You’re planning your next trip and have found that renting a camper van might be the best option for sleeping and transportation. That said, you still have to pay for gas, so you’re probably wondering, what gas mileage do camper vans get? If you are looking for a fuel-efficient camper van, there are a handful of factors you will need to consider.
Fortunately, his article will explain everything from fuel consumption and fuel efficiency to other class-B motorhome features. You’ll learn the average MPG for camper vans and other types of RVs and the pros and cons of class B RV rental. Read on to learn more.
What Is the Average MPG for a Camper Van?
You can expect a camper van to get 13-18 MPG and average about 15.5 MPG.
Camper vans are large vehicles, meaning they won’t be as fuel-efficient as cars. However, a large vehicle may be the best choice if you want to fit everything in one place and have a dedicated sleeping space.
Plus, when you’re looking for different types of RVs to rent, camper vans (also known as class B RVs) will get much better gas mileage than larger motorhomes like class A and C RVs.
Class B Motorhome Gas Mileage Chart
Here’s a chart showing the typical MPG for the top three camper van models in terms of fuel efficiency to give you further details about class B RV gas mileage.
At Escape Camper Vans, most of our camper vans available for rent are Ford Transit. These are our top choice for most people since they’re the most fuel-efficient camper van out of models that run on regular gasoline.
You can find diesel camper vans with better MPG, but diesel fuel costs more, and it can be a pain to manage and fill diesel vehicles. So, Ford Transit vans will be more affordable and better for the average person.
What Motorhome Gets the Best Gas Mileage?
Class B camper vans get the best gas mileage compared to motorhomes of different types and sizes. Here’s a motorhome gas mileage chart to give you a good comparison.
The average gas mileage on these different types of motorhomes directly correlates with their size. The bigger the vehicle, the more fuel it’ll require to run.
Class C RVs are a bit bigger than class B camper vans. The average class C RV is between 25 and 36 feet long, compared to camper vans that are 17 to 19 feet long. Typically, the best gas mileage RV class C will be at or just a little under 10 MPG.
Class A RVs are the largest motorhomes, ranging from 36 to 45+ feet. Class A motorhome gas mileage isn’t as good because the vehicles weigh so much.
To read more about the differences between RV vs campervan read our blog!
What Is the Gas Mileage on a 40 Ft RV?
Your typical 40-foot class A RV gets 6-10 MPG, averaging about 8 MPG on most models. Since they guzzle so much fuel, they also have larger gas tanks that hold 70-100 gallons to prevent constantly stopping for gas. But it can cost up to $300+ to fill up a class A RV gas tank once.
What Kind of Van Gets the Best Gas Mileage or Fuel Economy?
The types of vans that get the best gas mileage are minivans, which average about 22-24 MPG. However, these options aren’t the best for traveling or camping.
When looking for a van you can camp and sleep in, camper vans are the best option for getting good gas mileage. Most of our camper vans, which are available for rent at Escape Camper Vans, can comfortably accommodate up to 5 people while offering many other great features like kitchen equipment, a water tank, a working sink, and extra storage.
Our affordable rental prices and excellent fuel economy make Escape Camper Vans a great choice when looking for a camper van for your road trip.
Some may also look for options like old cargo vans with good gas mileage that they can buy or rent for cheap, but they simply don’t compare in terms of quality or convenience. Old vehicles like these won’t be reliable for long trips, and you won’t have as comfortable sleeping accommodations or the features of a good camper van.
How Far Can a Motorhome Go on One Tank of Gas?
The distance you can travel on a gas tank will depend on the type of motorhome, the size of the gas tank, and the vehicle’s gas mileage.
On average, a class B camper van has a 25-gallon gas tank and gets 15.5 MPG. That equals out to traveling about 387 miles on one tank of gas.
The average class C RV has a 55-gallon gas tank. At an average of 9.5 MPG, you could travel about 522 miles on one tank of gas.
Class A RVs have an average gas tank size of 85 gallons. At an average of 8 MPG, one tank would tank you about 680 miles.
While bigger RVs can travel farther on one tank of gas since their average gas tank is larger, remember that they aren’t as cost-effective because they get lower MPG. Not to mention, their daily rental rates are much more expensive, and bigger vehicles are harder to drive since you have less maneuverability and visibility. So, the easiest to drive and the most affordable option will be a camper van.
Rent a Fuel Efficient Camper Van for Your Next Trip at Escape Camper Vans
Escape Camper Vans has you covered when you’re searching for a travel vehicle for your next trip. We have 11 locations across the U.S., with over 600 premium camper vans available for rent.
What stands out about our camper vans is they come equipped with:
- Uniquely handpainted designs
- Queen-size beds
- Foldaway tables and benches
- Propane stove
- Water tank and sink
- Solar-powered refrigerator
- Extra storage
- Dedicated in-house customer service team
If you’re ready to plan your next vacation, we’ll set you up with the right camper van for your road trip. Reserve yours today, or contact us with any other questions you have.
