If you’re planning to buy or rent an RV this year, you may want to invest in a vehicle that’s better for the environment. So how exactly are these gas guzzlers going green?

For one thing, did you know that there now are hybrid RVs?

Type A manufacturers have developed diesel-electric hybrid engines, which improves your miles per gallon by up to 40 percent.

Ask about RVs made from lighter composite materials, which will improve your fuel consumption. Even aerodynamics have changed, as manufactures are making sleeker front ends to reduce wind resistance.

And, of course, there’s the age-old trick of going smaller.

Look into Class C RVs, or converted minivans.

There’s even a solar-powered RV from a company called Verdier. Sure it’s expensive, but it’s got a four-cylinder engine, a 170-watt solar system, and even GPS to orient the solar panels.

Or you can just implement your own eco-friendly features.

That can include converting the vehicle to biodiesel, installing solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and catalytic heaters that burns propane more efficiently.

After all, RVing is a great—and often very affordable—summer activity that’s even better if you do it responsibly.

Get more ideas with our RV Travel section.

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