Community Forums

Craig H · 05-23-2009, 06:04 PM

Hey diesel guys, I will be going from a gasser to an oil burner within the next year or two. I will be looking for a rig of no more than 35' since that is the limit on where I park it. I know there are many variables such as weight, speed and terrain, but what sort of MPG could I expect to see. Thanks for any input.
ps - I will be looking for a pusher since I want the full air ride.

Our Time · 05-23-2009, 06:19 PM

If you are going to limit your size to under 35' you could easily expect in the 9 to almost 10 if driven moderately. I average 8.5-9.3 with a 40' with 3500# toad driving in the 60 MPH range.

Darwin · 05-23-2009, 06:43 PM

I have a 2007 38' 300 HP Cummins, I get 10 MPH driving 60 with a toad. It drops a little in the hills. I have averaged 9.8 so far.
Darwin

jupoa · 05-23-2009, 06:43 PM

Hi Craig,

I've been thinking along the same lines as you about a short DP. Not a lot of choices out there under 35'. One that looks interesting, though, is the Winnebago Journey 34Y (34' 7") or the Itasca Meridian 34Y. They are new for 2009 and received an honorable mention for design.

Some claim that if a pusher is too short it will be subject to porpoising. Can't speak from experience but a test drive over undulating roads should reveal any problems.

As for short DP mileage, no clue. My 32' gasser gets 7.5mpg on a good day.

porscheracer · 05-23-2009, 06:59 PM

If you are considering a 34Y, be sure to check it out in travel mode. Some find it too cramped to get to the bathroom.

kuldaddy · 05-23-2009, 08:29 PM

We get 9 on flat ground with no wind and pulling the toad, I usually set the cruise on 68.

MaverickBBD · 05-23-2009, 08:33 PM

You are asking diesel guys about mileage? Don't you know first liar never stands a chance. Do watch your wheel base to overall length ratio and porpoising won't be a problem. A member of our club just picked up a Meridian 34y two weeks ago. It is a beautiful coach and the full wall opposing slides make it every bit as "roomy" as my 36 Journey. He went from a 40' Vetra. Expect him to see some fuel savings. He says it drives like a sports car.

danf7 · 05-24-2009, 04:46 PM

I have a 32' Allegro Fred. That front end diesel get me 10 to 11 miles per gallon.

Dan

EngineerMike · 05-24-2009, 04:59 PM

My rig is 37 feet overall, w/a 4000# toad @ 60 we averaged 7.9 for the first 10k miles.

J Walker · 05-25-2009, 06:57 AM

My 36' DP with a Cumming 5.9 gets 10-11 MPG towing my 3,000 lb car. The MH weight is about 21,000 lbs. Weight is the primary factor in MPG.

quikduk · 05-25-2009, 10:15 PM

Well you have quite a few responses but here is my $.02.

Cummins 5.9 (ISB) engines get between 9-11 mpg avg., some have seen as high as around 12...but I think that is coasting down hills with a tailwind.

I have a big block C8.3 Cummins in a 36 (36'-10"...

) and I average 8-8.5 mpg, with my Jeep GC toad (+5100#), 7-7.5 mpg. A big block M11 Cummins will barely break 8 mpg on average but has a LOT of torque.

The smaller Cummins engines can be uprated to around 350HP and 800 Ft/# of torque but they are not really designed for this. Later models are built to withstand the extra power and torque though.

Caterpillar engines vary as well. Stay clear of the older V-8 Cats as they are more expensive to repair with higher mileage. The newer C7, C9 etc. are very good engines but most Cats dont avg. better than 9 AFAIK.

The Journey and corresponding Itasca (same difference) are very good coaches. I think they primarily came/come with Cats but it depends as some I have seen have Cummins power.

There aren't too many 35 footer DPs as far as I can recall so look carefully. I would check on the various RV web sales sites as well as some of the better known dealers and see what is around. You might not find a better time to buy than now.

Oh, and a big diesel engine isn't even really broken in till it hits over 150K miles. My C8.3 is rated as a "million mile engine" with major service not due until 500K...allthough it will take me a long time to get there and I am a bit AR about preventative maintenance anyway so...