Go farther than ever before with our top 12 fuel hacks for RVs, campervans, and motorhomes
Let’s be honest—conversion vans and motorhomes aren’t exactly famous for their fuel efficiency. And with gas prices always on the move, it’s understandable that some people feel hesitant about buying a larger vehicle.
But here’s the thing: these rolling homes aren’t just vehicles; they’re tickets to adventure, packed with cozy perks you won’t find in a creaky tent or a cramped SUV.
So, why let fuel costs steal the thrill of exploring wide-open spaces in style and comfort?
Whether you’re considering purchasing an RV or van or are already planning your next road trip, use these simple tips to stretch your gas mileage so you can spend less on fuel and more on making epic memories.
Top 12 tricks to boost fuel efficiency in a conversion van, campervan, or motorhome
1. Check those tires
Underinflated tires are one of the most overlooked causes of poor fuel economy, especially in heavier vehicles like conversion vans and motorhomes. When your tires don’t have enough air, they create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. It also leads to uneven wear, reduced tire lifespan, and even safety issues on long drives.
Get in the habit of checking your tire pressure at least once a month and before every major trip, using a reliable gauge—not just your eyes. Be sure to inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (often listed inside the driver’s side door), not the maximum listed on the tire.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly maintained tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%—a small step that pays off big over time.
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2. Watch your speed
Speeding isn’t just a ticket risk—it’s one of the fastest ways to burn through fuel, especially in heavier vehicles like conversion vans and Class B motorhomes. While it might be tempting to cruise at highway speeds, keeping it around 65 mph for a conversion van and closer to 50 mph for a Class B can significantly boost your fuel efficiency.
In fact, every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph in a Class B RV can cost you roughly 27 cents more per gallon—and that adds up quickly over long trips.
3. Get regular maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance on your RV or conversion van isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s also one of the most effective ways to improve fuel economy. Regular oil changes, done according to your manufacturer’s recommended schedule, keep your engine running smoothly and reduce internal friction that can drag down performance.
And don’t forget your air filter—a clogged or dirty filter makes it harder for your engine to breathe, which leads to increased fuel consumption.
If you’ve noticed your gas mileage gradually getting worse, it might be time to have your spark plugs, wires, and ignition system checked too. Faulty or worn-out components can cause your engine to misfire or run inefficiently, quietly draining your fuel tank.
4. Check your torque converter
If you’re driving an automatic transmission, especially in older conversion vans or Class B motorhomes, it’s important to make sure your torque converter locks up properly. When functioning correctly, the torque converter will lock at cruising speeds—typically between 40 and 45 mph—which helps lower your RPMs and improves fuel efficiency.
If the converter isn’t locking as it should, your engine stays at higher RPMs even when you’re cruising, which burns more fuel.
If you notice the RPMs aren’t dropping at moderate speeds or your fuel economy has declined, have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission. A simple adjustment or repair could save you money at the pump over the long haul.
5. Upgrade your exhaust system
Many factory exhaust systems, especially in older vans and motorhomes, are designed with cost and noise control in mind—not fuel efficiency. A restrictive stock exhaust system can limit how efficiently your engine expels exhaust gases, forcing it to work harder and burn more fuel.
Upgrading to a high-flow muffler or performance exhaust system can improve airflow, reduce backpressure, and help your engine breathe easier—resulting in better fuel economy and even a small boost in power.
While it’s an upfront investment, an exhaust upgrade can pay off over time, especially if you spend a lot of miles on the road. Just be sure to choose an option that’s properly sized for your vehicle to avoid unnecessary noise or performance issues.
6. Beware of idle time
Letting your RV or conversion van idle for long periods might seem harmless, but it can burn more than half a gallon of fuel per hour, depending on your engine size. It’s not just hard on your wallet—it also increases engine wear and adds unnecessary pollution.
If that’s not reason enough to shut it off, keep in mind that many U.S. states have anti-idling laws, where you could face fines for letting your engine run while parked.
Currently, 29 states, including Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, and parts of California, Colorado, New York, Ohio, and Utah, all enforce idling restrictions.
To avoid wasting fuel and getting ticketed, be sure to turn your engine off if you’re stopped for more than a minute or two.
7. Avoid heavy acceleration
Quick starts and aggressive passing might feel satisfying in the moment, but they’re one of the fastest ways to waste fuel—especially in heavier vehicles like campervans and Class B motorhomes. Rapid acceleration forces your engine to burn more gas to reach higher speeds quickly, often without any real benefit to your travel time.
Instead, ease onto the gas pedal and maintain a steady pace. Resist the urge to pass unless it’s really necessary. You’ll use less fuel, put less strain on your engine, and enjoy a smoother, more relaxed drive.
8. Lighten your load
Believe it or not, every extra pound your van or RV carries makes your engine work harder and burn more fuel. It’s easy to let gear pile up—extra chairs, tools, old supplies—but even small things add up over time.
Before every trip, it’s a good idea to do a quick sweep of your storage compartments and unload anything you don’t truly need. Travel light when possible, and you’ll not only improve fuel efficiency but also make your vehicle easier to handle on the road.
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9. Use cruise control (when it makes sense)
Cruise control can be a simple way to maintain a steady speed on the highway, which helps reduce fuel-wasting fluctuations. It’s especially helpful on flat, open roads where there’s not much traffic.
However, you should avoid using it in heavy traffic or hilly areas where your system might overcompensate and actually use more gas.
In stop-and-go conditions, for example, cruise control can’t typically adjust smoothly to changes in speed, which can lead to inefficient acceleration and braking—burning more fuel than if you controlled it manually.
10. Prevent fuel theft and loss
With as much fuel as they usually carry, RVs and camper vans can present an attractive target to fuel thieves. If your vehicle doesn’t have a fuel door that locks, consider putting on a locking gas cap.
Additionally, every year, around 147 million gallons of fuel evaporates because of damaged, loose, or missing fuel caps. It’s a good idea to check your gas cap from time to time to make sure that it’s still providing a tight seal.
Gas caps do need to be replaced on a semi-regular basis. Truck stops are good places to find a range of gas caps, from OEM to locking and more.
11. Choose quality fuel
The type of fuel you use can have a big impact on your RV’s performance and fuel efficiency. Stick with reputable fuel brands like Chevron, Shell, and Texaco, which meet higher quality standards than many off-brand stations.
If you’re driving a diesel rig, avoid stations that don’t move a lot of diesel because fuel that sits too long can become contaminated. Look for truck stops or stations frequented by commercial drivers.
Also, be careful not to overfill your tank. Topping off can trigger vapor recovery systems, wasting fuel and potentially damaging your vehicle’s emissions system.
12. Plan smarter routes and timing
Fuel efficiency isn’t just about what’s under the hood—it’s also about how, when, and where you drive. Avoid congested traffic areas whenever possible, and use GPS apps with real-time traffic updates to steer clear of delays, steep climbs, and unnecessary detours.
One of the biggest fuel wasters? Sitting in traffic. Try not to travel during peak hours—especially if you’re heading out for a long weekend. Leaving at the same time as everyone else means you’ll spend more time idling in stop-and-go traffic, burning fuel without covering much ground.
Are you thinking about downsizing your RV or purchasing a new one?
If you’ve ever thought about trading in your Class A motorhome for something smaller, like a Class B campervan, the fuel savings alone might make it worth it.
Class A motorhomes—often the largest and heaviest RVs on the road—typically get around 6–10 miles per gallon. In contrast, Class B vans are far more fuel-efficient, often reaching 15–25 mpg, depending on the model and how you drive. That’s a big difference, especially if you’re planning to hit the road often or take longer trips.
Ready to purchase a new or used RV, campervan, or conversion van?
Classic Vans is one of the country’s largest dealers of new and used conversion vans, campervans, motorhomes, and mobility vans in the U.S. As a family-owned business, we’re proud to have been offering a wide selection of vans at unbeatable prices for more than 30 years.
Visit our website to check out our current inventory and financing options. We also offer low-cost delivery nationwide!