Motorhomes and camper vans are fashionable and generate more and more demand throughout Europe, but do you know how much fuel a motorhome consumes?
One of the big questions that potential users ask themselves before buying or renting a motorhome is the level of fuel consumption of these, since in the general mind there is the belief that their consumptions are very high.
There is no doubt that the consumption is one of the factors to consider, since the great doubt is always to be able to value the approximate consumption per 100 km, something that with some suggestions surely can be valued in advance, considering some factors:
- When buying a motorhome, whether second-hand or new, it is assumed that its use will be long term, which will involve a significant volume of kilometers.
- The expense of a trip can be greatly influenced by the fuel consumption of the motorhome as you probably expect to visit several countries increasing the corresponding expense.
- On the other hand, the size of the motorhome is fundamental, since the larger it is, the higher the fuel consumption is expected.
- Capuchin motorhomes or integral motorhomes in general consume more fuel than profiled motorhomes or camper vans, thanks to their better aerodynamics that offer less air resistance and allow fuel savings.
- The travel speed is very decisive, since, although they can travel up to 120 km/h according to current regulations, it is true that from 100 km/h consumption rises significantly.
- Technology, engine power and configuration are factors that also contribute to the potential reduction in consumption.
- Also the age of the motorhome influences the consumption in general, those with more than 10 or 15 years, of course, consume much more.
- The climatology can favor the fuel saving, since when driving for example with headwind the consumptions also grow.
- It is obvious that the number of passengers or cargo means that the motorhome has to move a greater weight, which will lead to an increase in consumption.
- The way of driving influences very notably the obtained consumptions. It is a question of driving as intelligently as possible in order to maintain efficient consumption levels.
- Of course, the type of road chosen for driving is also a determining factor, since, for example, on a mountain road, the constant changes of gear and speed lead to a clear increase in consumption.
Average consumption of a motorhome
The average consumption by type of motorhome could be framed as follows:
- Camper van: between 7.2 and 8.7 liters per 100 km.
- Motorhome profiled: in models under 6 meters in length, the average consumption varies between 8 and 9.3 liters per 100 km.
- Semi-integral motorhome: in models up to 7.5 meters long, between 9.2 and 10.7 liters.
- Capuchin motorhome: in models up to 7.5 meters in length, between 10.8 and 13.2 liters.
- Integral motorhome: models up to 7.5 meters in length, between 9.8 and 12.2 liters.
These estimated average data can give an idea of the expected fuel consumption for this type of vehicle, although these data are also subject to all the evaluations we have made (driving style, weather, type of road, etc.).
Ways to reduce the consumption of a motorhome
It is possible to reduce the average consumption of a motorhome, always using common sense in all operations:
- Always check the itinerary to be followed to avoid unwanted detours and try to drive the shortest distances.
- Maintain, whenever possible, a uniform speed without high engine revolutions and making gear changes in an intelligent and optimized way.
- Use the engine brake whenever possible when driving.
- A proper maintenance of the motorhome, its parts and engine, will certainly contribute to lower consumption.
- The pressure of the tires is also fundamental and it is convenient to check it repeatedly.
- Use the air conditioning only when strictly necessary.
- Be careful not to carry luggage that is not going to be needed.
We hope we have shed some light on this paradigm of motorhome consumption, hoping that these comments have been useful before making decisions to buy or rent this type of vehicle.