference between 80 mph (the speed limit on way too many roads in the US) vs 60mph can cost lightweight cars 27% more fuel. Imagine the cost for heavier, less aerodynamic vehicles like campers and RVs. 

For some interesting resources that dive into the math and physics behind these findings, see

If you find yourself on a roadway with a speed limit higher than you’d like to drive, no need to fear; just remember to keep it safe. Stay to the right, drive at a speed that does not impede traffic (pulling over if needed to let traffic pass), and always check local laws for more specific guidelines. One good way to keep it slow and steady on highways is to find another heavy vehicle, such as a truck or semi, and keep a reasonable distance behind it. Many truckers already know this trick for better fuel economy, or, may be driving at lower speeds for safety reasons. Slow traffic solidarity!


Worried that slowing down will eat up your time? Plan ahead to make sure you don’t find yourself in a rush. Leave early to allow for extra time, then relax, gaze at the view, and enjoy the ride. Van lifers and road trippers, perhaps more than anyone, understand the value of the journey over the destination.

Acceleration costs you, momentum will save 

The faster you accelerate, the more inefficient your fuel consumption. For city driving and smaller speed deltas, accelerate slowly over several seconds as a best practice. However, if you need to increase speed significantly, such as when on-ramping to a highway, it may actually save you fuel to accelerate faster in order to reduce the amount of time spent accelerating. Cruise control is a fantastic tool to help limit further acceleration once you are up to speed. 

Conserve momentum. The harder you break, the more momentum you waste from fuel already burned, and the more you’ll have to accelerate to get to speed again. Coast to slow by taking your foot off the gas earlier instead of pressing on the brake later. Drive defensively to anticipate stops, and leave plenty of room in front of you to allow for slow braking.

Use smart hill climbing techniques. Climb hills slowly to reduce the amount of air resistance you have to fight going up, and take advantage of gravity’s natural assistance when descending to get more speed for less fuel.

Keep it heated

Everything in your vehicle that uses electricity, think of (accurately) as using up fuel. Unfortunately for hot weather van lifers, that means your AC could be dragging your fuel economy way down.

Use of AC can reduce fuel economy by up to 25%. And unfortunately, opening your windows isn’t always a good alternative. Open windows decrease your vehicle’s aerodynamics, which means you need to burn more fuel to power through the increased wind resistance.  

In hot weather, aim for fuel-conscious cooling habits:

  • Use open windows to cool at low speeds, but switch to AC at high speeds
  • Open windows to let out hot air before turning on the AC
  • Use AC sparingly, being moderate with temperature controls and turning it off when no longer needed
  • Take measures to prevent your vehicle from getting too hot to begin with. Use a windshield cover and park in the shade. 

Good news for winter van lifers: use of the heater while driving is practically fuel-free.

Don’t idle

Many newer vehicles automatically shut off their engines while idling, but if yours doesn’t, it’s worth the effort to do so manually. Studies show that if you’re idling for more than 10 seconds, you’ll save gas by turning your engine off. In most cases, there’s no need to worry about excessive wear and tear on engines from this practice.

A lot of resources on this topic, including studies and fact sheets, can be found at https://www.anl.gov/taps/idle-reduction-publications 

Keep it smooth

Smoother surfaces are better for fuel economy. Sad news for van lifers who love to explore bumpy forest roads, sandy terrain, and whatever gravel and dirt there is that often leads us to the places we most want to be. Seems like all of the best camping spots can be found down roads like these, no? 

As tempting as it can be, minimize driving on rough road wherever possible. Is there a paved alternative to get you to your destination? Can you park sooner and walk or bike the rest of the way? Your fuel tank (as well as your suspension, shocks, and probably many other parts of your camper!) will thank you.

3. Your parking helps

Hypermiling matra #3: park fast, park smart

Would you believe that even the way you park impacts your fuel economy? Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep hypermiling even when stopped.

The easy spot is better than the best spot

Rather than wasting time and gas looking for the perfect parking spot, park whenever you see the opportunity. Being away from the crowds can simplify your parking job, and may make it easier to park in forward facing spots that allows you to pull out by going forward – reducing the gas you’d otherwise need to reverse and straighten out. Some hypermilers also like to park in an elevated spot so as to utilize downhill momentum when getting started again.

Park with the sun (or against it)

In the summer months, park in the shade to make it easier to resist the temptation for AC. In the winter, park facing the morning sun to help defrost your windshield naturally when you’re ready to start the day. 

Conclusion

Hypermiling can be a great way to reduce the impact of a life lived on the road, while also saving significant gas money along the way. Plus, by abiding by hypermiling principals like proper vehicle maintenance and defensive driving, you likely also be safer while on the road. 

When it comes to driving that fuel economy up and carbon emissions down, remember, we aim for progress, not perfection. Please remember to always keep safety first when behind the wheel.

Happy hypermiling!