RV Gas Cost Calculator: How Many Gallons Do RVs Hold?

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Are you planning an RV trip and wondering whether it would be a pocket-friendly tour, or would you end up getting your wallet exploded with unplanned gas fillings? If so, then we have got you all covered. 

The cost of filling your RV up depends on the size of your RV and the high gas prices in your area. Generally, it would cost you around $50 to $300 to fill up your RV at most U.S. gas stations

how much does it cost to fill a gas tank

In this article, we will tell you about how the cost of filling your RV tank varies on the basis of the size of your RV and how you can calculate the cost yourself. So without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Filling Up An RV

There are a few factors that affect the cost of filling up an RV tank. Some of them are discussed below.

Location of Purchase

Because fuel taxes vary from state to state, the location from where you purchase your fuel can have a significant impact on the cost. For example, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina have the cheapest diesel, while California, Nevada, and Hawaii are a few states where you’ll find the price of diesel is always skyrocketing.

Time of the Year

Price swings are also caused by the time of year; the cost of fuel will be lower if you travel at a time of year when there is less demand for fuel. The price of gas often rises in spring and summer as more people travel in these seasons, while in winter, the price of gas is lower.

Type of Fuel

Another factor that affects RV fuel costs is the kind of fuel used. Although most RVs run on regular gasoline, some have diesel-powered engines. Diesel tends to be more expensive than gasoline, and prices can vary greatly from one state to another. 

How Big is an RV Gas Tank?

Typically, the size of the RV will determine how big its gas tank is. The larger the tank, the more fuel it will hold and, therefore, the less expensive it will be to fill up. As of November 2022, the average fuel cost is $3.76

To assist you further in this regard, considering the same formula, we have created a table to give you a clear idea of how much it is going to cost you to fill your RV based on its tank size.

RV ClassModel CostFuel capacity/ (In gallons) Tank Size
Class AAmerican dream$564150 gal
Class ASequence$9024 gal
Class AEncore$30080 gal
Class AMirada$30080 gal
Class ASports coach RD$376100 gal
Class CPrism$9726 gal
Class CForce HD$376100 gal
Class CAccolade$376100 gal
Class CSeneca$30080 gal
Class BPatriot Cruiser$92.1224.5 gal
Class CBeyond$9425 gal
Class CDaycruiser$92.1224.5 gal
Class CViper$206.855 gal

Class A RV Gas Tank Size

The Class A RV is the heaviest model available. Many of them are more like small mobile homes than recreational campers. That implies they likewise have the biggest gas tanks of some other rig, making it normal for the fuel tanks to reach over 100 gallons

The MPG for most Class A RVs is about 9 miles per gallon. The typical capacity of a Class A fuel tank is between 80 and 150 gallons. This indicates that you can still travel between 560-1,040 miles on just one tank fill. 

Class B RV Gas Tank Size

Class B RVs, typically weighing around 10,000 pounds, achieve the highest MPG of any type, between 18-25. So, 25 gallons of fuel is sufficient to fill a class B RV. And you can travel around 537.5 miles with just one 25-gallon tank of fuel.

Class C RV Gas Tank Size

Class C RVs fall somewhere in the middle of Class A and Class B categories. However, they offer more variety than you might anticipate. Class C RVs range from 25 to 55 gallons in fuel capacity and have an MPG of 15-18 miles per gallon in fuel efficiency. You can travel about 412.5 miles with one 25-gallon tank

Fifth Wheel Camper

Fifth wheels can have a length of up to 45 feet and a weight of up to 10,000 pounds. The holding tanks in the trailers vary in size, similar to the trailers themselves. The larger the rig, the more gas it consumes. A 40-ft fifth-wheel camper consumes 18-29 liters/100 km. 

However, due to their size and weight, fifth-wheel campers don’t have a better fuel economy. Tow vehicles for fifth wheels typically require heavier-duty trucks, which also affects fuel economy.

average camper fuel cost

RV Trip Cost Calculator

Gas and diesel fuel costs are one of the biggest expenses in boondocking, so it’s important to estimate your fuel costs, attain complete know-how of your spending, and finally save money. An easy, simple, and straightforward formula for determining the price of gas is as follows:

  1. First of all, figure out how much gas you’ll need. 
  2. Then, divide the trip’s distance by the estimated MPG.
  3. After that, divide the result by the price of unleaded gas to determine how much it will cost to drive. 

Check Out How We Will RV With Rising Fuel Costs:

RVs with Best Gas Mileage

The fuel efficiency of each class of motorhome varies, with Class B having the overall highest efficiency. However, if Class B is not your style of RV, then Class A and C RVs still offer excellent options for better gas mileage. In the end, it depends on your personal priorities and preferences. 

We have provided you with some of the best choices in each category to help you choose a motorhome that still meets your needs while getting the most miles per gallon.

The Coachmen Freelander

Built on multiple chassis, this Class C motorhome has been the talk of the town for decades. It is a type of recreational vehicle that gets the most miles per liter of any gas-powered vehicle, about 13 km. This RV is about 23 ft and is perfect for small families.

The Newmar Dutch Star

With 8-11 miles per gallon, Newmar Dutch Star is a wonderful class A RV. This RV uses gas as fuel.

Winnebago Travato

It is one of the class B RVs with the highest fuel efficiency ratings, which achieves an impressive 18 to 22 miles per gallon. It uses less fuel, is comfortable, and has everything you need for a pleasant RV trip. 

Related Questions

How much does it cost to fill up an RV with water?

The RV water tanks in giant haulers, fifth wheels, and other motorhomes typically have the most space. The cost of filling an RV’s water tank ranges from $0 to $10 on average, depending on where you fill it.

You can dump and fill the tanks of your camper at some RV parks or from any other campgrounds for a small fee. Additionally, dump stations typically charge a small fee, whereas truck stops and gas stations frequently permit free use of their water upon request.

Is it cheaper to live in an RV than a home?

Although it is typically less expensive to live in an RV than in a house or apartment, a lower start-up cost does not necessarily mean a lower overall cost of living. But it might cost more in some cases.

How many miles do RVs last?

The miles can fluctuate based on the type of your motorhome and how well you maintain it. If you take good care of them, keep them in good condition, and have them serviced on a regular basis, class A, B, and C all the motorhomes should last for 20 years or about 200,000 miles on average.

How much does a small RV cost?

The price of a small motorhome is influenced by various factors, including its type, size, dimensions, functions, layout, and brand. However, a low-end Class B motorhome can cost as much as $250,000, while a basic Class C motorhome can cost as little as $55,000. A typical small motorhome, on the other hand, should cost you between $60,000 and $100,000.

The Bottom Line

All of this means that there is no one answer for how much RV gas will cost. Picking the right RV for your fuel financial plan and your towing vehicle will get you out and about securely and monetarily. Before your RV trip begins, plan each fuel stop in advance to alleviate fuel anxiety. Also, maintaining your vehicle regularly, reducing your workload, and keeping your foot on the gas pedal will make it more economical for you and control the price of gas.

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Written by William Perry
William was born and raised in the United States and currently lives in Utah. A retired police officer, he is the father of three and grandfather of six. Along with writing, he enjoys traveling, the outdoors, reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
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