Cruising Speed

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by tfryman

Aren't there about half a dozen threads on this topic with all these answers already in it? Consensus was 64-64 mph in most cases.

So 64 mph in most cases

[noserider]

My coach goes into 6th gear right at 62MPH and drops down to 1650 rpm on the flat. That's usually my cruise speed if the speed limit is 60 mph or better. Generally don't go over 65-67.

[RunningHard]

36’ 5.9, 300hp, I drive 62-65 on cruise, always a toad or open trailer with RZR. 8-high 9’s mpg. Usually in the 8 mpg range here in NW. I would be just as happy with 600hp and 6mpg.....

[SLOweather]

We generally travel with the flow of traffic, and concern ourselves less with fuel economy. However, the tablet on the dash does run OBDLink dashboard, and 2 of the gauges are trip and instantaneous fuel economy if we want to check.

[Ernie.]

The Ford explorer we tow has a 65 mph recommended towing speed. A heat issue I'm pretty sure. MPG has lots of variables, elevation, grade, temperature...I fill when I get down to 1/2 tank. The mileage is what it is.

[BUB1988]

We have an 2003 39' DP with a CAT 330HP motor. We are currently on a trip from Tampa Florida doing the Lewis and Clark trail in reverse. To somewhat prove what others have posted that it is hard to say what your fuel mileage will be. From Tampa to Astoria Oregon our fuel mileage has varied between 7.3 and 9.7. We are traveling with 4 other coaches and all are about 40' and towing. Speeds have been mostly 60mph or less due to speed limits, traffic, or road conditions. Some days lots of head wind and other days lots of mountains. We budgeted fuel for this trip at 7MPH and $4.00 a gallon. Lucking the MPH is on the low wend and the price was on the low end in California

[dl1035]

I like to keep it around 60 on highways and stay to the right.

My reason is not necessarily for gas mileage. I figure that it will be what it will be.

My reason for 60 mph is mainly for safety. I have had people do some of the dumbest things lately to cut me off, so I want to have a little extra time to react.

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by GEM1N1

I’m always between 70-80mph.

Regardless of speed i get 6-7 mpg

450hp 45’ pusher.

What kind of tires do you have that are speed rated for 80mph?

Most I see go no higher than 75mph.

[richard5933]

Our '74 with 8V71 Detroit Diesel averages 7.5 mpg. Our highest was just shy of 10 mpg, with tailwind and not running OTR a/c. Worst was 5.5 mog, which was with OTR a/c and generator use while camping.

[grindstone01]

Originally Posted by SLOweather

We generally travel with the flow of traffic, and concern ourselves less with fuel economy. However, the tablet on the dash does run OBDLink dashboard, and 2 of the gauges are trip and instantaneous fuel economy if we want to check.

I monitor my instantaneous MPG while driving which gives me a good sense on how the vehicle is operating. If the MPG starts dropping and you know it's not a hill or wind, it might be a early warning something else is happening.
I even found that on flat roads going over a bridge rise, I can hit the - on cruise and + going down the other side and be able to maintain the cruising mpg. I got 14.3 mpg earlier this week on a 300 mile day in NE. on I-80. Watching mpg can pay dividends.

[bbyphatt]

I have a 30 ft Four Winds Class A and I go 55 mph and get around 14 mph. I set cruise control too. If I go 60 I lose 2 mpg. At 65 I'm down to 9 or 10.... so have tested it out at various speeds on different trips. I lose about 2.5 .mpg going into the mountains where I am climbing alot....which I do often but normal interstate I do really good at 55 mph.

[New to this]

I don't know what my fuel mileage is because I figure fuel is the cheapest part of owning an RV. That said, 12 mpg does sound hopeful and most likely down a hill. My speed depends on the road and traffic. I never go over 70, but if traffic is heavy I prefer 60-65. The bad news is that at that speed more semis go by....the good news is they go by more quickly. If any RV driver tells you that they love a semi to be oozing slowly by you.....well....I think they are nuts. I like them to get by as fast as possible in order to minimize the chance of trading paint.

[Wrinklemeist]

I usually cruise at about 60 to 62 on the interstates. That way I am almost always assured of LOTS of space between me and the vehicles ahead of me. California is a pain as the speed limit is 55 if you are towing. On I 5 if you try running at 55, you will be run over or run off the road. Stupid law IMHO. I get just a tad over 7mpg.

[cfred]

Originally Posted by Farkey

Being new in the RV world I have numerous questions and here is my latest.

At what speed do you people usually cruise on an interstate highway?

I travel at about 60mph because the previous owner said that was the best speed for fuel economy and he would average 12 MPG on a trip.

On my last trip of just under 500 miles, I tried to cruise at 60mph and at the end I got 8.2 MPG. Now mind you that was through the hills in the Finger Lakes, but still getting almost half of what he did.

Unfortunately, I can't ask him any questions because he passed away just after selling me the rig.

So I will be very appreciative of all what you have to say on this subject.

Thank you

Cruise at speed limit, up to 65mph at which point mpg goes down lots....will do a bit faster so as to not impede traffic.