Community Forums

grafxman · 05-10-2012, 01:53 PM

Do any class A motorhomes get half way decent gas mileage, i.e. 20 mpg+? I'm talking no wind, level ground conditions.

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Ramblin · 05-10-2012, 01:57 PM

No.

Midniteoyl · 05-10-2012, 02:07 PM

If one did, it would sell out and have a 5 year waiting list..

paz · 05-10-2012, 02:10 PM

Some of the new, smaller diesels say they get 12 to 15, but that is probably only if you're going mostly downhill with a tailwind. Our crossover SUV barely gets 20 mpg, and it only weighs 4,000 lb.

Ragingbull · 05-10-2012, 02:15 PM

Ummmm nope? Best I've seen yet in any RV type I've owned was right around 13 with a Class C. Dodge with a 318. Pretty decent mileage on straight and level. Don't ask about the hills however.

Ramblin · 05-10-2012, 02:19 PM

In fact, I'd be happy to get 20mpg in my 2007 Toyota Tacoma.

grafxman · 05-11-2012, 05:40 AM

This is making me feel a lot less sad about the <10mpg I'm getting in my recently purchased 22' '93 Winnie Warrior.

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John H... · 05-11-2012, 06:05 AM

Sometimes they do when their sitting still. I can't get that with my Jeep Liberty. LOL

VP · 05-11-2012, 06:40 AM

Here are some things I do to squeeze a few more miles out of my coach: First, keep in mind that pushing a giant heavily loaded box through the slipstream takes horsepower. Simple rule - the faster you go and the heavier you are, the more horsepower it will take = fuel burned. There are some things you can do without going crazy... First, go on a diet - unload as much weight from your coach as possible. And be realistic! If you haven't looked at something or even thought about it in the past say two years, why are you carrying it around? Then evaluate your fuel/water needs. With a short outing planned, do you really need that 100 gal of gas and 60 gal of dino fuel? Before local trips, I fuel my rig with gas based on planned mileage and a small fudge factor just like the airlines do because hauling unneeded liquids at roughly 7 lbs/gal = reduced mileage. Making your coach aerodynamic is next to impossible. But do you really need those 4 bicycles hanging on a rack IN THE FRONT and what do you carry in that roof mounted storage bin? Do you really need yet another protuberance on the roof? Mechanical condition is next. Be sure your motor is breathing well and in top condition. Then plan your route remembering that every additional 7-9 miles = another gallon = $4. Is that side trip worth it? If so then go realizing what it will cost, otherwise stick to the plan. A few years ago, I installed a vacuum gage. With carburetor motors, keeping that little needle as high as possible = better mileage. You will find yourself driving differently but the return is $ saved. And lastly, there was a reason for the 55 mph max speed limit a few years ago, enough said. Am certain there are lots of other tips. I try to hit the big ones to save the most gas. Good luck finding a "Prius" motorhome! They don't exist and likely never will. Too much weight, mass and size required for the perceived need. Is the technology out there to build a 25 or 30 mpg class A motorhome? Probably, but the cost of doing so would be astronomical. Until then, I do what I can to avoid too much pain at the pump and accept the challenge of doing so with my antique.