Fuel-efficient RVs can keep you and your family traveling even when gas prices fluctuate. While motorhomes and travel trailers may be viewed as gas hogs, there’s a lot of variation within the industry, making it easy to find models that help stretch your gas mileage.
How much does it cost to fuel an RV? There’s no simple way to answer this question due to the variance in rig types and models. For pull-behind campers, some estimates show that towing reduces your vehicle’s gas mileage by as much as 30 to 40 percent. For motorhomes, gas mileage ranges from 8 to 23 miles per gallon. Then you need to factor in the tank size. Larger tanks cost more to fill up but require fewer stops.
With gasoline averaging between $2.50 and $4.50, and diesel averaging between $3 and $5, in recent years, it’s easy to see why fuel efficiency matters. However, even when gas prices aren’t at their peak, usage is a concern. Fossil fuel usage contributes to environmental pollutants and global warming, and there isn’t an endless, accessible supply of crude oil. Buying a fuel-efficient RV helps your wallet, as well as the planet.
Let’s take a look at important features to consider and some of the best fuel-efficient RVs.
Important Features to Look for in Fuel-Efficient RVs
Class
Class As and Class Cs are generally gas guzzlers due to their size, shape, and weight, while petite Class Bs have the best gas mileage, with some matching or beating typical SUVs or pickup trucks.
Fuel
When buying a motorhome, you’ll need to decide between gasoline- and diesel-powered models. While gasoline currently costs less per gallon, diesel vehicles usually get significantly more miles per gallon, and at times, diesel costs the same as or less than gasoline. The future of RVing will likely include more electric-powered options; however, few of these models are on the market today.
Weight
Heavier vehicles and trailers use more fuel. Aside from the obvious weight difference caused by size, weight is also affected by building materials. Manufacturers use terms like “ultralight” or “lite” in model names to signal that lighter or fewer materials are used in interior and exterior construction. And keep in mind that while slide-outs open up floor space, they increase weight.
Aerodynamics
Some motorhomes and travel trailers are distinctively boxy, while others are curved with lower profiles. Aerodynamics affects your gas mileage. Look for rounded front caps, which reduce drag.
Fuel-Efficient RVs We Love
Ranging from travel trailers to various classes of motorhomes, here are seven of the best fuel-efficient RVs to help stretch your gas mileage.
Happier Camper HC1
Weighing in at 1,100 pounds, the fiberglass Happier Camper HC1 is one of the lightest travel trailers on the market, especially when you specifically look at hard-sided, non-popup designs. Plus, you can stand up inside, and it’s adorable thanks to the color options. Light trailers like this make it possible to tow with a smaller SUV or pickup truck, adding another way to increase your gas mileage while RVing.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| UVW | 1,100 pounds |
| GVWR | 3,500 pounds |
| Hitch Weight | 100 to 150 pounds |
| Exterior Length | 13 feet, 5 inches |
| Exterior Height | 7 feet, 8 inches |
| MSRP | Starting at $34,950 |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
You don’t have limited floor plans to pick from; instead, the modular interior system allows you to create your own design.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Airstream Basecamp 16
One look at an Airstream—and considering the literal meaning of the name—-will tell you that these RVs are meant to be more aerodynamic. Airstream claims its design improves gas mileage by as much as 20 percent. The Basecamp is Airstream’s newest travel trailer, offering iconic styling in a smaller, updated package.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| UVW | 2,650 pounds |
| GVWR | 3,500 pounds |
| Hitch Weight | 410 pounds |
| Exterior Length | 16 feet, 2 inches |
| Exterior Height | 8 feet, 8.75 inches |
| Fresh Water Tank | 21 gallons |
| Black Tank | 24 gallons (shared with black tank) |
| Gray Tank | 24 gallons (shared with gray tank) |
| MSRP | $46,000 |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
The rear hatch opens, allowing you to store gear like bikes and kayaks inside the trailer. And the Truma Combi Eco Plus provides instant hot water on demand.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Venture RV Sonic Lite SL160VBH
If you want a fuel-efficient travel trailer with space for the kids, check out the Sonic Lite 160VBH. It weighs nearly 3,500 pounds while offering a convertible front bed and a set of bunks. Plus, the rounded shape increases the aerodynamics.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| UVW | 3,590 pounds |
| GVWR | 4,250 pounds |
| Hitch Weight | 510 pounds |
| Exterior Length | 21 feet, 3 inches |
| Exterior Height | 9 feet, 11 inches |
| Fresh Water Tank | 38 gallons |
| Black Tank | 30 gallons |
| Gray Tank | 30 gallons |
| MSRP | Unavailable |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
The convertible front lounge gives the family space to gather when not made up into a bed. This model has significant storage space for a smaller, lightweight rig.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Roadtrek SS Agile
The nimble Roadtrek SS Agile is built on a shorter Mercedes Sprinter chassis but still packs a bed, kitchen, and bathroom inside the 19-foot length. This fuel-efficient diesel Class B offers a rear sofa that can be converted into a king-sized bed or a pair of twin-sized beds.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| GVWR | 13,500 pounds |
| Hitch Weight Rating | 5,000 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Chassis | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter |
| Fuel Capacity | 24.5 gallons |
| Exterior Length | 19 feet, 5 inches |
| Exterior Height | 19 feet, 5 inches |
| Fresh Water Tank | 20 gallons |
| Black Tank | 10 gallons |
| Gray Tank | 20 gallons |
| MSRP | Starting at $185,010 |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
From the outside, this doesn’t look like a typical RV, thanks to the solid, muted coloring and lack of graphics. Add on-demand all-wheel drive if you want to go off the beaten path.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Winnebago Travato
With four diverse interior floor plan options, the Winnebago Travato offers something for every type of traveler. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient Class B motorhomes, topping out at 22 miles per gallon in ideal conditions.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| GVWR | 9,350 pounds |
| Hitch Weight Rating | 3,500 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Chassis | Ram ProMaster |
| Fuel Capacity | 24 gallons |
| Exterior Length | 21 feet |
| Exterior Height | 6 feet, 3 inches |
| Fresh Water Tank | 18 gallons |
| Black Tank | 11 to 12 gallons (depending on floor plan) |
| Gray Tank | 12 to 14 gallons (depending on floor plan) |
| MSRP | Starting at $152,504 |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
A swing-arm-mounted table quickly transforms the front seats and the passenger seats into a dinette on some floor plans. Various storage system options make it easy to carry your gear.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Coach House Platinum III 250
Built on the Ford Transit 350 chassis, Coach House’s Platinum III 250 claims to reach up to 20 miles per gallon under the best conditions. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient Class C motorhomes thanks to its aerodynamic shape and one-piece fiberglass body.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| GVWR | 11,000 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Chassis | Ford Transit 350 HD |
| Fuel Capacity | 31 gallons |
| Exterior Length | 25 feet, 6 inches |
| Exterior Height | 10 feet, 5 inches |
| Fresh Water Tank | 31 gallons |
| Black Tank | 19 gallons |
| Gray Tank | 28 gallons |
| MSRP | $174,156 |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
Two floor plans are available, featuring twin-sized beds with a mid-coach power sofa bed or convertible dinette. Add the optional solar power system to take this fuel-efficient Class C off the grid.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Thor Motor Coach Palazzo 33.5
The Thor Palazzo 33.5 is a fuel-efficient Class A motorhome, boasting an advertised 13 miles per gallon. This fully outfitted Freightliner diesel RV is packed with luxurious amenities and features.
| SPECS | |
|---|---|
| GVWR | 26,000 pounds |
| Hitch Weight Rating | 10,000 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Chassis | Freightliner |
| Fuel Capacity | 90 gallons |
| Exterior Length | 34 feet, 11 inches |
| Exterior Height | 12 feet, 1 inch |
| Fresh Water Tank | 95 gallons |
| Black Tank | 40 gallons |
| Gray Tank | 40 gallons |
| MSRP | From $344,250 |
FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:
Fuel efficiency doesn’t mean you have to give up interior space. The Palazzo even has room for a washer and dryer, bunk beds, and a drop-down cab-over bunk, providing sleeping space for up to seven people.
More information on this fuel-efficient RV can be found here.
Roadtrippers is part of a joint venture, partially owned by THOR Industries, Inc., of which Airstream, Thor Motor Coach, and Venture RV are subsidiaries.
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