Travel speed-

[dave-g]

So I'm looking at a used 390-bh with the 340hp and 2500 trans. I wanted the 360hp- for the better towing capacity and extra hp. but looking at a good deal on the 340.

So 2 questions-
Will I really notice the 20 hp, and 140 ft. lbs. torque difference? and would either one cruse on the freeway at 70-75 when needed to keep up with the trucks.

I look forward to retirement, when I can cruise at 60mph- but now have to get back to work on Mondays.

[indybp57]

Torque is what gets you up the mountain, so yes I would think 140 ft lbs difference between 2 rigs would be very noticeable. Since most TVs are in the 300-450 range, 140 would be a 33% improvement.

[lbrjet]

Diesel engine MH have way more torque than that. I don't know how you could miss something that you never had. Bigger is always better, but at what cost is worth it is what you need to decide.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[JTN8]

I've got a 2014 390BH with the 340 and have never had an issue climbing mountains and or keeping up speed. I set the cruise to 75 when I'm on the interstates and trust me when I say "she's got a lot more in her!" Some may say I'm crazy but I've seen 85 plus in mine when passing in the left lane and traffic is flowing. I tow a Cadillac SRX 95% of the time so between the toad, people and belongings I'm just under the max GCVWR and still notice that the coach has more torque and power than needed. Fuel mileage on the 340 is amazing! I usually average between 10 and 11.5 MPG and that's fully loaded and again speeds around 75. If you set the cruise to 60 65, you'll see MPG's in the 12's. If it's a good deal, don't let the HP and TQ bother you.

Just my opinion!!!



Jason

2014 Berkshire 390BH
2011 Cadillac SRX (toad)
FB

[accumack]

Make sure you get it weighed before signing anything. I have the 340 and it does ok you will slow down going up hills in either one. We pass trucks all the time going up hill.

[ernest917]

I'd rather have the 3,000 transmission.... It's stronger and allows u to tow more... I have it and love it....


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[mikeborny]

I dont think i have ever seen MPG above 10. Just drove from Cleveland to Denver and was averaging 9.9 MPG until we hit Nebraska and I set the cruise at 70. I travel with 5, and 2/3 water, full propain. I tow a 4 door Jeep Wrangler. There would be no problem cruising at 75.


Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

[ernest917]

I try to keep my speed around 60-63mph - that seems to be the sweet spot for my rig.... I consistently get between 9.5 - 12.9 and that pulling our toad....


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[mikeborny]

How much difference do you see while running generator and roof AC?


Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

[Phil57]

Dave-g
I have a 2011 RB with the 340. I have had it for 4 years now. I have pulled a Buick Enclave weight 5200. I went to a two door Jeep weight 3800. We traded the Jeep for a MKX Lincoln weight around 4000 ( I am guessing as I have not weighed this one yet. We full time so we are loaded up. My total estimated weight is 34500 lbs about 1500 overweight.
We have traveled to Tx , Florida ,NY, Michigan. Up and down the east coast. We have gone through the mountains. We have not traveled west yet but plan to.
We have not hit anything that I was worried about getting over ( with the exception of a nasty grade in NY on a two way). I would rather have the 360 with the 3000 Trans but I don't need it. I feel I can go anyplace I choose with the set up I have.
The trick is you must drive it. This is a big rig and setting back enjoying the scenery is fine but to get up the big hills you need to pay attention. Use that Allison Transmission to get up the hills. You need to keep the rpm's at 1800-2000. Don't be afraid to downshift. The computer will not let you do anything that will damage the motor or transmission.
I usually travel with at least a half tank of water most of the time more than that.
If it's a good deal grab it. You will not be sorry. I'm not.

[JTN8]

Running the generator won't effect fuel mileage but I've noticed I burn about 1/4 to1/3 gallon per hour running both AC's. We dry camp at a lot of NASCAR events and that is my usual fuel consumption.


Jason

2014 Berkshire 390BH
2011 Cadillac SRX (toad)
FB

[RLloyd]

70 or 75 mph Uses quite a bit more fuel. Another thing to consider is your toad, A lot of cars The warranty is only good up to 65 miles per hour. 70 or 75 miles per hour and the warranty is void.

[CAT-RN]

I had a 300 hp 2500 transmission. Now 360 hp 3000 transmission.

The new coach is bigger, heavier and probably slower to gain speed.

I don't think you will have any problem with the 340.

Russell

[wm1964]

We tow a Lincoln MKX most of the time with our 340. We went across country last year from NJ to Nevada, then up and across the Great Divide up to Yellow stone and back to NJ without any problems at all. It was just over a 7000 mile trip. I never had any feelings of being under-powered. Do I wish I had a 600 horse 3000 pound Torque Motor Home, YES but I don't need it. The 9.5 MPG we average is a big bonus. I find that when running the generator with everything on in the coach (and I mean everything) it consumes about 1/2 to 3/4 gallon an hour. I think you will be happy with a 340 as long as you don't test drive a 500 HP first . At Camp Freightliner Mike Cody will tell you how to drive it, and I follow his advice. I also tell people to take the course if you can it is very informative.

[NO3putt]

Have a 340 also, have driven it 50,000 miles. Been to AK, down to FL, been to both coasts and over 11,000 feet mountian passes in CO. Drive around 60 to 65 most of the times on interstate witn out any issues and get 9 tp 10 mpg.

[jrlebaron]

I tow around 60-63. My equinox says not to tow over 65. Stop and figure if you drive 63 instead of 70 you are only losing 7 miles an hour, if you drive 6 hrs you're only gaining a little over 40 miles.

[mikeborny]

Just did denver to steamboat spring to grand canyon!!! 40-45 up most hills handled great towing the jeep. Had cruise control set at 68 for most of trip.


Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

[CAT-RN]

Originally Posted by mikeborny

Just did denver to steamboat spring to grand canyon!!! 40-45 up most hills handled great towing the jeep. Had cruise control set at 68 for most of trip.


Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

Mike: if you have not been to the Grand Canyon before --walk down the Bright Angel trail maybe a mile and back. At 1.5 mile there is a rest room. It will give you a real perspective of the canyon.

Real beautiful also. First 1/4 mile is beautiful also.

Russell

[BamaBob]

X2 on Camp Freightliner! We are recent "Graduates" and Mike Cody is probably one of the most knowledgeable people in the RV business today! HIGHLY recommend the course to any FR DP Owner (They all use Freightliner chassis)

[CAT-RN]

Delete. Wrong thread.