Gas Consumption by Motorhome

Proper estimation of expenses will allow you to manage your budget so you can pay for campground fees, groceries, and fuel.

The gas consumption for motorhomes is dependent on model, making, and features of your vehicles. Before start planning you should know how much gas a motorhome consumes and most importantly the ways to save fuel. Let's identify how we can calculate the amount of gas consumed by a motorhome and which factors influence gas consumption:

Why Gas is Preferred Fuel for Motorhomes?

Before purchasing a motorhome you must take a moment to envision the future of your vehicle. When you think about travel style and fuel economy, you will compare gas motorhomes and diesel motorhomes. In comparison to diesel, gas motorhomes are mostly preferred due to several advantages over diesel motorhomes and some of these advantages are listed below:

  • Price

People shopping for new motorhome prefer gas motorhomes due to the affordable prices. First-time motorhome buyers usually decide to experience less expensive gas-powered motorhomes over luxury vehicles. Price is dependent on quality; the best gas-powered motorhomes are available for the price of a lower quality diesel motorhome. If you are trying to save money and get the real deal, you are probably looking for a higher-end gas model motorhome!

  • Efficient Fueling

Owners of motorhomes try to maximize power and efficiency of engines and gas-powered motorhomes possess high fuel efficiency over diesel. Powerful motorhome engines consume more fuel and diesel costs more than gas so it is cheaper for you to drive a gas-powered motorhome due to its improved fuel efficiency. If you have decided to have the experience of a motorhome during your vacations, it is advised that you select a gas-powered motorhome.

The fuel efficiency of the gas motorhomes is also dependent on the weight and size of the vehicle. Due to the smaller size and lighter weight, gas motorhomes are more efficient.

  • Easy Maintenance

Gas motorhomes are less expensive to maintain and the parts of gas motorhomes are easily available. Most of the technicians and experts of gas-powered motorhomes have low hourly rates. You can have greater access to parts of gas motorhomes, and if you are handy, you can also do maintenance without getting assistance from technicians.

Estimating Potential Gas Consumption of Motorhome

Motorhome manufacturers list gas mileage for showing the gallons of gas consumed during travel. You can easily estimate the fuel consumption of your vehicle from the technical specification sheet provided by the manufacturer. Manufacturers calculate possible gas consumption under ideal conditions including optimal speed of motorhomes on highways and favorable weather conditions.

Class A motorhomes typically cover 6-8 miles by consuming one gallon, and mid-size motorhomes consumers one-gallon gas for covering the distance of 10-13 miles. Depending on your budget and number of travelers, you can also go for a small-sized motorhome. For small size motorhome, you can estimate covering 15-18 miles per gallon. As manufactures calculate fuel consumption under ideal conditions, so you must add 3-5 liters per 100 kilometers while calculating your fuel budget.

Calculation of Personal Gas Consumption

The gas consumption of your motorhome can differ from another motorhome even if it is the same size and model. The difference in mpg can be due to your personal gas requirement and weather conditions. For calculating the personal gas requirements of your motorhome you will need to list down the gas-operated appliances installed on your vehicle. You need to calculate the duration of equipment used within a day as well as calculate the amount of the gas consumed by installed equipment in any given day.

What Factors Influence Gas Consumption of Motorhome?

The amount of gas consumed depends on the tank size and the type of motorhome. The specification manual of the motorhome contains detailed information related to the tank size and it can range from 25 gallons to 150 gallons on average

For deciding the amount of gas consumed by motorhome you will need to know the distance covered by a motorhome with a full tank. You need to have an idea of the capacity of your gas tank and the number of miles covered in each gallon of fuel. Motorhome mileage is not only dependent on the capacity of the tank, but you must also consider various other factors to calculate mileage. Gas consumed by the engine of the motorhome depends on the smoothness of roads and regular maintenance of terrain through which you will be travelling.

While travelling through the mountainous region the engine of your motorhome will consume more gas. If you want to travel with similar comfort on smooth roads and mountainous regions then a Class A motorhome gas tank is ideal for you. Class A motorhome fuel tanks have a capacity of 80-150 gallons and the manufacturers expect to further improve this capacity.

A Class B motorhomes gas tank can store 25 gallons of gas on average; due to its capacity, these tanks need to be filled more often. If you are willing to buy a motorhome that has an affordable price and average capacity fuel tank you must purchase a class B motorhome. The Class C motorhomes possess fuel capacity in the range of 40-80 gallons and class C motorhomes are preferred by travelers willing to buy motorhomes to travel for spending vacations. On average the Class A motorhome can give you the mileage of up to 9-10mpg. Class B motorhome provides you around 14 mpg and Class C motorhome gives 15 mpg. Your mileage can be exceptionally high or low depending on your motorhome maintenance and road conditions.

When you estimate the amount of gas consumed by your motorhome you can also calculate the basic cost of covering a certain distance. You can use fuel tank capacity on your motorhome for carrying out planning for the feasible destination.

Which Methods can Reduce Gas Consumption?

Now you should have an idea of average motorhome mileage so you need to consider the methods of reducing the gas consumption of your motorhome. There are a number of ways to save money on fueling; let's have a look at the methods that can reduce gas consumption:

  • Use of Mobile Apps

You should use apps such as 'GasBuddy' to find cheapest gas available at nearby stations. It does not matter how many miles per gallons are covered by your motorhome it's always mindful to find the cheapest fuel source.

  • Use of Discount Cards

Discount gas cards are great for saving fuel cost. If you are travelling the distance of a thousand miles, saving a few cents every gallon is worthwhile.

  • Gas Mileage Calculators

When travelling with a motorhome consider gas mileage and select destinations accordingly. You must reach your respective destination by using motorhome gas mileage calculators to keep in mind the cost of reaching your destination. By using a mileage calculator you can carefully select destinations and save money on fuel.

  • Maintenance of Motorhome

Maintain your motorhome by assuring correct tire pressure for reducing gas consumption. While travelling, slowing down and driving within speed limits on highways can also help you to avoid the high gas consumption of your motorhome.

Excessive load on your vehicles will result in too much 'guzzling' of gas so filling up water after arriving the destination can also save your fuel expenditure.

Conclusion

Travelling via motorhome is an exciting and affordable option but you need to know its gas consumption. The amount of gas consumed by a motorhome is dependent on size, type, model, number of equipment and usage of equipment installed on a motorhome. The amount of gas consumed by motorhome is dependent on the size of the fuel tank and distances between destinations.

There are several ways and strategies which can be used to cut-down gas consumption; you can use those methods listed above to have a fuel-efficient and affordable travelling experience with any motorhome.