Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models? (Read 28 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Yahoo Message Number: 102770
I have been trying to avoid buying one of these dang things for 5-6 years now and buying everything else instead (fifth wheels, Class B, which I love but it's too small for the whole family).  I find myself, once again, looking at the 24' TK and 27' MB.  I recall Steve telling me to expect about 9 MPG in mixed driving for the pre-'08 models when we were shopping there a few years back.
 At $2.50-3.00 a gallon, that's livable.  At $4-5 it gets a little scary.  Living where we do in Idaho, everything we want to visit is at least a couple hundred miles away.  We like heading to the Washington and Oregon coasts during summer but now we're up to a trip of at least 2000 miles.
 Anyway, I'd be really curious what you're averaging on your newer rigs and under what conditions are you driving (lead foot, toad, etc.).
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102771
I have a 07 27MB.  I normally drive about 60 to 65 MPH and I avoid Interstate highways.  Without my toad, an 05 Jeep Wrangler, I get about 9 to 9 1/2 MPG.  With the Jeep, it drops to about 8 to 8 1/2 MPG.  I put a Banks Performance Kit on early this spring, have not had too many miles on it to make a real exact comparison, but it seems to have given me an extra 1/2 mile per gallon.

Larry in South Texas
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102773
Quote
Anyway, I'd be really curious what you're averaging on your newer rigs and under what conditions are you driving (lead foot, toad, etc.).
'08 MB. Not towing. 8.5mpg would be a decent tank. Seen as low as 8.0. 9.0 would be the exception. 9.5 a true rarity.  Speed limit minus from 5 to 10 mph.
 That's the reality of an RV. Mileage stinks. If your LD is going to mostly sit in your driveway because you think the operating cost is too high, don't waste your money. Buy another toy you'll get more use from.

My 2 cents.

Ed.
Picked up '08MB in 04/08. Just turned 25,000 miles. They put wheels on these things so they can go places.  :-)
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102774
Quote
At $2.50-3.00 a gallon, that's livable.  At $4-5 it gets a little scary.  Living where we do in Idaho, everything we want to visit is at least a couple hundred miles away.  We like heading to the Washington and Oregon coasts during summer but now we're up to a trip of at least 2000 miles.
 Anyway, I'd be really curious what you're averaging on your newer rigs and under what conditions are you driving (lead foot, toad, etc.).
Dear ? ? ? ? ,
 Ed's got it exactly right. Some folks love to chat about what mileage they get and that's OK but I can think of many other much more interesting RV 'gee whiz" subjects to talk about than gas mileage. Invariably it's going to be between 8 and 11 mpg and how interesting or relevant is that?
 In all kindness, if your purchase is going to depend on what mileage you get don't make it! You're only going to be disappointed and fearful as fuel costs continue to rise in this second cycle of rising crude oil prices.
 If you think gasoline costs won't exceed $3.00 a gallon this time around, and you're happy with that, go for the LD. You'll be joining a wonderful group of fellow travelers and seeing incredible sights. And for goodness sakes and peace of mind, don't calculate your gas mileage.
 Otherwise, buy a Prius, stay at wonderful hotels, enjoy the same sights and vistas that RVers do, don't worry about your "investment" depreciating by thousands a year and sleep peacefully at night.

Is that too harsh?

Paul NE 50
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102775
I agree with Paul and Ed: your gas mileage is going to be between 8 and 11 mpg pretty much no matter what you buy, and that shouldn't be the basis of a decision to RV or not to RV.
 Look at it this way: the average RV is driven (or towed) 6,000 miles a year, according to industry surveys. If gas is $3.00 a gallon, the difference between traveling those 6,000 miles at 8 mpg and 11 mpg is only $600 a year. I know families who spend more than that on bottled water! ;-)
 In today's climate, it's easy to get obsessed with gas mileage. Heck, every time the digital MPG meter on my Honda Fit goes over 50.0, I get a little thrill. ;-) But when you're planning to spend anywhere from $12,000 to $80,000 on a coach, $600 a year shouldn't be a deciding factor.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102776
I have a '96 TK (for sale - see the ad in the listings). I keep a spreadsheet with all my mileage in it and it tells me I've averaged 9.3 mpg over the 25.8K miles I've driven it.  I'm a fulltimer and it's at about the the GVWR of 11,500# (~50# over when I last weighed it with full water and gas tanks).  I do not tow  and generally drive 50-55 mph on two lanes (traffic permitting) and 55-60 on expressways.  I'm rarely in any hurry to get anywhere.

Mary Lou
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102778
Quote
Dear ? ? ? ? ,
 Ed's got it exactly right. Some folks love to chat about what mileage they get and that's OK but I can think of many other much more interesting RV 'gee whiz" subjects to talk about than gas mileage. Invariably it's going to be between 8 and 11 mpg and how interesting or relevant is that?
 In all kindness, if your purchase is going to depend on what mileage you get don't make it! You're only going to be disappointed and fearful as fuel costs continue to rise in this second cycle of rising crude oil prices.
 If you think gasoline costs won't exceed $3.00 a gallon this time around, and you're happy with that, go for the LD. You'll be joining a wonderful group of fellow travelers and seeing incredible sights. And for goodness sakes and peace of mind, don't calculate your gas mileage.
 Otherwise, buy a Prius, stay at wonderful hotels, enjoy the same sights and vistas that RVers do, don't worry about your "investment" depreciating by thousands a year and sleep peacefully at night.

Is that too harsh?

Paul NE 50
No, condescending is more like it but thanks for your lecture. ;o)  I'm an experienced RVer and simply asked a question about MPG of the current rigs.
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102779
Geeze, the man asked a simple question and if you have an answer, he deserves a simple answer not a philosophical discussion on the merits of RVing and the price of gasoline. I am sure that if he gets an answer of 8 to 10 MPG average, he can make up his own mind if the LD or a class C is the right choice for him.

Larry in South Texas
 --- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "csgreenefdp"
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102780
Quote
Geeze, the man asked a simple question and if you have an answer, he deserves a simple answer not a philosophical discussion on the merits of RVing and the price of gasoline. I am sure that if he gets an answer of 8 to 10 MPG average, he can make up his own mind if the LD or a class C is the right choice for him.

Larry in South Texas
Thanks Larry!  Kind of what I was thinking. ;o)
 For me, it's always been an expense of the rig itself thing.  We were this close to ordering a 26' MB about 4 years ago and had actually made a deal on a used one the previous year until the seller called us and said they sold it to someone else the night before we were heading over to get it.  We'd been using a Lance camper for years but the kids started growing.
 So we bought a small (23') Arctic Fox 5th wheel where we got about 10-11 MPG underway.  Then we traded for a larger one 30' where we get about 8-10 MPG underway.  I figured at least I already had the truck and the trailers were a lot cheaper than a new or late model LD.  However, after a two month trip in the current fiver, I said I was done towing and it's for sale (good luck with that...).  I bought a small Pleasure Way Traverse (think Westy on a Ford instead of VW) and get great MPG and it goes places where other rigs cannot but it is also not family friendly other than to camp out of.
 Soooo.... back to thinking about the LD's again but was curious about the MPG because it had been so long since I talked to Steve.  I'm actually able to do the math and understand the additional costs for gas when it rises.  The annual difference isn't all that much for us between, say $2 and $4 based on how much we travel but adding that into $80 thousand or so, well, it's just one more thing.
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102786
Quote
...  I'm actually able to do the math and understand the additional costs for gas when it rises.  The annual difference isn't all that much for us between, say $2 and $4 based on how much we travel but adding that into $80 thousand or so, well, it's just one more thing.
Here's how I figured it: Spend $80K on a new LD and have $20K of adventure money left over for gas, or spend $20K on an older LD and have $80K left over for gas.  So with an extra $60K for gas, I'm not worried about MPG at all!

Joanne in Boston NE-44 1994 TK
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102791
Quote
Dear ? ? ? ? , Is that too harsh?

Paul NE 50

No, condescending is more like it but thanks for your lecture. ;o)  I'm an experienced RVer and simply asked a question about MPG of the current rigs.
Dear, I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?
 I'm curious. I've never heard of a typical class A or C getting anything other than 8-11 mpg so would it be too much to ask what mileage figures, as an experienced RVer, you thought you might get in reply?
 Despite what you and Larry think of me, it would sadden me to think that the satisfaction of your purchase would depend so critically on the mileage you expect your LD to deliver. I want folks to enjoy the experience, not to be worrying about winds, load, terrain, etc. instead of enjoying the scenery. Is that so terrible and condescending?

Paul NE 50
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102792
Quote
Anyway, I'd be really curious what you're averaging on your newer rigs and under what conditions are you driving (lead foot, toad, etc.).
We drove 5000 miles through the Southwest early this spring in our 2007 23.5 ft. with the Triton V10.  No toad.  Best mileage was 11.3.  Typical was 9.8.  Worst was just over 8 (driving several hours into a strong headwind).  Factor in the fuel standards for the different states involved (some with ethanol added, some not), the altitude, and who knows what other factors...and Steve is pretty accurate with his estimate of the long-term average mileage.
Clarkie
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102793
Quote
  ...  I'm actually able to do the math and understand the additional costs for gas when it rises.  The annual difference isn't all that much for us between, say $2 and $4 based on how much we travel but adding that into $80 thousand or so, well, it's just one more thing.

Here's how I figured it: Spend $80K on a new LD and have $20K of adventure money left over for gas, or spend $20K on an older LD and have $80K left over for gas.  So with an extra $60K for gas, I'm not worried about MPG at all!

Joanne in Boston NE-44 1994 TK
Joanne, excellent point!  I bought my 2002 Class B a couple years ago for $18k rather than spending $65k+ on a new one thinking the same thing.  I would prefer finding a clean used  TK and hold onto the funds I didn't spend.

Chris
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102794
Quote
No, condescending is more like it but thanks for your lecture. ;o)  I'm an experienced RVer and simply asked a question about MPG of the current rigs.

Dear, I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?
 I'm curious. I've never heard of a typical class A or C getting anything other than 8-11 mpg so would it be too much to ask what mileage figures, as an experienced RVer, you thought you might get in reply?
 Despite what you and Larry think of me, it would sadden me to think that the satisfaction of your purchase would depend so critically on the mileage you expect your LD to deliver. I want folks to enjoy the experience, not to be worrying about winds, load, terrain, etc. instead of enjoying the scenery. Is that so terrible and condescending?

Paul NE 50
You can click on my profile to read who I am, Paul.  I'm very sure you'll get over your sadness worrying about others when you keep the lecturing to yourself and, instead, maybe either answer the question or feel free to skip a thread.  You offered unasked for opinions not knowing a thing about me or my wants.  Terrible? No.  Condescending, a bit uncalled for?  Yeah.
Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102795
Quote
From: csgreenefdp
 To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com
 Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 5:44 PM
 Subject: [LD] Re: MPG on the newer 24' and 27' models?

Joanne, excellent point! I bought my 2002 Class B a couple years ago for $18k rather than spending $65k+ on a new one thinking the same thing. I would prefer finding a clean used TK and hold onto the funds I didn't spend.

Chris
 Don't leave out the "enjoy new features and better performance" factor, or the "more likely need for repairs of an older rig" factor.
 As with cars, the advice for avoiding the initial 3 years depreciation by buying a late model used vehicle is hard to argue against. That is, unless one can afford the luxury of paying cash and buying new.
 Beyond that, my unsolicited advice is to buy the best that meets you needs and you can afford. That's why I chose Lazy Daze.

all the best,

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
 
MPG on Newer Models
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 102772
Hi!
 We recently arrived home in Maine from our 7-month, 8,150.7 mile journey to-from The Mothership and many points in between.  We towed a 2003 Saturn L-300 behind our 2006 (del 3/07) 26.5 MB; the Pilot tells me we averaged 8.0-9.0 miles up hills and down, high altitudes and sea level, on the flats and in headwinds and with tailwinds.
 Unfortunately, one of the many Windows updates ate the RV Notebook software we'd been using to track all of our expenses, but we have kept the paper logs (including gas fill-up $$ data) from the date of delivery...thus, our mileage data is not guesstimation.
 We didn't find a lot of difference towing vs not towing (the first 10,500 were not towing).  Of course, it's all how one looks at it.
 Our mph did not exceed 65 mph so that we didn't destroy the toad's transmission, etc.
 For us...we wouldn't let the cost of gas keep us off the road...our LD is a wonderful way to travel (and we've been lucky enough to do a lot of "suitcase" trips to some pretty special places) to see all those really delightful places which comprise the US.  And the nice people we've met RV-ing are truly the icing on the LD cake!
 And to the size-of-RV question...we've met a number of folks who travel in the B+ vans and are very, very happy, and many in the big Class A's who couldn't imagine doing with less...in part it's who you folks are, what you like to do, how many you humans and pets you travel with, and what makes you happy or what would give you the creeps.
 We've found the 26.5 MB to be very comfortable for us with our long travel season...when in place for more than a week, books and odd impulse purchases begin to overwhelm the front-end (we sleep in the rear).  What I (Co-pilot) miss is (a) being able to stretch out in my recliner because there is none, and (b) being able to stretch out in a tub for a soak.  I think the Pilot misses his weekly traditional wood-fired sauna and his multi-zillion channel cable big screen TV.
 Our one and only upgrade fantasy is the 32' Kodiak chassis LD...we've already written quite a bit about it based upon our long visit to The Mothership in February...and I would ask for a recliner (Steve...can you hear me now?).

TinaP 2006 MB "Wild Thing" NE 59  -  LD 2967
2006 MB