Motorhome Gas Mileage [Definitive Guide] 2024
[NEW RESEARCH]

Since you’ll consume quite a chunk of fuel, traveling over miles, it’s good to learn how to save your hard-earned bucks on refueling.

We’ve compiled some tips for better fuel efficiency to help you reduce your costs.

1. Use a Fuel App like GasBuddy

To avoid spending more than necessary on fueling your vacation or trip, turn to fuel apps like GasBuddy.

Apps like this are your best cost-cutting partner.

They help you find fuel stations nearby and show you where to get fuel at the cheapest rate.

And there’s more…

You receive real-time pricing information. That’s because users can report fuel prices as the day goes on.

Also, you get to filter your searches to nearby distance, fuel type, brand, and others. That way, you find exactly what you’re looking for without scrolling through unnecessary information.

You can also create a favorites list on the app.

And even get detailed information about your next gas stop.

All you need is a smartphone!

2. What is the best Motorhome Gas or Diesel RV?

Usually, it’s cheaper to use gas than diesel.

But most RVers prefer diesel because it requires less maintenance.

Here’s some truth…

For better fuel economy, speak with car experts. They’ll tell you whether to go for a gas or diesel RV, based on your needs and lifestyle.

Also, rely on the motorhome manufacturer’s recommendations.

These companies test their vehicles. So they know the ideal type of fuel or oils.

3. Avoid Traffic

While in traffic, your speed fluctuates. And that pulls on the engine, eating up your fuel.

So if you want to improve your gas mileage, avoid heavily populated areas. Think of your motorhome efficiency before you take a route or choose between different roads.

Use roads where you’re less likely to consistently ‘stop and go.’

4. Motorhome Tires & Inflation Levels

Did you know your tires can boost your mileage?

And under-inflated tires lower gas mileage by up to 0.02%?

That’s why you should always correctly inflate your tires.

It will help them last longer and get you to your destination safely while sparing the fuel costs.

Low-pressure tires increase the drag on your engine, which means it has to work harder to move your motorhome. And you know what that does to your cost per gallon.

So, make sure you regularly check your tires and inflation levels.

You can use an electronic monitor to check tire pressures – instead of second-guessing. Monitoring your tires will prevent flat tires and increase your gas mileage per gallon.

5. Pay Attention When You Buy Tires…

To increase your mileage per gallon, you need to pay attention to your tires.

Since the motorhome weight affects its fuel economy, you need to make sure that the tires’ weight doesn’t increase your engine’s work.

Here’s what you should do…

Choose tires that are durable but lightweight. That way, they carry the weight of your motorhome adequately.

But without adding to its total weight.

Another thing you can do is to upsize your wheels in a way that reduces your fuel mileage.

Consult tire experts for recommendations on the most suitable tires for your motorhome.

6. Get The Junk Out Of The Trunk

You’re most likely thinking of loading your motorhome with extra appliances, pans, dishes, and the whole kit n’ caboodle.

But what you’re not considering is how the extra pounds will dent your budget.

And guess what?

The kayaks and bikes you want to take along add up quicker than you think.

They reduce your gas mileage per gallon.

Moral of the story?

Pack only what you need.

For instance, go for e-books, pack fewer cups. And instead of stuffing your trunk with outdoor gear like bikes or kayaks, rent them when you arrive at your location.

You’ll be saving money, which would have gone into your fuel tank!

7. Use The Recommended Motor Oil

You’ll find several brands telling you how smart you are to use their product.

While many of them offer top-notch oil, don’t get distracted.

You’re not out to look for the most popular oil, but one that’s best suited for your motorhome type.

You need an ideal motor oil that gives you better miles per gallon and passes all the tests.

That’s why you should stay with the recommendations of your motorhome manufacturer.

And if you can’t find any of the motor oils on their list, ask for alternatives.

If you opt for motor oil that’s untested on your motorhome, it may cause extreme friction and more work for your engine.

That’s not all…

Motor oil that’s not ideal for your engine can cause you serious problems.

8. Give Your Brakes A Break

Out on vacay or a tour, many motorhome drivers become racers.

And since they need to avoid the tree at the bend or animal that strays into the road, they suddenly apply their breaks.

Don’t join this game!

Each time you suddenly stop or regularly apply your brakes, you reduce your motorhome gas mileage.

So – avoid pushes that drain your tank and increase your gas costs.

Instead, maintain a steady speed. A steady pace means your motorhome won’t need to use so much energy to stop.

In all, accelerate gently, so your motorhome comes to a rolling stop. That way, your engine is less stressed, and you’re happier with your fuel economy.

9. Replace Your Dirty Air Filters

Many motorhome owners don’t know that replacing dirty filters with clean ones can improve their MPG.

How’s that possible?

When you replace dirty old filters with the recommended new ones, your engine will be able to draw air freely from the environment.

Debris, dust, and other particles that would otherwise have given your motorhome engine more work is all now out of the way.

So you’ll benefit from better fuel efficiency.

10. Smooth Driving

If you want to cover more miles with your fuel, stay off driving rough.

Bumpy riding swerves etc., will only use up more of your gas.

So, avoid driving in rough conditions as much as possible.

And that includes bumpy roads, too many hills, unpaved roads, and where the elements like snow, wind, ice, or rain will affect you.

Instead, gun for straight flat roads with minimal curves wherever you can.

Driving smoothly in a straight line and avoiding lane switches or harsh conditions reduces gas consumption.

11. Air Conditioning

Leaving your air-conditioner on also increases your gas usage.

The engine has to power both your motorhome and the air conditioning unit.

Air conditioning itself doesn’t reduce gas mileage so much – compared to other factors. But if you’re trying to check your gas consumption, you should consider turning to fresh air to blow off the cobwebs.

And then there’s more…

In scorching situations, the motorhome uses up to 25% more fuel, especially on steep gradients.

If you’re driving at a highway speed of over 60 miles per hour, it’s safer to use the AC.

Open windows will cause drag.

Always drive carefully and maintain a steady and reasonable pace.

12. Don’t Leave Your Engine Running

Perhaps you think leaving your engine running to take some fancy pictures won’t hurt.

Well, you’re wrong.

And here’s why…

A running engine needs sustenance. AKA fuel.

When you leave your engine running idle, it consumes about half a gallon of fuel an hour. That’s between 10.67 and 21.33 ounces every ten minutes!

So, instead of leaving your engine running, turn it off, and restart when you’re ready to move.

That way, you’ll minimize your visits to the gas station.

13. Slow Down and Enjoy The Ride

The way you drive your motorhome affects your fuel mileage. And that tells on your gas tank.

For optimum mileage, drive slowly, and adhere to speed limits.

Even where the speed limit is high, you should drive slower for your safety.

On average, driving between 55 and 60 miles per hour gives you more miles per gallon than driving between 65 and 70 miles per hour.

More so, you’re on the ride to relax, so why rush?

14. Fill Your Tank Early In The Morning Or Late At Night

To save a dollar or two, fill your gas tank early in the morning. At the end of the month, you’ll have saved a few dollars on refueling!

It’s quite simple…

Filling your tank early in the day means you benefit from the properties of the petroleum.

And since gas station tanks are underground, the petrol becomes more dense.

As the temperature rises through the day, the petroleum molecules expand. Fueling with expanded gas of say, 1 gallon, will mean its actual volume is less than a gallon.

Studies reveal that refueling at, e.g., 59°F in the morning, earns you as much as 2.5% more petrol than when you refuel at 95°F during the afternoon.

15. RV Gas Mileage Calculator

To better improve your fuel mileage, find out how much it costs you to fuel your motorhome.

Once you start moving, record your average mileage and how much you spend on refueling your vehicle. It’ll help you note your mileage per gallon and encourage you to take the necessary steps.

But don’t forget that factors like speed, wind, and the roads’ terrain contribute to how many miles you can cover per gallon.