On a 6,000 mile trip around the U.S. thru 30 states I got 6.9 mpg average.
Weighed about 25,000 total with toad. Ran about 60 mph.
Best tank ever was from Ashland, Oregon to Fresno, Ca. 8.5 mpg with a strong tailwind all the way. 464 miles on one tank of gas.
2004 Monaco
La Palma 36DBD
Two Slides
2 Potties
Workhorse 22 chassis
8.1 gas engine & Allison transmission
6.9 MPG based on a 6,000 mile trip around the U.S.
My 8.1 is equipped with the Banks Power Pack, but that also doesn't change the fuel economy and the OE Monroe Shocks have been changed to Bilsteins and once again, should have little to do with fuel economy. Furthermore, I run Amzoil series 3000 Heavy Duty Gas/Diesel 5 W 30 fully synthetic motor oil, but I think the number 1. reason why I get such good fuel economy is my cruising speed of 60-62 MPH and using cruise control the vast majority of the time. We can leave Wyandotte, Mi. and make it all the way to the Flying J off I-75 in Resaca, Ga and I doubt if very many class A gassers can accomplish that! Chuck/Bagman.
Our local gas station is two miles away from our building in Wyandotte, which means we have to drive 642 miles to Resaca, Ga and when we get there, there is still 9 gallons of gas left in the tank. Therefore, we're doing 642 miles on 66 gallons of gas and that includes driving through Kentucky and Tennessee! Get me on the flats of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and 9.0 MPG and better is easy! My RV buddy Kevin Cook "AAFD" (38' GS w/3 slides) gets similar results without the Banks Power Pack and syn oil! Bags.
* This post was
edited 07/05/08 06:03am by bagman *
bagman wrote: Our local gas station is two miles away from our building in Wyandotte, which means we have to drive 642 miles to Resaca, Ga and when we get there, there is still 9 gallons of gas left in the tank. Therefore, we're doing 642 miles on 66 gallons of gas and that includes driving through Kentucky and Tennessee! Get me on the flats of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and 9.0 MPG and better is easy! My RV buddy Kevin Cook "AAFD" (38' GS w/3 slides) gets similar results without the Banks Power Pack and syn oil! Bags.
We have an 80 gallon tank and I wouldn't even attempt that run (which we make every year down I-75 (and exit 320 WAS a stopping spot for us at the FJ as well - until the price was 15 cents a gallon more than the Pilot on our way north in April)). So, why does YOUR 8.1 do so well? Chuck, I've heard several guys who have had the Banks job done say they get better MPG. The only fair comparison would be side by side testing of both. I have all the records of every fill and distance for all four of our MHs (and cars and SUVs) as everything is entered in QuickBooks with details.
BTW, we had no problem doing that kind of distance and MORE with our Ford. With the 8.1, I have no desire to call Coach net to deliver gas as we are stranded on the side of the road in Tennessee.
Don, perhaps we can convoy together down to Florida south bound on I-75 and I will make a believer out of you. Two things you have to consider, your 8.1 Vortec is set up different than ours as you have 325 HP vs our 340. Also your torque numbers are different as is the shape or your Kodiak based Jayco class C. I think I have better aerodynamics. However, 9.0 MPG doing 60 MPH is very achievable and I'm willing to prove it the next time we leave for Florida. I'll fill up in Wyandotte and not fill up again till we hit Resaca, Georgia. Chuck/Bagman.
Chuck, you seem to be missing my point. What I'm saying VERY LOUDLY is that 9 is in NO WAY indicative of what the 8.1 gets for other than DriVer and you it seems. The 8.1 in MY experience is NOT great on gas and is no where near as good as our V10 6.8. Now, your experience is a sample of ONE and so is mine - but mine is one of each - is yours?
Now, go tell all the 8.1 owners that they are getting 9 and they might have trouble agreeing with you.
Your reasons why my mileage might be lower don't IMO hold any water. Our engine has less stress than your yours. Check your own comments when we got it - YOU said the slightly downgraded power for commercial use will let it run for every it will be so reliable. I'll check with my engineer son on the aero aspects but you drive a brick and I very much doubt that my COD is worse than yours.
With your Banks, if my guess is correct, you got a much better set of headers and and freer flowing exhaust - and perhaps that makes some difference?? A reasonable comparison would be with a Ford with the Banks.
Read through this thread - it is one of many you can find on several forums. 9 or more for the 8.1 is simply not there for the vast majority of 8.1 owners - including me. It sure was there with our Ford which was also heavier than our Jayco.
Frankly, if I were buying a 35 ft class A tomorrow I'd take the Ford. Keep in mind my driveway is full of bowties so anyone who wants to sling "he is biased against Chev arrows" can't make any mileage whatsoever with such a claim.
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