seriously, what's your MPG with your motorhome?

rvron · 07-21-2010, 05:20 PM

I bought a TT last year. It's been great, but with 3 teenagers they don't like to ride together for very long. I'm only getting between 7-10 MPG when pulling my TT so it got me to thinking: what would a similiar sized Class C motorhome get for mileage? My TT is 26' and sleeps 6 (but 2, 26" wide bunk beds will soon not count as beds for my guys! I'd like to hear from anyone who really knows what their MPGs are . . . and any other convincing arguments for trading my TT in for a Class C. Please share!

mr.ken · 07-21-2010, 05:34 PM

I just went from a 24' toy hauler to a 37' Class A. I got nearly 7 mpg towing a car. I have to imagine a Class C would be at least that good or better......

powerboatr · 07-21-2010, 08:12 PM

7-8 mpg, hit 10 once but 55 drives me crazy
at 65-68 mph
we weigh between 29k-32k lbs plus pull a loaded car hauler at 7k,

mpg for us wasn't even a deal thinker
with our 38 foot triple slide cedar creek fiver 14k and the F350 tow boss crew cab dually with 430 gears i pulled down 12-13 mpg at 65-68 mph, road weight of 24k combined
and 14-16 empty

Bill U · 07-21-2010, 10:25 PM

9.5 mpg with my stuff at 60 mph on flat roads.

LadyWindrider · 07-21-2010, 11:24 PM

If your criteria for trading is gas mileage, forget it. Also if you use your tow vehicle for other than towing, forget it. 500 mile trip at 10 mpg equals 50 gallons at $2.50 per gallon equals $150. Same trip at 12 mpg equals 42 gallons at $2.50 per gallon equals $105. Savings of $45, one night camping. Now add extra cost of insurance, oil changes, tires, brakes, license plates, etc. Better keep what you have and teach your children to get along with each other, or have a better criteria for trading beside gas mileage.

rockwood06 · 07-22-2010, 04:39 AM

2008 Chevy Heavy Duty 1/2 ton pick-up (Vortec Max) 6.0 gas engine, 4:10 rear. Towing a 34' Rock wood 8314SS to Myrtle Beach S.C. from Maryland used 68 gallons of gas, approx $150 bucks, averaged 8 mpg
I looked at a Class "C" right after I started camping back in 2000, but what I have been told by others that have Motor home if you are just camping on the weekends then i would be better off with a travel trailer because of maintenance on a motor home from setting and not being driven as they are design to be. So once we retire and travel more then I think a motor home will be in order.....as far as gas mileage, It's going to be low no matter what.

rvron · 07-22-2010, 06:47 AM

Excellent points gentlemen. Sounds like I would be better off trading up to a larger TV and TT . . . or trading down for smaller sized kids.

powerboatr · 07-22-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvron

trading down for smaller sized kids.

just swap them out as they grow, we have a new industry about to be born.
instead of swap your ride we take kids on trade for newer smaller more efficient models

next we will work on dogs,
our little adopt - a - dog told me he would stay smallllllllllllllll

i guess its relative to him, now as he is over 60 lbs

serioulsy
our approach has been lto go with what works for us.
i do miss the fiver at times, and i really like the conv. of having the fridge right behind me, with the class A, so dw can make me a sandwich.

truth be known the fiver was probably the best of all three we have had

jaxfl · 07-22-2010, 12:14 PM

Windrider above is SO RIGHT on what he says. I went from a 3500 4x4 with 34' TT to a Sunseeker 3100 and small pu truck as a toad. Milage so far is about even. The difference that the family likes is the comfort of more riding room, less stops for the restroom, easy access to food and drinks while riding. I like the 2 minute hookup and go, over the 15 minute hookup that the TT&Trk took. But as far as cost goes... you gain nothing buy upgrading.

2Susan · 07-22-2010, 12:22 PM

Probably the gas mileage is a wash, but if looking at a class C or a class A I would suggest moving around inside with the slides closed and seeing how much is useable (can you get to the bathroom and food?) Also with some models passengers can't see the tv with the slides closed or while using seatbelts while driving.

The class A seemed to have much more storage (bigger boys have more toys) underneath than a class C, and when stopped the front seats in the class A swing around to become part of the living area. Class C have an overhead bunk the class A do not.
Every choice has it's tradeoffs doesn't it?

ronhanson · 07-22-2010, 12:53 PM

Consistently get between 6.5 and 7.5 weighing 21,000# plus towing a 4500# car between 62-65mph using the generator 50% of the time. I got 8.5 without the car but I've only been towless once.

rockwood06 · 07-22-2010, 06:17 PM

So it seems that the gas mileage is about the same no matter what, the best thing to do is get what works the for you and your family, that's what we have done and you can al ways change up later as you need to.

08flagvlite · 07-22-2010, 11:47 PM

In GENERAL, diesel engines in your choice of tow vehicles will USUALLY get better fuel mileage than gas, because of their design. However, the extra cost of the fuel, plus the additional maintenance costs involved make them a toss up as well. Plus, generally a higher price tag at the dealer, to boot! The teenage kids will soon get boyfriends/girlfriends, and lose interest in camping with mom and dad, and themn you'll have your space, but you then will stay up all night worrying about them!!! It never ends! Randy

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