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Topic: Driving speed RPMs  (Read 783 times) previous topic - next topic

Driving speed RPMs

I am happy to announce Lisa and I are now Foretravel owners. I picked up a 1996 U295 36 ft in AZ Sunday and drove it back to Houston, TX. I was surprised how easy it is to drive on the highway, once you get comfortable with the size. I was wondering about highway speed and RPMs. It seemed to like to run about 62 mph at just under 1900 rpm. Above that the engine became much louder. Does what sound about right?
Brian & Lisa Freeze
1996 U295 36FT Build #4914
Motorcade #18760

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #1 –
Quote from: brianefeeze –
I was wondering about highway speed and RPMs. It seemed to like to run about 62 mph at just under 1900 rpm. Above that the engine became much louder. Does what sound about right?
Welcome Brian and Lisa,

You are both in for a lot of fun learning about your new-to-you coach.  Ask all the questions you want - we want to help you get comfortable with your new ride.

Our coach, although older, should have the same basic engine/trans combo.  Every engine has a "sweet spot" where it likes to cruise.  On our coach, it is at 65 mph which is about 1950 rpm.  Very close to what you found.

Engine sound and road noise are something you will get used to.  It is a good idea to learn what "normal operation" sounds like on your particular coach.  That way, if something one day goes wrong (mechanically) you will hopefully be alerted by the change in sound.

When you get the time, post some more photos of your new ride.  We really like seeing photos!

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #2 –
I notice you saved yourself a bit of work buying that coach.  You only need to replace 3 of the digits in the Motorcade Club numbers.  Good choice!  :thumbsup:
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #3 –
In the 60 mph range, I run in the 1450 rpm's!  Different engine maybe, with the 450 M11.  That is a sweet spot for our coach and best fuel mileage it seems!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #4 –
Brian, sent you a PM
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #5 –
Quote from: juicesqueezer –
In the 60 mph range, I run in the 1450 rpm's!  Different engine maybe, with the 450 M11.  That is a sweet spot for our coach and best fuel mileage it seems!
Joe does your coach have to get to 61 mph to get in 6th gear as mine does?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #6 –
Quote from: brianefeeze –
I am happy to announce Lisa and I are now Foretravel owners. I picked up a 1996 U295 36 ft in AZ Sunday and drove it back to Houston, TX. I was surprised how easy it is to drive on the highway, once you get comfortable with the size. I was wondering about highway speed and RPMs. It seemed to like to run about 62 mph at just under 1900 rpm. Above that the engine became much louder. Does what sound about right?

Congratulations on your new coach. I'm always curious why you went down the Foretravel hole. Nice coaches IMO. I have a different engine trans so can't offer much info for yours. There is a unlimited wealth of knowledge within these posts. Learn to use the search function and all your questions generally have been asked and answered before. Learn the brake system and get caught up on maintenance needs of your coach.  Always better to get ahead than be stranded for something simple and avoidable.
Enjoy its comes with great rewards and new friends everywhere.
Scott and Kim

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #7 –
Quote from: craneman –
Joe does your coach have to get to 61 mph to get in 6th gear as mine does?

Yes, it does Chuck! 
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #8 –
On my coach with similar engine I'm running 65 at 1900 rpm if memory is correct. That's my personal maximum cruise for four lane divided highway. GPS and speedometer match. No way to verify accuracy of tach. Engine seem happy cruising anywhere from 60 to 65.  Most noise is from front tires.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #9 –
I have the 96 U295 with the Cummins 8.3 and Allison 3060R tranny. Like you we cruise in a sweet spot between 1800 and 1900 on the tach at about 62 to 64 mph. Very sweet mileage and sound wise.
Alan & Gerri Ortiz
1996 U295 36 ft.
"Rocinante"
Hartwell, Georgia
1999 Subaru Forester
Build No. 4957 Motorcader 17399

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #10 –
Being a U295 ISL400, mine will shift into 6th around 55mph, which is handy in California. I do push the limit and cruise at 62 in Cali and usually 65 elsewhere. Sometimes 70, but only if the pavement is smooth and straight, which is rare.
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: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #11 –
I have the 1995 u295- 36' with 8.3 and 3060r. Mine shifts at exactly 55 into 6th gear. Loves to cruise at 65 but has no problem to go 70. I just feel safer at 65. I'm not sure exact rpm but want to say 1800-1900 at 65.

Love your new coach! Please post a bunch more pictures!!

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #12 –
Seems all the 8.3 with the Allison 6 speed are about the same for that vintage. So the rear axle ratio must be the same too.

We cruise at 1800 rpm and 63 mph.

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #13 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –
Seems all the 8.3 with the Allison 6 speed are about the same for that vintage. So the rear axle ratio must be the same too.
We cruise at 1800 rpm and 63 mph.
I thought the same but it's possible different ratios were special order. At least one member had a much shorter (higher numerical) ratio and changed his to get lower revs on the highway. His forum name was Krush with a 1998 U270/34. Probably could look up his post to see what his came with and what he changed to.

Ratios are on a tag visible on one of the bolts on the third member of the rear end.

If you know the speed and the rpm at that speed, you can easily figure the rpm at any speed. An example: Our Detroit has the fuel cutoff at 2130 rpm and is going at 82 mph at that rpm. So, 2130 divided by 82 equals 25.9756097561.  I can multiply 25.9756097561 times any speed to get the rpm at that speed. Only takes a second on the address line of your browser. Works with any engine/rpm/speed/tire size, etc. At 65 mph, we are turning 1688 rpm.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #14 –
1995 M11 run 72 on open freeway, 1550rpm, let the crowd fly by!
1995 U320
Build #4677
2011 Honda CRV

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #15 –
Scott, I am hoping it's more of the Foretravel adventure. I have done a lot of research over the years on used class A motor homes and like how solid the older Foretravel were built. It also seems like if you keep up with the maintenance they will last a very long time. I like the solid walnut and all the Corian tables and counter tops. The Foretravel community was another big draw. So many people have helped me in my search over the last couple of years. I feel if I needed help figuring anything out it would not be an issue with all of the great Foretravel owners out there. Hope that answers your question.

Brian
Brian & Lisa Freeze
1996 U295 36FT Build #4914
Motorcade #18760
 

Re: Driving speed RPMs

Reply #16 –
Welcome! I'm south of Houston maybe we can hook up and talk Foretravel sometime.


Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.