It’s quite tricky to specify which mileage is high because the mileage of a used RV has little impact on RVs reliability and condition. Besides, several RV users have varying experiences thus mileage also varies.
There is no standard mileage to check out for. It all depends with the camper brand and quality of materials the RV was made of. So, just go with what you think suits you after checking all other qualities you desire in an RV have been met.
A consumer who bought a used RV with 55,000 miles and 10 years later it’s still in good status.
Another had run 190,000kms and 5 years later with the new user it had gone 55,000kms and still working.
Although some claim that it’s not good to buy an RV that has run over 100,000miles but that is not always the case since even those beyond the mileage moving well.
Besides, I would prefer buying an RV with higher mileage since it shows the vehicle has been on the move and all parts are likely to be in good status. It probably needs minor repair if any.
Unlike a low mileage that could indicate the RV was just idling in the backyard for years and could be risky since some parts are likely to be faulty due to under use.
In this guide, more light would be shed in areas such as
1. Issues of Mileage
- How many miles can you put on an RV
- How many miles will a diesel RV last?
- Average RV miles per gallon (video)
2. Things You Should Know Before Buying You RV
- Is it worth owning an RV?
- What are the pros and cons of owning an RV?
- Is diesel or gas RV better?
- Is it worth buying a diesel motorhome?
- What is the easiest RV to drive?
3. Must Have Essentials in an RV
- What every RV needs
- What should I put in my RV kitchen?
- Is RV toilet paper necessary?
1. Issues of Mileage
How Many Miles Can You Put on an RV?
Understanding an average miles per gallon your RV fuel consumption is essential to help you budget for the future.
Most often, RV users drive about 5,000 miles a year. However, a few have driven past that miles to about 9,000 miles per year.
In terms of fuel consumption, RV companies claim that their RV brands consumes an average of about 10-20 miles per gallon which often varies. Besides, RV users who are active in the RV forums claim that diesel RVs are more economical than gasoline RVs.
However, the difference in fuel consumption is quite small. But, when it comes to towing capacity diesel RVs are more fuel efficient than gasoline RVs. To save fuel, ensure your regularly service your RV to enhance efficiency.
The air pressure needs to be maintained to the tire specs, and understand your driving pattern whether you are a speeder or a slow and steady driver.
How Many Miles Will a Diesel RV Last?
As long as nothing major has gone faulty, majority of RV engines and transmissions have been designed to last for 200,000 miles to 300,000 miles. However, diesel engines can last even longer.
However, the actual duration majorly depends with the maintenance. Be a good driver to minimize the risks of getting into a crash. Do frequent maintenances such as fixing leaks, and servicing the RV.
Also, in case you need to do a replacement buy from a trusted dealer especially anything that would affect engines performance.
Average RV miles per gallon (video)
Understanding miles per gallon of an RV is important to help you budget for fuel. Watch this video to get more insight on class a RV miles per gallon, class B RV miles per gallon, class C RV miles per gallon, and small RV miles per gallon.
2. Things You Should Know Before Buying You RV
Is it Worth Owning an RV?
With proper maintenance and use, it is worth owning an RV. Also, depending with your lifestyle, you may choose living in an RV or in an apartment.
Whether small or big, an RV is a multipurpose asset one could wish to have. Apart from being a locomotive, you have a home that can as well act as hotel or restaurant, and you move about with your home wherever you wish.
In the long run, it is generally worth to own an RV because you cut down expenses of vacations in hotels and restaurants as experienced in traditional home living.
Thus, you end up spending less per year while enjoying the most. More savings can be obtained in longer camping duration at a particular camping sites as you enjoy the subsidies and the discounts.
Besides, since the RV is yours you do not have to pay rental fees every time you wish to go on vacation. Furthermore, most vacations happen in summer when renting and even buying an RV can be a nightmare to some people since the prices have been hiked for the peak summer camping season.
However, sometimes you may end up spending more if you are more into luxury lifestyle and purchasing plenty of souvenirs wherever you visit. In addition, the longer the travel distance the higher the gas consumption.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning an RV?
It is necessary to know the advantages and disadvantages of owning an RV prior to purchasing one. Then, weight both the pros and cons and determine if it’s worth owning one.
Pros of Owning an RV
- It is used as a vehicle, a home, and a hotel
- Saves hotel expenses especially for big families
- You are free to travel anywhere anytime with all your luggage with no need for prior packing
- With several discounts and getting free camping sites and sometimes services, you can save a lot
- When not using it, you can make extra cash renting the RV
- It can be used as extra home when you have many visitors or just need some privacy in your back yard
Cons of Owning an RV
- It is expensive to purchase an RV
- Requires regular maintenance that can be time consuming and expensive
- For non-full time users, storing an RV can be a challenge: not every places allow parking, it needs to be protected from dirt and freezing, battery needs to be stored well or it can go dead, and you need to do basic maintenance such as emptying and cleaning holding tanks before storing for longer durations or get a welcoming stench when you come back.
Is Diesel or Gas RV Better?
Both diesel and gas RV have their own pros and cons that we ought to be considered to inform our final decision of which of the two designs is better than the other.
Having a full understanding of what you are getting yourself into would not only save you extra spending but enhance your stay wherever you plan to visit.
Pros of Diesel RV
- Long lifespan for shorter mileage of less than 5,000 miles a year
- Higher resale value
- Longer and efficient driving duration before scheduling the next maintenance
- Frequency of maintenance needed is low than gas RVs
- Most suitable for full timers
- Easy to tow
- Perform better in mountainous places
Cons of Diesel RV
- More expensive that gas RVs
- Expensive to maintain since it has specialized parts as well as need for technician
Gas RV Pros
- Cheaper to buy and maintain than diesel RVs
- Less specialized labor and parts needed during maintenance
- Gas is cheaper than diesel
- More cold resistant and perform better in high altitudes
Gas RV Cons
- Less efficient especially towing in mountainous places
Thus, it is worth noting that both diesel and gas RVs are good for use but their efficiency depends with where you want to use the RV. Furthermore, check your budget and be sure to be able to not only purchase but also maintain.
Also, confirm the regions you want to traverse whether there is a gas or diesel filling stations. Some places have just one type of filling station and may affect your journey if by bad luck you run out of fuel and need a refill.
Is it Worth Buying a Diesel Motorhome?
Buying a diesel motorhome is far much better than purchasing a gas motorhome since diesel pros outweighs the gas motorhome.
The diesel motorhome has a higher mileage, lower frequency of maintenance, good torque in rough terrain and hold its value.
Despite being expensive to purchase and having to do expensive maintenance due to expensive parts and technical labor needed, dieses motorhomes are worth the investment.
Especially for full timers and those intending to do longer mileage, diesel motorhomes are much better than the gas motorhomes.
What Is the Easiest RV to Drive?
Class B trailers, commonly known as campervans or van campers, are the easiest to drive. It is because these RVs are quite small. More often, the trailers are built on a standard van chassis with an elongated roof to allow someone in the RV to walk straight.
Furthermore, the class B RVs do not have an extra vehicle to tow hence make it easier to drive. Despite being small, the RV has all what it takes for a basic motorhome.
It has a small kitchen, a queen size bed, combined shower/toilet/sink, and a storage space.
Generally, the Class B RVs are much affordable, easy to maintain and repair. They are easy to drive since they don’t need towing. Thus, they are more convenient for errands and other day trips.
Although, main disadvantages of Class B RVs are that they have limited storage, restricted living space, fewer amenities, and at times it can be expensive to buy. So, other than ease of driving consider other factors such as space before buying a Class B RV.
3. Must Have Essentials in an RV
What Every RV Needs
Just like a home, or a car, there are basic things you need to have other than luxury. Once basic needs have been met, you are likely to enjoy your stay in the RV. Get a detailed RV checklist for all essentials you need for camping.
The following are some of the items you may need to purchase and stock in your RV prior making your trip:
- Portable water hose: to refill your RV with fresh water
- Collapsible ladder: help you climb on top of slide outs and check to ensure you do not slide in the RV anything strange
- RV toilet paper: prevents clogging and blocking in the toilet and waste tank
- Emergency kit: to enhance your safety and call for help
- Nesting cookware: good in freeing more space in your kitchen
- Instant pot: is a pressure cooker that helps in faster cooking. Saves energy
- Portable packed water: you might run out of fresh water and the packed water can be used for drinking and other emergencies
- RV toilet chemicals: for cleaning and treating the toilet and waste tanks
- Leveling block: helps park your RV in a levelled ground especially when you travel a rough terrain
- Sewer hose and supports: for emptying your waste tank
What Should I Put in My RV Kitchen?
There are several things you can put in your kitchen for meal preparation, storage, and serving. The things to put depends with the number of occupants expected to use the RV.
Keep in mind that space is of essence in an RV and you will have to carry the needs rather than wants. Thus, it is good to be acquainted with some RV travel hacks.
However, check out some of the common things you can put in your RV kitchen.
| RV Kitchen Staples | |
| Fuel or propane | Drinking glasses |
| Matches or lighter | Coffee mugs |
| Pots | Utensils |
| Pans | Chopping knives |
| Dutch oven or Cast Iron Skillet | Cutting board |
| Pot Holder | Mixing and serving bowls |
| Bowls and plates | Measuring cups |
| Measuring spoons | Stirring spoon |
| Spatula | Whisk |
| Ladle | Tongs |
| Peeler | Thermometer |
| Can opener | Colander |
| Cookie sheet | Baking pan |
| Pitcher | Bottle opener |
| Grill rack | Coffee maker |
| Toaster | Reusable water bottle |
| Dish towels or washcloths | Broom and dustpan |
| Trash can | Food storage containers |
| Drying rack | Cooler |
| RV Kitchen Supplies to Restock | |
| Napkins | Paper towels |
| Coffee filters | Foil and plastic wrap |
| Plastic bags | Garbage bags |
| Dish soap | Sponge |
| Countertop and sink cleaner |
Is RV Toilet Paper Necessary?
Yes. It is necessary to have an RV toilet paper. Please note that the common toilet paper in the supermarkets for home use is not suitable for use in an RV. You need to purchase a toilet paper specifically designed for RV use.
The waste tank/gray tank in your RV that acts as a sewer is not an actual sewer system like your home sewer. So, you can’t damp anything without caution in the waste tank including the common home toilet paper.
RV toilet papers are friendly in the waste tank since they disintegrate easily. As a result, the do not result in clogging of your waste tank to enhance ease of dumping the waste. Besides, clogging in toilet can result in bad odors in your RV and can disrupt your comfort in camping.
However, in case you find you have run out of RV toilet paper you can use the normal toilet paper. Although limit the frequency as much as possible and restock the correct toilet paper as soon as you can.
Otherwise, the more you use the common toilet paper the higher the risks of running into problems with your RV toilet system.
Get more tips on RV toilet paper and its alternative in case you run out of the toilet paper.
