Travel by RV has long been a favorite pastime for many Americans. Since it provides a way to socially distance while traveling, it’s enjoyed by many during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While it does save you money by providing accommodations where you can sleep and cook, how much does fuel cost for an RV?

We’re going to take a look at RV fuel costs for different types of RVs. We’ll also provide some information so you can budget for your next RV trip.

RV fuel costs add up quickly

How much will it cost to fill up your RV? According to the team at GoRollick.com, It depends on the size of your vehicle and how far you’re traveling. They explain that RV trips, on average, are around 5,000 miles.

Many recreational vehicle manufacturers claim their vehicles get somewhere between 10 and 20 mpg. So, using an average cost of $2.50 to $4.00 per gallon of gas, GoRollick.com says that a full gas tank for your RV can be anywhere from $60 to $600.
 
But there are different sizes, so let’s take a closer look. Class A vehicles are smaller, get 8 to 10 mpg, and have tanks that hold 100 to 150 gallons of gas. Class B vehicles, including camper vans, usually get 10 to 25 mpg. Class Bs can usually hold 25 gallons of gas. Class C vehicles, motorhomes, get 10 mpg and hold 25 to 55 gallons.

Other factors to consider other than RV fuel costs

The cost to fill up your recreational vehicle will depend on whether it takes gas or diesel. Those who routinely drive long distances usually favor diesel because they get better gas mileage. Diesel is a more efficient fuel source but is often more expensive. Diesel isn’t always available at all gas stations, so it’s a good idea to check the stops on your route so you’ll know where you can gas up.

Your gross vehicle weight also has an impact on how much gas your RV will cost. GVW is the total weight your RV can meet and still be road-safe. The more the RV weighs, the more gas you burn. An RV with a higher GVW rating will not be as fuel-efficient.

According to the folks at RVShare.com, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Just because your RV can be up to a certain weight doesn’t mean you need to push it to the limits. By optimizing the overall weight of your rig, you can save money on fuel costs. If there’s a place where you can grocery shop when you reach your destination, for example, the RV would weigh less than if you had a full pantry of food.

Planning ahead Can reduce the cost of fuel for RV trips

Fortunately, with a little planning, there are a few ways you can save on fuel costs in your recreational vehicle.

There are several apps like GasBuddy that make finding the best fuel prices in a given area easy. Regardless of the fuel rating of your vehicle, it’s always worth looking into the best fuel prices you can get. If you can, check these before you start your trip because cell coverage isn’t always available in all areas.

If you haven’t bought an RV yet or are considering a new one, whether you select a gas or diesel RV will have an impact on fuel expenses. While diesel often costs more than regular gas, diesel rigs usually have better fuel efficiency.

Also, keep track of your gas mileage whenever you’re traveling in your RV. With that information, it will be easier to estimate how much fuel will cost on your future trips. There are also available RV gas mileage calculators that can help you determine how much it’s really costing you to get to your destination.