Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Re: MPG increase of 15%+

Reply #25 – August 23, 2011, 09:58:47 am

Be aware that most "don't use Economy Mode" advice is from those who don't want to hear complaints about loosing speed on grades or overheating from running at a low  RPM up a long grade.

The harsh shift/learning wrong shift program due to using economy mode is a question I would not ask any dealer or friend.  Too much incorrect "tribal knowledge".

I posted the Allison tech line above.  Give them a call and ask the question or see if you can forward this thread for their comment.

Been driving in Economy Mode for over 125,000 miles with few harsh shifts. Yes, sometimes the 2-1 shift can be very positive.

But, the decision on whether to/not to use Economy Mode is strictly up to you.  No right or wrong answers.

Brett

Quote Selected

Re: MPG increase of 15%+

Reply #26 – August 23, 2011, 10:25:00 am

And I will echo Brett, unless in very hilly conditions that would cause overheat or lugging I always use Econ mode. Can't say that I notice any real MPG difference as MPG depends on too many factors,  I am always amazed ( amused ) when I get a 9.0 mpg on a trip when there is no logical reason for it.  This summer with a tailwind thru KS I got 9.8 on that tank but it is hard to wait for a tailwind. 
Gary B

Quote Selected

Re: MPG increase of 15%+

Reply #27 – August 23, 2011, 04:27:57 pm

I can tell you that I do not use the Econ mode, I can show 10 on the VMSpc, can keep it above 9.5 mpg,  BUT, driving in that fashion is not worth it.  Life is too short to bore myself to death trying to prove the high mpg is a doable thing.  This is with the ISM 500 in a 36' 320, 1 slide. Normal towing the F150 w/ATV  8.5 and enjoying the trip, 70ish mph. Still the best single upgrade is the 500 & resonator. PTL

Quote Selected

Re: MPG increase of 15%+

Reply #28 – August 23, 2011, 06:18:29 pm

I usually get a hard downshift from 5th to 4th with the jake on if I'm close to the downshift point, Econ mode or no. I don't think the HD series had any learn mode.

Quote Selected

Re: MPG increase of 15%+

Reply #29 – August 23, 2011, 06:20:50 pm

I may do a resonator on my return for the m11 400. 5 inch Walker, right?

Quote Selected

Re: MPG increase of 15%+

Reply #30 – August 23, 2011, 06:36:11 pm

Dave,  you got it, Some where in the fofums I listed the Walker catalog showing all the parts, 90 deg radius elbow, resonator, flex etc. I used aluminized stuff, takes long time to start rusting.
The single big change is I now never run WOT , just no need, closer to driving a pickup than a slug.

Quote Selected