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pauljgrenier's avatar
pauljgrenier
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013

Coachmen Freelander 29QB C-Class

I searched and searched before giving up and buying our used 2014 Coachmen Freelander. My quest was to find out the MPG I might expect. I would have been very happy with 10 mpg, and happy with 9. At 7-8 mpg I would have been content and acceptable at best since that is what the dealership told me to expect. We have a used 29QB on a Ford with E450 Super Duty chassis with 15,000 miles on the odometer and with "empty" weight. We have been very pleased to be getting a fraction over 12 miles per gallon. We know that will go down as we begin to load the vehicle, but, at least, we're at a mpg-number the is very acceptable. If we want to keep the mph at 12 or around the 12 mpg figure, it will be up to us to pack accordingly and not to tow. I HOPE OTHERS, LOOKING INTO C-CLASS RVs WILL FIND THIS INFORMATION HELPFUL. MANY WOULD FIND IN HELPFUL IF OTHERS WOULD PUBLISH MPG FIGURES ON THEIR RESPECTED RVs. Hope many will find this information helpful in deciding on their C-Class RV. So far we give our RV, the "Fieldtripper" at 10. It would, however, be helpful if there was a Collission Avoidance System that would be appropriate for this type of vehicle. Paul and Carla "Fieldtrippers"
Class C
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Dec 13, 2013
    Our aerodynamic <24' 2007 E350-V10 averages on trips at 10.5mpg not towing, 9.5 when towing the Jeep Liberty you see here. I am talking about 4000 to 5000 mile trip averages, not a tail-wind figure between fill-ups or best reading off a scan gauge. I suppose if I did, I'd be quoting 13 to 15mpg.

    One of the numbers I like to display on the Scan Gauge-II is the TPS (throttle position sensor). Basically it is the position of the gas pedal. The number itself is meaningless until you learn what your rig's sweet spot is and how that number relates to it. Then try to maintain it within reason. Handy for wind resistance, it teaches me to back off a little when conditions are against me.
  • Desert_Captain's avatar
    Desert_Captain
    Explorer III
    Dec 12, 2013
    EMD360 wrote:
    MPG matters most when the RV is new to you. Although an ongoing expense, the cost of gas becomes less important than other maintenance requirements. Then when you get a ScanGauge (doesn't everybody?:)) and actually monitor your MPG while driving you see it bounce all around.
    I stopped at the ScanGauge booth at a rally and the rep said to help monitor gas usage, display the average MPG and the current MPG. While driving, try to keep the current at or higher than the average. Not always possible but it does help to remind me to lighten my lead foot. We get about 10 in ideal conditions, more like 7 in headwind or hills.


    Excellent advice that has worked for me for years. Our 24' Nexus C with the 6.8L V-10 sees 10 (mas y menus), on the highway at 60 and just about every trip ends up at 9.5+ overall. :C
  • demoon's avatar
    demoon
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2013
    Well, that was a lot of useful comments. I suspect the OP is thrilled with the results of his post.

    Pre-ethanol gas, I managed 10-12 mpg on my 01, 30' C. After ethanol, it dropped to 8-9. Full Banks + transcommand and it stayed around 8.

    My current 06, 34' A runs 6- on a regular basis.
  • richardwise's avatar
    richardwise
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2013
    I had 1992 Corvette LT1 and 6 speed, could average over 20 MPG. Watching the mileage on the computer read out, downhill, off the gas, it would show 90+ MPG. Soon as I gave a little gas at bottom of hill, MPG would go to 9 MPG. I'll be happy if my 2014 32' double slide Sunseeker gives 9 MPG pulling a toad.
  • EMD360's avatar
    EMD360
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2013
    MPG matters most when the RV is new to you. Although an ongoing expense, the cost of gas becomes less important than other maintenance requirements. Then when you get a ScanGauge (doesn't everybody?:)) and actually monitor your MPG while driving you see it bounce all around.
    I stopped at the ScanGauge booth at a rally and the rep said to help monitor gas usage, display the average MPG and the current MPG. While driving, try to keep the current at or higher than the average. Not always possible but it does help to remind me to lighten my lead foot. We get about 10 in ideal conditions, more like 7 in headwind or hills.
  • bsinmich's avatar
    bsinmich
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2013
    Put bigger wheels and tires on the rear and then you will always be going downhill.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Dec 12, 2013
    fordsooperdooty wrote:
    More gas saving tips for better Motorhome Mileage-

    Put Helium in the tires, add hundreds of helium balloons to the roof, use feather pillows on your bed, buy only one ply toilet paper and switch to drinking Pepsi Light.



    Tried that. Found out frontal resistance was still a problem. Next experiment to see if I can drive in reverse going 60. :)
  • SooperDaddy's avatar
    SooperDaddy
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    More gas saving tips for better Motorhome Mileage-

    Put Helium in the tires, add hundreds of helium balloons to the roof, use feather pillows on your bed, buy only one ply toilet paper and switch to drinking Pepsi Light.

  • Mich_F's avatar
    Mich_F
    Explorer
    Dec 11, 2013
    I think most will find your helpful information about your MPG as hard to believe. :B
    I have a 2014 Itasca,also on an E450, about 2' longer than your unit, which just turned over 5,000 miles, and I'm getting between 8 and 9 MPG. I normally run ~ 60 MPH.
    My 1997 24' Coachmen on an E350, also with a V10, got a little over 10 MPG in over 4 years and about 17,000 miles of use.

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