Curious to know what highway diesel fuel mileage forum users are getting (at what average speed) with their Class C (B+) Mercedes Sprinter RVs. I am seriously thinking about buying a new one (Citation B+). Any responses will be appreciated. I plan on running 60 mph average on the highway.Bill in Tulsa

When I had a 26 foot Class C with the V10 engine I thought it was a rocket ship. Used to get about 12mpg using it like a rocket ship driver could. It seems, according to wisdom, when you have a strong engine, we tend to drive it faster, when you have a weak engine, it gets better mileage because it goes slower. 15-18 might be possible if you are a PITA to people that want to go faster.

On a recent 10,500 mile trip to the Pacific NW and Canadian Rockies, we averaged 15.9 in our Sprinter.Our previous 2006 T1N Sprinter Class B averaged about 24 to 25 but that was a different machine.

2007 sprinter I 5 MB diesel on a LTV freedom serenity . 3500 chassis, seen over twenty at 63mph long run. pulling a ten ft box trailer with dog equipt and a golf cart , 16mpg,, the V6 gets less has more epa stuff on it. just one good rv. we,ve had big rv,s but this is the best for our use.

2008 View, Sprinter chassis MB diesel. Oregon to Iowa and back. About 5,000 miles. Mostly secondary roads, lots of mountains, couple days of freeways. 16.4 mpg. V-6 3.0L.

The Sprinter surely gets great fuel economy, a 33%-50% increase compared to the E350/V10. There are two very strong reasons to get a Sprinter.1) The house built on top of it is exactly what you are looking for.2) Your plan is to drive 150,000 during your ownership so that the improvement in fuel economy outweighs the increase in cost associated with purchase and maintenance.Below is a piece taken from another post of mine.-------------------------------------------------If considering a current-day “small” class B+ or C motor home, here is a comparison between the two current main chassis contenders, the Sprinter with the V6 diesel engine and the Ford E350 with the V10 gasoline engine. Advantages Of The Mercedes Sprinter With Diesel Engine- Offers a 35%-50% improvement in fuel economy over the Ford-V10, when both are loaded and driven identically.- More ergonomic driver compartment with more leg room.- Comfort continues with a car-like feel & quiet ride.- A grander view out the windshield- Made by Mercedes which people are attracted to.Advantages Of The Ford E350 with V10 Engine- Given identical motor homes both brand and model, the Ford is around $13,000 MSRP cheaper- The Ford V10 engine has 50% more horse power and torque- The Ford E350 chassis handles 1430 pounds more weight.- The E350 is able to tow a heavier load.- The E350 rear axle is significantly wider which translates to better stability.- In most places traveled, gasoline costs less than diesel fuel- The Sprinter diesel has limited mechanical service shops around North America- The Sprinter diesel is typically outfitted with a propane generator. Propane is a critical fuel for RV operations, and generally needs to be rationed when dry camping.- This Next Point Is Debatable But Still Worth Noting....The V6 Sprinter diesel engine is not allowed to idle for extended periods. This limitation is detrimental when you need a/c but there are generator restrictions, you are low on propane, or you have a mechanical failure with the generator or roof a/c. The Ford offers a great backup system. The V10 can safely idle for hours on end, heating, cooling, and battery charging, all valuable if you have a baby, pets, or health/respiratory issues.You decide what your priorities are, and pick the appropriate chassis. There are some really sweet motor homes being built exclusively on the Sprinter chassis, such as the Winnebago Navion and View. Others like Phoenix USA build their model 2350 and 2400 on both the Sprinter and Ford E350. They will even build it on the heaviest duty E450 upon request for a nominal fee. People who request an E450 for a small motor home, tow heavier things like for example, a multi-horse trailer. You can even special order a E350 & E450 4x4.There is so much cool stuff offered in recent years on the Sprinter and most recently on the new Ford Transit.---------------------------------------------Many people buy a motor home and live in it "parked" much more than they drive it. For those people, the E350 would be the more economical choice. Some people put on many miles, for example following ball clubs around the country. The Sprinter would be ideal for the piles-of-miles.

Mercedes Sprinter Fuel Mileage | Good Sam Community

loggenrock
Explorer
Jul 28, 2017
NH to FL and back in 2014 Sprinter chassis B+ towing 3300# Suby Forester with double kayak on it - right around 15mpg, which is about the same we get on other trips, too. Avg speed for travelling is 62 mph - we let all the problems pass us! ST
65Hemi
Explorer
Jul 27, 2017
Thanks to everyone who responded. Your comments were very helpful.

Bill
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2017
With our 2007 Phoenix Cruiser E350-V10, the best we got on a tank full was 13 mpg, but conditions are rarely so favorable. Trip average is 10.5 not towing, and 9.5 when towing our Liberty as shown in my signature.
photobug
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
Just got back from a short trip to eastern washington. 4000ft pass, stuck in road construction and behind an accident. 45mph on 2 lane winding mountain roads. 250miles r/t. 1998 e450 v-10 the engine monitor said a whole 7.6 mpg. Off to Costco to refill the tank.
charlessfolly
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
We have a 2014 Citation 24SA. In our recent trip from Vancouver to Ottawa we filled up each day as we went,it usually was combined with a doggy walk/on board coffee break. Price per fill averaged $55-best about $25,highest $70.
In 28 days we spent about $1600 and traveled 11000 km. About 20 mpg canadian I think.I bought the Sprinter based unit because we like to travel and sightsee with our dog and two cats. We kept expenses low by eating all meals on board but we camped mostly no hookups at provincial campgrounds or small town municipal campgrounds which were quite nice,actually. We drove at 95-100 kph which is roughly 60 mph. Everybody passed us but few complained too much. It meant we rarely were following anybody and we got to enjoy the view.
The Thor Citation is well thought out and we find it does everything just right.
I hope this is helpful to you. We had a great time.
65Hemi
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
Exactly. At least cars and light trucks have an EPA fuel mileage estimate on the window sticker to give you an idea, but with heavy duty trucks and motor homes, you're on your own.

Bill
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Jul 21, 2017
65Hemi wrote:
Why would you assume I have angst over it? I have absolutely no angst over it. I'm just curious about what fuel mileage to expect if I buy a new one.
I understand where you are coming from. I'd want to know too.
65Hemi
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
Why would you assume I have angst over it? I have absolutely no angst over it. I'm just curious about what fuel mileage to expect if I buy a new one.
Expyinflight
Explorer
Jul 21, 2017
I will never understand all of the angst and concern over the mpg in a motorhome. It is what it is. Life is too short. Drive on!! Enjoy the adventure! Forget about it!
carringb
Explorer
Jul 20, 2017
pnichols wrote:
Dennis12 wrote:
My Vegas gets right at 12mpg on open roads.

That's great V10 mileage on your Vegas!

Probably you have the 3-valve version of the V10 in your Class A motorhome. I wonder if the 3-valve V10 gets better mileage than the 2-valve V10 that is in Class C motorhomes?

The Vegas is still built on the E-series chassis and therefore maintains the 2-valve V10. However the big sloped windshield is has far less drag. So much so, Ford lets them build some floor-plans with 4.10 gears. Those gears are no longer allowed on full-width Class-Cs because it causes them to exceed the new greenhouse gas emissions limits. Thor worked pretty close with Ford to develop the frontal profile needed to maximize fuel economy. See page 7 below:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/Q-246R5.pdf