Camping and RV Forums  Recreational Ve...  Buying an RV  Which RV Type is Most Fuel Efficient?
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New Post 2/21/2013 10:33 PM
  TShisler
92 posts




Re: Which RV Type is Most Fuel Efficient? 
 lizrfoust wrote
Technically speaking, any RV can become fuel efficient depending on how well you take care of it. Making sure that you regularly check on the engine and the tires is one way for it to be fuel efficient. Weight is also another factor. Of course, the heavier your RV with all the stuff you have here and the things that you pack, the less efficient it is.

Just my two cents.


Well said, liz! And it's true. Looking back, we were actually burning a whole lot more fuel when we started out than now. Apparently, we were packing way too much stuff in our Motorhome so it was always be almost reaching the weight limit. It was only after when we started assessing which ones we really needed and which ones we could just leave behind. It considerably helped us lighten our motorhome.

Choosing also when you set out on your roadtrip and your route also plays a factor. Spending too much time idling while in traffic causes you to spend a lot of fuel. That's also why we usually head out at night when it's a long drive. Lesser traffic and people on the road.
 
New Post 6/7/2014 4:44 PM
  LewisEdge
5 posts




Re: Which RV Type is Most Fuel Efficient? 
Motorhomes build on the Mercedes diesel Sprinter chassis are by far the most fuel efficient, but the initial cost of those coaches is dramatically higher, which may erase a lot of the economics of higher fuel mileage. Class B and Class C coaches are both available with a Sprinter chassis. A same-size gasser Class C that sells for about $60,000 would cost about twice as much if built on the Mercedes chassis. Will your friend drive enough to save $60,000 in fuel with twice the mileage but twice the initial cost? Only your friend can answer that question. My calculations are that your break-even point is about 133,333 miles not considering the difference in maintenance costs of diesel engine vs gasoline engine, the higher cost of diesel fuel and that a Mercedes will hold its value better.
 
New Post 1/18/2015 3:01 PM
  Gearspoke
52 posts




Re: Which RV Type is Most Fuel Efficient? 
Yeah I think that is another thing to think about. Whether or not you decide to go for a diesel or gasoline engine is going to play a factor in efficiency. Also, a diesel platform will have more torque generally, which is an added bonus to the lower fuel consumption.
 
New Post 2/26/2015 12:42 PM
  bukhrn
164 posts




Re: Which RV Type is Most Fuel Efficient? 
Fuel efficiency may be a major concern for your friend, but I think room & cost would be major concerns, Class B's may be more fuel efficient, but "generally" cost far more than a class c, I could by a LOT of fuel for the difference in cost, also "Most" Class B's are smaller and for me, more confining.
And, because of their size , they are "usually" easier to maneuver and park.
Not that it's not important, but If fuel efficiency is THE major concern, perhaps your friend may want to reconsider the RV life
 
New Post 4/8/2015 8:47 AM
  Bonnie19
3 posts




Re: Which RV Type is Most Fuel Efficient? 
Class A is the most expensive and luxurious and do burn a lot of fuel due to size/weight. Think of the bus-size motorhomes.
Class C is less expensive, luxurious and smaller/lighter. Think of a short bus.
Class B are actually usually the smallest. Think of a van. They are however built from a more tested frame with automotive regulations and therefore a bit safer and can tend to be as expensive or even more expensive then a C. The Class system is out of order for size.

Space capabilities change quite a bit with each class and, in my opinion, fuel efficiency is less of a concern. One thing to consider if fuel is a concern is getting a Travel Trailer or if they need lots of space perhaps a large 5th wheel. They could then drive to the campsite and setup and be able to have a non-weighted vehicle for transportation without towing one behind. I can only assume that if fuel efficiency is a major concern that they may intend on driving/moving the RV a lot. In that case I would suggest a B for not only fuel efficiency but for safety as well. It will however afford less space for a higher cost.
 
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