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Old 03-23-2015, 07:57 PM   #1
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Speed and Gas Mileage

Immediately after picking up our new RV last Thursday we headed out west from Dallas on I-20 (straight and about as level as you can get) with the cruise control set at 60 mph. After half a tank we decided to check the mileage and it was 8.3. We flew in to pick up "Bert" so the mileage is sans dingy and very unloaded weight-wise.

We then did the next test at 55 mph and the mileage jumped to 10.8 . Bert sports the Ford Triton V-10.

I'm sure everyone knows all this, but the question I have is .....what is the "sweet spot" (ie, mph) for maximum mileage for this engine? Or any other tips to improve the mileage?

Thanks.

WW and Mrs. WW
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Old 03-24-2015, 11:34 AM   #2
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I think the sweet spot will vary according to driving and load conditions. If your trip computer shows instantaneous MPG, tweak your speed as you go to find what's best for you.
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Old 03-24-2015, 11:48 AM   #3
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My ford 7.3 likes 1700-1800 rpm , which is around 58 -60 mph with a 3.73 rear.My BIL's cummins likes 1600 his is a manual and I dont know what axle but it is 55 -57 mph. My son's "06 cummins with a programmer,is the same,1500 -1600 and around 60mph.All 3 of us can squeeze 13mpg at these speeds if we do not have a stiff headwind. In my case, if I get up around 2000 rpm (65mph) the mileage goes in the toilet,down to 11 and as low as 10 at 70mph.We are all pulling similar wieghts,BIL has a 34' cardnal FW,son has a 34'TT.

edit) I know the OP was asking about the V-10,I just posted this for comparison.
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Old 03-24-2015, 11:53 AM   #4
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I haven't done extensive testing but overall 35-45 is the best speed..not practical on the highway.
My outback will do 15-20% better on ye olde country roads at 45-55 than a solid 65-75.

As for towing, again, wind resistance is the biggest issue and that isn't a linear relationship - double your speed and wind resistance goes up 4 fold.

Iv'e seen 11ish when doing those old country roads (50-55ish) and as low as 9 at 65-70.

Hills hurt but you can't do much about them.
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Old 03-24-2015, 11:54 AM   #5
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If you don't have an instant fuel economy readout on your dash to see the sweet spot, there are many OBDII devices that work with a smartphone that aren't particularly expensive... might be worth a look at one, handy little critter to have and works in all 1994 or so and up vehicles of any brand to diagnose a check engine light and such.
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Old 03-24-2015, 12:44 PM   #6
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MPG ?

Does anyone out there have experience on MPG/Speed on Sunseeker or Forester 31' Motorhome? We plan to purchase new one and also will be towing a PT Cruiser on a tow dolly. What kind of average mileage could we expect and what is the sweet spot, speed wise?
Thanks for any help
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Old 03-24-2015, 12:58 PM   #7
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My experience with mileage is that it's all over the map and depends on what you're driving/towing and the terrain. My Four Winds 32' Class C with a Triton V-10 got as much (!) as 10 MPG on the flats but even the smallest hills caused me to crawl up them in the truck lanes. Mileage went in the toilet even though I babied it. Moved from NC to AZ, traded in the rig and Honda Pilot for an F-350 Diesel and a 40' Silverback. Limited experience on distance towing, but it seems like it's going to be around 11-12 MPG. Trip to Southern California next month should give me better numbers.
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Old 03-24-2015, 05:54 PM   #8
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We have the Ford Triton V10 on a 2014 30' pursuit. Taking in to account what everyone said below regarding extenuating considerations (and granting we've only put on about 3k miles on various trips this past year along the Eastern coast), the average has varied from 7.5 to almost 9 - no tow. I would say a lot of interstate (though a couple local back road) miles at speeds >= 65.
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Old 03-24-2015, 07:09 PM   #9
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My 31' C with the V-10 averages around 8 not towing, 7 towing a car and dolly. This was across a range of terrains, but not mountains. Wants to settle down around 65-70. Having had a C and an A, the A wanted to run slower (more mass, wind resistance, had the 454 in it). Just get out and see where the unit wants to run comfortably, with consideration for the traffic. Don't get on the interstate and go 55, for example. You become a traffic hazard.
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Old 04-01-2015, 08:43 AM   #10
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If your buying a rv gas or diesel your not going to get great fuel milage. After having a diesel pick up over my gas. paying 4500 for the diesel option 80 cents to a dollar more a gallon on fuel 4 gallons of oil and filter 2fuel filters every other oil change just to get 2 to 3 miles a gallon no more diesel for me. Cruise control doesn't always mean better gas milage
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Old 04-01-2015, 10:26 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chriscowles View Post
I think the sweet spot will vary according to driving and load conditions. If your trip computer shows instantaneous MPG, tweak your speed as you go to find what's best for you.
Just checked Vern's calculator.......1320', 6.05seconds, 5gals. Donations accepted!.......Maybe should of bought a m/h.
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Old 04-01-2015, 12:22 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bob caldwell View Post
Just checked Vern's calculator.......1320', 6.05 seconds, 5gals. Donations accepted!.......Maybe should of bought a m/h.
In your case there needs to be some allowance for rate of acceleration, and the cost of winning.
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