RV Fuel Cost Calculator
RV fuel bills are the biggest surprise for first-time road trippers. Select your RV type, enter trip distance and fuel price to get total fuel cost, gallons needed, cost per mile, and estimated fuel stops. Budget your adventure before you hit the road.
Fuel Cost Calculator
RV Fuel Economy Explained
RV fuel economy is the single largest variable cost of road travel. Unlike cars that get 25-35 MPG, most motorized RVs average 7-18 MPG due to their massive weight (10,000-30,000+ lbs), poor aerodynamics (essentially a rolling box), and large engines. Understanding your RV's fuel consumption before a trip prevents budget-busting surprises at the pump.
Towed RVs (travel trailers, fifth wheels) are sometimes cheaper because you can detach them at the campground and use your tow vehicle for local driving. But towing cuts your truck's MPG by 30-50%, and you're paying for two vehicles' maintenance.
Fuel Cost Formula
Total Cost = (Distance ÷ MPG) × Price per Gallon
Cost per Mile = Price per Gallon ÷ MPG
Trip Cost Comparison (at $3.50/gal)
| Trip Distance | Class A (7 MPG) | Class B (18 MPG) | Class C (12 MPG) | Trailer (10 MPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 miles | $250 | $97 | $146 | $175 |
| 1,000 miles | $500 | $194 | $292 | $350 |
| 2,500 miles | $1,250 | $486 | $729 | $875 |
| 5,000 miles | $2,500 | $972 | $1,458 | $1,750 |
Tips to Improve RV Fuel Economy
- Drive 55-60 MPH. Every 5 MPH above 55 is like paying an extra $0.20-0.40/gallon due to aerodynamic drag.
- Reduce weight. Empty the fresh water tank when not boondocking (water weighs 8.34 lbs/gal). A full 80-gallon tank adds 667 lbs.
- Keep tires inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check pressure before every trip (cold).
- Avoid idling. RV engines burning 1-2 gallons per hour at idle. Turn off the engine during long stops.
- Plan routes wisely. Avoid mountain passes when possible. Climbing grades can drop MPG to 3-4 in heavy motorhomes.
Compare with daily driving costs using our cost per mile calculator or evaluate an EV alternative with the EV vs gas calculator. Planning a budget trip? The subscription analyzer can help find subscriptions to pause while traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles per gallon does an RV get?
MPG varies dramatically by RV type. Class A gas motorhomes average 6-8 MPG. Class A diesel pushers get 8-12 MPG. Class C motorhomes average 10-14 MPG. Class B camper vans get 15-22 MPG. When towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel, your truck's MPG drops 30-50% — a truck getting 18 MPG solo might get 9-12 MPG towing. Driving style, speed, terrain, and weight all significantly impact fuel economy.
How much does it cost to drive an RV per mile?
At $3.50/gallon gas with 8 MPG, a Class A motorhome costs $0.44 per mile in fuel alone. A Class B van at 18 MPG costs $0.19/mile. Add maintenance ($0.10-0.15/mile), insurance ($0.03-0.05/mile), and depreciation ($0.20-0.50/mile) for true per-mile cost of $0.50-1.00+. Fuel is typically 40-50% of the total driving cost.
Is it cheaper to drive an RV or fly and rent a hotel?
For solo travelers, flying is almost always cheaper. For families of 4+, RV travel often wins on trips under 1,000 miles. A family RV trip of 500 miles might cost $250-400 in fuel plus $30-50/night for campgrounds. Comparable flights ($200-400/person) plus hotel rooms ($150-250/night) cost more. The breakeven point depends on family size, destination distance, and trip length.
Does driving slower save gas in an RV?
Yes — RV fuel economy drops dramatically above 55 MPH. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, and RVs are aerodynamic bricks. Driving 55 MPH vs 70 MPH can improve MPG by 20-30%. A Class A getting 7 MPG at 65 might get 9 MPG at 55. On a 1,000-mile trip, that saves 22 gallons ($77 at $3.50/gal). Cruise control on flat roads and avoiding hard acceleration also help.
How much does RV diesel cost vs gasoline?
Diesel typically costs $0.30-0.60 more per gallon than regular gasoline in the US. However, diesel RVs get 25-40% better fuel economy. A diesel Class A getting 10 MPG vs a gas Class A getting 7 MPG saves 43 gallons over 1,000 miles. At $4.00/gal diesel vs $3.50/gal gas, the diesel costs $400 vs $500 — saving $100 despite higher fuel price. Diesel engines also last 2-3× longer.
How do I plan fuel stops for an RV trip?
Calculate your range: tank size × MPG = maximum miles. Leave a 10-15% reserve. For a Class A with 80-gallon tank at 7 MPG, range is ~560 miles (plan stops at ~480 miles). Use apps like GasBuddy or RV Trip Wizard to find stations with RV-height clearance and competitive prices. Costco and truck stops (Pilot/Flying J) typically have the best prices. Avoid fueling on interstates near exits — drive 1-2 miles off for lower prices.
How much does it cost to fill up an RV?
Tank sizes range from 20 gallons (pop-up towed by SUV) to 150+ gallons (large Class A diesel). At $3.50/gallon: a 25-gallon Class B van costs ~$88 to fill. A 55-gallon Class C costs ~$193. An 80-gallon Class A gas costs ~$280. A 100-gallon Class A diesel at $4.00/gal costs ~$400. Budget for a full tank before departure and estimate refill frequency based on range.