With global supply pressures pushing Australian diesel and petrol prices to unprecedented highs, Crusader Caravans has released a handy Fuel-Saving Tips for Caravanners guide to help all Australian caravan owners, no matter the brand. The guide is designed to help the Australian caravanning community stay on the road without breaking the bank.
As Australians prepare to hit the highway for the upcoming long weekends, rising costs are creating a sense of uncertainty for caravanners. In response, Crusader Caravans is advocating for a 'smart touring' approach—a combination of advanced engineering and strategic trip planning designed to maximise every tank.
Crusader Caravans CEO Serge Valentino said that while fuel prices are largely out of travellers' control, caravanners can still stay ahead with smart, strategic trip planning.
"When fuel supply tightens, regional and remote areas are often impacted first. So you need to plan tour trip well. Monitor fuel prices and availability in real time using apps like Petrol Spy and FuelMap. Stay connected with your fellow caravanning community for updates and always map out at least one backup fuel station along your route."
Mr. Valentino recommends the 'half-tank rule' to avoid being caught out in remote areas.
"We recommend never letting your tank dip below 50% in remote areas. This provides a vital safety net if a planned stop is facing an outage or a price spike," he said.
"While fuel prices are largely out of travellers' control, efficiency remains firmly in their hands."
The guide suggests that driving between 90–95 km/h is often the most fuel-efficient 'sweet spot' for towing, noting that reducing speed by just 10 km/h can lead to drastic savings over a long haul. Mr. Valentino also suggests avoiding harsh acceleration and switching to manual throttle control on hilly terrain to prevent the unnecessary engine revving often caused by cruise control.
"We also encourage travellers to look at their aerodynamics. Keeping external accessories streamlined and using wind deflectors on roof racks helps divert airflow, reducing the 'drag' that forces engines to work harder. Efficiency isn't just about the drive; it's about the destination," he said.
"By adopting a 'basecamp' approach—setting up the caravan once and exploring the surrounding region using only the tow vehicle—travellers can drastically reduce their fuel spend. Additionally, leveraging integrated solar and lithium battery systems also allows for longer stays in remote locations, reducing the need for fuel-consuming detours to major towns for power."
According to Mr. Valentino, the foundation of fuel saving starts with the caravan itself. Crusader's advanced EcoLite composite construction is stronger and lighter than traditional caravan materials, resulting in less engine strain and lower fuel consumption.
"Our goal is to ensure that the Australian dream of the open road remains accessible, especially as families look to get away for the upcoming long weekends. By combining our lightweight EcoLite composite technology with smarter driving and planning habits, caravanners can significantly offset rising costs and travel further," he said.
"Efficiency is built into the DNA of every Crusader caravan. We want to empower our community to stay measured, stay prepared, and keep exploring this incredible country, even in challenging conditions."
More handy tips can be found in the Fuel-Saving Tips for Caravanners guide here:
Fuel-Saving Tips for Caravanners: The Crusader Fuel & Supply Preparedness Guide - Crusader Caravans.
About us:
Crusader Caravans is an award-winning Australian manufacturer renowned for producing high-quality caravans. A four-time recipient of the Caravan Manufacturer of the Year award in the past six years, the brand is widely respected by industry experts, competitors and customers alike.
Founded in 2002 by Serge Valentino, who brings decades of hands-on caravan-building experience, the company strengthened its position in 2016 through a strategic partnership with Mawson Group. This collaboration combined manufacturing expertise with strong operational and financial management, establishing Crusader as a trusted and financially robust brand.
In 2022, Crusader Caravans opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility—one of the most advanced in the Australian caravan industry—driving ongoing innovation and product development. The company's latest model range reflects this continued commitment to excellence in caravan manufacturing.
In 2025, Crusader Caravans unveiled a new second brand, Dreamhaven, created to offer Australians greater access to high-quality, locally made caravans at an affordable price. With a focus on customer-first values, strong leadership and a passion for adventure, Crusader Caravans continues to set benchmarks in the Australian caravanning market.
