Southwind 32, RPM's & MPG ??

[geno-heidi]

Hi again...thanks for the MPG replies earlier.
This question has to do w same trip to GA from FL...
Took note of my RPM's while driving and we were running @ 2600 RPM for 58 MPH on the flats and CC...That seems a little high for me and what I've been reading on the threads here re; MPG... Most 32-35' RV seem to be running @ 2000 RPM for the same MPH...Could this be reason for my low 6-6.25 MPG??
Specs: 04 Southwind 32vs, V10, 4sp trans, 24,000 mi., new tires, reg. gas, NO toad, @ 19k lbs on 20.5k chassis (dash a/c ON @ 50% time)

[The General]

Quote:

Originally Posted by geno-heidi Hi again...thanks for the MPG replies earlier. This question has to do w same trip to GA from FL... Took note of my RPM's while driving and we were running @ 2600 RPM for 58 MPH on the flats and CC...That seems a little high for me and what I've been reading on the threads here re; MPG... Most 32-35' RV seem to be running @ 2000 RPM for the same MPH...Could this be reason for my low 6-6.25 MPG?? Specs: 04 Southwind 32vs, V10, 4sp trans, 24,000 mi., new tires, reg. gas, NO toad, @ 19k lbs on 20.5k chassis (dash a/c ON @ 50% time)

most 2005 models on a Ford came with a 5 speed automatic transmission.
Could be the difference.

Steve

[grumpy14]

don,t belive you have overdrive tranny

[Rick Long]

Is there a button on the end of the shift lever? If so it engages OD (over drive). If you have it and it wasn't on, that would account for the higher revs and bad mileage.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Long Is there a button on the end of the shift lever? If so it engages OD (over drive). If you have it and it wasn't on, that would account for the higher revs and bad mileage.

I agree on the high revs , but the mileage will suffer greatly if the overdrive is engaged. I confirmed that with Ford when I was getting 6.5 mpg. I now use it only on steep grades and my mileage jumped to an average 7.3.

[The General]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clifftall I agree on the high revs , but the mileage will suffer greatly if the overdrive is engaged. I confirmed that with Ford when I was getting 6.5 mpg. I now use it only on steep grades and my mileage jumped to an average 7.3.

Hey Guys,

To clarify: If you have the button on the shift knob and start the engine, you will be in overdrive. When you push the button while driving you will be in "tow gear." As Cliff said, Don't use tow gear unless on steep grades.
I still think you don't have the button, therefore you have a 4 speed auto tranny and will run higher RPMs.

Steve

[frankdamp]

My '02 (01 chassis) with V10 has the O/D on-off button. I think the basic tranny is a 4-speed, and the final 4th shif is engaging overdrive.

In our 32' rig, we're averaging around 7.7 mpg, and that includes a fair bit of mountain driving. In o/d on the flat at sea level, it's geared about 26 mph/1000 rpm (52 mph at 2000 rpm). If overdrive is engaged, it's a linear relationship.

[geno-heidi]

Thanks for the good info guys! Last one from Frank is making sense too!! I have a button, on shifter, which is for "O/D On-Off" only...NOT a 'tow-haul'... I leave the button "off" (no light up) for regular driving and I ASSUME this will put me into O/D when up to speed...when I have "engaged" the button, and it "Lights up", the Motor-Trans immediately downshifts and goes into higher RPM"s. So, obviously this is O/D "off".... To Clifftall: I was a little confused by your post and the O/D button on-off plan...you seem to understand what I have, and had similiar MPG and figured out how to improve...just not sure if I am getting the "On/Off" and "Engaged" terms correct.
This really helps! THANKS!

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by geno-heidi Thanks for the good info guys! Last one from Frank is making sense too!! I have a button, on shifter, which is for "O/D On-Off" only...NOT a 'tow-haul'... I leave the button "off" (no light up) for regular driving and I ASSUME this will put me into O/D when up to speed...when I have "engaged" the button, and it "Lights up", the Motor-Trans immediately downshifts and goes into higher RPM"s. So, obviously this is O/D "off".... To Clifftall: I was a little confused by your post and the O/D button on-off plan...you seem to understand what I have, and had similiar MPG and figured out how to improve...just not sure if I am getting the "On/Off" and "Engaged" terms correct. This really helps! THANKS!

By George, I think you've got it.When I had my 01 Winn. I only used the o/d button to slow down at lights. I didn't understand it at the time. Like I said I now only use the tow haul ( which I think is the same thing , not sure ) when I am on steep grades ( up and down ). It drops down a gear at your convenience rather than waiting for the trans. to do the same and therefore revs up. All I know is that it works as intended and lets you take control of the driving.I also know as I stated previously that if abuse it , it will cost you on the fuel consumption.

[geno-heidi]

Hi....just checked the "Button" on shift knob....
It says 'Overdrive' and the 'OFF' will LIGHT UP when I push it...then Light Off...with push.
So, obviously the button will "Dis-engage" or "Turn-Off" the Overdrive when 'Lit'...(we rented class c's with the 'tow-haul' button, same place).
I was driving with the "O/D Off" button NOT engaged (Not Lit)...So the "O/D" was therefore 'On'! This seems so confusing on paper,LOL,lol....

[JimM68]

I had a 99 v10 with the 4 speed overdrive trans and the same button.
You got it all right, and those things just like to rev.

You might try talking to brazels about a tuner. I got one, and it tamed the 4 speed's tendency to downshift to third at the sight of a hill on the horizon.

My 36' pace arrow averaged about 6 mpg...