Better gas mileage

pconroy328 wrote:

Smchen51 wrote:
My husband says he doesn't think it will

I can simplify.


Nothing affects gas mileage in an RV.
If I put my "foot into it", I get 9.2mpg.
If I feather my foot and tread lightly, I get 9.8mpg.

:)

that's funny. . I have found that by using my scanner that 62 to 65 is the sweet spot on mine and quite frankly fast enough. The enjoyment and freedom it provides is worth every dollar in fuel, great food, beautiful scenery and no chiggers or bedbugs like some hotels.

Smchen51 wrote:
My husband says he doesn't think it will

I can simplify.


Nothing affects gas mileage in an RV.
If I put my "foot into it", I get 9.2mpg.
If I feather my foot and tread lightly, I get 9.8mpg.

:)

We prefer not having a bunk up front. 7 to 10 mpg, depending on terrain. Averages past 8,000 miles at 8.28MPG. I tow my 08 Wrangler across the same desert roads and no effect on mileage. It's 30 feet nose to tail.

bsinmich, I totally agree with you on what a 10 grand 20 year old unit will probably need. But I didn't want to get into that, in trying to keep within the OP's original question. Repairs and what's needed would fill another entire post.
OP was initally asking about "oranges", and as usual, everyone tells them about "watermelons".
Trying to keep it about oranges.
Grumpy

Keep in mind that if you have $10K to spend for a motorhome you should consider the cost of getting it ready for use. Tires are good for 5-9 years, depending on storage and use. Stored outside in the sun you can have a tire with good tread left and it will blow out as soon as it gets used. The age of each tire is built into the sidewall of every tire. It is only on one side but is easy to read. It is the last 4 numbers after the DOT code. The tires I just put on my GMC have a code of 2415 which means they were made the 24th. week of 2015. Even when someone says the tires are only 2 years old check the date code. many have had old tires from tire dealers. Class Cs are prone to leaks in the cabover if the roof hasn't been maintained. That will cause rot and delamination that are very expensive repairs. Check for water leaks in the coach. Plan on replacing all hoses and fluids before trips, especially brake fluid. I went through a red light in Peterboro, Ont when my brakes failed on a 3 year old MH. Good Luck. I just bough my GMC for 10K and have already put anther $4k into it with more expected before it will be ready.

Everyone, take a look at the OP's post about having around $10,000.00 to spend. Their definately not going to be able to get into a MB Sprinter or a late model class c, so those of you who are posting about 15 mpg with a Sprinter are not giving the OP any useful info.
At that price their looking at a 15-20 year old class c, and will more than likely have a 460 Ford or 454 Chevy V-8, with the old 4 speed auto with od. Those combinations were famous for lousey gas milage, even brand new. Lot of power, but drank gas like a wine-o.
Now that engine is 15-20 years old. You think it's going to get better???
Just flat out, good gas milage is not going to happen, no matter how you modify it with "air tabs", "flow thru this or that", or whatever "snake oil" someone tells you will work. There is no "magic" transformation or additions that will significantly increase gas milage.
Grumpy

We have a Sprinter C-class and I get 15 MPG Diesel @ 65 MPH max, or when towing, 15 MPG @ 55 MPH max speed. Its 24 feet long.

As others have stated,you are basically pushing a brick down the road and there are only a few things that make it a bit more MPG friendly.

Such as Getting one of those mythical B+ ones that are more aerodynamic and punch a much smaller hole in the air.Also get one on a Chevy Chassis,check out the clicky in my signature about them, MPG is discussed on pages 3-7, they get a bit better MPG that the Fords,mine gets between 9.1 and 9.7.

Another is what DrewE said most of the drag is in the square rear,this can be alleviated some what by putting Airtabs on, these will help stability but not much savings on fuel,maybe 1 or 2 percent.

Even with all this there is not much of a difference in them.

Bottom line is get what you can live with and afford and go camping.

Do not use good gas milage and "rv" in the same sentence. Just not going to happen.
If you only have a $10,000.00 budget, your probably looking at a class c with an older V-8, like the Ford 460. Great on power, but a real gas guzzler. Same goes for the older Chevy 454 V-8.
Now, I'm going to get really flamed for this, but even with a newer Ford V-10 or the newer Chevy V-8, your probably going to average 6.5 to 8 mpg. That's it, maybe a bit more or a bit less. Most who figure their milage use the "miles traveled divided by the # of gallons used" when they fill up. Too many variables to get an accurate #.
I have a Scanguage, which gets it's info directly from the vehicles computer, and it is accurate. Many who claim 10-11 mpg while running 60-65 mph would be shocked to find out what the real #'s are.
My class c gets between 6.2 and 8.1, and has averaged around 7.0 over the last several trips. And, going up a grade it will drop off to 3-4 mpg.
But, with that being said, you don't buy an rv and then worry about milage. Your getting into a different lifestyle, and for the enjoyment of the traveling and the destinations and sights you will see along the way.
If your going to constantly worry about milage and spending money for gas, then rv'ing is not for you, because it is a cost that is not going to go away, or get better with time.
Grumpy

I have a 31', Ford V10, class C Over the first two years of driving since new, mostly on flat landed areas, I have averaged overall 9 MPG, while towing a CRV. I drive 60-62 mph, let the transmission change gears when necessary. This is my average, while driving over 14,000 miles.