RVing is a great way to see the country, road trip with your family, and even live full-time if you choose. However, without research and planning, it can also get expensive quickly.

motorhome in trucking lane at a gas station

Traveling & Saving Money on Fuel

RV Gas Prices & Planning

One of the most significant RVing expenses is gas and diesel fuel costs, so it’s crucial to estimate fuel, track your spending, and find ways to save.

This RV Gas Cost Calculator can help make that process a little easier, so there are no surprises when you see the actual cost of gas for your trip.

To use the calculator, enter your RV or tow vehicle’s average miles per gallon, the total distance of your trip in miles, and the price of gas or diesel fuel you’ll be paying on average.

Gas & Fuel Cost Calculator Tips

Below are a few tips to help you calculate the most accurate gas prices for your trip.

  • Calculate trip gas using the guide on the AAA website to find the fuel average by the state for where you will be traveling. You can even sort by fuel type.
  • Subtract the average you will save on gas cost from the average gas price. Never pay full price at the pump! Check out our article Best Discount Fuel Cards for RV Owners & How to Save at the Pump for a ton of tips on getting discounts on fuel, finding cheap gas prices, and getting cash back for gas.
  • If you are unsure of your RV’s gas mileage or using an RV rental, see our guide below for a mileage range by RV type.

RV GAS MILEAGE CHART

CLASS A (DIESEL): 7 – 13 mpg
CLASS A (GAS): 6 – 10 mpg
CLASS C: 10 – 14 mpg*
CLASS B: 18 – 24 mpg
TRAVEL TRAILER or 5TH WHEEL: 9 – 15 mpg**

*There are a few smaller class Cs with higher fuel efficiency.

**Towing mileage will significantly vary by the RV size and weight, and the tow vehicle size, engine, and fuel type. Go Downsize has an article comparing towing mileage for different RVs and their tow vehicles. Check out Gas Mileage When Towing Campers (10 actual examples).

5 Tips to Save Money on Your RV Trip Gas Costs

Here are a few quick tips to get you started with conserving RV fuel and saving on fuel costs in your RV.

  1. WATCH YOUR WEIGHT – the more your RV weighs, the more it will cost to drive it down the road. Try to keep it light by only bringing what you need and traveling with empty or primarily empty tanks.
  2. DRIVE CONSERVATIVELY – by braking and accelerating slowly and keeping your speed around 60mph, you can conserve the fuel in your tank.
  3. SIGN UP FOR GAS STATION LOYALTY PROGRAMS – most gas stations have a rewards program that allows you to get a discount right at the pump. Shell and ExxonMobil are a couple with great programs.
  4. USE GASBUDDY – the GasBuddy app is an excellent tool for checking gas prices at nearby gas stations on your route. Plan ahead and save!
  5. GET A FUEL DISCOUNT CARD OR CREDIT CARD – a discount card such as the Open Roads (TSD Logistics) card or a credit card that will get you cash back at gas stations is a great way to save on gas.

For more details on saving money on fuel costs and increasing your gas mileage, check out Best Discount Fuel Cards for RV Owners & How to Save at the Pump.

Now that you have an estimate of your fuel cost and some good ideas for ways to save, you’re more prepared to head out on your RV trip without any worries about how much the gas bill will total.

ESTIMATE YOUR RV LIVING COSTS: To detail out your RVing monthly costs, check out our RV Living Cost Calculator.

Want more tips for RVing on a budget?

Check out our guide to learn about how to save on gas costs, camping fees, budget for RV living, and more.

Guide to RVing on a Budget