In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How many MPG does a Minnie Winnie get? We will help you better understand the fuel consumption of your RV and give you a few essential tips on how to reduce it.
How many MPG does a Minnie Winnie get?
A Minnie Winnie gets between 8 and 12 mpg, depending on several factors like the weather, the size of the vehicle, the load, the speed and whether you are using the AC, for example.
In the table below you can learn more about the gas tank size of your Minnie Winnie and thus decide how many mpg it can get.
| Minnie Winnie Model | RV Length | Gas Tank Size |
| WinnebagoMinnie Winnie 22R | 23’10” | 55 Gallons |
| WinnebagoPorto 24F | 24’5” | 24.5 Gallons |
| WinnebagoNavion 24D | 25’6” | 24.5 Gallons |
| WinnebagoMinnie Winnie 25B | 26’4” | 55 Gallons |
| WinnebagoMinnie Winnie 31H | 32’9” | 55 Gallons |
Minnie Winnie Technical Sheet
In part comparable to some large models on the European market, the Minnie Winnie series has five models from 23 ft to 32 ft on a Ford chassis and is almost reasonable in size. However, the comparison stops at this external aspect, because once inside, we find a decoration made in the US with large soft sofas, a kitchen like at home and very rich equipment.
However, unlike large units, there are fewer extensions that allow you to squeeze in almost anywhere. A good concept, however, considered a bit small by the Americans …
Technical sheet:
- Length 23 ft to 32 ft
- Width 8.5 ft
- Ford E 350 / E 450 chassis
- 255 hp Ford V 8 Triton 5.4L engine
- Ford V 10 Triton 6.8 L 305 hp
- Weight from 5.9 to 9.8 tons
- 55 gallons fuel tank
- 40 gallons water tank
- Sleeps: 6.
How to calculate the fuel consumption of a Minnie Winnie
To calculate how much fuel a Minnie Winnie needs, several factors must be taken into account:
Regarding the RV:
- Size (height and width) and aerodynamics
- Weight
- Power, horsepower (CV)
- Speed.
External factors:
- Road type
- Way of driving
- Weather conditions (wind).
What most influences consumption is aerodynamics, not weight or length. That all vehicles have a fairly reasonable consumption considering their size. Although it is true that this consumption may increase depending on how loaded the vehicle is, the people we travel with, the speed …
When you are going to buy a motorhome or even rent a motorhome, one of the initial doubts is to know what a motorhome consumes.
It is necessary to know that the ideal speed is around 55 mph since, although currently, by regulation, motorhomes can circulate at 70 mph, their consumption is very high when it circulates at that speed. In addition, we are going to notice it both when driving and when overtaking.
Similarly, other aspects such as size (particularly height and width: aerodynamics), engine size, weight, road class, number of people, driving style, etc., directly influence fuel consumption.
Most RVs are frequently diesel, and therefore the cost of fuel is lower than that of other fuels such as gasoline with medium-high displacement. On average, an RV consumes 8 to 25 miles per gallon.
The high cost of diesel consumption is a point to consider for any family or group of caravaners. Sure, fuel prices have dropped considerably, however, it does not mean that it is not a representative expense. Modern diesel injection systems allow driving at very high and regular speed regimes. But that translates into higher fuel consumption.
If your intention is to drive with high and regular speed regimes, surely the issue of the fuel budget is not a concern. However, if you want to know how to drive a motorhome while saving fuel as much as possible, there are some tips that you can put into practice.
How can I save fuel with a Minnie Winnie?
Of course, you can save gas on your trip and extend the above miles limit, just by following a few simple tips:
- Travel light – By reducing the weight of your RV to a minimum, you could save money at the pump. For example, 100 pounds of additional baggage could represent a 2% fuel increase.
- Add a baffle – In this way, your vehicle’s engine will “strain” less and at the same time consume less fuel. Finally, this deflector could protect your vehicle from small stones and other debris that you will come across on the road!
- Drive responsibly – By limiting acceleration-braking (as much as possible), by maintaining a constant speed and by respecting the speed limits, you could achieve great fuel savings, while adopting a safer driving style!
- Monitor the tire pressure – If your tires aren’t inflated enough, even just a few pounds, you could lose a lot at the pump; make sure you have the correct tyre pressure for optimum fuel economy; your wallet will thank you!
- Properly maintain your RV – The link between maintaining your RV and reducing your fuel consumption may not be visible at first glance, but a vehicle in optimal condition will allow you to achieve superior fuel efficiency!
More tips for saving consumption with a Class C RV
Spending on fuel is an expense that no motorhome can avoid. However, if we improve some habits and completely change some hobbies, we can save fuel. These are some practical tips for saving consumption in a motorhome that you can follow.
- Proper maintenance saves you a lot of fuel. Make the corresponding engine oil and filter changes, and you will get lower consumption values.
- Did you know that the friction produced by a tire when turning accounts for around 25% of the motorhome’s fuel consumption? That is why the choice of a good tire is relevant, but even more important is the level of wear. If you have tires in good condition, you will notice a significant reduction in fuel consumption.
- If the aerodynamics of the vehicle is altered, consumption increases as a consequence. That is, the installation of photovoltaic panels, parabolic antennas or other elements on the roof of the vehicle, must be done only when it is essential and in a way that does not interrupt the airflow too much. All these accessories have an effect that increases fuel consumption.
- When starting off, practice habits like waiting for the yellow glow plug warning light to go out, or stepping on the clutch and having the vehicle in neutral. This will save you some fuel.
- While driving, we advise you to use high gears at a constant speed. When you reach the desired speed with this method, you will not only be able to relax, but you will also ensure that your fuel consumption does not skyrocket.
Final tips
As already mentioned, what most influences the fuel consumption of your Class C Minnie Winnie is aerodynamics, not as in many of the cases that take into account weight or length. Most RVs have reasonable consumption. To be able to have a normal consumption average we will have to take into account the weight, number of people, speed.
We can significantly reduce the consumption of our RV, even a new one, by adopting some common sense gestures:
- Prepare your itinerary, to avoid detours and, therefore, drive too much.
- Maintain a constant speed and calm the revolution counter (also change the highest ratio to 1800 or 2000 rpm).
- Drive smoothly, use the engine brake and anticipate instead of braking, then accelerate again.
- Maintain the mechanical parts, especially those of the engine.
- Always maintain the correct tire pressure.
- Use the air conditioning wisely.
- Carry only the basic necessities.
- Check your vehicle regularly.
Please let us know if you have any comments or questions on the content.
FAQ on How many MPG does a Minnie Winnie get?
How to regulate RV gasoline consumption?
To regulate RV gasoline consumption:
- Avoid accelerating the accelerator.
- Avoid climbing too high in the towers.
- Anticipate traffic.
- Stop the engine.
- Shift gears quickly.
- Shift down rather than brake.
- Avoid leaving the air conditioning always on.
- Use cruise control.
How to save fuel on a descent?
To consume less fuel on a descent, slow down on the way up and let go of the throttle completely on the way down. Maintaining cruising speed when the road climbs requires extra fuel. And all the more so as the road is steep.
What speed to consume less?
Driving a little slower, for example, 120 instead of 130 km h on the motorway, allows you to consume much less. Thus, with a reduction in speed of 5mph, the economy rises to 1 gallon of fuel on a journey of 50 miles.
Which RV motorization to avoid?
When it comes to RV motorization, avoid choosing an engine of less than 130 hp. It will very often be far too small for a vehicle of this weight (often close to 3.5T for example for an integral)
What fuel for a motorhome?
Almost all motorhomes and converted vans run on diesel. But ecological constraints require serious consideration of new energy for our vehicles. Electricity, hydrogen fuel cell, LPG, CNG or biofuels.
