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Topic: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg (Read 2251 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #25
Mine regularly gets 9-10 mpg, but only while cruising on the flat and level without wind.  Add in normal stopping, stopping, traffic, grades, wind, etc and the average drops to 8-8.5. The coach's lifetime average is right around 8.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #26
                Cummins states that the ISM-- is the smallest engine they make that is rated as "heavy duty "  all other engines smaller than that are rated medium duty .  All things other than that being equal , it would have to be ISM for the long haul for me . Hard to beat power when you pull anything and much so in the mountains . Brad Metzger

The ISL is also consider a heavy duty engine by Cummins. As stated: Cummins 2013 Heavy Duty Engine Lineup, ISX, ISL, ISB . You will find the ISL9 today in every firetruck across America most around town fleet trucks run ISL9. While the ISM is also a great engine, the ISL for the motorhome is a fine combination considering the weight we pull.

Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #27
In my opinion, fuel is the cheapest part of owning a nice MH, at least when you're using fuel you are also using the coach.  I wish that I had time to use more fuel.
Gary Vanhoff
1998 U320
3600 WTFE
Build No. 5342
2007 HHR Toad
Spokane Valley, Washington

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #28
That's not quite accurate. My U320 with a 400 hp M11 will shift into 6th gear at just over 55 MPH. Combine with the fact that it has a higher (lower numerically) rear axle ratio than would a U270 or U295 with an 8.3 liter engine and the result is that for a given highway speed the larger engine will run at a lower RPM and thus have about the same fuel economy as would a smaller engine spinning faster.

Mine shifts in sixth at 54-55 also.  Boring driving that slow.

Engine computer says it averaged 7.8 for 100k miles
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #29
Mine shifts in sixth at 54-55 also.  Boring driving that slow.

Engine computer says it averaged 7.8 for 100k miles

We completely agree with the "boring" statement! Our U320 feels as if it was designed to cruise at about 70 MPH. We even cruised for a few miles in Texas at the 80 MPH speed limit and it still felt great! We traveled our first several thousand miles at about 62 MPH, until my wife could no longer stand the boredom at that speed. (I was happy when she spoke up!) The coach is so smooth and comfortable that it just seems to put us to sleep at that speed. For whatever reason, 70 MPH just feels right!

Surprisingly, even though everything says we should use more power and burn more fuel at 70 MPH, we haven't noticed any significant difference in fuel consumption. Even though I'm very careful to be consistent at each fuel fill, and keep detailed records, we remain at about the same MPG. 

David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #30
Yeah, we had the same result after Bernd tuned our M11.

If I changed my 62mph to 70 the M11 just wanted to go 75.

And I'd swear I got better mileage.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #31
I limit me excursions over 75mph, the tires' max rated speed, but have briefly been to 85 while passing, and the U295 handles like a dream there.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #32
Yeah, we had the same result after Bernd tuned our M11.

If I changed my 62mph to 70 the M11 just wanted to go 75.

And I'd swear I got better mileage.

best, paul

The engines best mpg is at 1500 rpm as far as I know
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #33
The engines best mpg is at 1500 rpm as far as I know

That makes sense. At 70 MPH our M11 is turning just over 1500 RPM. It, and the rest of the coach, seem to be quite "happy" under those conditions. Therefore, so am I!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #34
I think my M11 needs a tune, but no matter what speed we run, it gets 7MPG, anything from 60-75.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #35
That is one of the primary reasons a diesel is more efficient than a gasoline engine at partial throttle (other reasons include more BTU's per gallon, no throttle on the intake that creates a vacuum that the pistons have to pull against, etc).

Higher compression ratio is usually the main reason...but everything you mentioned (and more) adds up.
1998 U270 34'

 

Re: 400 ISL vs 450 ISM mpg

Reply #36
I think my M11 needs a tune, but no matter what speed we run, it gets 7MPG, anything from 60-75.

No gen or Aqua hot use?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4