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Fighting a wind

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. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #1
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 )

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #2
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. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #3
Definitely a situation where the older shorter coaches would have an edge...
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #4
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+.
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #5
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.



 
Dick & Sue
'99 U320, 36'
2015 F150 4x4 Supercrew
M & G with brakeaway system
Blue Ox Avail 10,000# tow bar
Grosse Ile, Mi.

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #6
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.
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: Fighting a wind

Reply #7
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. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #8
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





Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #9
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
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Fighting a wind

Reply #10
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



"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: Fighting a wind

Reply #11
Most wind I have experienced was east of Rapid City, SD, cars, empty trucks were running slower and weaving in their lane.  My 36' 320 felt very secure, stable and yes could detect the strong windy bursts, but felt secure and very controllable.  Of course tried to not be stupid either.

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.
"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