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Mileage - UltraGauge Discussion
We recently returned home to Fredericksburg, TX from a 4,000 mile trip through New Mexico, Colorado, NE Utah and Wyoming.  We have a 2017 MB with the 6-speed transmission.  During the trip, we towed our 4100 lb Jeep Wrangler.  Our speed varied from 55 mph to 62 mph depending on the road conditions and speed limits.  Our average fuel mileage (total miles / Gallons used) was 9.35mpg.  This is a marked improvement over our previous 2005 MB where we struggled to maintain 8mpg towing a 3700 lb CRV.  Interestingly, in the 6-speed transmission, the 6th gear runs approximately the same rpm as our previous 5 speed did in 5th gear.  Just an FYI for everyone.  As I tell my friends, if one is worried about the mileage one gets in a motor home, they should not purchase one.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: Mileage
Reply #1 –
My 2016 MB will do about 10 3/4 mpg at those speeds on relatively flat ground with nothing being towed.    Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Mileage
Reply #2 –
Mileage in our LD doesn't count till I pull back in the driveway after the trip. Even then it's really just something to be proud of. "Will ya look at that! 10.2!"

Best MPG has been 11.0 in our '15 RB. Now that was cause for celebration. Bet it'll never happen again. True average has been stabilised at 9.8...coming and going.

At about 10,000 miles, the LD isn't even broken in. Many more Happy Trails ahead. Congratulations to all you '16 & '17 LD owners.

Here's to many more years of Lazy Daze production.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Mileage
Reply #3 –
My old girl (2002) gets 8.5 as an average lol. But I can buy a lot of fuel for the price difference between the 2002 and a newer model.
Lynn and Lori
Re: Mileage
Reply #4 –
The mileage on our 2010 MB seems like it has crept up since I switched to only using Top Tier gasoline about 6 months ago.  I made the switch after reading this article:  Study: Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price - Consumer Reports.  On our last trip (700 miles) we got 10.7 mpg which is the highest we have ever gotten on a trip.  That trip included some generator time so actual mileage was probably a bit higher.  We carry bicycles on back but do not tow.  I am unsure whether to attribute the increased mileage to the Top Tier gasoline or just coincidence reflecting, for example, wind conditions while driving.
Paul H.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Mileage
Reply #5 –
Started using this a couple years ago based on recommendations here:

Products

I feel strongly that it has increased the performance and mileage of my car and with Ruby.

Dave
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Mileage
Reply #6 –
I have the old 460 V-8. It seems to get 8 mpg no matter what is going on.
I can live with that, I usually stay put for awhile and use my motorcycle to do my running around on.
It makes up for the poor mileage of the LD.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Mileage
Reply #7 –
2014 TK
After 30,072.70 miles 3089.87 gallons at a cost of $8,526.56 and 50.2 hours on genie I average 9.73267 miles  per gallon.

Living in Portland, Or there is no direction we can go without climbing over hills and mountains.   Weights have been all over the place from almost empty to the near max of 14,000.    I try to average between 55 to 60 on freeways.   Keep rear tires at 80 and front at 75.  

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Mileage
Reply #8 –
We now have over 15K traveled in our 98 MB, we are averaging about 8.7 with more like 8.5 in the mountains and highs to 9.5 in the reality flat lowlands.  We carry two or more bikes and run an average around 13,500 checked at weight stations with proper tire pressures check before we go and always using Top Tier Gas.  I have seen more the 10MPG once or twice but I think that was in error or an un-known anomaly.

         Karen~Liam
             98 ~ MB


1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Mileage
Reply #9 –
Wow!
In our first year of ownership of our 2014 27 MB we have traveled just a tad under 7000 miles towing a 2500 lb. Enclosed trailer, averaging 60mph, lots of mountains, and we averaged 7.9mpg. I keep the front tires at 75psi and the rears at 80psi.
We must be doing something wrong...
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Mileage
Reply #10 –
"...averaging 60mph, lots of mountains, and we averaged 7.9mpg."

Blueox

How are you determining your average mpg?   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Mileage
Reply #11 –
And equally, your average speed?  Or is that more of a "we usually drive 60" thing?  If it's a true mathematical (or electronically-derived) average, then the time spent at 75 (to mathematically offset the time spent at 45) will kill your mileage very quickly, and non-proportionally, too. 

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Mileage
Reply #12 –
Fair questions.
We presently have 20,000 miles on the coach.
I calculate the mileage by dividing the number of miles traveled by the gallons added to fill the tank and completely fill the tank at each refuel and reset the trip odometer.  The mpg display shown on the instrument panel is rarely the same as the calculated value and is typically higher.
I usually keep the coach on cruise control on highways and set it just under 60mph.  Obviously, we go slower in the mountains and on smaller roads.  On major freeways (like Interstate 5) where traffic flow is significantly faster, I set the cruise at 62mph and stay in the truck lane.
I have had one tank that calculated at 9.2mpg driving from San Diego to Gila Bend in Interstate 8 averaging 55mph on cruise control and mostly flat terrain. All of our other fills have yielded approximately 8mpg. Worst was 6.7mpg mostly pulling through the mountains on tight winding roads.
Any ideas?
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Mileage
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Wow!
In our first year of ownership of our 2014 27 MB we have traveled just a tad under 7000 miles towing a 2500 lb. Enclosed trailer, averaging 60mph, lots of mountains, and we averaged 7.9mpg. I keep the front tires at 75psi and the rears at 80psi.
We must be doing something wrong...
Nothing is wrong, you are pulling a trailer and Liam isn't.
Your mileage is not out of line for the weight and speed you travel. It is similar to our mileage, pulling a 4000-lb Jeep.

I suggest placing a piece of black tape over the odometer to reduce mileage anxiety.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Mileage
Reply #14 –
Here's how I determine my 'instantaneous' mpg and my 'average' mpg.

At one time I used a Scan Gauge II but gave it up due to vision problems. I now utilize the Ultra Gauge...

UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

It monitors many different parameters, including Trans Temp, but gives me instantaneous mpg (which of course varies with current driving conditions) and more importantly, Average (cumulative) mpg. Since I installed it nearly two years ago my average (cumulative) mpg stands at 8.99 mpg.

It also has a feature whereby you can reset everything when/if you fill your tank.   ;) 
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Mileage
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
Here's how I determine my 'instantaneous' mpg and my 'average' mpg.

At one time I used a Scan Gauge II but gave it up due to vision problems. I now utilize the Ultra Gauge...

UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center

It monitors many different parameters, including Trans Temp, but gives me instantaneous mpg (which of course varies with current driving conditions) and more importantly, Average (cumulative) mpg. Since I installed it nearly two years ago my average (cumulative) mpg stands at 8.99 mpg.

It also has a feature whereby you can reset everything when/if you fill your tank.   ;) 

Did you buy the Plus model or the MX?

Jim
Re: Mileage
Reply #16 –
When I use the trip computer, it always provides a higher mpg than when I calculate it manually; however, Ford's trip computer is much closer than Tiffin's which said I got 16 mpg instead of the actual 9 mpg.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: Mileage
Reply #17 –
Larry,
Darn.  I was hopeful to discover an error in my ways and better fuel consumption on future trips.  On the other hand, it is reassuring to hear an owner who gets similar mileage under similar circumstances, so our results are likely normal.

No "mileage anxiety", but no mileage joy either.  It is just what it is with a gas V10 in an E450. There are many things I like about the Lazy Daze, but the 2WD, low clearance, and V10 gasser aren't among them. Considering the entire package, it is still better than anything out there that we have seen, so it is a keeper.  Since we will be towing either an enclosed trailer or a 4000 lb. 4X4 toad for the foreseeable future, we will assume that our fuel consumption will stay at about 8mpg and it is just part of the package. The 6.7mpg fills are still a little painful, though.

HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Mileage
Reply #18 –
My old 460 V8 delivers 8.08 MPG over the last 21,600 miles. It has 55K miles on it. 

Never worried me, except certain stretches of road where we have to plan our fill ups to avoid running out, or, heaven forbid, not fueling with “Top Tier” gasoline. Just in case I carry a can of Techron to add.

It sure would be nice to have a bigger fuel tank, but then the weight would kill me. Que sera, sera. Or as they say now, it is what it is.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Mileage
Reply #19 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Since we will be towing either an enclosed trailer or a 4000 lb. 4X4 toad for the foreseeable future, we will assume that our fuel consumption will stay at about 8mpg and it is just part of the package.

If you want to feel better, compare the mileage of your LD to whatever car you normally drive, based on MPG per pound.
Lets say your LD's weight is 17,000-lbs, with a 4000-lb toad, and it gets 8-MPG.
That's equal to a 4250-lb car getting 32-MPG.  Few 4250-lb, gasoline powered cars get 32-MPG.
Now, doesn't that ease the pain a little?

Driving at 50-55 MPG will give better mileage, if you don't fall asleep or get run off the road by a big rig.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Mileage
Reply #20 –
"Did you buy the Plus model or the MX?"

Jim

You tend to ask the questions for which I have no ready answer.  :(

However, a quick trip to the LD in my side yard turned up this info:  I own the MX 1.3! I do not know if that version has been superseded by a newer one.

One thing for sure, the Ultra Gauge is by far the most user friendly of the two I've owned, but only after you have mastered the programing via the menu. Ask Chris if that's not true.  ;D

P.S.  I leave for June Lake tomorrow morning!  8)



Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Mileage
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"Did you buy the Plus model or the MX?"

Jim

You tend to ask the questions for which I have no ready answer.  :(

However, a quick trip to the LD in my side yard turned up this info:  I own the MX 1.3! I do not know if that version has been superseded by a newer one.

One thing for sure, the Ultra Gauge is by far the most user friendly of the two I've owned, but only after you have mastered the programing via the menu. Ask Chris if that's not true.  ;D

P.S.  I leave for June Lake tomorrow morning!  8)





Thanks, Steve. They are still selling the MX which is the one that has transmission temperature.

Jim
Re: Mileage
Reply #22 –
Incidentally folks, that "Demonstrator" on the Ultra Gauge web-site is one of the best tutorials I've ever encountered on-line.  :o    8)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Mileage
Reply #23 –
"It is just what it is with a gas V10 in an E450."
---
Bingo. It's a heavy vehicle with a big engine; fill it up, drive, fill it up, drive, fill it up, drive..... The first question - and often, the only one, after they hear the answer! - that so many people ask is, "What kind of mileage do you get on that thing?"

(Other than simple curiosity), I can see keeping track of mileage for the following reasons:

To calculate and record mileage with the object of testing which highway speeds are most efficient under which conditions.
To see if one's figures are out of line with the 'norm' (whatever that is) and if a very low figure might indicate an engine or other issue.
To alter one's driving habits/style to increase mileage.
If one has a fixed amount budgeted for fuel and wants to maximize travel distances.

Otherwise, what does one do with the mileage information? I reserve my concerns for a multitude of other RVing issues that one encounters in this lifestyle, but mileage is not one of them.

As ever, YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Mileage
Reply #24 –
I calculate my fuel consumption per tank because the MPG for the previous tank gives me an idea what my range will be for the next tank.  I like to refill at about 66% to 75% of the range for a full tank.  I plan my fuel stops accordingly.  The difference in range for a 6.7 mpg tank and a 9.2mpg tank (differences in fuel consumption that we saw during one 3000 mile trip in the Lazy Daze) is considerable.

We used to vacation in Mexico on the Baja California Peninsula.  This practice was essential when fuel stations are widely spaced and sometimes closed.  Old habits die hard.

HD
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life