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MSPUSMC's avatar
MSPUSMC
Explorer
Jul 18, 2014

Ford 2600 lb chassis

Newmar came out with two toy hauler Canyon Stars, the 3920 and 3921. The Canyon Star is on a Ford 2600 Lb chassis with a 6.8 Triton (415 CID) V10 3-Valve engine. Horsepower is 362 @4750 RPM and Torque of 452 ft ponds @3250 RPM. I believe this is the same chassis that is used on many Class A gassers. I'm interested in knowing if this is sufficient power for a 39 foot RV and what kind of mileage other Ford Chassis owners have been getting towing a car. I've been told by "salesmen" that this RV should get 7-11 mpg. I'd like input on this please.

Thanks,
Art
  • While a zero may mean nothing the GVW of the chassis is really 26,000#.
  • Thanks for your input everyone. I checked out the Canyon Star 3921 at Dave's in Danbury, CT. It is a really nice RV. Newmar did a great job on the Canyon Star line up. That being said, he floor plan for the 3921/3920 would not work for me. My Allegro Bay 35 TSB FRED has been a dependable RV with a great floor plan for us. I can't justify selling my Allegro Bay just to bring my motorcycle along with our car. I'll stick with my motorcycle trailer for short trips and the car for the longer hauls.

    Thanks for your help.

    Art
  • chuckftboy wrote:
    Your salesman lied


    What? That would never happen. They are highly regulated and have a strict code of ethics.
  • Power won't be a problem. As others have said, MPG in the 6-7 range. We get around 6.5 @ 65 mph. With a heavy toad we are around 25k combined weight.
  • You will probably get closer to 6 MPG with such a heavy RV. I get about 7 MPG with my 16,000 pound RV with a 460" V8, the factory rating on mine is only about 225 HP at 3,600 RPM. The V10 revs up much higher, and can run 4,000 all day long. Short term at 4,500 RPM would be my limit - it is a large engine. Running it much higher than 4,000 RPM will cause mileage to drop a lot.

    11 MPG is a stretch - even the smaller height class C, that is more aerodynamic and they do not get that good of mileage. It might be possible in a 12,000 pound class C, with the V10 and no cabover section that tends to create more wind drag, if the driver is willing to go no more than 55 MPH, then it might get 11 MPG.

    But modern gasoline leaves a lot to be desired too. I have found that I get worse mileage just because of the alcohol that has been required in gas for years. It lowers the BTU's per gallon, and thus you get worse mileage.

    Fred.
  • I test drove a 3920. Power was fine. Braking was decent. Turning radius was surprisingly good (Newmar extends the 3920/3921 wheelbase to 260")

    What I did not like however was the body roll. It, well, handled like a bus. I didn't want to be stuck driving a bus. I'm sure it can be improved, but compared to how lively my van pulling a heavy trailer is, I knew I wouldn't be happy. Ended up with a 39' trailer instead.
  • I had a 2011 35 Winnebago got between 5.5 and 7.2 while towing.

    Nick
  • That Ford setup is plenty for that RV, you will have no problems with hills or mountains. Your salesman lied, you may get 7 but it will more than likely be 6 if you run much over 60 mph.