How much gas does an RV use?

In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How much gas does an RV use?” We will talk about the consumption of gas and diesel in RVs and discuss 10 tips to reduce RV fuel costs. We will discuss some of the key points in consuming fuel and talk about the basic differences between gas and diesel RVs.

How much gas does an RV use?

An RV that is functioning on gas is bound to consume more than an RV that functions on diesel. A motorhome that uses gas can cover around 6 to 10 miles per gallon. As for RVs that have diesel, 8 to 14 miles per gallon is said to be the range. There are differences between gas and diesel RVs and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

  • A Class RV that uses gas can get 7 to 13 miles per gallon that are consumed. This can vary on the model and the make of the RV. 
  • A Class B RV can get 18 to 25 miles per gallon that are consumed and a Class C RV can get 14 to 18 miles per gallon that are consumed. This can vary when it comes to diesel motorhomes.
  • A Class A RV that uses diesel can consume around 18 to 29 liters for every 100 kilometers with an average mileage of 7 to 13 miles per gallon. 
  • A Class C RV can consume around 16 to 23 liters for every 100 kilometers with an average mileage of 16 to 14 to 18 miles per gallon. 
  • Likewise, a Call B RV can consume around 11 to 13 liters for every 100 kilometers with a mileage of 18 to 25 mpg.

This is just the generic data for fuel consumption. It entirely depends on the type of model, Class, and overall performance. There are also a few other factors involved when it comes to gas consumption. The bigger the vehicle the more gas or diesel is consumed. Here are a few factors that can affect the gas consumption of an RV.

10 tips to reduce RV fuel costs

Normally an RV can consume somewhere between 12 to 30 liters per 100 kilometers. This can vary once again based on the manufacturer, model, and type of fuel used. RVs that consume diesel and RVs that consume gas vary accordingly. Despite the amount of gas consumed by an RV, there are a few ways to reduce RV fuel costs.

Pack limited while traveling

  • A lot of people tend to load up their RV with many things as possible and they come back without even using them. 
  • Pack limited while traveling and do not take unnecessary things that you will not be using.
  • Packing less has a huge impact on gas consumption. 
  • The heavier the motorhome, the more fuel is bound to get consumed. This can be effective when towing.

Tyre pressure and speeding 

  • Having the right tire pressure is not only safe and important but is also one of the factors that can help reduce fuel costs. 
  • The right pressure on the wheels will result in less fuel consumption. If the pressure is less, your RV will consume more fuel to move forward. 
  • A pressure gauge in an RV is always helpful to monitor tire pressure.
  • It is also important to avoid speeding in an RV, especially when it is fully loaded. Not only does it consume extra gas, but it is also safe to avoid speeding. 
  • Drive at a constant speed somewhere between 60 to 65 miles, this will give you more mileage.
  • Be sure to obey the speeding laws in every state. The more you accelerate, the more gas you will consume.

Choosing the right route for travel

Plan your trip and choose the right route for traveling. This is important because you do not want to find yourself searching for the right route with only half a tank of gas left on the vehicle. By identifying the most efficient route, you can save up on gas instead of simply cruising around. It is also advised to take a short route to the destination.

Refueling and avoiding rough roads

Another factor that can consume more gas is rough roads. Navigating through rough roads can make you consume more fuel since the vehicle will need to work harder. Be sure to check out for discounts and refuel in cheaper places. Fuel prices can be higher in some states due to demand and less consumption.

Make use of cruise control

Making use of cruise control is one of the ways to improve overall fuel efficiency. Over speeding, braking often and rapid acceleration can result in extra gas consumption. Cruise control will also reduce carbon emissions. Many people forget that most RVs have cruise control for this purpose. Be sure to make the best of your RV.

Stay low on the air conditioning

  • As we all know, the air conditioning unit can take up plenty of gas. An approximate calculation states that an air conditioner can consume close to four miles per gallon. 
  • Lower the windows and try to reduce using the air conditioner as much as possible. 
  • It is also good to experience some natural air from time to time. 
  • Cut down on the AC unit during the night and the early parts of the morning.

Reduce the idling

This can be done by contacting a professional mechanic. Reducing the idling will help to cut gas costs. However, you will need to know to get used to the low idling before heading out on a trip. Keep the vehicle off while stationary since this is going to consume gas once again. High idling can drain close to a quarter of a gallon per hour.

Keep the wastewater tanks empty

The RV gray and black tank can consume a lot of weight. Try to empty these tanks as much as possible at RV camping locations or RV parks. Do this frequently when you stop at a location that allows you to do so. The lighter the RV, the lesser the gas it will consume. Try to keep the wastewater tanks empty as much as possible.

Regular maintenance

Did you know that failing to maintain your RV can lead to lesser mileage? Regular maintenance is very important for an RV to give you good mileage. Cleaning the air filters and changing the engine oil from time to time will help in reducing fuel costs. A clean air filter and a smooth-running engine can reduce fuel costs with ease.

Those were some of the tips that can help you reduce RV fuel costs. Fuel costs can be expensive and they tend to keep increasing. While these tips might not seem too great, considering them all is sure to help in reducing gas consumption. The lesser the gas consumption, the more miles you get to cover in your RV.

Diesel vs Gas in an RV

  • There is no doubt that diesel engines are more efficient when it comes to consumption. These motorhomes require lesser fuel when compared to the traditional gas-fueled RVs. 
  • Most Class A motorhomes have rear diesel engines for better performance. On average, diesel is said to produce 10 to 15 percent more energy.
  • The new diesel engines are developed with the latest technology and are not as noisy as the gas engines. 
  • It is also a personal preference since some people love to have an RV that has a gas engine. For some people, a diesel engine is always the best option. 
  • The basic understanding is that the larger and heavier the motorhome, the worse the mileage is going to be.
  • Class A motorhomes that have gas give you the worst mileage when compared to the other three. Class A motorhomes are large and therefore the lesser the mileage. 
  • It also varies according to the model and the brand of the motorhome. 
  • Class B motorhomes are sure to give you the best mileage since it does not have a flat surface.  

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How much gas does an RV use?” We have talked about the consumption of gas and diesel in RVs and listed 10 tips to reduce RV fuel costs. We have discussed some of the key points in consuming fuel and talked about the basic differences between gas and diesel RVs.

Citations

https://www.authentikcanada.com/en/faq/fuel-consumption-rv
https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-gas/
https://www.sefinancial.com/rv-loans/improve-rv-gas-mileage/
https://www.skyriverrv.com/everything-need-know-gas-mileage-rving/
https://www.cruiseamerica.com/rv-adventures/rv-lifestyle/cost-to-fill-up-rv
https://blog.cheapism.com/rv-fuel-saving-tips/#slide=21

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