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If you are shopping for an RV, fuel efficiency should be at the top of the list, but how can you determine what some of the best gas mileage Class C RVs are on the market currently? It can be difficult to tell how fuel efficient a Class C RV is, and this doesn’t even include all of the things you should keep in mind while shopping.
In this article, we will give you a number of considerations to contemplate before purchasing any type of RV, particularly fuel efficient Class C RVs. We will go over a number of things that you may not have thought about, whether you are an RV expert or about to purchase your first one.
At the end of this article, we will even give you a list of some of the best gas mileage Class C RVs available on the market today so that you can shop around. Finding a fuel efficient Class C RV doesn’t have to be difficult, so read on to find an option that works well for you!
Only interested in checking out our expert list of some of the most fuel efficient Class C RVs on the market today? Use our table of contents to navigate to our list of the 9 best gas mileage Class C RVs now!
What to Consider in a Best Gas Mileage Class C RV
There are a number of things for you to consider in a Class C RV, particularly if you are looking for something that gets good gas mileage. But what might some of those considerations be? Let’s go over some of the most important things to think about, from someone who lives full-time in their own RV!
Length and Width
Class C RVs come in a variety of lengths and widths, depending on the manufacturer and type. There are even Class C RVs on the market today that are classified as “Super Cs”- these types of RVs are right in between a Class C and a Class A RV, but which option is right for you?
Choosing a Class C RV that is an appropriate length and width for your lifestyle is important to consider for a number of reasons. Many national parks and state parks have length limits to their RV sites, which may limit your reservation options greatly while on the road. However, Class C RVs can also be compact and easy to drive, depending on what you end up choosing.
For example, Class C RVs range in length, typically anywhere from 25 feet to 35 feet. However, if you are considering purchasing a Super C RV option, you will find that these exceed 35 feet more often than not. They are incredibly large and powerful, ideal for those of you hoping to tow a car or boat behind your RV.
One of the main reasons to choose a larger Class C RV is if you plan on traveling with a number of individuals. The larger the RV, the more sleeping arrangements there are the easier it is to bring everything you want with you on your journey. However, larger RVs are also more difficult to drive and park, so this is definitely something to keep in mind as you shop.
Fuel Type
There are two available fuel options for any motorhome, and Class C RVs are no exception. You can get a gasoline or diesel fuel Class C RV, but what are the differences between the two, and which one is better?
The RV community is full of debate as to which fuel type is better, but many people argue that diesel RVs are more fuel efficient compared to gasoline options. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you are seeking some of the best gas mileage Class C RVs available today.
When it comes to gasoline fuel, most Class C RVs built with this fuel type have a more affordable upfront cost. Gasoline fuel is also more readily available in remote locations compared to diesel, though you may not have this problem depending on where you choose to travel.
Your overall gas mileage will likely be better if you choose diesel fuel, but Class C RVs built with diesel fuel in mind are typically more expensive up front compared to gasoline-powered ones. If you are on a budget and aren’t sure that you can afford a diesel fuel RV, gasoline options will work just fine, but you may lose more money in the long run based on the overall fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Layout and Floor Plan
Choosing a Class C RV with a convenient floor plan for your lifestyle is key to enjoying time on the road. However, you may not know what style of floor plan or layout you need right off the bat. I highly recommend going to your local RV dealership or lot so that you can see Class C RVs in person and figure out which floor plans speak to you the most.
Class C RVs are convenient in that they offer a number of floor plans and layouts for just about any lifestyle and family size. You can find compact Class Cs that sleep two to three people, or you can choose a larger option that sleeps the whole family and then some. There are floor plans with bunk beds and floor plans with master bedroom suites, depending on what you need.
Regardless of what you need in terms of sleeping arrangements, you should also pay special attention to the bathrooms as well as the kitchen on board your RV. Some options will have outdoor kitchens, while others may be able to fit two bathrooms on board. No matter what you are looking for, an RV manufacturer has already built it, but it may take some searching and order to find the Class C RV of your dreams!
Bathroom Style
Speaking of the layout and floor plan, finding a Class C RV with a bathroom that works well for your lifestyle is important. You may find that some Class C RVs have dry bathrooms on board, while some may have wet bathrooms on board. But what is the difference between these two styles?
Wet bathrooms are standard in compact RVs, as they are designed to get wet entirely. Dry baths are more traditional bathrooms, in that everything has a set place and it isn’t designed to get wet. Class C RVs may have either of these options on board, depending on just how large they are.
If you are hoping for a residential style bathroom, make sure that the Class C RVs you are considering have this option for you. Some manufacturers may not prioritize the bathroom in terms of size and comfortability, so make sure to prioritize your bathroom needs if it will make or break your RV experience!
Luxury Features and Amenities
Often considered the Goldilocks of motorhomes, Class C RVs are large enough for multiple people but easier to drive than a Class A RV. This means that you can find a Class C RV with any number of luxurious features and amenities. But what might some of these amenities look like, and what should you consider when it comes to shopping for luxurious features on board your RV?
Some of the most common amenities and luxury features in Class C RVs include:
- Tankless hot water heaters
- Additional AC units
- Theater seating and large living rooms
- Electric fireplaces
- Dishwashers and washer/dryer combos
- Wood molding throughout the interior
- High quality upholstery and flooring
- Stone backsplashes and countertops
- Automatic features, such as leveling systems and jack stands
These are only a few of the options available to you while shopping for a Class C RV, and every RV manufacturer chooses to include a certain amount of amenities within the initial purchase price. You may find that, the more luxurious and feature-packed you want your RV to be, the more expensive it is. This is definitely something to keep in mind as you shop, and being realistic about what you need may be important!
Ability to Boondock
Class C RVs are wildly popular for their size and ease of amenities, including ones that have plenty of boondocking features. Also known as dry camping or camping off-grid, having the ability to boondock is great if you plan on camping in locations that do not offer you traditional RV hookups or utilities.
There are absolutely some Class C RV options available on the market that have boondocking features included standard. In fact, some Class C RVs are built specifically for camping off grid, which will save you some time and hassle when it comes to choosing your amenities and boondocking features.
However, these features typically come at a higher purchase price than other options. With this in mind, you may want to ask your RV manufacturer about certain features, including:
- Solar panels
- Additional batteries
- Onboard generators
- All-electric utilities, eliminating the need for propane
- Larger holding tanks, including freshwater and wastewater
- All-terrain tires and raised chassis options
If you always plan on camping with RV hookups or utilities present, you may not want to worry about any boondocking features, especially with the notion that they typically cost extra. However, having boondocking options is always nice, especially if you never know where your adventures will take you!
Towing Capacity
Something that you may not have considered yet is the fact that Class C RVs are designed to tow additional vehicles behind them. You can easily tow a residential car or boat behind your Class C RV, depending on the weight of the vehicle and the towing capacity of your RV.
Another reason why Class C RVs are wildly popular has to be because they give you this towing option. Their average capacity is typically high enough for the average car, which means you can park your RV at camp and take your typical vehicle with you into town for supplies or to local attractions.
Plus, having the option to tow means that you can bring more recreational goodies along with you, including ATVs, kayaks, motorcycles, and more. However, there is a drawback to towing with your Class C RV, and it is that you are making your RV more difficult to drive.
Towing can be dangerous and should be taken seriously, especially if you are brand new to RVing. Choosing a Class C RV in the first place typically means you don’t have to tow anything if you don’t want to, but if you want to explore this option, make sure to do so safely!
How Often You Plan on Camping
Many people who purchase RVs only end up using them a few times out of the year, typically during warmer months. If you are hoping to purchase a Class C RV, you should seriously consider how often you plan on camping and if the purchase price makes sense to you in this regard.
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have the space to store a Class C RV. Most makes and models are too tall to keep in the average home garage, and you may find that storing your Class C elsewhere during the off-season makes the most sense for your lifestyle. However, this is another cost that you should anticipate.
Regardless of your lifestyle and how you feel about purchasing an RV, knowing how often you plan on camping may make all of the difference as to whether or not you purchase a boondocking package or upgraded insulation. It’s all up to you, but keep in mind that you may be able to save some money depending on what you are looking for!
Average Amount of Guests
Class C RVs are more versatile than Class B RVs when it comes to the average amount of guests that you can bring with you. While the average Class B only sleeps 2-3, you can sleep up to 10 people in a Class C RV, depending on the floor plan.
Knowing how many people you plan on camping with on average may change the floor plan you plan on purchasing, as well as the storage options necessary to enjoy a camping adventure. You may find that you need more interior storage if you want to bring a number of people on your trips, so make sure you find Class C options with plenty of cabinets and under-bed storage.
If you don’t know how many people you plan on camping with, there are many Class C options that give you multiple sleeping solutions. You can typically sleep someone on the bunk over the driver’s cabin, and some Class C RVs offer convertible dining areas or pull-out sofas. There’s a Class C RV layout that works well for your lifestyle- it just may take some time to find it!
Budget
A final consideration to keep in mind is your budget. Class C RVs can range wildly in price, depending on features, size, and more. Having a realistic budget is important, especially if there are certain features that you aren’t willing to compromise on.
For example, the average Class C RV costs anywhere from $80k to over $500k, depending on the manufacturer and all of the features you choose. You can likely keep your budget lower if you have a smaller list of must-haves, but ensuring that you end up purchasing the RV of your dreams is also important!
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you will typically end up spending more than the initial purchase price or quoted price of any RV. Class C RVs are customizable, in case you hadn’t already guessed that, but these customizations don’t come cheap! Having a realistic budget is important, for both the initial purchase price and having additional funds for any additions that you may want.
9 Best Gas Mileage Class C RVs
Feeling confident in terms of your considerations, must-haves, and fuel choices? Are you choosing a diesel or a gasoline fuel RV, or are you still considering which option works best for you? Regardless of where you are at in your shopping process, here’s our list of 9 of the best gas mileage Class C RVs on the market today!
Best Overall: Winnebago View
- Fair price for Mercedes-Benz chassis and diesel engine
- Luxurious and contemporary interior design
- Plenty of boondocking features included standard
- May not be able to sleep everyone
With an average of 17 miles per gallon, the Winnebago View is a great choice for a good gas mileage Class C RV. It’s our best overall choice for a number of reasons, given that it offers you multiple floor plans, a reliable Mercedes-Benz chassis and diesel engine, and enough style to make you feel at home. Let’s check it out in more detail now!
Starting at $196k, the View isn’t necessarily the most affordable option on this list. However, with its premium chassis and fuel-efficient diesel engine, the upfront cost may be worth it. Each of the three floor plans available on board the View sleep up to four individuals, making this RV compact but also convenient for small families.
The interior of this Class C RV is spacious and welcoming, with curved cabinets overhead and light laminate flooring throughout. All of the upholstery is easy to clean and maintain, and the entire feel of this RV is luxurious, contemporary, and bright.
You have plenty of storage, inside and out, but you may want to add a kayak or bike rack to the rear or roof of your RV. You also have solar panels, larger holding tanks, and multiple batteries included in the initial purchase price, making this RV great for boondocking automatically.
You have a roof ladder built in for easy access when you need to do maintenance on your RV, and the durable exterior of this RV comes with multiple warranties as well. When it comes to additional features that you can add on to your RV, Winnebago gives you plenty of options. You can add an onboard generator or more solar panels if you want, as well as the option for hydraulic leveling jacks.
Overall, this is a great Class C RV, especially for its fuel efficiency. However, it is only 25 feet in length, and it may not be able to accommodate your whole family or the average group of travelers you plan on spending time with. Make sure it suits your needs before falling in love!
Best Gasoline Fuel: Thor Four Winds
- 10 miles per gallon and 12 possible floor plans
- Packed with features at a budget-friendly price
- Easy to clean interior makes it good for families
- Kind of boring interior design
While a gasoline powered RV will not be as fuel efficient as a diesel one, the Thor Four Winds averages roughly 10 miles per gallon. Given the amount of floor plan options and the upfront cost of this RV, you may want to keep this one in the running as your favorite. Let’s check it out now!
Starting at $118k, this Class C is perfect for a variety of budgets and lifestyles. One of the best reasons to take a closer look at this RV is the fact that it has 12 available floor plans, giving you the option to sleep up to 7 people. This makes the Four Winds better for larger groups and larger families, offering plenty of places to relax.
You can get the Four Winds in multiple lengths too, from 24 feet all the way to 32 feet. Obviously, if you are traveling with a larger group of people, you will need to be at the longer end of the spectrum. However, even at 32 feet long, the Four Winds should be fairly drivable without too many inconveniences on the road.
With this lower than the initial purchase price, you may be wondering what this RV comes with, and the answer may surprise you. You get solar prep and a single solar panel included standard, as well as a tankless hot water heater, an onboard generator, room for multiple batteries, and plenty of storage solutions. Thor wants to set you up for success, and they do this best with the Four Winds.
This Class C RV is also great for families, as it can fit many people while still remaining fuel efficient. The interior design may be a bit boring at first, but it is easy to clean and maintain, which means you won’t have to worry about the kiddos or the pets tracking in the dirt while you camp.
At the end of the day, this is a flexible and budget-friendly option to consider, though you may need to bring your own special touch in order to make it feel like home!
Best Diesel Fuel: Tiffin Wayfarer
- 14 miles per gallon diesel fuel engine
- Safe and reliable Mercedes-Benz chassis
- Luxurious interior with many different options
- Fairly high price point
Just under 26 feet in length across four available floor plans, the Tiffin Wayfarer tops a number of our Class C lists, including this one for the best gas mileage. The Wayfarer gets an average of 14 miles per gallon while on the highway, making it nimble, fuel-efficient, and packed with features. Let’s check out our best diesel fuel choice now.
While this is another compact RV that likely isn’t great for families, you can sleep up to three to four people on board the Tiffin Wayfarer, depending on the floor plan you choose. There are two floor plans with twin beds that convert into larger sleeping areas, as well as some pull out sofa bed options, giving you plenty of room inside your RV during the day.
Given that it is built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis, it is packed full of safety features and luxurious amenities. This particular diesel fuel type RV is smooth to drive and complete with backup cameras, a 5,000 pounds towing capacity, and an integrated dashboard full of electronic monitoring capabilities.
Speaking of features, the Tiffin Wayfarer is full of fantastic things included standard, but you can truly make this rig your own if you want to. You can get unlimited hot water, an electric coach, multiple house batteries, and much much more, so long as you have the budget to support it. Speaking of budget, the Wayfarer isn’t the most affordable option on this list, but it is extremely fuel efficient in the long run.
The interior design of the Wayfarer is also great for a number of different lifestyles, and full-timers in particular. You can even get an optional washer and dryer on board this RV, completing this diesel fuel RV for full-time living!
Best for Families: Thor Quantum
- Up to 12 miles per gallon with a gasoline engine
- 7 different floor plans sleep up to 7 people
- Plenty of options to make this RV your own
- Fairly basic interior design
If you need a bit more space but don’t want to sacrifice power and fuel efficiency, you should definitely check out the Thor Quantum. Starting at $123k, this gasoline-powered option is more affordable and far larger than the diesel ones we’ve gone over so far. Plus, you average around 10 to 12 miles per gallon. Let’s check it out in more detail now!
There are seven available floor plans for the Thor Quantum, and you can sleep up to 7 people on board particular options. Just like the last Thor option on the list, this rig ranges in length from 24 feet to 32 feet, giving you plenty of compact and easy to maneuver options so that you can hit the road safely.
One of the reasons that this RV is great for families is the fact that it offers you bunk bed floor plans on a compact and nimble frame, as well as bathrooms with dual entry points and separated utilities. This means that some people can use the sink and toilet while someone showers, without you having to worry about anyone’s routine getting interrupted.
There’s also plenty of storage on board this RV, especially if you opt for one of the larger floor plans. This means that you should have enough space for everyone to bring everything along, and you also have an 8000-pound towing capacity in case you need to bring an additional vehicle with you.
There are plenty of optional features to make this RV your own, especially when you consider the low initial purchase price of some of these floor plans. You can get a tankless hot water heater, plenty of solar panels, automatic safety features and leveling options, and more. Make sure you have your budget in mind before you load up on amenities, but Thor makes it easy to afford the RV of your dreams!
Best on a Budget: Coachmen Cross Trail
- Gasoline fuel type gets 10 miles per gallon on average
- Multiple floor plans sleep multiple people
- RV Award winner for its customizable options
- Interior could use some updating
Not only is The Coachmen Cross Trail fuel efficient, budget-friendly, and customizable, but it also offers you multiple sizes and a unique toy hauler garage option for those of you who plan on bringing plenty of recreational goodies on your camping trip. Let’s take a closer look at this budget-friendly option now.
Depending on the size of Cross Trail you are looking for, you have 9 available floor plans to choose from. There are some compact options as well as some larger options, all on a Ford chassis with a gasoline engine. This means it averages around 10 miles per gallon, depending on the size that you end up choosing, but this is still fairly fuel-efficient for the size of this Class C RV.
There aren’t any bunk bed floor plans available on this particular Class C RV, but there are a number of convertible dinette and overhead bunk options so you can bring the whole family. If you choose one of the larger RV options or floor plans available, you will get a larger awning as well as larger holding tanks to accommodate more time on the road.
The Cross Trail won RVPro’s and RVBusiness’s awards for the best debut RV in 2022, so it’s definitely one to check out in detail. It appears to offer the average camper everything they need at a fair price, and you can customize the Cross Trail to be boondock ready and off-grid friendly. Plus, you have rooftop storage and decent towing capacity to keep bringing everything along with you.
However, given its gasoline fuel type and its fairly budget-friendly price point, the design of this RV could be improved. It doesn’t offer the most unique floor plans compared to other options on this list, and the upholstery and furnishings could be updated. However, that’s also something that is easy for the average RV owner to do, especially because it means you can customize it to your heart’s content!
Highest Towing Capacity: Jayco Seneca XT
- Roughly 10 miles per gallon with a diesel engine
- Raised chassis and all-terrain tires take you anywhere
- Incredibly spacious and great for full-time living
- Extremely high price point
Starting at $309k, the Jayco Seneca XT is certainly an upgrade from the other options on this list. Not only is it luxurious inside and out, but it has a 10,000 pound towing capacity and the ability to go off-roading, something that is unheard of in the Class C world. Let’s check it out now!
Jayco has two versions of the Seneca, likely given its popularity with families and larger crowds. The Seneca XT is slightly smaller than the standard Seneca, sleeping up to 5 people. However, it is still considered a Super C, with a powerful Ford Chassis and a diesel engine. You average roughly 10 miles per gallon with this beast, which is fairly fuel efficient when you consider the size of this RV.
Given that it is a debut for 2023, the Seneca XT only has one available floor plan currently. However, it is luxurious, spacious, and you can likely sleep more than five people if you bring along an air mattress. Or, if it is just you and a significant other traveling full time, you can enjoy the spacious rig and its power lift king bed that you can walk around.
This RV is great for full timing for a number of reasons. You can get it with a stackable washer and dryer, multiple air conditioning units, and it comes with a residential size refrigerator, standard. You have an exterior entertainment center, covered by a lengthy automatic awning. You also have plenty of storage, including a pantry in the kitchen and wardrobe space in the bedroom.
The all-terrain tires and raised chassis make it easy for you to go anywhere you want on the road, and you even get some boondocking equipment included standard. However, this rig is just about 36 feet long, so you may want to consider everywhere you can realistically take it before you hit the road!
Most Luxurious: Entegra Coach Esteem
- 9 miles per gallon with a gasoline engine
- 3 distinct floor plans for different lifestyles
- Full of amenities and beautiful interior design
- High upfront cost for a gasoline rig
Ranging from 29-32 feet long, the Esteem from Entegra Coach offers three floor plans with plenty of luxurious amenities and features. The price point may be a bit high on this one, but it’s a fantastic gasoline engine choice, getting up to 9 miles per gallon and ensuring that you get there in style. Let’s check it out now!
Not only does this Class C RV offer you an upgraded interior compared to the other options on this list, but it also gives you three distinctly different floor plans. One option is perfect for couples and full timing, another is more spacious and good for groups of people, and the final option is a bunk bed floor plan so that you can bring the whole family.
Entegra Coach tries to set you up for success, which means that they include a number of things in the initial purchase price so that you don’t have to worry about it. For example, you get solar, an onboard generator, an outdoor shower, and a tankless hot water heater, all included standard. You can upgrade to a larger refrigerator and Theater seating with ease.
When it comes to interior design, you can’t beat the rich wood molding found throughout the RV, including in the kitchen and bedrooms. You also get tile backsplash in the kitchen and bathrooms, giving you an extra bit of luxury and a special touch to enjoy while on the road.
There’s plenty of storage to enjoy inside and out, but you can tow up to 7500 pounds with this RV if you find that the included storage isn’t quite enough. While the price point may be a bit high compared to other options on this list, the Esteem is great if you are looking for something with a bit more luxury.
Most Compact: Jayco Melbourne
- Compact and easy to drive
- Mercedes-Benz chassis and diesel fuel get you 15 miles per gallon
- Contemporary and comfortable interior design
- Needs some additions in order to be perfect
Another extremely popular Class C RV has to be the Jayco Melbourne. This option starts at $152k, making it affordable and classy, built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis. Plus, it is extremely compact and easy to drive, making it ideal for couples or small groups. Let’s check it out now.
At only 25 feet in length, the Melbourne is fantastic for those of you who are nervous about driving a Class C RV. You can sleep up to 5 people depending on the floor plan, which means you can fit the whole family in this option if you want. It may be a bit cramped during the day, but that means you should be enjoying the great outdoors instead!
This is an especially great option if you are worried about transitioning into RV living for the first time, as you have a safe and reliable Mercedes-Benz chassis. The diesel engine included on this RV gets an average of 15 miles per gallon, with a smooth and consistent ride reported by most owners.
The interior design on this RV is similar to the esteem, with wooden accents throughout and contemporary backsplash where it matters. You have plenty of easy to clean upholstery options but Jayco takes its time to make sure everything looks as good as it should, given the price point of this particular RV.
Jayco is also considerate in terms of your ability to customize this Class C RV. While it comes with solar prep standard, you will need to add on solar panels, and an onboard generator and multiple batteries are also optional. However, this also means you aren’t paying for things you might never end up using, so you may find that this is a plus.
However, once you add on everything you need, you may find that the Melbourne is a bit overpriced for its size. the fuel efficiency of this option makes it one of the best choices on this list, but it may not be right for you in other ways!
Runner Up: Forest River Forester MBS
- Compact and easy to drive Mercedes-Benz chassis
- 15 miles per gallon gas mileage on average
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Might be too small for the average group
Similarly to the Melbourne from Jayco, the Forester MBS from Forest River is a great choice for those of you seeking a compact and fuel efficient option. This is also built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis, and you can also expect to get 15 miles per gallon as your average gas mileage. Let’s check out our runner-up for the best overall choice now.
Only 25 feet long and with two available floor plans sleeping up to 5 people max, this option may not work for all of you. However, Forest River keeps the needs of the average RVer in mind whenever they make any type of Class C RV, so there’s plenty of storage and special features found throughout this rig.
When it comes to interior design, the Melbourne might be a bit more upscale compared to the Forester. However, there’s still backsplash where it matters and the entire interior is easy to clean and maintain. Plus, you have tank monitoring systems and other high-tech things to help you maintain your RV, all included standard.
The price point on the Forester is fair, do you may need to add some solar panels and other features in order to make it exactly what you were looking for. If it’s only you traveling with a partner, this compact Class C RV is extremely fuel-efficient and definitely worth considering!
Final Thoughts
Finding a fuel-efficient Class C RV is easier than you think, especially with our curated list of options. You may have already found the one, or perhaps your shopping journey continues. No matter what, there’s a Class C RV out there that gets good gas mileage so that you can keep traveling, season after season!