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RE: 15 + mpg with V10 in 29 footer?
A friend told me that they are getting 13-18 mpg with a V10 Ford engine in a 29 ft class c. That kind of blew me away for a minute, but this person is trustworthy if they're calculations are correct. So can somebody tell me if this sounds reasonable? Or what do these units get with gas engines and a length somewhere around 29 ft? Thanks
As others have noted, I think your friend is either dreaming or very poor at practical math.
In addition to our Ford V-10 powered Class-C, we also have a V-10 powered Ford Excursion (4WD). Yes, it too is a big vehicle but nowhere as large, or as heavy, as our 31' Class-C. Nor does it have the demonstrably non-aerodynamic, air catching, flat front end of the motor home.
Our 8,900 lb GVW Excursion averages 12 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, and 15-16 mpg, (depending on how hard I push it) on the freeway. There is no way that a 14,500 lb GVW Class-C, with dual rear wheels, and a wind catching front end, can do better than that.
Don't ask me what kind of mileage I get with my Class-C. I don't know. I don't care. When the tank gets low, I put the nozzle in the filler spout, close my eyes, and I fill it up.
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AstroRig57
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02/09/12 11:10pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: 15 + mpg with V10 in 29 footer?
Speaking of V10 Class C gas mileage ... here's an interesting angle I'd REALLY like to get to the truth on regarding gas mileage for V10 Class C motorhomes late enough to have the 5-speed transmission with TOW/HAUL mode:
For "V10 motorhome travel under average contitions" (whatever that is), in which mode does one get the best mileage - TOW/HAUL mode, or standard mode? :@
I'll guesstimate that it might be with TOW/HAUL mode always engaged because a Class C motorhome is always hauling around quite a load ... unlike delivery trucks which oftimes are empty or nearly empty. When hauling, the transmission's torque converter is slipping less during acceleration in TOW/HAUL mode so overall average efficiency should be higher.
I'm considering leaving the transmission always in TOW/HAUL mode when traveling to perhaps get slightly improved gas mileage.
I think your premise is absolutely wrong.
Tow/Haul mode "Raises the shift point RPMs and internal trans shift pressures for a given engine load."
That means you will remain in a lower gear, with higher engine RPM's, for longer under any given load. Higher engine RPM's, and lower gearing, translates into higher fuel consumption and lower gas mileage. "The intention of having overdrive gears is to improve fuel mileage. To get that improved fuel mileage you need to get into that overdrive gear as soon as possible, and stay there as long as possible." Tow/Haul mode delays the "up shift" into a higher gear or overdrive.
Tow/Haul mode also, "Engages the “coast clutch” and uses other internal trans clutch/band application strategies in order to achieve engine braking through all gears as the transmission coasts down."
Using engine braking, "in all gears", and under all conditions is also going to equate to higher RPMs, greater fuel consumption, and lower gas mileage.
Intermotive Tech Tip August 06 pdf
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AstroRig57
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02/09/12 10:34pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Best options for good coffee while dry camping
I'm curious why the aversion to firing up the genny for your morning coffee?
If you are dry camping, chances are, there are not many others around you that you would be disturbing.
We have a Keurig in our motorhome and if we are dry camping, just fire up the generator, turn it on, and in less than 5 minutes, we have a perfect cup of coffee each and every time.
I don't see what the big deal is.
Much of our camping is done at remote "dark sky sites" where many astronomers stay up all night visually observing and/or imaging with specialized equipment.
Firing up a generator at night, while observing is going on, is frowned on at these sites as the generator exhaust, even the heat from exhaust, can disturb the air and degrade the viewing conditions.
At organized events, like RTMC (Riverside Telescope Makers Conference), Texas Star Party, Grand Canyon Star Party, and others generators are usually forbidden from dusk till 11:00 am. Some even forbid the use of RV furnaces between certain hours. The morning prohibition is in place so as not to disturb those who have been up all night and gone to sleep at dawn. These same hours are often informally observed at other events and places where astronomers congregate. This is why most of the RV owners in our astronomy club are very well equipped with solar power. (I have 270w of solar to service the RV and 120w for charging the battery packs for our astronomy equipment.)
Unless you have an inverter and sufficient battery capacity to power an electric coffee maker, a non-electric means to make coffee and other hot beverages is the only alternative at these events. BTW, we have one member who has this kind of capacity and when he is present we constantly run a coffee maker and a "Cocoa Motion" (hot chocolate) machine off his rig.
I know many remote, primitive, and pristine campsites (even other than those we frequent for astronomy) where the use of generators is also prohibited, or at the very least discouraged, for most of the nighttime hours and into the morning. As far as I'm concerned if one person is disturbed that's one too many.
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AstroRig57
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02/06/12 03:14am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Continuously variable transmissions
We have an AWD 2006 Ford Five Hundred (predecessor to the new generation Taurus) that has a ZF Batavia CFT30 CVT transmission. At the time, the CVT was the only transmission you could get with the AWD option. (This is basically the Volvo P2 platform.)
When we first got it I did not initially like it, since it did not have the familiar "snap" when shifting gears like a conventional transmission. After I got used to it, I learned to love it since it can always find the right gear ratio and it is very efficient at putting the traction to the wheels. It's the perfect combo with AWD. At the time, it would out accelerate a Chrysler 300 of the same model year just because it did a better of job of getting the available power to the wheels (a fact which Ford promoted extensively).
With only routine maintenance, ours has served us flawlessly since new and, when replaced with a 2010 Flex as my wife's daily driver, became our son's commuter for college. It may look a bit a bit stodgy, but he and his friends love it, with it's cavernous cabin, sunroof, tinted windows, and miserly fuel economy for the road trips to and from school.
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AstroRig57
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02/06/12 02:15am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Cab stereo speakers?
What type of stereo did you install, with what kind of power output?
Does the vehicle have only in-dash speakers, or door speakers as well?
Either way, Crutchfield can help you configure speakers for the dash and/or doors.
Go here, Crutchfield Configurator enter your model year, G-Series for the Van chassis, and click on "Car Speakers". It wil bring up many options for speakers that will fit your vehicle (some with modification).
They will supply mounting adapters, wiring harnesses, and instructions.
However, they also offer this caveat with the dash speaker installation for your vehicle.
What you need to know about the Dash location:
* Use the factory speaker grilles.
* A speaker adapter bracket is required, and it's included free with your speaker purchase.
* This is a very difficult installation.
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AstroRig57
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02/06/12 01:36am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: 04' 4winds 5000 mystery switch
If it glows when you ARE NOT plugged into shore power, my first impression would be that it might be for an inverter. Do you have an inverter to supply AC power when running off batteries?
If it glows ONLY when you ARE PLUGGED into shore power, or running the generator, my thought would be that it is for tank heat to keep your holding tanks from freezing. I have a red rocker switch, which illuminates when my tank pads are on, and which is located next to the generator control panel. Are there pads affixed to your holding tanks with wires going to them?
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AstroRig57
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02/05/12 11:25pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Quartzsite is alive and well
From my educated guess, the desert is alive and filled to near capacity with RVers. There are more RVs and of course more people here this year than I can remember in years past. All the rumors of vendors not coming is a complete fallacy. There are vendors stretched out in areas there have never had vendors before.
Wind blew yesterday right on schedule for the opening of the Big Tent :( but today the weather is really great again.
Are you the President of the Quartzite Tourist bureau by any chance??? I would like to know where the vendors are that are stretched out in areas that never had vendors before???? We have been to Quartzite 7 times this winter and it is a whole lot different than 12 years ago when we first discovered Quartzite. Don't get me wrong, it is still a great place to go.No, I'm not affiliated with Quartzsite in any way at all other than being a member of the Quartzsite RC Flyers.
Perhaps I should have been more precise in my assessment....There are vendors out in areas that they have never been before in the last 8 years that I have been spending any time during the Big Tent Show week. Sorry about that, I bow to your 4 years seniority in watching the wind blow in Quartzsite.
There are vendors stretched out, in areas where there were previously no vendors, because many of the previous gem, mineral, and other vendor areas are now occupied by the seasonal lots of California RV dealerships. Areas on the east side of town, that used to be occupied by Clouds Jamboree, Crystal Rock, and others are now occupied by RV Dealerships who are, at least partially, motivated to move their stock to Arizona in the winter to avoid paying CA inventory tax.
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AstroRig57
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01/27/12 03:20am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Short term storage
With a 2005 Coachmen you will, most likely, have a WFCO 3 stage converter/charger (either an 8945 or 8955). You will find mixed reviews herein. Most negative reviews concern claims that the unit will not go into "bulk" (meaning rapid charge) mode if your cabling is not of a heavy enough gauge though I have not had this issue.
This unit has a "float" mode that should, if the RV has not been used for 48 hours, and has a "no load" condition, reduce the charging voltage to a "trickle charge" or 13.2 volts. Still, this is not a battery maintainer and in a 2 month period of time this could deplete the electrolyte in the batteries.
For storage of more than just a few days, my protocol, and my recommendation, is to cycle the battery disconnect to the "Store" position, turn the converter off at the breaker/distribution box, and maintain the batteries using a Deltran Battery Tender Plus (or similar battery maintainer). I've used this technique for many years and have had excellent battery life.
Your unit also probably has an Intellitec Battery Disconnect. In case you haven't already figured it out, bear this in mind. The disconnect switch does not physically turn the batteries off like a switch. Rather, it is a momentary switch that cycles a remote solenoid that is usually located close to the converter/charger. When plugged into shore power, and even if you cycle the momentary switch to the "Store" position, the indicator light will continue to glow. The light will only go off, when cycled to "Store", if the RV is not plugged into shore power. When plugged into shore power, and if you want the batteries to charge, you must ensure that you have cycled the switch to the "Use" position.
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AstroRig57
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01/27/12 02:40am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Disneyland (CA) Hotel
Thanks to those that replied. We decided to spend a little more and stay at the Disneyland Hotel.
Don't know if you're a AAA member, but this is "Disney Month" at AAA with many special offers.
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AstroRig57
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01/20/12 05:38pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: headers for 2002 ford v10
I have the Banks kit. The increase in power was noticable, gas milage... maybe a little but it definately does not make up for the cost of the products. If you need more torque yes, fuel econ no....
I have a question.
What does the addition of headers to the E-450 based motorhome, which is essentially a van, do in regard to interior noise?
I ask because in my youth I had a 1971 Chevy Beauville Sportvan 30 which I bought from my folks. It had over 100,000 miles on it when I bought it (back when that kind of mileage was a big deal). I tinted the windows, stripped the interior and did a full "van conversion" (high back Captains chairs, matching headliner and wall panels, deep carpet with a thick pad, kick a** stereo...), , and some awesome dark green Dupont Imron metal flake paint with pearl highlights.
I also rebuilt the engine with many high performance components including exhaust headers and a performance exhaust. With the headers right underneath the cover, and basically between the front seats, they almost roared inside the van, especially if I "romped on it"....even with the additional insulated cover/upholstery installed as part of the conversion. I installed more, and more, and more, sound deadening insulation..basically chasing the noise till the day I sold it.
Does the installation of headers, and a performance exhaust, noticeably increase the engine noise in a Ford based Class-C?
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AstroRig57
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01/20/12 02:59am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Camping in parking lots on the LV Strip
We are planning a trip to Vegas in March. Are there any lots on the strip that we can dry camp overnight without being hassled?
For starters, and some of the other comments aside, there are no "lots on the strip". Even the hotel/casinos who have strip frontage have no "lots on the strip". They all occupy massive tracts of land with all of their parking behind the hotel/casinos and well off the strip. Many have parking garages, both above and below ground, where the clearance will not facilitate parking an RV.
A few hotel/casinos have limited "over sized vehicle parking" which is meant to accommodate hotel guests (even truckers) whose vehicles will not fit in the parking garages...but not those choosing to do "casinodocking". The rates at some of the hotels (even nicer ones) are so cheap that I'd consider parking the rig and having a nice night in "resort". BTW, the ceiling on the ground floor of LuXor's parking garage is high enough that I've seen NASCAR haulers parked inside the garage.
While we don't consider Las Vegas to be an RV destination, and live close enough to travel there by car, we have stopped there several times en route to other destinations in the RV and spent several days at Mandalay Bay, or "THE hotel at Mandalay Bay" where we were instructed to park the RV in the lot adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Event Center. We weren't staying in the RV, only parking it, and have never had any security issues. Security is tight at most casinos and I would imagine that most any would figure out if your were "docking" in their lot and tell you to move along.
As others have said, you would probably have better luck "docking" at off stip casinos, most of whom have large open parking lots, like the Orleans or the Station Casinos.
I will respect the opinions of those who seem to think the RV Park at Circus Circus is safe and secure for RV'ers. I can't comment on that as I've never stayed there. As a hotel/casino, I would AVOID it. It's aging and has become the "low rent district" and destination of choice for Southern California gang bangers.
Not meaning to be the resident apologist for Las Vegas, but touching on some of the other comments:
"Vegas isn't getting any better. I haven't been there for awhile but I would park in a very lighted area....If you are just driving through going west I would wait and park at state line. "
Haven't been there for awhile? How do you know it's not "getting any better"? Define "awhile". Las Vegas changes so much, and so frequently, that if you haven't been in the last year you're behind the curve on new construction (actually, six months is pushing it.) Show me any place in Las Vegas (actually, the strip is in "Paradise", NV and not Las Vegas) that isn't well lighted.
"Isn't getting any better"? Is this to imply that it is less secure than any other large metropolitan area? I've gone to CES in Las Vegas every year since the late 70's and typically go to LV at least twice a year aside from that. (BTW, we do not gamble.) I've never felt unsafe or that the personal security of myself or my family was threatened in any way. As is the case with any large city, there are areas a tourist should avoid but the strip and hotel casino areas are not among them. I've walked great distances on the strip, at many hours of the day and night, and never had an issue.
Stateline is a dump! Period. The last place I would ever stay in my RV. You can't even stop for gas there without getting hassled by panhandlers. I've been hit up by multiple panhandlers on one gas stop.
We are in Vegas for our first visit as I type. After seeing the strip, I wouldn't dry camp down there for nothing. Too many homeless people everywhere. If you're coming to Las Vegas and can't afford a safe campground, stay away....
I don't know where this comment comes from. As I mentioned before, there is nowhere that you could even remotely consider "dry camping" on the strip...so to say you wouldn't consider it is a moot point. You can't even park a car "on the strip" for crying out loud.
"Too many homeless people"? Are you sure you aren't referring to the downtown stip or "Fremont Street"? I've seen the occasional panhandler, or street performer, or shill for the "escort services" on the strip, but never "homeless people" (unless "Occupy" has taken up residence somewhere on the strip). Maybe north of the Stratosphere...and getting into downtown, but not on "the strip" per se. There are also probably more police per square mile along the strip, in cars, on bicycles, and foot patrol, than in just about any other city in the country...not to mention private security for the casinos. As I said before, I've never felt that my personal security was in any way imperiled in Las Vegas.
As I've said here, and in other threads, I don't consider Las Vegas to be an RV destination. We'd rather be spoiled and PRETEND to be rich when we go there. That said, if you're a full timer, or otherwise traveling in the RV when stopping in Las Vegas and don't want to stay in a resort hotel/casino and just park the RV on their grounds, I'd stay in an RV resort. Even the rates at The Oasis are reasonable and it too has what I'd consider to be "Las Vegas Resort" features and amenities.
....and on that note: 10 top reasons to visit Las Vegas right now
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AstroRig57
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01/18/12 10:02pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Disneyland (CA) Hotel
I going to stick this here as time is limited and don't have time to take MH.
DW has a business trip to LA in early February and we are seriously thinking about kidnapping the 6 year old grandson and doing a fast Disneyland trip.
Any advice for hotels at/near the park? Don't need the top of the line but I don't like sleeping with any six-legged critters. I would love to stay at one of the Disney properties but I haven't won the Power Ball yet.
Any advice is welcome.
There are two Best Westerns on S. Harbor (Best Western Anaheim Inn & Best Western Park Place Inn). Both of those hotels are located closer to the Disneyland Gate than the Disneyland Hotel. They are directly across the street from the gate. I have stayed at one of them, but I can't remember which and it's a decent place. They are probably a little more expensive because of their location, but they are way cheaper than a Disney Hotel. And the nice thing is you don't have to worry about shuttle busses or trams. Just walk to the park and it's an easy walk back to the hotel to take a break during the day. Look at them on Google Earth.
I used to be a "Disney Daddy" and regularly took my kids to Disneyland when married to my first wife, as a single dad, and with my wife..their stepmom. (Who had a greater hand in raising them than their biological mother.)
We've stayed at all the properties mentioned by mssmith1199 and they are all more than adequate. They are all part of the Best Western Stovall's Hotels in Anaheim. I think we've stayed in all four of them at one time or another and all are a good value for hotels in the area. Of them, the Anaheim Inn was our favorite due to the combination of amenities and value. Trams are not an issue and we've always had minimal wait for trams to various properties at which we've stayed.
We also stayed at the Disneyland Hotel on several occasions (before California adventure and the addition of other Disney properties) as well as the Emerald of Anaheim which is now Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. If you've got the money, the Disneyland Hotel is a SPECIAL treat, a resort unto itself, especially during special special seasonal/holiday promotions that add extra value to the stay (like early admission, Disney character breakfasts, etc). The nice part about the Disneyland Hotel is that the monorail runs between there and the park on constant basis. When the kids were little, we could take the monorail back to the hotel, take a nap, and get back up for round two in the park after dark.
Most of the neighboring hotels are listed on this Disneyland site.
Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels
The only BAD experience we have had at any Anaheim hotel was at the Howard Johnson's. We stayed once (of course many years ago) and never stayed again. Though clean, the room always smelled musty. As it turned out, the condensation line from the AC for the room above, dripped into our bathroom ceiling which was perpetually wet, and subsequently onto our bathroom floor. Since they were booked solid, their only solution was extra towels to continually mop it up.
One last caveat. I have always been of the opinion that Disneyland cannot be adequately done in one day...even before the addition of California Adventure. It just requires too much rushing around to get to all of the desired attractions. With the advent of the FASTPASS service this is better, but I'd still rather have the extra time.
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AstroRig57
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01/16/12 04:45pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: western mountains
The only thing I would be concerned about is braking! On my A I had an exhaust brake, and would only have to tap the brakes once or twice or the longest steepest down grades. On the C you only have your brakes and a really limited engine brake! I would worry that the brakes would overheat?
This absolutely a non-issue. Diesels have exhaust brakes because, without them, they have virtually no engine braking at all.
The Ford V-10 in a Class-C has more than ample engine braking. We regularly take ours to many remote, mountainous sites, with our astronomy club. One route we take, in the White Mountains has a short section of road with an 18% grade.
We frequently drive California 18 north of Big Bear City. The grade is impressive, descending (and ascending) at 11%, which is almost double the allowable grade percentage for Interstate highways (which is generally 6 to 7% depending on waivers and exceptions for specific climbs).
We travel this route several times a year. I have never had an issue with it in our Class-C...creeping down in first gear and never any faster than 25 mph. The engine holds our large and heavy 31' Class-C at manageable speed with only an occasional tap of the brakes when the RPM's and speed climb. I have, however, seen numerous RV'ers towing travel trailers or fifth wheels smoking their brakes while going down this one. I've also seen a few toads smoking behind big Class-A's as well.
In like manner, our 2005 V-10 powered rig climbs anything we ask of it. Don't be afraid to use a low gear and wind them out...they thrive on it.
http://www.aaroads.com/california/images018/ca-018_nb_summit.jpg
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AstroRig57
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01/16/12 03:20pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Ringtone halts NY Philharmonic performance
While I am a musician, concertgoer, and patron of the arts, and would love to see it done, cell phone jammers are illegal except to military, law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.
Anyone caught manufacturing, selling, owning, or using a jammer in the U.S. is punishable by an $11,000 fine and up to a year in prison for each offense.
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AstroRig57
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01/13/12 01:24am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Quartzsite Friday night Coyate $6.95
You can't tell me anything about roadkill.
My family has cattle ranched for six generations. I grew up on bumper beef.
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AstroRig57
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01/13/12 12:45am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Centramatic Wheel Balancers
I have used a set of the Centrimatic Balancers on three Class C's. The first RV was a 22' 1978 Dodge Brougham, second was a 1987 26' Minnie Winnie, third is a 2005 Winnebago Minnie 31C. I got them at a good price in 1992. The balancers fit all Class C bolt patterns. All three machines drove smooth as silk down the highway. They eliminate any balance issues with the tires. I have always balanced new tires when they were installed on any the motorhome. They do get in the way of the inside wheel valve stems on the dually's a little, but never a big deal. The balancers will compensate for a weight that is lost.
I would buy another set in a minute.
Thanks for the response...all of you.
bmoon,
Would the valve stem access be any kind of an issue with the extended Tireman valve stems? Do you know if the Centramat system would interfere with, or possibly preclude, the use of the Tireman stems?
FWIW, I always have both the drive and steering tires balanced on my Class-C as well.
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AstroRig57
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01/13/12 12:32am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Motorhome Insurance?
We have five vehicles and our house insured through State Farm.
When we got our RV, I went to our agent and, even with Multi-line, Multi-vehicle, loyalty, driving record...and numerous other discounts they couldn't touch Progressive...and...did not even offer or include some of the "unique to RVs" coverage that Progressive offers.
As others have noted, I don't think some of the insurance companies have a clue in regard to the special insurance needs of RVs.
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AstroRig57
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01/12/12 12:33am |
General RVing Issues
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Centramatic Wheel Balancers
I'm wondering if anyone here has ever used this product and, if so, your experience with it.
Centramatic Wheel Balancers
I have a friend who has installed these on his large Truck Camper and who has been relentlessly telling me that this is something I must have. He insists that I'll wonder how I ever got by without them as the truck will ride so smooth "it will feel like it's on glass".
Of course, he seemed to have a perpetually out of balance situation on his truck, which he solved with the Centramatic system, whereas I have never had balance issues (of which I'm aware).
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AstroRig57
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01/11/12 11:37pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Accident: Who is at fault?
Doesn't every state have a law or section in the code that requires a driver to avoid an accident? Even if the Mazda driver was wrong entering the intersection, the other car still has a obligation to avoid the collision.
This is called the "last clear chance" and as long as no one was clearly at fault, and/or cited for violation of law, it is a possibility. If no one was cited, it will most likely be up to the insurance companies to establish blame...or not.
They should pay on their own client's claims, and then go after the other party via subrogation.
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AstroRig57
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01/09/12 08:48pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Quartzsite Friday night Coyate $6.95
The little restaurants next to the new Ford dealer is offering all C, just $6.95. It comes in dry, dryer, driest.
So, I'm wondering, does the dining establishment actually say "all you can eat Coyate"...or is that a typo and do they say "all you can eat COYOTE"?
I'm wondering if it's like a dish prepared with imitation "Krab", as opposed to a dish prepared with real "Crab"?
Which makes me wonder, how does one get a permit to serve "Coyote"? It's not a recognized game animal anywhere I'm aware of.
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AstroRig57
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01/09/12 07:57pm |
Snowbirds
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