Understanding just how far you can go on a tank of gas in your RV is super important to a trip’s overall success. Your job of planning a trip simply isn’t complete without a place in the budget for gas. And you need to know your RV’s MPG capabilities to calculate the numbers accurately.
If you’re new to RV life, here’s some helpful information. We’ll explain RV MPG and how you can figure out what to expect as you travel.
What Is MPG?
MPG stands for miles per gallon. Simply put, it’s just how far you can go on one gallon of gas. If you have a vehicle that is supposed to get 20 MPG, it uses one gallon of gas every 20 miles.
You can find your MPG rating in the owner’s manual.
Otherwise, you can do a little investigation to get a number on your own. Just fill up your tank and mark the mileage. Then drive until the tank is empty. Next, calculate how far you drove. Then divide the distance by the number of gallons in your vehicle’s tank. That number is your MPG.
What Is the Average MPG for an RV?
Breaking down the average MPG for an RV requires looking at each class. Not all RVs are created equal, and some can really guzzle gas.
While these numbers aren’t etched into stone anywhere, the average MPG rating for Class B motorhomes or camper vans sits around 18-25 miles per gallon. Class B is the most fuel-efficient class.
Class C motorhomes typically get 14-18 miles per gallon. They are the second-best choice for fuel efficiency in the RV world.
Class A motorhomes have the worst fuel efficiency because of their size. Class A vehicles typically get anywhere from 7-13 miles per gallon.
Pro Tip: We took a closer look at if the increasing cost of gas will stop RVers from wanting to travel. Take a look!
How Many Miles Per Gallon Does a 24 Foot RV Get?
Well, there’s no precise answer to this question. You can get a good idea of what a 24 ft RV might get in gas mileage by researching your specific rig.
A 24 ft RV would be rated a Class C motorhome. Class C motorhomes get an average fuel efficiency of around 14-18 miles per gallon. The gas tank on a 24-footer averages around 80-90 gallons. You can use those numbers to calculate how many refueling stops you’ll need from point A to point B.
Is a Gas or Diesel RV Better on MPG?
It’s no secret that diesel fuel gets way better gas mileage than regular gas. Diesel simply packs a more powerful punch per volume. However, diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gasoline, and it’s not as efficient if you drive in the city.
Some of the pros and cons even out the odds along the way. The answer to the question comes down to personal preference.
How Far Can an RV Go on a Tank of Gas?
The big question everyone wants to know comes down to simple math. To calculate how far your RV can go on a gas tank, you’ll need to pull a few numbers together.
Your fuel tank’s size and average miles per gallon rating are key. If your RV gets 18 miles per gallon and has an 80-gallon tank, you would multiply 18 times 80. The number you get is how far your RV can go on a full gas tank.
What Is the Most Efficient Way to Conserve Fuel?
There’s more than one way to help your RV get better fuel economy, and combining all of them will give you the best shot at longevity.
For instance, you can boost your fuel efficiency by carrying less weight in your RV as you travel. Driving highway miles is another way to get a better MPG rating.
Using cruise control when appropriate can also ease fuel consumption. Finally, try avoiding the urge to put the pedal to the metal to give you a leg up in the race to improve your RV’s fuel economy.
Pro Tip: Make sure yo use the GasBuddy App to make fueling up on your RV adventures easier.
What Is Most Likely to Waste Fuel?
It’s super important to give your RV a good once-over before hitting the road. Check the pressure in your tires, as low readings can lead to poor fuel efficiency and a rougher ride.
Reducing your speed is an excellent pairing with checking your tire inflation. The two combined will help increase your efficiency. Finally, make sure to use the right grade of fuel for your RV.
Using the wrong fuel grade is the worst way to waste gas and the best way to cause mechanical issues.
Now that you know, we hope you can get the best fuel economy from your RV on your next trip. Now go start planning.
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