How much fuel does a motorhome use? Consumption by type and size

One of the most common questions before buying a motorhome is a simple one: how much fuel does a motorhome use?

Fuel consumption matters because it affects not only the cost of each trip but also which vehicle you choose. A compact camper, a 6-metre low-profile motorhome and a large A-class don't share the same weight, height or aerodynamics, so they don't use the same amount of fuel either.

As a general guide, a diesel motorhome typically uses somewhere between 8 and 12 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, although actual consumption depends on numerous factors.

In this guide, we explain how much fuel a motorhome uses depending on its type and size, which factors make it use more or less, and how to work out the fuel cost of a trip.

What's the average fuel consumption of a motorhome?

There's no single figure that applies to every motorhome.

Consumption depends mainly on the vehicle's size, weight, body type, engine, speed and driving conditions.

As a guide, here are some typical ranges:

These figures are indicative, not official approved figures. On the road, the result can differ depending on load, speed, wind, terrain and the condition of the vehicle.

That's why, when working out the cost of a trip, it's best to use a range rather than an exact figure.

Camper fuel consumption

Campers, or converted vans, tend to be the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the world of caravanning.

Their main advantage is that they're built on a van body and keep a relatively compact, aerodynamic shape.

Approximate consumption can range between 7.5 and 9.5 l/100 km, although some models may fall below or exceed this figure depending on the engine, weight and speed.

For example, a camper using 8.5 l/100 km would need roughly:

85 litres to cover 1,000 km.

Campers are particularly appealing for those who want to combine trips and getaways with driving that feels similar to a conventional van.

Low-profile motorhome fuel consumption

Low-profile motorhomes have a taller, wider body than a camper van, but their design is usually more aerodynamic than an overcab's.

That's why typical consumption tends to fall roughly between 8.5 and 10.5 l/100 km.

For this type of vehicle, the following factors are especially influential:

• The length of the motorhome.

• The total weight.

• The engine.

• The load being carried.

• Driving speed.

• The type of tyres.

• Wind and terrain.

A relatively light 6-metre low-profile motorhome can use less fuel than a fully loaded 7-metre one.

In the TTCamper catalogue, you can browse different low-profile motorhomes and compare their dimensions, engines and equipment.

Overcab motorhome fuel consumption

Overcab motorhomes are characterised by the bed positioned above the cab.

This layout offers plenty of sleeping space and is particularly practical for families, but the raised front increases wind resistance.

For this reason, an overcab tends to use somewhat more fuel than an equivalent low-profile.

As a reference, we can talk roughly about 9.5 to 12 l/100 km.

The difference can be even greater at high speeds or in strong wind.

In this type of motorhome, speed has a particularly significant effect on consumption, because aerodynamic resistance increases considerably as speed rises.

A-class motorhome fuel consumption

A-class motorhomes have a fully integrated body and, typically, larger exterior dimensions.

Consumption can range roughly between 9.5 and 12 l/100 km, although large, heavy units can exceed these figures.

Within the A-class category, there's a considerable difference between a compact unit and a large motorhome.

That's why simply saying "an A-class uses 11 litres" can be misleading. Two vehicles with the same body type can have very different weights, engines and dimensions.

If you'd like to know the main differences between a low-profile and an A-class, take a look at our dedicated guide on [low-profile vs A-class motorhome].

How much fuel does a motorhome use according to its size?

Size is one of the factors we should pay closest attention to.

This doesn't mean a longer motorhome will necessarily use more fuel, but greater length is usually accompanied by more weight, a larger frontal area and more equipment.

As a guide:

Motorhomes up to 6 metres

A compact motorhome can be expected to sit roughly around 8-10 l/100 km, depending on its configuration.

These are appealing vehicles for anyone looking for a balance between living space and ease of driving.

Motorhomes from 6 to 7 metres

This is one of the most common sizes on the market.

Consumption can range roughly between 9 and 11 l/100 km, although there are significant differences between models.

Motorhomes over 7 metres

Large motorhomes tend to have greater weight and a larger frontal area.

In this case, consumption of 10-13 l/100 km can be a reasonable reference point, although certain configurations may exceed this figure.

So when comparing motorhomes, we shouldn't focus solely on length in centimetres.

Weight, height, aerodynamics and the engine matter just as much, if not more.

What makes a motorhome use more fuel?

Several factors can significantly change actual consumption.

1. Speed

This is one of the most important factors.

Aerodynamic resistance rises quickly with speed. That's why keeping a moderate speed on the motorway can significantly cut consumption compared with constantly driving at higher speeds.

In a tall motorhome, this difference can be especially significant.

2. Weight

Every extra kilo we carry affects the vehicle.

Bicycles, tables, chairs, luggage, water tanks, food, accessories and other items can add several hundred extra kilos to a motorhome during a trip.

That's why it's worth travelling with only what's needed and avoiding permanently carrying items we don't use.

3. Aerodynamics

The height and shape of the body have a direct influence.

A compact camper offers less wind resistance than a tall motorhome with a large frontal area.

That's why two vehicles with similar engines can have different consumption levels.

4. Wind

A headwind can noticeably increase consumption.

Motorhomes also have a considerable side profile, so windy conditions can affect both consumption and handling.

5. The road

A motorhome doesn't use the same amount of fuel driving along a flat motorway as it does climbing mountain passes.

Trips with lots of gradients, bends and changes in speed tend to increase consumption.

6. Tank levels

Travelling with the water tanks completely full can add considerable weight.

If we don't need to carry that much water for the journey, taking only what's necessary can help reduce weight.

7. The condition of the vehicle

Tyre pressure, engine maintenance, wheel alignment and other mechanical elements can also affect consumption.

A properly maintained vehicle will always be more efficient than one running with maintenance issues.

How much does motorhome fuel cost?

To work out the fuel cost of a trip, we only need three pieces of information:

Distance travelled, average consumption and fuel price.

The formula is:

Litres used = distance travelled × consumption / 100

For example, let's imagine a motorhome that uses 10 l/100 km.

For a 1,000-kilometre trip:

1,000 × 10 / 100 = 100 litres

If fuel cost, for example, €1.50/litre:

100 × €1.50 = €150

So that trip would cost approximately €150 in fuel.

The same formula can be used to calculate any trip, regardless of the type of motorhome.

Example: how much fuel a motorhome uses over 500, 1,000 and 2,000 km

Let's take as a reference a motorhome with an average consumption of 10 l/100 km:

To find the cost, simply multiply the litres used by the fuel price.

This makes it easy to compare different routes before setting off.

Does an automatic motorhome use more fuel?

Not necessarily.

Years ago, there could be a more noticeable difference between certain automatic and manual gearboxes, but modern automatic transmissions are designed to select the most suitable gear for the driving conditions.

Consumption will depend far more on the combination of engine, weight, aerodynamics, transmission, speed and driving style than on the simple fact of whether the gearbox is automatic or manual.

So it's not a good idea to choose a motorhome purely on the assumption that an automatic gearbox will use more fuel.

How can you reduce a motorhome's fuel consumption?

We can't turn a motorhome into a car, but we can improve its efficiency.

A few simple habits can make a difference:

• Keep a steady speed whenever conditions allow.

• Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

• Check tyre pressure regularly.

• Don't carry unnecessary luggage.

• Avoid travelling with full tanks when it isn't necessary.

• Keep up with the vehicle's regular maintenance.

• Check that the vehicle has no mechanical issues.

• Plan your route to avoid unnecessary kilometres.

• Use cruise control when conditions allow.

• Bear in mind wind and terrain when interpreting consumption.

Which motorhome uses the least fuel?

If the main goal is to reduce consumption, we'll usually need to look for a vehicle that's compact, light and has a relatively aerodynamic body.

Generally speaking, compact campers tend to have lower consumption than larger motorhomes.

Among conventional motorhomes, compact low-profiles can offer a good balance between interior space and consumption.

Overcabs and large A-class motorhomes tend to have a larger frontal area and/or weight, so their consumption can be higher.

But there's an important detail:

We shouldn't choose a motorhome based on fuel consumption alone.

A vehicle that uses one litre less per 100 km can stop being a good option if it doesn't have the seats, beds, layout or storage capacity we need.

The choice should be based on how we'll actually use the vehicle.

How much fuel will I use per year with a motorhome?

This will mainly depend on how many kilometres we cover.

For example, with an average consumption of 10 l/100 km:

• 5,000 km/year → 500 litres

• 10,000 km/year → 1,000 litres

• 15,000 km/year → 1,500 litres

• 20,000 km/year → 2,000 litres

From here, we can multiply the litres by the average fuel price to get the approximate cost.

This is a far more useful way of working out the annual cost than looking at the vehicle's consumption alone.

Actual consumption vs advertised consumption

A consumption figure should never be taken as a guarantee of what you'll actually achieve during a trip.

Actual consumption can vary due to:

• Vehicle weight.

• Number of passengers.

• Luggage.

• Speed.

• Wind.

• Gradients.

• Type of road.

• Temperature.

• Tyres.

• Mechanical condition.

• Use of air conditioning.

• Driving style.

That's why the ranges given in this guide should be used as a guide for comparing vehicles, not as an exact figure.

The best way to find out a specific motorhome's consumption is to check its actual figures under driving conditions similar to the ones you'll be using it in.

Frequently asked questions about motorhome fuel consumption

How much fuel does a motorhome use per 100 km?

As a general guide, a motorhome can use roughly between 8 and 12 litres per 100 km, although large or heavy models can exceed this figure.

How much fuel does a 7-metre motorhome use?

A 7-metre motorhome can typically fall roughly between 9 and 12 l/100 km, depending on weight, engine, body type, speed and driving conditions.

How much fuel does a 6-metre motorhome use?

A compact 6-metre motorhome can typically use roughly between 8.5 and 10.5 l/100 km, although there are differences between models.

Which uses less fuel, a camper or a motorhome?

Generally, a compact camper uses less fuel due to its smaller size and weight. However, actual consumption depends on the specific model and driving conditions.

Do large motorhomes use a lot of fuel?

A large motorhome can use more fuel than a compact one due to its greater weight, size and frontal area. In some cases, consumption can exceed 12 l/100 km.

How much does it cost to drive 1,000 km in a motorhome?

It depends on the vehicle's consumption and the fuel price. For example, a motorhome using 10 l/100 km would need roughly 100 litres to cover 1,000 km.

Can you reduce a motorhome's fuel consumption?

Yes. Reducing speed, avoiding unnecessary weight, keeping the tyres properly maintained and carrying out regular maintenance are some of the measures that can help reduce consumption.

Looking for a motorhome?

Fuel consumption matters, but it shouldn't be the only criterion when choosing a motorhome.

Before buying, it's worth also considering the approved seats, interior layout, beds, length, height, weight, engine, storage capacity and equipment.

At TTCamper you can browse our catalogue of new and used motorhomes, with different sizes, layouts and body types.

If you're still not sure which type of vehicle you need, you can also check our guides on the different types of motorhome and the differences between camper, low-profile, overcab and A-class.

TTCamper — New and used motorhomes in Totana, Murcia.