Well today I was drive across IN and IL and most of the day it was easy and I was running 8.1 mpg on Silverleaf. The temps were 180 to 183 on the engine and the transmission about 179-182. Then I noticed the wind pick up as a gust pushed me. Then I turned into it and I watch the temps go up. Engine to 189 and trans to 190 and the elevation actually was level and not much change. The wind was about 40 mph with higher gusts. Decided not to fight it and pull over for the night. I knew wind hurt my milage before but it caused temps to go up too. Never noticed it before and I wonder if the new jeep being almost twice the weight allows me to notice it.
John, In stiff winds across KS, and NB I have noticed on northbound there is slight uptick in temps, and on EB temps climb slightly, nothing to worry me, guess its radiator placement and wind direction. I don't have Silverleaf, you might be seeing difference with more accurate readings too.
Gary B
( wish I was following you )
I know I got 3 mpg one time with a strong headwind. I was not super concerned but it was interesting. I did the same trip in Nov and the tempos never budged but it was cooler out too.
Definitely a situation where the older shorter coaches would have an edge...
I was heading north on hwy 1 north of San Francisco in my 27' P30 chasis in an onshore crosswind. Seemed kinda strong. I had to steer as if I was trying to drive into the ocean to go straight. Upon further reflection, I looked in side mirror again and thought I saw black marks on the tarmac. There weren't any in front of me. Looked again, hmm. Black marks. Time to park.... Getting out and feeling it, I think it was blowing a good steady 40+.
April 15, 2014, we were driving North on US 95 just coming up on Titusville, Fl when we drove into a strong storm cell moving West to East. As luck would have it, it was also the start of the construction zone with no place to turn off. Visibility was down to feet. Were also towing our Escape with 2 kayaks on her roof. Talk about a hand full!!
Our Foretravel handled it pretty well and the Escape wanted to be a sailboat. In 8 miles our exit came up, yep, more construction.
Got to the RV park and then checked with the National Weather Service. They reported +65 mph winds in the cell that we drove through.
It was beer time before we got the anchor down.
Brought back our sailing days in storms, just a bit dryer in the Foretravel.
My previous motorhome was a tall, top heavy basement model built on the John Deere chassis with inboard leaf springs. Driving with crosswinds was an ordeal. Driving thw Foretravel under similar or worse conditions is a breeze.
Well today it was hotter out but no wind. The temps all stayed normal. Been in a couple winds that made me pull over. Three times since 2001 and three times for snow.
We have had our 91GV thru all sorts of wind conditions and just slowed a little and kept a steady grip on the wheel. Under the same conditions, if there are still SOBs on the road, they are just barely moving and looking for some spot to hunker down. They handle very well under adverse wind conditions. Have a great day ---- Fritz
Once did over 350 miles with side winds gusting over 60 mph. Coach did not seem to mind it one bit. Watching empty van semis tacking into the wind was interesting.
Keith
Medium winds with occasional heavy gusts across the west last month from Kansas to Los Angeles were not a big issue. I can count on one hand the actual times quick steering wheel movements were required in 3,600 mikes.
No play in the steering/wheel bearings on our coach makes light pressure on the wheel and maybe 1/2 inch movements at the edge of the wheel were normally all that was required once the basic wheel position was set for the then current wind conditions.
Changing the steering wheel as the spoke setup on the bk vip wheel along the the seat cushion height on my villa seats was off slightly.
Had to reach for the spoke slightly and actually strained my left hand ring finger slightly.
Wounded. Poor boy.
Favorite car of all time was my families 61 Cadillac sedan. Arm rest height matched the fold down center armrest and the "v" steering wheel spokes allowed a perfect driving restful position and I drove that car up to 700 miles a day at 88mph interstate in the 60's.
Will mod this coach to try to duplicate that setup. Added a pad to the worn drivers seat to raise my torso so the armrest height is better. The stop position ion the armrests was slightly high and raising the seated position might be enough.
Its a game of inches.
Perfect to fit me is possible so why not adjust it?
Mileage went from 7 at worst to ten in a perfect run. Quartering winds did not effect the mileage as much as a straight head wind would have.
Sorry to digress.
Bob
Plus one exactly. Lots of movements in other vehicles noticed. A few really strong gusts got your attention.
Least movement in our 320 versus any other non bus coach I have driven.