Speed versus Diesel Use

[Jburklo]

I have a 2012 Aspire DEQ / 2011 Jeep Liberty and due to an impending meeting I conducted an experiment regarding diesel usage based on speed. I had to get to my destination in a speedy manner in order have Internet and cell phone access.

At the last minute, this weekend we took a trip from New Braunfels, Tx to Mercedes, Tx overnighting for the weekend at Llano Grande Resort. The resort is a typical 55+ community and a Winter Texas haven. It was relaxing but too quiet since everyone had left for the summer. If you go stay in the North park.

Results:
Trip from New Braunfels to Mercedes - 287 miles
Average speed 68 MPH cruise control
MPG - 6.7
Diesel used: 3/4 tank

NOTE: Made meeting with 30 Minutes to spare.

Trip from Mercedes to New Braunfels - 287 miles
Average speed 60 MPH cruise control
MPG - 10.3
Diesel Used: just under 1/2 tank or about 3/8ths

I realize this was not a scientific test but I must admit I was surprised with the results, and 10.3 MPG surprised me even more!!! So although I'm not retired and sometimes the trip might need to go a little faster due to upcoming meetings or work, I think I'll try to take my time and save the money while enjoying the ride and views. Lesson Learned!!!

Note: Results may vary depending on your driving habits.

Jeff & Terri Burklo
2012 Aspire / 2011 Jeep Liberty

[powerboatr]

i believe it
I just cant drive 60, i would fight sleep,
we do 65-66 and still squeeze 7.5 or so most trips. i understand we are a different bus, but the speed part does matter.

[clydekilgore]

Impressive. I'm not yet driving a diesel, but I'm thinking I should be following your example. ;-)

[Mr_D]

Let us know your results after 50,000 miles, a tankful is not enough, 10 tanks fulls is not enough either.
After 45,000+ miles our VMS shows 7.6.

[brobox]

Jeff,
Your mileage makes me feel better. I drove our MH up to the Tampa rally, 125 miles and was testing the new rear end out. Running 68 and putting my foot into it a few times testing for noise, 5.7 mpg.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by Jburklo

I have a 2012 Aspire DEQ / 2011 Jeep Liberty and due to an impending meeting I conducted an experiment regarding diesel usage based on speed. I had to get to my destination in a speedy manner in order have Internet and cell phone access.

At the last minute, this weekend we took a trip from New Braunfels, Tx to Mercedes, Tx overnighting for the weekend at Llano Grande Resort. The resort is a typical 55+ community and a Winter Texas haven. It was relaxing but too quiet since everyone had left for the summer. If you go stay in the North park.

Results:
Trip from New Braunfels to Mercedes - 287 miles
Average speed 68 MPH cruise control
MPG - 6.7
Diesel used: 3/4 tank

NOTE: Made meeting with 30 Minutes to spare.

Trip from Mercedes to New Braunfels - 287 miles
Average speed 60 MPH cruise control
MPG - 10.3
Diesel Used: just under 1/2 tank or about 3/8ths

I realize this was not a scientific test but I must admit I was surprised with the results, and 10.3 MPG surprised me even more!!! So although I'm not retired and sometimes the trip might need to go a little faster due to upcoming meetings or work, I think I'll try to take my time and save the money while enjoying the ride and views. Lesson Learned!!!

Note: Results may vary depending on your driving habits.

Jeff & Terri Burklo
2012 Aspire / 2011 Jeep Liberty

What engine do you have?

[wmpbauer]

Sounds like physics actually works, huh?

[hogdriver]

I need to try it. I might hate it. But I gotta know.

Here's the weird thing about speed vs fuel. In my day job(nite-day-more nite job) I just flew a B777 jet from Shanghai to Memphis at max aircraft weight for takeoff. It takes 14 hrs and about 275k lbs of fuel (roughly 65,000 gals). As part of my job, when we reach level off we evaluate time vs fuel. If I fly a speed (called Mach) that is 5% more. I reach my destination about 8 mins sooner over 14 hrs yet costs about 2000lbs or about $1000. At 10% more speed the costs are even crazier yet the time changes little.

I'm thinking the tortoise vs the hare might have some benefits. Plus it has to be easier on tires, engines, and running gear,

[Cruzer]

Check out this tutorial on fuel economy and the various factors that affect it. Note the increase in wind resistance as speed increases.

RV Tech Library - Fuel Economy Tips

[Aussies]

We've driven our 2012 RBQ almost 24,000 miles with the cruise set at 60 except for non-freeway driving, and driven almost everywhere between Petosky and Miami and up the east coast to Delaware, up mountains and own valleys, with an average of 9.1 mpg over all. Worst we've gotten has been 8.5 (40 mph headwind in Oklahoma and Texas) and the best has been 10.5 (Atlanta to Jacksonville), all this while pulling a full-size SUV. Besides the fuel cost advantages, we get to see and appreciate the scenery as we drive and almost never have to pull out and pass, since everyone else is going hell for leather in the fast lane(s). LOL all the way to the bank.


Bob & Jennifer Stevens
2012 Aspire RBQ
Zipper and Charlie (poodles)

[CampDaven]

Mileage on a MH doesn't matter that much.
More speed is more fuel. So what?
I move everything I own 200 miles for about 100 bucks. I do 65. Mileage varies a bit, slower or faster, but not very much in the scheme of things. It is what it is. And the toad takes us on adventures at much better mpg.
Relax! Let the Journey be your Destination

[Dtwallace]

Good test, since also New Braunfels is just a little higher elevation than Mercedes.

The only thing you didn't factor in was the winds on those trips.

But unless it was a really strong head wind or tail wind, the difference is negligible.

You used real world testing, and that's what we should pay attention to.

Thanks

[Twomed]

https://cumminsengines.com/uploads/d...el_economy.pdf

Really good read...

The "secret" has ben out for quite awhile. Speed kills dinosaurs, or rather their juices.

[RW8804]

Originally Posted by Twomed

https://cumminsengines.com/uploads/d...el_economy.pdf

Really good read...

The "secret" has ben out for quite awhile. Speed kills dinosaurs, or rather their juices.

Thanks, I had read this some time ago and was looking for it. It is very good reading.