How Much Does it Cost to Fill Up a Motorhome?

When considering the cost of fuel for a motorhome, several factors come into play. Understanding the size of the fuel tank, the type of fuel used (gasoline or diesel), and current fuel prices can help you estimate the cost of filling up your motorhome. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you calculate and understand the fuel costs for motorhomes, with examples and insights into other large vehicles like RVs and class-8 trucks.

Fuel Tank Size and Cost Calculation for Motorhomes

Motorhomes typically come with fuel tanks that range from around 30 to 100 gallons. The size of the tank directly influences the amount of fuel needed for a complete fill-up. Here's a breakdown of the cost calculation for different tank sizes using current fuel prices:

Gasoline Motorhome

As of mid-2023, the average price for gasoline in the U.S. was around $3.50 to $4.00 per gallon. For example:

Tank size: 50 gallons with Gas price: $3.75 per gallon Total cost: 50 gallons x $3.75 $187.50

Diesel Motorhome

Diesel prices are generally higher, often between $4.00 and $5.00 per gallon. For instance:

Tank size: 75 gallons with Diesel price: $4.50 per gallon Total cost: 75 gallons x $4.50 $337.50

To estimate the cost, simply multiply the tank capacity by the current fuel price. Always check local fuel prices for the most accurate estimate.

RV Fuel Cost and Capacity

RVs, including large motorhomes, typically have larger fuel tanks. For example, your neighbor's RV has a 100-gallon diesel tank. Additionally, they may have a PropaIn tank of 20 gallons, bringing the total tank capacity to 120 gallons. Let's calculate the cost of filling up such a unit:

Tank size: 120 gallons with Diesel price: $4.50 per gallon Total cost: 120 gallons x $4.50 $540.00

While the cost of filling up an RV can vary, it generally ranges from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the size of the tank and local fuel prices.

Class-8 Truck Fuel Costs and Efficiency

Class-8 trucks, designed for large payloads and long distances, offer significant fuel efficiency calculations. Here are some insights to help you understand the cost of operating a large rig with diesel:

Freightliner Cascadia: At $5.72 per gallon, with 10 miles per gallon (MPG) efficiency, operating a Freightliner Cascadia with 76,000 lbs of cargo costs 57 cents per mile. For a 100-mile trip, the cost would be $57.20. Freightliner eCascadia: A battery-electric variant of the Freightliner eCascadia costs 20 cents per mile at 10.43 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Understanding these figures can help you compare the total cost of ownership for both diesel and electric options for large commercial vehicles.

Conclusion

Calculating the cost to fill up a motorhome, RV, or class-8 truck involves understanding the fuel tank size, the type of fuel, and current market prices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make informed decisions about fueling your large vehicle and manage your expenses effectively.