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Calcimator

RV Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate total fuel cost, gallons needed, and fuel stops for your RV trip based on distance, fuel economy, and towing penalty.

InputsLoading live data…

miles
mpg
$/gal
mpg

Results

Total Fuel Cost

$250

Gallons Needed71.4 gal
Cost Per Mile$0.5
Adjusted MPG (Towing)7 mpg
Fuel Stops Needed2
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the trip distance (miles) and your RV's base fuel economy (MPG).
  2. Enter the towing MPG reduction (mpg) and current fuel price ($/gallon).
  3. Review total fuel cost ($), gallons needed, and adjusted (towing) MPG.
  4. Check cost per mile and estimated fuel stops, based on a 30-gallon tank.

How the result changes with Base Fuel Economy

Base Fuel EconomyTotal Fuel Cost
5.7$648.15
12$194.44
21$97.22
27$72.92

What each input means

Trip Distance
One-way driving distance for your trip.
Base Fuel Economy
Your vehicle's fuel economy without towing. Check your owner's manual or past fill-ups.
Fuel Price
Current price per gallon of fuel at the pump.
Towing MPG Reduction
How many mpg you lose while towing. Typically 2-5 mpg depending on trailer size and terrain.

What each result means

Total Fuel Cost
Estimated fuel cost for the entire trip.
Gallons Needed
Total fuel required for the trip distance.
Cost Per Mile
Fuel cost for each mile driven while towing.
Adjusted MPG (Towing)
Effective fuel economy after towing penalty.
Fuel Stops Needed
Estimated refueling stops assuming a 30-gallon tank.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Trip Distance = 500, Base Fuel Economy = 10, Fuel Price = 3.5, Towing MPG Reduction = 3 = 4 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total Fuel Cost
    Total Fuel Cost
    250 = 250
  3. Calculate Gallons Needed
    Gallons Needed
    71.4 = 71.4
  4. Calculate Cost Per Mile
    Cost Per Mile
    0.5 = 0.5

Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

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