Although the UK looks set for a future of electric and hydrogen vehicles, the reality is that most motorhomes run on fossil fuel and are likely to continue to do so for years.
It typically takes about 20 years for the UK’s car fleet to renew and given the long life of most motorhomes, the leisure vehicle transition is sure to take longer. So diesel and petrol will be with us until well into the 2030s.
With wars, Brexit, chip shortages and pandemics impacting on energy costs, and fuel prices recently hitting record highs, we’re in uncharted territory.
Given that diesel is not much less than £2 a litre (more than £9 a gallon), with unleaded close behind, it makes sense to ensure that your vehicle is as fuel efficient as possible. It’s good for your wallet and the environment.
VEHICLE BODYSTYLE
Years ago for a fuel economy test, I was involved in driving three motorhomes, all using similar Ducato base vehicles. We conducted a series of tests with different drivers and a variety of road types over several hundred miles.
The final results were pretty clear cut. By far the biggest determinant of economy was the bodystyle of the vehicle. This had a much larger effect on economy than engine size and in fact, on motorways, the bigger engines often proved more economical, because the drivers didn’t have to keep their foot to the floor on the hills.
The front of the vehicle had the most significant effect, with Luton-style overcabs being the least economical shape, followed by low-profile coachbuilts and then van conversions. This is logical – the larger the brick shape you’re trying to force through the air, the worse the economy.
So if you’re in the market for a new motorhome and are choosing between two different bodystyles, the lower and narrower the better, when
