How many miles per gallon does a Ford E450 get?
In brief, most Ford E-450 cutaway models deliver about 8 to 12 miles per gallon in real-world driving, with highway figures commonly around 8–10 mpg and lower numbers in city driving or when heavily loaded. This range reflects typical experiences reported by owners and motorhome operators rather than a single official rating.
What the E-450 is and how it affects fuel economy
The E-450 is a heavy-duty cutaway chassis used by many Class C motorhomes, shuttle fleets, and commercial van conversions. Because it’s designed to carry substantial payloads and profile at highway speeds, there isn’t a single EPA fuel economy figure for the platform. Real-world mpg depends on engine choice, the weight and aerodynamics of the body built on the chassis, and how the vehicle is driven. Even among similar builds, mileage can vary noticeably.
Engine options and typical efficiency
Common engine options (gasoline)
Most E-450 cutaways have historically relied on large gasoline engines paired with automatic transmissions. The ranges below reflect typical real-world performance reported by owners and motorhome operators through 2024–2025 and are not official EPA labels for this chassis.
- 6.8L gasoline V10: typically 8–10 mpg on the highway; combined driving around 7–9 mpg.
- 7.3L gasoline V8 (newer options): typically 8–11 mpg on the highway; combined around 8–9 mpg.
- Note: Diesel options are uncommon for the U.S. E-450 cutaway; most builds rely on gasoline engines. Where diesel variants exist, mileage outcomes are not widely standardized for this chassis.
Actual numbers depend on payload, aerodynamics, tire choice, and driving behavior, so use these ranges as general guidelines rather than guarantees.
Factors that influence MPG on the E-450
Because the E-450 is a heavy platform often outfitted as a motorhome or shuttle, several variables carry outsized impact on fuel economy.
- Payload and vehicle weight (people, water, gear, and cargo).
- Aerodynamics of the body and roof height (speed amplifies drag effects).
- Driving speed and route grade; higher speeds generally reduce mpg more on heavy vehicles.
- Tire type, inflation, and rolling resistance.
- Maintenance, including engine tune-ups, air filters, and fuel system cleanliness.
- Fuel quality and ambient conditions; cold weather can lower mpg.
In practice, heavier loads and city driving tend to pull mpg toward the lower end of the listed ranges, while steady highway cruising with a lighter rig can push toward the higher end.
Tips to improve fuel economy on an E-450
Practical steps to squeeze more miles per gallon from an E-450 include:
- Trim weight where feasible: remove unnecessary items and carry only essential supplies.
- Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended pressures.
- Drive at moderate speeds and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Schedule regular maintenance: air filters, spark plugs (for gasoline engines), and fuel system upkeep.
- Plan routes to minimize idling and stop-and-go driving; consider efficient routing practices.
Even with best practices, fuel economy for the E-450 remains modest compared with smaller vans or passenger cars, reflecting its role as a heavy-duty, high-capacity chassis.
Summary
There is no single mpg figure for the Ford E-450 because it encompasses a range of heavy-duty configurations. Real-world numbers typically fall in the 6–12 mpg band, with highway operation commonly around 8–10 mpg and lower results under heavier load or city driving. Knowing the exact engine, body configuration, payload, and driving style is essential to estimating fuel economy for a given E-450 setup.
What is the gas mileage on a Ford E450 motorhome?
Ford E-450 RV gas mileage typically ranges from 8 to 12 MPG, depending on the specific model, engine, and driving conditions. Factors like towing a vehicle, driving at high speeds, and using the generator can lower this number to 7-9 MPG, while a newer 7.3L V8 engine may offer slightly better efficiency compared to older V10 models.
Typical gas mileage
- Average: Most owners report an average of around 10 MPG.
- Best-case: With favorable conditions like lower speeds, a lighter load, and flat terrain, you might see MPG in the 11-12 range.
Factors that decrease MPG
- Towing: Towing a vehicle like a car or trailer can reduce mileage by 1-2 MPG or more.
- Speed: Driving at higher speeds significantly decreases fuel economy.
- Terrain and traffic: Driving in heavy traffic or up and down mountains will result in lower MPG.
- Generator use: Running the onboard generator will consume additional fuel.
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics: A heavier RV or one with poor aerodynamics will be less efficient.
Engine differences
- V10 engine: Many owners of older E-450 RVs with the 6.8L V10 engine report averages of 8-10 MPG, though some get slightly higher or lower depending on their driving style.
- 7.3L V8 engine: Newer models with the 7.3L V8 may see a 10-20% increase in fuel economy compared to the older V10, putting them closer to the 10-12 MPG average.
How to estimate your mileage
- Start with an estimate: Use the average of 10 MPG as a starting point.
- Adjust for your setup: Subtract mileage for any weight you are towing.
- Consider your driving style: Factor in that higher speeds and hills will lower your MPG.
- Look at community forums: Check forums like Reddit or Facebook groups to see what other owners with similar RVs and setups are getting.
How many gallons does an E450 hold?
Capacities: Passengers, Fuel
| Capacities: Passengers, Fuel | ||
|---|---|---|
| E-350 Super Duty® Cutaway (SRW) / (DRW) | E-450 Cutaway (DRW) | |
| Seating capacity (std./opt.) | 2/1 | 2/1 |
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 40/55 | 40/55 |
What is the gas mileage on a Ford E450 V10 engine?
You can expect about 10 mpg. That is a pretty good general answer for anybody with a gasoline engine Ford E450, or E350, and anybody else with fuel injection. You rarely might get 11 mpg, and in heavy traffic or up and down altitude travels 9+ mpg.
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 E450 get?
22/31/25 mpg
What Do We Like So Far?
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic All-Terrain Specifications | |
|---|---|
| EPA FUEL ECONOMY,CITY/HWY/COMBINED | 22/31/25 mpg |
| EPA RANGE | 435 mi |
| MotorTrend Test Results | |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.4 sec |
