Found a gv

Topic: Found a gv (Read 2063 times) previous topic - next topic

Found a gv

February 28, 2017, 11:38:44 pm

So the GV ORED XVK deal fell thru, found a 93 U300 with 150k, always garage stored in San Antonio. All manuals and most service records since 96 when Sons deceased father purchased it. Yearly maintenance at FOT. 6v92 so fuel mileage will suck. Son & wife lived in it while new house under construction just finished. Will check bulkheads etc. Any other words of wisdom, as I have researched this and beams site for about 6 months? Sounds promising so far. I will ask how many years it set idle due to health issues.

Re: Found a gv

Reply #1 – February 28, 2017, 11:47:24 pm

Most of the U300 owners on the forum have averaged about 8 mpg over the life of the vehicle as documented by the DDEC ECU. Do any high profile Foretravels do better?

A lot of misinformation out there. Like the wet liners. If you have a Cummins other than the 5.9, you also have wet liners just like the 6V-92TA.

Pierce

Re: Found a gv

Reply #2 – March 01, 2017, 01:24:00 am

Lifetime (at the time of the Cummins printout done by PO @ 140K miles) 9.63, which corresponds pretty closely with what I get by the old fashioned method that involves basic math. I think we usually run within about 1K of GVW (31,000lbs) towing a Honda Fit (about 2600lbs).
Don

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – February 28, 2017, 11:47:24 pm

Most of the U300 owners on the forum have averaged about 8 mpg over the life of the vehicle as documented by the DDEC ECU. Do any high profile Foretravels do better?

A lot of misinformation out there. Like the wet liners. If you have a Cummins other than the 5.9, you also have wet liners just like the 6V-92TA.

Pierce

Re: Found a gv

Reply #3 – March 01, 2017, 08:00:29 am

Quote from: Old phart phred – February 28, 2017, 11:38:44 pm

6v92 so fuel mileage will suck.

Fuel mileage should be way down on the list of critical things to consider when shopping for a classic diesel pusher. They all suck.

Since you've been around here for a while, you probably know that.

Trying to stir up the 2-stroke crowd?

Re: Found a gv

Reply #4 – March 01, 2017, 08:56:36 am

It is what it is if you don't like the 2 stroke don't buy it keep lookin

Re: Found a gv

Reply #5 – March 01, 2017, 08:58:14 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – March 01, 2017, 08:00:29 am

Trying to stir up the 2-stroke crowd?

Nope, after the "DDEC people" posts, I have learned the the extremely complicated engine is quite simple in a lot of areas, and I think I now finally "get it". Volumetric efficiency must be quite high for this engine until its installed with standard "off the shelf" 5" tiny exhaust and intake systems. velocity thru a 5" intake at peak load is 102 mph, and 5" exhaust at 240 mph, which adds a lot of pumping losses that can be changed.

My earlier searches for GV's did not include consideration for the Detroit, but I have warmed up to this beast. The only thing I don't like about this 93 is the lack of a gas oven, and only a 2 burner gagneon (SP) cooktop, and carpet in the bathroom. Since the DW has allergies ALL of the carpet will be removed.

Thanks for all of the forums knowledge base, and those who contributed.

Re: Found a gv

Reply #6 – March 01, 2017, 09:13:19 am

"Different strokes for different folks" Love the DD's.....

but my Kitty Kat purrrsss

Re: Found a gv

Reply #7 – March 01, 2017, 09:29:27 am

Quote from: Old phart phred – March 01, 2017, 08:58:14 am

The only thing I don't like about this 93 is the lack of a gas oven, and only a 2 burner gagneon (SP) cooktop, and carpet in the bathroom. Since the DW has allergies ALL of the carpet will be removed.

All 3 items easily corrected! A trip to the remod shop at FOT, or any other quality shop, + some coach bucks, can do the deed.

I'm thinking David Flanagan should have some gas ovens stashed away, because some owners have them removed to regain the lost cabinet space and to upgrade the cooktop.

Lots of quality vendors to re-do the floor. Search the Forum for recommendations.

Good luck!

Re: Found a gv

Reply #8 – March 01, 2017, 09:30:33 am

Like Don our average is up there. I do not have any specifics but it is at least the same and I feel better at aorund 10. The Banks makes it better.
JohnH

To remove political portion of the post

Re: Found a gv

Reply #9 – March 01, 2017, 09:46:29 am

John,

I was hoping you might have some insight to the mpg on a big coach. I wonder how the U280s/8.3 Cummins do with the same 746 transmission as the U300 Detroits? The four speed Allisons don't have the two overdrive gears for highway cruising. I'm all done at 2100 rpm/82 mph and would sure like to drop the rpm at 65 mph cruise down several hundred rpm.

Pierce

Re: Found a gv

Reply #10 – March 01, 2017, 10:14:00 am

Please keep in mind the term "my MPG sucks" is all relative.

This past week I pulled my fathers 32' Forest River Vibe "maybe 7200lbs." from Lake Okeechobee to western north Carolina. averaged 9.6 MPG. I did drive at or 2-4 mph over the speed limit up I-95 and I-26. 2016 ford diesel F-350 4x4. So....allowing a "flat land" average MPG for the F-350 of 20MPH averaged with towing MPG results in 14.5 MPG or so.

Averaging the MPG of our towed car Altima and our U320 gives an honest 21.5 MPG given both driven equal mileage. Christi and I love to drive around and explore where ever we visit.

Just a visual exercise to help us to explain how our large diesels actually have a much smaller environmental impact then other less green options for camping/exploring ....

Thats my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Re: Found a gv

Reply #11 – March 01, 2017, 10:30:57 am

Quote from: ratbug – March 01, 2017, 10:14:00 am

Please keep in mind the term "my MPG sucks" is all relative.
This past week I pulled my fathers 32' Forest River Vibe "maybe 7200lbs." from Lake Okeechobee to western north Carolina. averaged 9.6 MPG. I did drive at or 2-4 mph over the speed limit up I-95 and I-26. 2016 ford diesel F-350 4x4. So....allowing a "flat land" average MPG for the F-350 of 20MPH averaged with towing MPG results in 14.5 MPG or so.
Averaging the MPG of our towed car Altima and our U320 gives an honest 21.5 MPG given both driven equal mileage. Christi and I love to drive around and explore where ever we visit.
Just a visual exercise to help us to explain how our large diesels actually have a much smaller environmental impact then other less green options for camping/exploring ....
Thats my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Absolutely! When we drive downhill to San Francisco in the U300, we usually take it easy at about 55 mph and get almost 12 mpg. A friend with his Ford 460 gas (carburetor) automatic PU with a utility bed gets about 6 mpg for the same exact trip so not bad for a big rolling apartment, environmentally speaking.

Pierce

Re: Found a gv

Reply #12 – March 01, 2017, 12:03:00 pm

We come thru many mnts etc to get down here but on the flat run 12mpg but average for whole trip it is most probably 10.
JohnH

Re: Found a gv

Reply #13 – March 01, 2017, 12:07:26 pm

FWIW,
I have an 8.3 cummins engine. It routinely gets around 8-9mpg. That varies considerably with the speed. If I were to slow down to 55, I think I would get closer to 10mpg. I rountinely run about 65 mph. I don't like going over that as I think I may want to stop on short order and know that it may be problematic at higher speeds. This does include generator use when needed. I need that more in the summer than I do in winter obviously. I have driven a DD and frankly did not have an issue with it. I would consider one if I were in the market. I test drove a Vogue with a DD and it performed very well. Love the sound of it too. Liked the FT more and that is why I have it with the 8.3 (had nothing to do with the engine). Best of travels.

Re: Found a gv

Reply #14 – March 01, 2017, 12:56:30 pm

Other then the bulkheads check the sides for de-lamination.. I like the old Detroit. Mine has been good to me. It is getting harder to find mechanics that are familiar with them.. If the coach is sound otherwise the DD wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.
Good luck..

Re: Found a gv

Reply #15 – March 01, 2017, 03:21:39 pm

DD correct me if I'm wrong CAN have digital readouts VS nalog with the C8.3...

Re: Found a gv

Reply #16 – March 01, 2017, 03:55:34 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – March 01, 2017, 03:21:39 pm

DD correct me if I'm wrong CAN have digital readouts VS nalog with the C8.3...

Not sure who this is directed to or if it concerns DD as in Detroit Diesel.

The 2 cycle Detroit engines fitted to Foretravels are computer controlled by the DDEC II. As soon as you plug in a Pro-Link 9000 to the data port next to the driver and turn the key on, over 40 tests, statistics, history, etc are available to read out. Part of the history include the miles traveled since new, gallons of diesel consumed since new and the miles per gallon since new. You can also do trip mpg and instant mpg at that moment.

The mechanical 8.3 Cummins will need a fuel log book in order to figure fuel mileage with a calculator.

Both electronic and mechanical engines have their advantages. Some things are easier with one type, other things easier with the other.

Pierce

Re: Found a gv

Reply #17 – March 02, 2017, 06:41:37 pm

Just for fun.
Not sure why MPG is all that important. As someone said, it always suck's. Easiest way to explain it is what I told someone when they asked "How many MPG do you get" I responded "About 40" To his amazement I began to explain, that when you compute in the savings on hotels, food, etc., that is about what it works out to.
The truth of the matter is, after being in the RV industry as a tech, owning a Van Conversion shop, and having owned pretty much every type of RV one could own, the bottom line is this. They all average about 8 MPG. Up hill, down hill, tail wind, towing, not towing, whatever. That's about what you are going to get, if you drive it sane.
It amazes me, that someone will spend 3K on a Banks system or something else, that gives them hope they will gain one MPG. Do the math, it will take forever to gain that kind of coin back.
Just my 2 cents

Cheers

Re: Found a gv

Reply #18 – March 02, 2017, 07:23:41 pm

Quote from: gracerace – March 02, 2017, 06:41:37 pm

Just for fun. Not sure why MPG is all that important.

What he said! I've had to keep track of usage all my life, and did with fuel mileage. I finally, as age came on, realized, "who cares?" It's the same for a lot of things I thought were "important". These days, I keep track of the weather, try to remember the DW's birthday, check when NASCAR comes on. I forget what song it was, but, the line I remember, was, "keep your mind open."

Re: Found a gv

Reply #19 – March 02, 2017, 09:10:41 pm

It all takes fuel, and its worked out cheaper than driving the car on trips after hotels, eating out etc. Also routine and a familiar bed helps the little one. I get 9 mpg with the generator running around the clock on the trips I have checked. The mileage looks really good when I get to the race track and do match at a factor of two laps a gallon. Neither one was going to run on just air.

Re: Found a gv

Reply #20 – March 02, 2017, 11:18:11 pm

Chris, I gather as I am the only one who mentioned Banks that the comment was directed at me.
I did not pay for the Banks as PO did but one thing for sure I can tell when it works or not. I have had 2 instances with 12v power being cut off to it and the difference in power both for flat and climbing is unmistakable. I would any time put this coach up against another without it and prove the difference.
I do 10k miles a year so if I get 1 mpg more that is like saving 110galls at $3 per so $300 + each year. I have owned this coach over 8 yrs so it was $2400 to install so now paid off and I still get to enjoy the boost and mileage. No Brainer for me.
have fun
JohnH

Re: Found a gv

Reply #21 – March 02, 2017, 11:37:07 pm

Have to agree with John on the power. Sure a 35000 lb coach with 300 hp will get you just about everywhere. But sure is nice when getting on the onramp, and being able to merge with traffic at 65 or 70 instead of 45 mph, just makes it easier on me. Do not have to worry about some distracted driver checking out my rear bumper.
You do not necessarily need the extra hp, but it is nice when you really need it.

Re: Found a gv

Reply #22 – March 03, 2017, 08:20:01 am

Too Much?

Re: Found a gv

Reply #23 – March 03, 2017, 11:28:14 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – March 02, 2017, 11:18:11 pm

Chris, I gather as I am the only one who mentioned Banks that the comment was directed at me.
I did not pay for the Banks as PO did but one thing for sure I can tell when it works or not. I have had 2 instances with 12v power being cut off to it and the difference in power both for flat and climbing is unmistakable. I would any time put this coach up against another without it and prove the difference.
I do 10k miles a year so if I get 1 mpg more that is like saving 110galls at $3 per so $300 + each year. I have owned this coach over 8 yrs so it was $2400 to install so now paid off and I still get to enjoy the boost and mileage. No Brainer for me.
have fun
JohnH

Sorry, comment wasn't directed at you. I apologize if I offended you. I was a Service advisor for a while at a big RV store. We put Banks systems on all the time, and yes, they do help. Most the time it was because of cracked manifolds on Chevy and Ford V8's.
I wouldn't throw one out of bed for eating chips if I had one.
The point I was making is the $4000.00 installed cost outweighs the return (4K is 2006 price, I am sure they are much more now). I should have added that most people don't keep their coaches long enough to absorb the cost.
Cheers

Re: Found a gv

Reply #24 – March 04, 2017, 04:26:17 pm

Motor home mileage can be distilled down to.........For a car....Poor But for a house....Impressive. This is my stock response to the "what kinda mileage does that thing get" question.

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