Newbee from Village Mills, Texas

[richarfg]

Howdy! I have owned a 2000 Newmar Mountainaire for the past 3 years. The only regret I have about my coach is that it's a gas engine. I had sweaty misgivings upon ascending Monarch Pass this past summer. For anyone planning on buying a coach; unless you plan on staying in the flat lands, go diesel! All of that said, my wife and I love the earth tones of the interior in the coach, and the quality that accompanied the Newmar product.

The wife and I intend to retire sometime between June and December 2011. We presently plan on taking a 3 month voyage to the northwestern part of the country. Our biggest concern about the travel will be that we only get about 5 mpg carrying our toad. This coach is equipted with a Banks system, and it surprises me that my mpg isn't greater than this. If any of you are using the Banks system, please let me know if you periodically have it serviced, and if you are experiencing similar results. I also intend to purchase an aftermarket anti-sway bar and shocks for this behemoth of a coach! When the wind whips up, so does the coach. If any of you can share some information about shocks and aftermarket sway bars; please feel free to share your experiences and purchasing information.

Thanks in advance! Happy travelling!

Freddy G. Richardson

[94-Newmar]

Welcome to the forums!

[StStg1]

Howdy from another Texan ( Dallas). Welcome to the fourm. I am a TT guy so can't give you info on what you are asking. I am sure there are some other Newmar owners here on the fourm that can help. And I believe there is a Newmar fourm here also. I sympathize with you on the mph. When towing my TT, I only get 6-7 mph with a 7200# loaded weight. Once again, Welcome and keep us informed.

[JMonroe]

That sounds a bit low. What engine/chassis do you have?

We've had a number of gas powered RV combinations. All got 6 to 7 MPG in fully loaded 'vacation mode'. Worst we ever got was 5.5 fighting 40 mph headwinds and grades.

[historyljc]

Welcome Freddy, Enjoy your upcoming trip. I know you're looking forward to retirement. You won't miss having to go to work.

[TXiceman]

Which chassis, how long, and how fast do you drive? We had a 34' gas class A with the 7.4L Chevy engine and we got 6.5 mpg on a good day at 65 mpg and dinghy in tow. I saw it as low as 4.5 mpg.

We had a V-10 31' class c (with Banks) and could get 8 mpg on a good day at 65 mph and the dinghy.

Mostly speed kills the fuel economy. 65 MPH is about tops and if you drop to 60 mph, it will decrease fuel consumption.

Ken

[richarfg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Which chassis, how long, and how fast do you drive? We had a 34' gas class A with the 7.4L Chevy engine and we got 6.5 mpg on a good day at 65 mpg and dinghy in tow. I saw it as low as 4.5 mpg. We had a V-10 31' class c (with Banks) and could get 8 mpg on a good day at 65 mph and the dinghy. Mostly speed kills the fuel economy. 65 MPH is about tops and if you drop to 60 mph, it will decrease fuel consumption. Ken

We have a 38 ft. Ford Chassis with the V-10. Granted, I am on the heavy footed side, and with my added weight in comparisson to your 31 Ft with the V-10...I don't guess my fuel economy can be any better. I guess I need to plan more "downhill" trips....just kidding.

[richarfg]

...I failed to mention that 5 mpg is my low end, primarily, it's climbing mountains where I get the lower end. I keep a log of my fill ups, mileage, price per gallon, etc... and my last trip, I averaged 7.2 mpg.

[JMonroe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by richarfg ...I failed to mention that 5 mpg is my low end, primarily, it's climbing mountains where I get the lower end. I keep a log of my fill ups, mileage, price per gallon, etc... and my last trip, I averaged 7.2 mpg.

Sounds about right, especially for a 38' rig. That's about as big a gasser as you can get.