Motorhomes are not known for fuel economy. A big gas Class A might get 6 to 8 miles per gallon. But the chassis and engine an RV is built on make a huge difference, and the smallest diesel camper vans can get more than twice that.
This guide explains which types of motorhomes get the best gas mileage, gives current examples of each, and shares practical ways to use less fuel on the road.
Short answer: Class B camper vans on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (diesel), Ram ProMaster and Ford Transit chassis get the best fuel economy, typically in the mid-teens to around 20 MPG. Small Class C motorhomes on the Sprinter chassis come next. Gas Class A motorhomes are usually in single digits.
Key Takeaways
- RV fuel economy is set mostly by chassis and engine: a big gas Class A gets ~6–8 mpg, while small diesel camper vans can more than double that.
- Diesel Class B vans (e.g., the Winnebago Revel on a Sprinter) lead on mileage; a diesel Class A beats gas when mileage matters.
- Published mpg figures are estimates—real numbers shift with weight, terrain and speed.
- Tire pressure, weight and driving habits all move the needle.
Why Motorhome MPG Numbers Are Estimates
Most motorhomes are too heavy for official EPA fuel-economy testing, so manufacturers rarely publish MPG figures. The ranges below are typical real-world averages reported by dealers and owners. Your results will depend on speed, terrain, wind, weight and whether you’re towing a car.
Average MPG by RV Type and Chassis
| Chassis | Common RV type | Typical MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (diesel) | Class B vans, small Class C | About 17–20 |
| Ram ProMaster (gas) | Class B vans | About 14–17 |
| Ford Transit (gas) | Class B vans | About 14–17 |
| Ford E-350 | Smaller Class C | About 10–12 |
| Ford E-450 | Class C | About 8–10 |
| Diesel pusher | Class A diesel | About 8–10 |
| Ford F-53 (gas) | Class A gas | About 6–8 |
Source: Coumbs RV chassis fuel economy guide.
For more on this, see our guide to average RV gas mileage.
Fuel-Efficient RV Examples by Type
Class B: Winnebago Solis Pocket (Ram ProMaster)
At 17 feet 10 inches, the Solis Pocket is one of the shortest Class B vans on the market. It’s built on the Ram ProMaster chassis, which falls into the 14–17 MPG range above. It’s a good fit for couples who want a van that parks almost anywhere.
Source: Winnebago.
Class B: Winnebago Revel (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD)
The Revel is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with a turbo-diesel engine (211 hp) and all-wheel drive. It’s 19 ft 7 in to 19 ft 9 in long depending on floor plan. Sprinter diesels are generally the most fuel-efficient motorhome chassis, though AWD and off-road gear can lower mileage somewhat.
Source: Winnebago.
If you need more room than a van, small Class C motorhomes on the Sprinter chassis offer a full bathroom, more storage and dedicated beds, with better fuel economy than Class C models on the Ford E-series. The Winnebago View and Navion are 25 ft 8 in long, built on the Mercedes-Benz 4500 Series Sprinter chassis with a turbo-diesel engine, and come in three floor plans.
Source: Winnebago.
Class A: Choose Diesel If Mileage Matters
No Class A is truly fuel-efficient, but diesel pushers typically return a couple more miles per gallon than gas Class A coaches on the Ford F-53 chassis, especially when towing. If you want a Class A for full-time travel, see our guide to Class A motorhomes for full-time living.
Is Better Gas Mileage Worth the Trade-Offs?
The most fuel-efficient RVs are also the smallest. Before you buy, weigh the fuel savings against what you give up:
- Space: Vans have less room to move around, fewer beds, and often a wet bath.
- Tank sizes: Smaller fresh and waste tanks mean more frequent dumping and refilling, which matters for dispersed camping.
- Price: Sprinter-based vans and Class C motorhomes are often expensive to buy, which can outweigh fuel savings for part-time travelers.
- Towing: Small motorhomes have lower towing capacity if you want to bring a car.
Tips for Getting Better Gas Mileage in Your RV
- Slow down. Wind resistance rises quickly with speed. Driving 60–62 mph instead of 70 is one of the easiest ways to save fuel.
- Keep tires properly inflated. Check pressure before each travel day, or use a tire pressure monitoring system.
- Travel light. Carry only the water you need for the drive, and clear out gear you don’t use.
- Keep up with maintenance. Replace air filters and follow the chassis maintenance schedule.
- Plan your route. Avoid unnecessary climbs and stop-and-go traffic when you can.
- Tow smart. A lighter towed vehicle makes a noticeable difference. See our list of cars you can flat tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV gets the best gas mileage?
Class B camper vans on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter diesel chassis generally get the best mileage, often around 17–20 MPG in real-world driving.
What is the average MPG for a Class C RV?
Most Class C motorhomes on the Ford E-series chassis average around 8–12 MPG. Sprinter-based Class C models usually do better.
Do diesel RVs get better mileage than gas?
Generally yes, within the same size class. Diesel engines are more efficient, especially when climbing or towing, but diesel fuel and maintenance can cost more.
1 Comment
Rick
4 years agoDo you have anything that’s not powered by Mercedes and doesn’t cost a million bucks? Might be nice for a few of us po folk.