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, this article will cover everything from fuel consumption and fuel efficiency to other features of Class B motorhomes. 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 or Class B RV?
You can expect a camper van to get 13-18 MPG, averaging 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. 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.
What Is the Average MPG for a Minivan Camper?
A Minivan Camper, like the ones we rent here at Escape Campervans, typically gets an average of 24-28MPG for mixed driving, and go up to 30MPG for steady highway diriving. Our Minivan Campers are built on the fuel-efficient Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Voyager.
A typical Class C Motorhome gets around 6-12MPG, and Class B RVs and Campervans typically have a fuel economy of 15-18MPG. That means Escape’s lightweight, low-profile Minivan Campers get you double the gas mileage compared to other motorhome and campervan rental options!
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 Motorhome Gets the Best Gas Mileage?
By far, Minivan Campers get the best gas mileage when compared to other motorhome rentals. Class B camper vans get the second-best gas mileage. Here’s a motorhome gas mileage chart for a clear comparison.
| Type of Motorhome | Average MPG |
| Class A RV | 8 |
| Class B RV (Campervan) | 15.5 |
| Class C RV | 9.5 |
| Minivan Camper | 26 |
Average gas mileage across these motorhome types directly correlates with size. The bigger the vehicle, the more fuel it’ll require. Class C RVs are a bit bigger than Class B camper vans. The average Class C RV is 25 to 36 feet long, compared to camper vans, which are 17 to 19 feet long. Typically, a Class C RV gets about 10 MPG or slightly less. Class A RVs are the largest motorhomes, ranging from 36 to 45+ feet. Class A motorhomes don’t get as good gas mileage because they weigh so much. To read more about the differences between RV vs campervan read our blog!
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 24-28MPG. Some may think that minivans are too small for camping and road tripping. But when looking for a van you can camp and sleep in, Minivan Campers have all of the same amenities as many Class B RVs or campervans, just in a more minimalist setup. Camper vans are the best option for getting good gas mileage.
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.
| Type of Motorhome | Average MPG | Size of Tank | Miles per Tank |
| Class A RV | 8 | 85 gal. | 680 |
| Class B RV (Campervan) | 15.5 | 25 gal. | 387 |
| Class C RV | 9.5 | 55 gal. | 522 |
| Minivan Camper | 26 | 22 gal. | 572 |
As you can see, a Minivan Camper goes twice as far on a tank of gas as a Class B RV/Campervan. This means that you can save money on gas and spend it on the experiences during your trip!
While bigger RVs can travel very far on one tank of gas since their average gas tank is larger, they aren’t as cost-effective because they get lower MPG. And while they may have a ton of amenities, their daily rental rates are much higher, and bigger vehicles are harder to drive because you have less maneuverability and visibility. So, the easiest to drive and most affordable option is a minivan camper van.
Rent a Fuel-Efficient Minivan 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 many locations across the U.S., with a large fleet of vans available for rent. What stands out about our camper vans is that they come equipped with:
- Large beds
- Collapsible table and chairs
- Propane stove
- Water tank
- Cooler
- Extra storage
- Reliable, well-maintained vehicles
- Excellent fuel economy
- Easy to drive in cities and in nature
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.
