Do camper vans get good gas mileage?

The quick answer to camper van mpg

A camper van’s gas mileage varies widely because no two rigs carry the same weight or shape. Expect a realistic range of 12 to 22 mpg across common platforms. Gas powered Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster builds often settle around 14 to 18 mpg after conversion. Diesel Mercedes Sprinter models can reach the high teens or low twenties when kept light and aerodynamic. Lifts, all terrain tires, roof gear, and fast cruising speeds typically knock a few mpg off those figures.

Gas vs diesel in plain terms

Diesel engines usually return better highway mpg thanks to higher energy density and lean burn characteristics. They also tend to deliver more torque at lower rpm, helpful on grades. Gas engines cost less to buy and maintain for many owners and are easy to service nationwide. In mixed driving, a well kept diesel Sprinter may beat a comparable gas Transit by several mpg, but total ownership cost and service access matter as much as the fuel line on paper.

What shapes fuel economy most

Aerodynamics

• High roof vans push more air and feel drag intensify as speed climbs. A roof box, light bar, or side ladder adds turbulent surfaces that increase resistance.
• Slim, well placed accessories and tidy cable routing limit airflow penalties.

Weight

• Every added pound demands more energy to move and stop. Heavy cabinetry, thick countertops, large water tanks, and steel armor all add up.
• Distribute mass low and centered to reduce rolling resistance losses from sway and extra steering input.

Rolling resistance

• Aggressive all terrain tires and upsized wheel packages look tough but they increase friction.
• Proper tire pressure is the simplest mpg win. Check cold pressures often and align the van after any suspension work.

Drivetrain

• All wheel drive and four by four conversions aid traction on dirt but they add parasitic losses.
• Short final drive gearing helps in mountains yet may raise engine rpm at highway speeds.

Driving environment

• Headwinds, long grades, stop and go traffic, and extreme temperatures can move mpg by several points.
• Cruise control on gentle highways smooths throttle inputs and helps keep consumption predictable.

Weight and aero in real builds

A minimalist weekend layout can keep a gas van near 18 to 20 mpg on calm highways. Add a high roof, tall rack, awning, knobby tires, a swing out carrier, and dense gear, and the same van may drop to 13 to 15 mpg. Diesel rigs show the same pattern, just shifted a couple mpg higher when lightly equipped. Smart packaging and clean airflow matter as much as engine choice.

Typical mpg by platform and use case

• Ram ProMaster gas, low roof, light camper: often 17 to 20 mpg highway when driven at moderate speeds.
• Ford Transit gas, mid or high roof camper: commonly 14 to 18 mpg after conversion, a little lower with all wheel drive and larger tires.
• Mercedes Sprinter diesel, high roof camper: 18 to 24 mpg when lightly built and 65 mph cruising, dipping to the mid teens with lift and heavy gear.

City driving reduces these numbers, while steady rural routes can improve them. Towing small trailers, carrying motorcycles, or hauling full water and fuel loads will reduce mpg further.

Driving habits that deliver

• Keep highway speeds in the 60 to 65 range when safe.
• Accelerate smoothly and anticipate traffic to avoid hard braking.
• Remove unused roof cargo and excess tools when you do not need them.
• Service the engine on time and replace air filters and spark plugs or glow plugs as specified.

Practical ways to improve camper van mpg

• Choose lightweight yet durable build materials and avoid overbuilding structure where a simpler solution works.
• Favor low profile racks and accessories, and tuck lighting close to the body.
• Select tire tread for your real terrain and keep pressures correct for load.
• Balance electrical capacity with actual needs to avoid unnecessary battery mass.
• Use engine start stop features when appropriate and minimize idling for climate control.
• Plan routes that reduce steep climbs and heavy traffic when possible.

A note on expectations

A camper van is a house on wheels. Compared to a small car, more mass and frontal area will always consume more fuel. The goal is not to chase sports car numbers, but to choose the right platform, pack intentionally, and drive with finesse so the van returns consistent, predictable mpg on the routes you love.

How OZK approaches efficient builds

You want comfort without a thirsty rig. We design layouts that keep weight low and centralized, select materials with excellent strength to weight ratios, and recommend aerodynamic accessory packages that do the job without creating a sail on the roof. Our suspension and tire choices are matched to your terrain so rolling resistance stays in check while ride quality improves. If you want a deeper look at platforms and options, start with Explore recreational vans, then see our process in Custom van build details or consider finance friendly options in Browse mainstream vans.

Ready to turn this knowledge into a van that goes farther on every gallon? OZK Customs builds complete adventure vans and targeted upfits in Fayetteville Arkansas, dialing in weight, airflow, and drivability to meet your goals. Tell us how you travel and we will shape an efficient rig around it.