Newbee

[jeepsrule]

So guys I'm a newbe to motorhomes. I have a 2005 Monaco Diplomat with the 400 ISL and the Allison 3000. We just started living in this coach so its loaded pretty well. I'm weighing it friday when I move to have some new rubber put on the front. We are planning to travel from Texas down I-20 to Alabama (friends), then on to Florida (the sister), up the east coast a ways for fun, then to Michigan and Wisconsin. We will be pulling a Trailblazer toad. So what speeds do you recommend and would you use Economy mode?? We are not in any hurry and gas mileage would be a plus. Got any secret tips for the new guy???

[Martind4]

We pretty much use the Econ mode all the time. From what I understand it changes the shift points slightly to get into 6th gear faster, and then holds in 6th gear a little longer on the hills.

Our fuel mileage is probably best at 55 mph but it seems like it takes forever to get anywhere. We target 60 - 62 mph on the interstate as a good mix of speed and economy. That speed also allows faster moving traffic to move around us and keep pulling away, maintaining a safety cushion ahead. "Experts" say to keep back 4 to 6 seconds from the vehicle ahead for adequate reaction and stopping time.

Cruise control is nice, but I can get better mileage if I control the throttle manually, especially in hilly terrain. On small hills (where I can see the bottom), I let the speed build going downhill and add throttle well before the bottom, then use the inertia to get up the next hill, sometimes without downshifting. It drives our friends crazy because our speed isn't constant and we're like the ol' dragonfly truck driver (we drag up the hills and fly down the other side). For that reason I prefer to let them lead and I bring up the rear.

If you get the chance while you're in Florida, stay at Lazy Days in Seffner (Tampa). They offer a free RV driving class to customers staying at their Rally Park. Class is 2-3 hours of classroom in the morning and actual driving in the afternoon. It's well worth the time. Spouses also.
Hope this helps!

[Mike Canter]

You might find this helpful
https://ohe.cat.com/cda/files/287140/7/LEGT5364.pdf

[MaverickBBD]

I pretty much use economy most of the time. Just take it off when I need quicker shifting. After you drive it a while you will find the "sweet spot". For me, and I have a different engine and gearing then you is around 1750 rpms. On a flat no wind, the way I am loaded translates into 62.5 mph (roughly). I am one of those guys that keeps track of every mile driven and every gallon of fuel. I know if I can maintain those rpms the gpms will be there. Keep your turbo to a minimum. My cruise can do these better then me so except for major climbs, downhills, and traffic I use my cruise with the set point of 62.5. Wind seems to be the big mpg killer.

Get some time and miles and you will find what works best for YOU.