Considering a Class B

[Papa Roe]

We are a retired couple, and we had a HiLo 22’ travel trailer. The wife really likes the class b. I’m looking at some older units 2003-2012. I lost so much money on the sale of the truck and trailer that I’m just a little gun shy on dropping a lot of money on a newer rig. One of my biggest concerns with going back to and RV is miles per gallon. I understand that there are a lot of variables involved, but am I to far off figuring 15 miles per gallon on the low side?

[avanti]

That is a conservative estimate for a modern van. I routinely get 20MPG with our 2014 Sprinter I4 (plus or minus, depending on terrain). That is with a fully-loaded B-van.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Papa Roe

We are a retired couple, and we had a HiLo 22’ travel trailer. The wife really likes the class b. I’m looking at some older units 2003-2012. I lost so much money on the sale of the truck and trailer that I’m just a little gun shy on dropping a lot of money on a newer rig. One of my biggest concerns with going back to and RV is miles per gallon. I understand that there are a lot of variables involved, but am I to far off figuring 15 miles per gallon on the low side?

Welcome to the forum Papa Roe!

You are spot on with your class b mileage prediction. I have a '2012 on the Chevy Express 3500 chassis and 6.0L v-8 and I get 15mpg and sometimes a little bit more. That engine is a beast with 323HP and 373LBs of torque and I don't baby it. I also drive the speed limit or maybe 5mph below (but only if the limit is 75 or greater). My 15+ trip average includes mountains and even a good bit of city driving that I never plan for, but it happens.

Pre '2007 (I think), Chevy Express used a different engine and 4 spd transmission that may return less mpg.

I can't say for the Transit gas or diesels, but the gas Promaster owners report 15-17 mpg and diesel Sprinters 17-20.

So put those gas concerns behind you and concentrate on finding the perfect "b" for you.
.

[SteveJ]

I've averaged about 13.4 mpg with a 2000 200 Versatile with the older 5.7 and four speed trans. I generally run about 60-65 mph and about 95% of those miles are pulling a ten foot long cargo trailer with a motorcycle and other "stuff" in it weighing a total of 2,000 lbs.

The few times that we have run without the trailer we generally get a bit better than 15mpg.

Those mpg figures are for more or less moving along, but include all miles, podunking incuded. Podunking around with a lot of stop and go will drive a good size drop in mpg. Most travel that I/we do is heading from Florida to the Rockies out west and spending two+ months out there.

[Gail Staton]

Our 2017 gasoline Travato, on a Promaster, averages 18 t0 20 mph. It is better than we expected. We've travel highway, mountain, and flat roads and follow the speed limit. A lot depends on your weight and driving habits. We don't carry bikes, or have a cargo box, or anything on the roof. Our previous diesel Sprinter of 11 years averaged 22 mpg. Much prefer the Promaster's ride and handling. Just a personal preference, not knocking the Sprinter.

[Phoebe3]

Our 2017 Transit 350HD high roof dually gets a pretty consistent 16 mpg in a variety of driving conditions.

[GeorgeRa]

I am getting over 20 mpg on camping trips in 2013/144” WB/V6 converted Sprinter. Conversion is light weight based on aluminum framing. We usually have large hitch container – Stowaway2 attached.

[Papa Roe]

Originally Posted by GeorgeRa

I am getting over 20 mpg on camping trips in 2013/144” WB/V6 converted Sprinter. Conversion is light weight based on aluminum framing. We usually have large hitch container – Stowaway2 attached.

Wow! Those rv’s are nice, but out of my price range.

[Anachr0n]

Originally Posted by GeorgeRa

I am getting over 20 mpg on camping trips in 2013/144” WB/V6 converted Sprinter. Conversion is light weight based on aluminum framing. We usually have large hitch container – Stowaway2 attached.

Very nice layout and design choices George. May I ask who did your conversion?

[GeorgeRa]

Originally Posted by Anachr0n

Very nice layout and design choices George. May I ask who did your conversion?

Thank you, I designed and executed the whole conversion by myself. Modelled on the previously owned 1977 and 1985 VW Westfalias, the cassette location and "pottoman" style copied from one of the Safari Condo models.

Total cost over $65K including factory machined aluminum extrusions, CNCed HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) panels, doors, and drawers’ fronts, appliances, electrical components, wiring, 2013 passenger van etc.

I spent considerable design time on the CAD system and during assembly which is not included in the total cost.

See more pictures in this album - https://goo.gl/photos/AZnG63iwMr9u6zLw8

[VTGAL]

I have a 2005 Pleasureway Plateau TS, which I bought 1 1/2 years ago with 63k miles. When I purchased it I was getting 26 -28 mpg. Then I brought it in for an emissions recall..now getting 23 -24 mpg. Should have ignored the recall. Now have 83,000 miles on it and loving every minute of it.

[dvrdwn]

Originally Posted by Gail Staton

Our 2017 gasoline Travato, on a Promaster, averages 18 t0 20 mph. It is better than we expected. We've travel highway, mountain, and flat roads and follow the speed limit. A lot depends on your weight and driving habits. We don't carry bikes, or have a cargo box, or anything on the roof. Our previous diesel Sprinter of 11 years averaged 22 mpg. Much prefer the Promaster's ride and handling. Just a personal preference, not knocking the Sprinter.

I'm curious. What speeds are you driving normally?

[Bmecalo]

I have a Coachman Galleria, Mercedes diesel. We get 18-22mpg, depending on the wind. If we tow our 10ft enclosed trailer with "toys" (bikes, kayaks, BBQ, etc.) we get 15-18mpg. Hope this helps.

[engnrsrule]

I have a 2006 Roadtrek -Sprinter with Mercedes 2.7 5 cyl turbo engine and get over 22 mpg by itself, and 16-18 when I pull a toad (Subaru Forester). Cruises effortlessly At 70 mph all day long.

[Boondocker]

I am getting around 22 - 24 mpg in a 2014 Roadtrek SS Agile with the V4 engine. No trouble getting up hills or accelerating. I don't plan on towing anything. I don't know how the V6 compares. Good luck with your choice.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Boondocker

I am getting around 22 - 24 mpg in a 2014 Roadtrek SS Agile with the V4 engine. No trouble getting up hills or accelerating. I don't plan on towing anything. I don't know how the V6 compares. Good luck with your choice.

Then try this Boondocker:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO04oZjpklI

Bud

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Bud

Then try this Boondocker:

Bud

Now this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO2BhrHbctM

[Boondocker]

Thanks, Bud. I see the tests were done on the 3500. The SS Agile is built on the 2500 so perhaps the results are similar. I'm not sure how the weight compares between them and if that is a factor. I'm happy with what we have. I found this in the comments in the first video and I'm curious about it: "Mercedes-Benz tells us that after about 15,000 miles, the four cylinder will get much higher mileage".

[Gail Staton]

As I mentioned we drive the posted speed limit through small towns, cities, or highways. When driving from our home in FL to San Diego and back, some areas were posted 75 mph and 80 mph. We were not comfortable driving those speeds and stayed around 70 or a tad above.

[NFRicaS]

I paid around $30,000 for my 2004 Pleasureway (Chevy 3500 van) and get 15-17 mpg..but try to not go too much over 65 mph- or sometimes a bit more if I’m in a hurry..Have renovated inside & done a bit of repair, plus tires, but it runs great, and I love it..