gas mileage

[pjtaxi]

Just finished our first long trlp with 97 Dolphin with 460 with Banks power system. We tow a small geo tracker. In 3300 miles we averaged about 7 mpg, is this about right. Trying to drive at 60 but almost every grade it will kick down and rev up to about 3500 rpm.

[Red Wolf 2]

We drive a Coachmen Mirada and are towing a Subaru Forester. Most of the gas now contains 10% alcohol, so that will affect your mileage. We're getting around 8 MPG now. But, it's a great life!

[TXiceman]

You are about right for the rig you have. You don't buy a motorhome for good gas mileage.

Ken

[Alleyman]

I don't know what size Dolphin you have, but high RPM's eat fuel. I've found that with my Banks setup, If I run a little higher speed, around 64-66, I get better MPG due to not lugging the engine. Probably at 60 you are not reaching the best torque curve. I run, in Overdrrive< at 2100 rpms, and get good power to pull. When doing a grade, it shifts down to fifth and runs at 3000 with no power problems. As stated, Ethanol blwends cut MPG slightly. The other thing I just found out from Banks Tech, is DON'T fill your gas tank to the top. This screws up the oxy sensor and your check engine light will come on and makes the fuel mixture a little lean. Good luck.

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjtaxi Just finished our first long trlp with 97 Dolphin with 460 with Banks power system. We tow a small geo tracker. In 3300 miles we averaged about 7 mpg, is this about right. Trying to drive at 60 but almost every grade it will kick down and rev up to about 3500 rpm.

7 is about right for the 460.

[pjtaxi]

Thanks for all the info, no I didn't buy a motorhome and expect to get good gas mileage, but just wanted to know if I was about where I should be for the vehicle we have. Thanks again for all the info Pjtaxt

[Warden]

I get around 8 MPG - 8.5 MPG.

I know of one which is a 1998 and he gets 3.5 MPG.

[Bill WA6YBD]

3.5 MPH??? If that were mine I would take it out in the field and put it to sleep. I get 8.5 to 9 with my Workhorse.

~Bill

[keninvic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjtaxi Just finished our first long trlp with 97 Dolphin with 460 with Banks power system. We tow a small geo tracker. In 3300 miles we averaged about 7 mpg, is this about right. Trying to drive at 60 but almost every grade it will kick down and rev up to about 3500 rpm.

My 2004 Dolphin 5320, with a loaded basement and pulling an enclosed trailer with 2 heavy Harleys inside averaged 7 mpg over 3900 miles. I kept a record of miles driven and did the calculations when I filled the tank. Route was I5 through WA, OR, CA and all over AZ.

Higher revs doesn't necessarily mean lower gas mileage. You will consume more fuel with the accelerator down at lower revs, IMO.

[Warden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill WA6YBD 3.5 MPH??? If that were mine I would take it out in the field and put it to sleep. I get 8.5 to 9 with my Workhorse. ~Bill

Hi Bill,

If you could see it............ massive 45 footer..... I have to agree on putting it to sleep.... but this thing is in mint condition and he really keeps it up and I have to say it really looks Great !!