4 Camper Vans With the Best Gas Mileage
With travel season upon us, it’s time to break out the old camper van. What? Don’t you have one? A camper van gives you the freedom to travel without the burden of connecting flights and expensive hotel stays. You can go many places on a camper van–fueled road trip and see the countryside between locations.
But if you’re new to camper vans, don’t head to the dealer before doing your due diligence. Take a look at these four camper vans that provide excellent gas mileage and can help you get the most out of your travels.
Winnebago Travato camper van: 20–23 mpg
Even if you’re new to camper vans, you’ve probably heard of Winnebago. This long-standing motorhome maker continues to deliver with each new model. And the Winnebago Travato is no exception.
Using a Chrysler drivetrain and 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine, the Travato gets an estimated 23 mpg combined, RV Blogger reports. Some gas mileage estimates are slightly lower at 20 mpg, but whether 20 or 23 mpg, the Travato is among the most fuel-efficient camper vans you can buy.
This model is also ideal for road trips. It has a bed for two, a wet bath and toilet, insulated floors, and heated tanks. An advanced energy system provides considerable power if you plan to go off the grid for a while. And there’s enough space to seat four and store bikes, large equipment, or luggage.
Winnebago lists the Travato starting at $152,504. Customizing it with your choice of kitchen, bath, and entertainment features costs more.
Storyteller Overland Beast Mode Adventure Van: 22.5 mpg
This next one is a mouthful: the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode Adventure Van. Considering the name and the $198,746 price tag, you’d expect this Sprinter-based camper van to prepare you for everything. Take a cursory look at its form and features, and you’d be hard-pressed to think of a road-trip scenario the Beast Mode can’t tackle.
The Adventure Van boasts luxury vehicle amenities, from heated seats to a 10.25-inch touchscreen. It also provides intelligent navigation, satellite radio, wireless charging, and many advanced safety features, Storyteller Overland says.
Also impressive is the range of road trip features. They include two convertible beds, interior and exterior shower systems, a portable toilet, and a heating system.
In addition, the Beast Mode Adventure Van has an extensive lighting and HVAC system that can help you stay comfortable no matter the outside conditions.
Packing a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, the Beast Mode gets about 22.5 mpg combined. Considering everything it carries, this camper van’s fuel economy is excellent.
Roadtrek SS Agile camper van: 20 mpg
The Roadtrek SS Agile is another fuel sipper by motorhome standards. However, with a starting MSRP of $183,260, it’s almost as pricey as the Beast Mode. But you begin to see why when you learn of its sleek exterior, retractable power awning, outdoor shower, and roof-mounted air conditioner.
The SS Agile comes with even more than that. Inside, you’ll find a two-burner propane stove, tankless water heater, and bathroom with a marine toilet and shower. A rotating bracket holds a 24-inch smart TV, and a control system helps you monitor the interior amenities with a few taps.
The SS Agile can seat up to five, though it sleeps only three comfortably.
Roadtrek doesn’t share fuel economy numbers on its website. But judging by its weight of just under 9,000 pounds, RV blogger expects the SS Agile to get about 20 mpg.
Sportsmobile Sprinter Penthouse Pop Top camper van: 18 mpg
Of course, your ultimate fuel economy depends on your driving style. But if you opt for a Sportsmobile Sprinter Penthouse Pop Top, RV Blogger notes you’ll likely get around 18 mpg combined. It uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine to provide 12/24 mpg city/highway.
When you consider the added weight a camper van carries, that’s a respectable figure. In this case, that extra weight comes from the additional space for sleeping accommodations and customized interior features.
The Sprinter Penthouse can sleep two inside the van and two in its optional pop-top. With an eight-foot ceiling, the van also comes with large screened windows ideal for visibility and ventilation. These windows also have flaps that zip closed and opaque curtains for privacy.
Starting at around $98,000, according to Sportsmobile, the Sprinter Penthouse can be customized to your liking. Are you looking for kitchen equipment, a porta-potty, or a shower? Sportsmobile will craft a Sprinter Penthouse Pop Top with the features you want and interior styling you prefer.
A camper van is ideal for your next road trip, no matter which model you purchase. By selecting one of the above options with excellent gas mileage, you’ll make the most out of van life and see more sights than you ever imagined.
