Ideas Needed: Why sudden drop in mpg?
I always seem to average right around 8.5 mpg however the return leg of this last trip I saw averages around 7.5 and that concerned me. I'm looking for reasons this could have happened. 1) The ret...
Forum Discussion
2002 Fleetwood Terra 32 w Ford 2V V10
Coming home from purchase we got 8.0 interstate then 8.5 mpg on a later fillup. The latter was all off interstate.
I got 6.4 and 6.8 on a recent trip to FL. YIKES! Both fillups were in GA. This trip added a 6x10 cargo loaded at 2300 lbs. 3/4 tank water, others empty (fresh to grey variation on return trip). Typical speed 65 mph, lots of rain on return. Some generator use while camping but not during driving.
On the way back my knee was aching so I let cruise control do some of the work. About 5.4 mpg (uphill) it would downshift to 3.5 mpg and less, and do that with half the overpasses. That's a lotta gas! Bad move.
I did notice it would jump up to 10+ mpg following tractor trailers. Wouldn't want to do that for any time (don't think the t-t drivers like it either).
I might have to start driving slower . . . . . not sure that's possible. 65 is pretty slow when you want to get there.
How much would anyone suppose the 2300 lb 6x10 cargo trailer is pulling us back?
I do have a slight drag on RF brake caliper . . . . enough to make a noise when pulling in for fuel, etc but not enough to smell any heating. (will be fixed).
There's also considerable wheel imbalance, we think on the front.
All tires inflated to 110 psi (DynaTrac Tires). Rears are all terrain, fronts are steers.
Best,
- c bob
Coming home from purchase we got 8.0 interstate then 8.5 mpg on a later fillup. The latter was all off interstate.
I got 6.4 and 6.8 on a recent trip to FL. YIKES! Both fillups were in GA. This trip added a 6x10 cargo loaded at 2300 lbs. 3/4 tank water, others empty (fresh to grey variation on return trip). Typical speed 65 mph, lots of rain on return. Some generator use while camping but not during driving.
On the way back my knee was aching so I let cruise control do some of the work. About 5.4 mpg (uphill) it would downshift to 3.5 mpg and less, and do that with half the overpasses. That's a lotta gas! Bad move.
I did notice it would jump up to 10+ mpg following tractor trailers. Wouldn't want to do that for any time (don't think the t-t drivers like it either).
I might have to start driving slower . . . . . not sure that's possible. 65 is pretty slow when you want to get there.
How much would anyone suppose the 2300 lb 6x10 cargo trailer is pulling us back?
I do have a slight drag on RF brake caliper . . . . enough to make a noise when pulling in for fuel, etc but not enough to smell any heating. (will be fixed).
There's also considerable wheel imbalance, we think on the front.
All tires inflated to 110 psi (DynaTrac Tires). Rears are all terrain, fronts are steers.
Best,
- c bob
