Engine Brake and gas mileage

[boxers-rule]

Thanks to all who have lent their advice on my original thread posting. But to clarify, my question was two-fold. First was who leaves a Berkshire/Charleston engine brake on all the time. I now realize that there seems to be multiple forms of engine braking. It appears that the one I'm referring to is a retarding of the turbocharger. Reading the many responses and studying further the manuals in the rig, I now understand that certain conditions (wet,snow,etc) should dictate that the engine brake should be shut off.
Second, and the real reason I posted the question, was gas (diesel) MPG. Again, leaving it on all the time, I have not broken the 10mpg barrier but once in the 4k miles I've driven the unit and that was not for long. Some of you have mentioned 11mpg and even as much as 13.5mpg (7.2 L Mercedes). I have also read that the Cummins isn't as efficient, but I'm not sure of that comment. My rig is a Cummins 360 hp.
So, the real reason for the post was the MPG question. Comments relating to anyone's experience would be appreciated.

[accumack]

I find my best fuel milage when I keep the RPM below 2000. My last trip I was only getting 9.2 MPG then realized I forgot to push the button to go to economy mode and got it up to 10.2 MPG. I have the 340 Cummins and drive 55 MPH to 60 MPH. I leave my engine brake on all the time except when slippery. I would imagine the 360 engine should get close to the 340 engine in MPG.

[Paulie Boy]

Originally Posted by boxers-rule

Thanks to all who have lent their advice on my original thread posting. But to clarify, my question was two-fold. First was who leaves a Berkshire/Charleston engine brake on all the time. I now realize that there seems to be multiple forms of engine braking. It appears that the one I'm referring to is a retarding of the turbocharger. Reading the many responses and studying further the manuals in the rig, I now understand that certain conditions (wet,snow,etc) should dictate that the engine brake should be shut off.
Second, and the real reason I posted the question, was gas (diesel) MPG. Again, leaving it on all the time, I have not broken the 10mpg barrier but once in the 4k miles I've driven the unit and that was not for long. Some of you have mentioned 11mpg and even as much as 13.5mpg (7.2 L Mercedes). I have also read that the Cummins isn't as efficient, but I'm not sure of that comment. My rig is a Cummins 360 hp.
So, the real reason for the post was the MPG question. Comments relating to anyone's experience would be appreciated.

My 390 BH-60 averaged 10.4 mpg pulling a Lincoln MKX, over 17,000 miles last year. That includes two trips over the Rockies. I kept the speed between 63-65, used Econ mode a lot but only used the engine brake for speed control going down steep slopes and slowing for traffic or exits. Ne'er left the engine brake full time.


Paul
2015 XL 40QL-60
2015 Jeep Wrangler Unltd. Sahara
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[CAT-RN]

Originally Posted by Paulie Boy

My 390 BH-60 averaged 10.4 mpg pulling a Lincoln MKX, over 17,000 miles last year. That includes two trips over the Rockies. I kept the speed between 63-65, used Econ mode a lot but only used the engine brake for speed control going down steep slopes and slowing for traffic or exits. Ne'er left the engine brake full time.


Paul
2015 XL 40QL-60
2015 Jeep Wrangler Unltd. Sahara
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

Similar coach here. Operate the same. On mine I most always run mode switch on.

Russell