If you’re a savvy Class C shopper, you likely have some questions that go beyond a model’s good looks. In fact, you’re probably already thinking about the road — not just scenery but the logistics. (Smart move!) And if that’s you, I imagine you want to know what’s the most fuel-efficient Class C on the market? And, because comparison is illuminating, is there a big difference in fuel mileage from one model to the next?
So, allow us to oblige. We have a list of the most fuel-efficient Class C motorhomes — all primed to give owners a nice return in fuel economy. But first, let’s take a short detour to define what that actually looks like.
Defining Good Gas Mileage for a Class C
So, let’s set a few things straight. First, if you’re buying a new passenger vehicle, a car or SUV, you will likely see a window sticker that shows the estimated fuel mileage of that vehicle. This is a mandate from the federal government. All passenger vehicles under 8,500 pounds GVW are tested in a similar manner. However, you should know that heavier vehicles, like trucks and Class C motorhomes, are not tested in this manner.
But, survey the Class C community forums (like we have), and you’ll find that a some of the most fuel-efficient diesel Class C models can get up to 17 to 18 miles per gallon. A gas-powered model, however, might not break the 10 mile per gallon mark. (Which is another answer for you — diesel models are more fuel efficient than gas models.) So, if you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient Class C, odds are that diesel is the way to go.
Class C motorhomes are built from one of, essentially, three chassis providers: Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Ram. Every Class C starts with the chassis. From there the RV company builds the actual camper onto the backs of these chassis. So, from a fuel economy perspective, that’s your biggest factor to consider. And, just saying this out front, the only company that makes a diesel Class C chassis is Mercedes-Benz with their Sprinter offering. This is the place to look if you’re strictly going for the best fuel economy you can get.
First Place: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Models
One of the reasons people like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis is that company’s turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine. This driveline extracts some of the best mileage out of a drop of fuel yet still provides competent power and drivability. In addition, an RV builder can specify from a long list of safety and comfort options available on the Sprinter chassis. Also, some owners of Class Cs with this engine have reported getting in the upper teens in fuel economy if they have a light foot. (That’s not horrible.)
So, here are a few of the most fuel-efficient Class C models available on the Sprinter chassis.
Thor Motor Coach Chateau
Using the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis the Chateau is one of the smaller Class C offerings from Thor, the largest builder of motorized RVs. With a base MSRP of $181,860 the Chateau is also one of the more affordably priced Class C motorhomes based on the Sprinter chassis.
Winnebago View and Navion
With the View and Navion models, Winnebago has found a strong following. The exterior of these coaches is relatively smooth with a nod toward aerodynamics with a more angled upper structure and smooth transition between the cab of the rig and the body of the motorhome. This shape could slightly improve fuel economy by providing a bit less wind resistance.
Tiffin Wayfarer
Tiffin’s Wayfarer is another Class C based on the Sprinter chassis and features a smooth exterior shape. The nose this motorhome sits almost even with the top of the air conditioner, which could help a bit in aerodynamics as well. The Tiffin brand has earned a good reputation in the industry over the years. (Another plus.)
Airstream Atlas
It may be a surprise to some that Airstream makes a Class C, but the Airstream Atlas is just that. An RV builder can specify the configuration of the Mercedes-Benz chassis to be more industrial or more luxurious. There are also a number of optional safety and technological features available to an RV builder from Mercedes-Benz — know that your $326,400 does include every safety and technology option offered.
Leisure Travel Vans Unity
Leisure Travel Vans offers their Class C motorhomes with the option of utilizing Ford’s Transit chassis as the Wonder or the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis as the Unity. The Unity offers the benefit of the more fuel-efficient Sprinter chassis. (But also, be aware that the base MSRP on these models is $14,000 different. While there are some material differences between them, $14,000 would buy over 4,000 gallons of fuel at today’s average price.)
In fact, a little math can be elucidating. Consider that you might average up to five miles per gallon more on a diesel model. That means you’d have to travel at least 20,000 miles to make-up that difference. Then you add the higher maintenance costs of the Sprinter, and you can see why many owners choose the gas-powered model.
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Second Place: Ram ProMaster Models
In second place is the Ram ProMaster chassis, which uses the Pentastar gasoline V6. The Ram ProMaster has become far less popular as a conversion only because the 3.6-liter, gasoline V6 and front-wheel-drive limit the size of the RV you can build with this chassis. This chassis is unusual in that it’s front-wheel drive. That means there are not driveline components under the back of the chassis which enables an RV builder to potentially build a smaller box while achieving comparable interior living space.
Wingamm Oasi 540.1
If fuel mileage is truly a priority, Italian RV builder Wingamm is now importing their small Class C motorhomes to the US in the form of the Wingamm Oasi 540.1. The ProMaster chassis has its roots in Italy as the Fiat Ducati, and the Oasis 540.1 brings the whole unit from Italy. These are relatively small RVs which is why they would get surprising fuel mileage, for a gas-powered rig, but they are smaller than what some Americans might be used to.
The RV portion of the RV uses a fiberglass build much like a Casita. The primary bed in this rig drops-down from over the cab of the motorhome. While this is technically a Class C, since there’s a bed over the bunk, it is more sized like a B-Plus. But, for those who want something compact with good gasoline mileage that is more affordable, this might be a good choice.
Third Place: Ford Transit Models
While not truly a mileage champion, Ford’s Transit chassis still returns fair mileage while offering very good drivability. The fact that it’s a Ford and that parts may be readily available even in many small towns is a big plus if you need maintenance on the road.
A Few Final Tips to Get Better Fuel Mileage
Keeping Two Factors in Mind
There are two major factors that affect fuel mileage in any vehicle, but particularly an RV: speed and weight. If you look at a modern passenger car, you’ll notice that the overall shape of the car is the same no matter who built the car. While there are differences in styling elements, the basic shape is very similar for a reason: cheating the wind.
Above about 30-35 miles per hour a lot of energy (fuel) is being used to overcome wind resistance. You’ll notice this as you’re driving. If there is a strong headwind, your fuel mileage drops considerably. But think that you’re pushing a big box through the wind at highway speeds, and it takes a lot of energy to overcome that wind resistance.
While we would never recommend this, for the sake of the argument, if you would travel at a steady 20 miles per hour, you would get pretty incredible fuel mileage. (But then even your dog might jump out the window and find a new owner.) The point of this is that the difference in fuel mileage between 60 miles per hour and 80 is significant. You can get much better fuel mileage at lower highway speeds, which is why the government mandated a 55 mile per hour speed limit in the 1970s. Slowing down within reason can improve fuel mileage considerably.
Tires and Weight Count
Your tires, too, contribute to your fuel mileage. Properly inflating your tires can make a significant difference in fuel mileage but also reduces wear on the tires and on the vehicle suspension as well. Many modern vehicles incorporate a tire pressure monitoring system. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, there are some very good choices on the market and these are valuable for a lot of reasons.
What about weight? Weight is absolutely a factor but more so in starting and climbing hills. Wind resistance is a big factor in cruising along the highway but a lighter vehicle will obviously get better fuel economy, especially when accelerating uphill or from a dead stop. This is why many people recommend traveling with empty holding tanks – water is heavy.
https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0144
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