Well folks, I completed the BanksPower Kit install and took it for a little test drive. (this is the full kit, 119 HP)
Started out through about 30 miles of very hilly terrain (5-6% grades) and then onto the freeway for 70 miles. I set the cruise at 65 MPH. In the hills the power difference was signifcant to say the least. The big thing though was that I averaged 8.7 MPG which is a 2.0 increase from the Pre-Banks MPG of 6.6 at best. This was taken from my TripTec which has been pretty accurate.
I will do another test at 60 MPH to see if there is any increase in fuel mileage.
So, far I am impressed and feel it was worth the price and effort.
Dennis & Carol
2003 Dutchstar 40' 3 Slides, 8.3L ISC W/banks Kit 465HP,
Spartan Chassis
2010 Taurus Toad
So, far I am impressed and feel it was worth the price and effort.
Great to hear! I only have the Stinger package (came on the coach) and I am very happy with it; even if I don't have much to compare it with. Last week we got 11.2mpg (no toad) for a 500 mile trip which included a mountain pass, a 12 mile grade from 700 feet to 2400 feet, and freeway through a major metro area (Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia).
It's interesting that you got a significant increase in mpg where so many have reported power benefits; maybe if you use all that hp you don't get any better mpg... but if you just cruise along you see an improvement in both.
Just so you don't make other drool over your MPG: It is only fair to post that you have a fairly light weight (around 20,500 pounds I suspect), unibody, aerodynamic coach with Cummins B 5.9 engine. It should and will get over ll MPG as does our Foretravel U240.
At least I suspect you are talking about your Foretravel U225.
Just so you don't make other drool over your MPG: It is only fair to post that you have a fairly light weight (around 20,500 pounds I suspect), unibody, aerodynamic coach with Cummins B 5.9 engine. It should and will get over ll MPG as does our Foretravel U240.
At least I suspect you are talking about your Foretravel U225.
Brett
Hi Brett. Yes... the U225... I'm pretty sure we're well under the 22,500 lbs GVW and we have the mechanical Cummins 5.9 with the Banks Stinger. I also don't rush things and generally cruise at 2150RPM which is about 60mph. We were not towing anything and on cruise control 80% of the time. I will be installing a resonator later this summer and hope to get up to your 11.3mpg then.
We don't full time and, at least for now, we're just using the coach for short "vacation" getaways. Even so, we drive for economy and one reason for having an aerodynamic coach (only 8-feet wide and relatively low) was for good economy. I am, after all, on Social Security.
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