Estimate what fuel will cost for your RV or road trip based on distance, your rig’s fuel economy, gas prices and generator use.
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How this calculator works
The calculator divides your trip distance by your miles per gallon to get gallons of fuel, adds generator fuel at about half a gallon per hour, and multiplies by the fuel price.
Rig presets use typical real-world averages: about 8 mpg for a Class A motorhome, 12 mpg for a Class C, 18 mpg for a Class B camper van and 11 mpg for a truck towing a travel trailer. Your own fill-up records are always more accurate.
Tips
- Track fuel economy over a few fill-ups for an accurate mpg.
- Keeping speed near 55 to 60 mph can noticeably improve mileage in a big rig.
- Mountain grades, headwinds and heavy loads lower mpg, so budget 10 to 25% extra for those routes.
- Check current local prices on the official AAA gas price page before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drive an RV 1,000 miles?
At 10 mpg and $3.60 a gallon, 1,000 miles uses 100 gallons and costs about $360. At 8 mpg it is about $450.
Does the generator use the same fuel?
Most gas motorhomes run the generator from the main tank. Diesel pushers usually use diesel. Many portable generators use their own gas supply.
Should I use gas price at home or along the route?
Use the average along your route if you can. Prices often vary by state and near tourist areas.
Sources
More free tools: see all tools.
