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Old 06-28-2016, 01:57 PM   #1
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fuel mileage

We just returned from 2600 miles in four weeks. Really disappointed in mileage. Went from San Diego up the coast of California and Oregon, into central Oregon, Hood River, Bend, Reno, Mammoth and back to San Diego.
Drove around 60 and averaged under 13 with no towing. Friend with us with similar MH on sprinter frame averaged around 16. Ours is a 2010 (6 cylinder) and his was a 2007 (5 cylinder)
I recently purchased this used with 12000 miles. I found a chip in the glove compartment so it looks like he may have changed the computer specs to tow a Chev. HHR
Any ideas on how to improve mileage?

All in all, I LOVED the vehicle!
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Old 06-28-2016, 02:02 PM   #2
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I see a lot of mountains on your route. Also keep in mind how much you are carrying and at this time of year you can get a northerly wind on that route.

Once you get out on the flat open road, that number should improve.
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Old 07-01-2016, 09:03 AM   #3
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Only time I see near 15 is on flat terrain with no head or side wind. Typical all around mileage is closer to 13.
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Old 07-01-2016, 09:01 PM   #4
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I average 14 mpg including a 2 month trip through the western states. Not pulling anything.
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Old 07-01-2016, 11:01 PM   #5
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I get 13.5-15 while towing a Honda Fit over the Sierras and Rockies. Then over 15 on tailwind days.
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Old 07-05-2016, 11:59 PM   #6
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We drove 900 miles from North of Seattle to Sacramento not pulling anything but going 65 to 70 and got 14.5 then the next weekend we went north to Redding and back driving 65 to 70 and not pulling anything and got 14.5 in our stock 2014 24R with 4,000 miles on it. Was hoping for better but not yet broken in.
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Old 07-06-2016, 02:14 AM   #7
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I think its a myth getting better milage after "broken in"....but 14.5 in my book is ok.
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Old 07-06-2016, 04:28 AM   #8
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I just traded in my Solera which was a 2010 model built on a 2008 chassis.

I charted the mpg over the 6 years I own it. My driving has been all east coast and seldom flat, i.e. east coast hills and or mountains. On interstates I drove around 60 mph, seldom if ever seeing 65 mph.

The average mpg over that 6 year period was 14.2 mpg.

If people say they get 15 or 16 mpg with these, esp. with mountain driving, I question the math.
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Old 07-07-2016, 09:21 AM   #9
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Just pulled in to Vegas from Bend Oregon with our 24R. Stopped in Sparks at Marina RV park. Kept speed at 65 and got 14.6. Not towing this trip and fairly light loaded. Gues that's all it will do.
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Old 07-07-2016, 09:46 AM   #10
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Same as you

Quote:
Originally Posted by jngspencer View Post
I get 13.5-15 while towing a Honda Fit over the Sierras and Rockies. Then over 15 on tailwind days.
Similar RV pulling the same Toad and about the same mileage. I'm not unhappy about it at all. It's a 11,000 pound vehicle with the aerodynamics of a barn door (perpendicular to the wind) pulling a 2500 pound car. Anyone expecting 16-20 mpg with these things is overly optimistic.
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Old 07-13-2016, 01:04 AM   #11
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mpg

I've had my 2012 about 3 years now -- just tripped 36K on the odometer on my last outing. My fuel mileage had varied from under 9.8 to 15.6 mpg MAX.

I've filled up once and climbed to 8000 feet on a tank and gotten 14. I've filled up and driven the flat, windless San Joaquin Valley floor (at 75mph and 3K RPM) on a tank and got 10.2.

My best mileage EVER was over a couple of days of stop and go driving in Yellowstone's varied terrain -- driving it like a "bread truck" -- rarely over 40 mph and got the 15.6!

It's funny, the 2nd best mpg I EVER got was when I was towing my 55 Willys and was "legally" forced to keep my speed under 60. My fuel mileage was just under 15 with a vehicle in tow!! (Maybe I show tow more often!)

Wind is a factor, without a doubt, by I've determined like all diesels, if I keep the RPM's down and consistent -- that's when I max my mpg.
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Old 07-13-2016, 08:21 AM   #12
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I've found the same thing. Keeping your speed down gives a lot better mpg. I usually drive 55-60 and most always towing, averaging 14.5 mpg. Once I did a stretch at 65 and saw the mpg go dramatically down. I'm guessing that the big house on top of the chassis creates a LOT of wind resistance.
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Old 07-13-2016, 10:06 AM   #13
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I just had my 2014 24R into Mercedes for 2 recal fixes both in the electronics and asked them about the MPG. They said air pressure in all the tires will be critical to getting the best MPG (firmer is better) but max PSI is 80. They said that the 2 recall fixes "might" improve the MPG a bit. They also said that the FP models get more wind resistance than say the Thor because of the larger over head bed. By the way I was quite impressed with the dealership. They did a full inspection and checked all tire air pressure AND washed the entire exterior and vacuumed the interior. We had just returned from a trip so the exterior needed a good cleaning.
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Old 07-23-2016, 02:35 AM   #14
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I've been thinking about using the Mercedes service facility in Rocklin. Is that the one you used?
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Old 07-23-2016, 08:18 AM   #15
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I have used the Rocklin Mercedes dealer twice now and both times received excellent service.
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Old 07-24-2016, 01:05 PM   #16
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Good to hear that. I'll go there for my first first service. Thanks
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Old 07-24-2016, 06:04 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by namusmc View Post
I've been thinking about using the Mercedes service facility in Rocklin. Is that the one you used?
Yes I used the Rocklin MB dealer and was very happy. I had to have my Solera smogged because I bought it out of CA and they were very expensive to have the smog done ($89 vs $52 at a local smog place) but for the work I had them do I was quite happy and they have a free shuttle to take you home and pick you up within 20 miles of the dealership. And a free check of tire pressure etc and free wash of the motorhome.
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Old 07-26-2016, 01:48 AM   #18
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Good to know. Thanks
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Old 07-26-2016, 05:29 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KatanaPilot View Post
Similar RV pulling the same Toad and about the same mileage. I'm not unhappy about it at all. It's a 11,000 pound vehicle with the aerodynamics of a barn door (perpendicular to the wind) pulling a 2500 pound car. Anyone expecting 16-20 mpg with these things is overly optimistic.
X2

My step-brother is an engineer in the R&D department for GMC and works at the Milford proving grounds most of the time. With diesels, research has shown that you will get your best fuel mileage by keeping the engine RPM's within the engines "Torque" range. If your RPM's are below the torque range the engine will struggle and you will waste fuel., if the engine RPM's is above the torque range, you will be producing horsepower instead of torque and horsepower requires energy, i.e. FUEL

The torque range for the V-6 24 valve Turbocharged clean diesel engine is 1400 RPM - 2400 RPM. Cruising in fifth gear with the engine turning 2400 RPM equates to 60 MPH on a flat road with no headwind. Anything faster that 60 MPH equates to getting less fuel mileage.
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Old 07-31-2016, 11:30 PM   #20
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Thanks for all the info. Can't wait to get back on the road. Headed for Southern Utah and National Parks in September.
Any tips?
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