Rajan Wilcox
Campervans are large vehicles that are not as fuel-efficient as cars. The fuel consumption of a campervan depends on several factors, including the size of the vehicle, the size of the gas tank, the vehicle's gas mileage, the speed at which it is travelling, and the driving behaviour. Campervans typically get between 13 and 18 miles per gallon (MPG) of fuel, with an average of about 15.5 MPG. The bigger the vehicle, the more fuel it will require to run. For example, a 40-foot Class A RV gets 6-10 MPG, averaging about 8 MPG, and filling up the tank can cost over $300. Diesel campervans tend to have better MPG but diesel fuel is more expensive and harder to manage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Campervan fuel type | Diesel, Gasoline/Petrol |
| Fuel tank capacity | 25-75 gallons (95-284 litres) |
| Fuel efficiency (MPG) | 8-32 |
| Fuel cost | $50-300+ per tank |
| Fuel consumption factors | Vehicle size, weight, engine capacity, speed, terrain |
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What You'll Learn
Campervan fuel efficiency
Campervans are large vehicles that are not as fuel-efficient as cars. The fuel efficiency of a campervan depends on various factors, such as the size, weight, and engine capacity of the vehicle, as well as the speed at which it travels and where it is being driven.
Campervans typically get between 13 and 18 miles per gallon (MPG) of fuel, with an average of about 15.5 MPG. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of the campervan, as well as driving behaviour. For example, some campervans may get up to 25 MPG or more, while others may only get 11 MPG when towing a heavy load.
Class B motorhomes or campervans are the smallest type, ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 pounds, and tend to have the best fuel efficiency, averaging approximately 18-25 MPG. In comparison, Class C RVs, which are slightly larger than Class B campervans, typically get around 9.5 MPG, and Class A RVs, the largest motorhomes, get about 6-10 MPG due to their weight.
The fuel type of a campervan can also impact its fuel efficiency. Most campervans run on diesel, which can be more expensive and less convenient to manage and fill than gasoline. However, diesel camper vans may have better MPG than those running on gasoline. Additionally, the size of the fuel tank can vary depending on the vehicle, with campervan fuel tanks typically holding 25-55 gallons of fuel.
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Fuel tank capacity
The fuel tank capacity of a campervan depends on the make and model of the vehicle. For example, Indie Campers campervans have fuel tanks that fit 75-90 litres of diesel or unleaded fuel, depending on the size of the vehicle. The average consumption of these campervans is 8 litres for every 100 km.
Escape Camper Vans claims that camper vans typically get 13-18 MPG, with an average of about 15.5 MPG. They also mention that their Ford Transit vans are the most fuel-efficient choice out of models that run on regular gasoline. Diesel camper vans tend to have better MPG, but diesel fuel costs more and can be harder to manage and fill.
Class B motorhomes or campervans are the smallest motorhome type, ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 pounds, and tend to have the best fuel efficiency. They average approximately 18-25 MPG, and filling a typical class B motorhome fuel tank costs approximately $93 or £73. A class B camper van with a 25-gallon gas tank that gets 15.5 MPG can travel about 387 miles on one tank of gas.
On the other hand, Class C RVs are bigger than Class B camper vans, typically ranging from 25 to 36 feet in length. They get worse gas mileage, typically achieving 9.5-10 MPG. A class C RV with a 55-gallon gas tank that gets 9.5 MPG can travel about 522 miles on one tank of gas.
The biggest motorhomes are Class A RVs, which are 36 to 45+ feet long. Due to their large size, they tend to have the worst gas mileage, often getting 6-10 MPG, with an average of around 8 MPG. Their large gas tanks can hold 70-100 gallons, costing up to $300+ to fill up.
It's important to note that fuel efficiency can vary based on factors such as driving behaviour, vehicle size, weight, engine capacity, terrain, and speed. Some campervans may get as little as 11 MPG when towing heavy loads or travelling uphill, while others may achieve 22-32 MPG when driving smoothly and gently at fuel-efficient speeds.
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Fuel costs
Campervans are typically larger vehicles, which means they may not be as fuel-efficient as cars. The bigger the campervan, the more fuel it will generally require. For example, Class C RVs, which are larger than Class B campervans, tend to have lower gas mileage, typically ranging from 9.5 to 10 MPG. In contrast, Class B campervans have better fuel efficiency, averaging around 15.5 MPG, with some sources estimating a range of 13 to 18 MPG for campervans in this class.
The type of fuel used also affects fuel costs. Most campervans run on diesel or gasoline (unleaded fuel). Diesel-powered campervans may offer better MPG, but diesel fuel tends to be more expensive, and diesel vehicles can be more challenging to manage and fill. Additionally, driving behaviour can impact fuel consumption. Driving smoothly and gently at a fuel-efficient speed of around 50 mph can help optimise fuel efficiency.
To estimate fuel costs for a trip, it is essential to consider the distance travelled, the campervan's fuel efficiency (MPG), and the current fuel prices. For example, if a campervan with a 25-gallon gas tank achieves 15.5 MPG, it can travel about 387 miles on one tank of gas. The cost of filling this tank will depend on fuel prices, which can vary by location and over time. In the past, filling a large motorhome tank could cost £120 or more, and the cost of filling a Class B motorhome tank is estimated to be approximately $93 (or £73).
It is worth noting that some campervans may have larger fuel tanks to accommodate their higher fuel consumption. For instance, Class A RVs, the largest motorhomes, may have gas tanks holding 70-100 gallons of fuel to prevent frequent refuelling stops, but filling these tanks can cost upwards of $300. Therefore, it is essential to consider fuel economy and fuel costs when choosing a campervan for a trip to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Diesel vs gasoline
Campervans are large vehicles and are therefore less fuel-efficient than cars. The average campervan gets 13-18 MPG, with the average being 15.5 MPG. The bigger the vehicle, the more fuel it will use.
When it comes to diesel vs gasoline, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, diesel engines are more expensive to maintain and repair. Oil changes, for example, can cost hundreds of dollars. Diesel engines also tend to be harder to find in rural parts of the country. However, diesel engines last longer, retain their value, and get better MPG. They are a more cost-effective option for high-mileage drivers as they have higher miles per gallon than petrol engines. They are also more powerful than petrol engines, which is noticeable when driving uphill or in mountainous areas.
On the other hand, gasoline engines are cheaper to maintain and repair due to their simpler design and lower-cost parts. They are also initially less expensive to purchase. Gasoline engines are generally better suited to shorter journeys, as they are less fuel-efficient than diesel engines, making long journeys more expensive.
It's important to note that the decision between diesel and gasoline depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you plan on using your campervan frequently and are willing to pay a higher upfront cost, diesel may be the better option due to its higher resale value and better fuel mileage. If you prioritize affordability and shorter trips, gasoline might be the preferred choice.
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Driving behaviour
Driving Speed
Driving at a steady speed of between 50-60 mph is ideal for most campervans. Driving at a higher speed of more than 62 mph (100 km/h) causes fuel consumption to increase. Using cruise control on motorways and long, flat roads can help maintain a steady speed and reduce fuel consumption.
Acceleration and Braking
Aggressive driving behaviours such as sudden accelerations and harsh braking force the engine to work harder, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Maintaining a constant speed and avoiding abrupt driving behaviours can help improve fuel efficiency.
Route Planning
Careful route planning can help optimise fuel efficiency. Using navigation apps to choose routes that avoid steep hills, winding roads, and congested areas can reduce fuel consumption. Constantly stopping and driving in high-traffic areas increase fuel usage. Planning the route and sticking to it can help reduce the overall distance travelled and fuel usage.
Vehicle Load
Heavy vehicles and excess load increase fuel consumption. Only pack the essentials and distribute weight evenly to improve efficiency. Empty grey and black water tanks, and fill freshwater tanks only with what is needed for the trip.
Tyre Maintenance
Ensuring proper tyre inflation according to the manufacturer's recommendations improves fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres increase movement resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Regularly checking tyre pressure and maintaining the correct inflation pressure are important for optimising fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamics
The aerodynamics of the campervan can impact fuel consumption. Larger and boxier designs create extra wind resistance, increasing drag while driving. When possible, avoid driving with windows open as it reduces aerodynamics, increasing fuel consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Campervans tend to be less fuel-efficient than cars due to their larger size. The average campervan gets 13-18 MPG, with an average of about 15.5 MPG.
Campervans (also known as Class B RVs) tend to have better fuel efficiency than larger motorhomes like Class A and C RVs. Class C RVs average about 10 MPG, while Class A RVs average 6-10 MPG.
The cost of filling up a campervan depends on the size of the fuel tank and the current fuel prices. A typical Class B motorhome fuel tank costs approximately $93 (or £73) to fill up. A larger Class A RV with a bigger fuel tank can cost upwards of $300 to fill up.
The fuel efficiency of a campervan can vary based on several factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, the engine capacity, driving behaviour, and the speed at which it is travelling. Additionally, the use of LPG/propane/butane for heating, hot water, and cooking can impact overall fuel consumption.
