We recently returned home to Fredericksburg, TX from a 4,000 mile trip through New Mexico, Colorado, NE Utah and Wyoming. We have a 2017 MB with the 6-speed transmission. During the trip, we towed our 4100 lb Jeep Wrangler. Our speed varied from 55 mph to 62 mph depending on the road conditions and speed limits. Our average fuel mileage (total miles / Gallons used) was 9.35mpg. This is a marked improvement over our previous 2005 MB where we struggled to maintain 8mpg towing a 3700 lb CRV. Interestingly, in the 6-speed transmission, the 6th gear runs approximately the same rpm as our previous 5 speed did in 5th gear. Just an FYI for everyone. As I tell my friends, if one is worried about the mileage one gets in a motor home, they should not purchase one.
My 2016 MB will do about 10 3/4 mpg at those speeds on relatively flat ground with nothing being towed. Frank
Mileage in our LD doesn't count till I pull back in the driveway after the trip. Even then it's really just something to be proud of. "Will ya look at that! 10.2!"
Best MPG has been 11.0 in our '15 RB. Now that was cause for celebration. Bet it'll never happen again. True average has been stabilised at 9.8...coming and going.
At about 10,000 miles, the LD isn't even broken in. Many more Happy Trails ahead. Congratulations to all you '16 & '17 LD owners.
Here's to many more years of Lazy Daze production.
Kent
My old girl (2002) gets 8.5 as an average lol. But I can buy a lot of fuel for the price difference between the 2002 and a newer model.
The mileage on our 2010 MB seems like it has crept up since I switched to only using Top Tier gasoline about 6 months ago. I made the switch after reading this article: Study: Top Tier Gasoline Worth the Extra Price - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/study-shows-top-tier-gasoline-worth-extra-price/). On our last trip (700 miles) we got 10.7 mpg which is the highest we have ever gotten on a trip. That trip included some generator time so actual mileage was probably a bit higher. We carry bicycles on back but do not tow. I am unsure whether to attribute the increased mileage to the Top Tier gasoline or just coincidence reflecting, for example, wind conditions while driving.
Paul H.
Started using this a couple years ago based on recommendations here:
Products (http://www.techronworks.com/en-US/products.html#.WcgTq9FOmhA)
I feel strongly that it has increased the performance and mileage of my car and with Ruby.
Dave
I have the old 460 V-8. It seems to get 8 mpg no matter what is going on.
I can live with that, I usually stay put for awhile and use my motorcycle to do my running around on.
It makes up for the poor mileage of the LD.
2014 TK
After 30,072.70 miles 3089.87 gallons at a cost of $8,526.56 and 50.2 hours on genie I average 9.73267 miles per gallon.
Living in Portland, Or there is no direction we can go without climbing over hills and mountains. Weights have been all over the place from almost empty to the near max of 14,000. I try to average between 55 to 60 on freeways. Keep rear tires at 80 and front at 75.
We now have over 15K traveled in our 98 MB, we are averaging about 8.7 with more like 8.5 in the mountains and highs to 9.5 in the reality flat lowlands. We carry two or more bikes and run an average around 13,500 checked at weight stations with proper tire pressures check before we go and always using Top Tier Gas. I have seen more the 10MPG once or twice but I think that was in error or an un-known anomaly.
Karen~Liam
98 ~ MB
Wow!
In our first year of ownership of our 2014 27 MB we have traveled just a tad under 7000 miles towing a 2500 lb. Enclosed trailer, averaging 60mph, lots of mountains, and we averaged 7.9mpg. I keep the front tires at 75psi and the rears at 80psi.
We must be doing something wrong...
"...averaging 60mph, lots of mountains, and we averaged 7.9mpg."
Blueox
How are you determining your average mpg? ::)
And equally, your average speed? Or is that more of a "we usually drive 60" thing? If it's a true mathematical (or electronically-derived) average, then the time spent at 75 (to mathematically offset the time spent at 45) will kill your mileage very quickly, and non-proportionally, too.
Chip
Fair questions.
We presently have 20,000 miles on the coach.
I calculate the mileage by dividing the number of miles traveled by the gallons added to fill the tank and completely fill the tank at each refuel and reset the trip odometer. The mpg display shown on the instrument panel is rarely the same as the calculated value and is typically higher.
I usually keep the coach on cruise control on highways and set it just under 60mph. Obviously, we go slower in the mountains and on smaller roads. On major freeways (like Interstate 5) where traffic flow is significantly faster, I set the cruise at 62mph and stay in the truck lane.
I have had one tank that calculated at 9.2mpg driving from San Diego to Gila Bend in Interstate 8 averaging 55mph on cruise control and mostly flat terrain. All of our other fills have yielded approximately 8mpg. Worst was 6.7mpg mostly pulling through the mountains on tight winding roads.
Any ideas?
Wow!
In our first year of ownership of our 2014 27 MB we have traveled just a tad under 7000 miles towing a 2500 lb. Enclosed trailer, averaging 60mph, lots of mountains, and we averaged 7.9mpg. I keep the front tires at 75psi and the rears at 80psi.
We must be doing something wrong...
Nothing is wrong, you are pulling a trailer and Liam isn't.
Your mileage is not out of line for the weight and speed you travel. It is similar to our mileage, pulling a 4000-lb Jeep.
I suggest placing a piece of black tape over the odometer to reduce mileage anxiety.
Larry
Here's how I determine my 'instantaneous' mpg and my 'average' mpg.
At one time I used a Scan Gauge II but gave it up due to vision problems. I now utilize the Ultra Gauge...
UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center (http://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/ultragauge_wired.htm)
It monitors many different parameters, including Trans Temp, but gives me instantaneous mpg (which of course varies with current driving conditions) and more importantly, Average (cumulative) mpg. Since I installed it nearly two years ago my average (cumulative) mpg stands at 8.99 mpg.
It also has a feature whereby you can reset everything when/if you fill your tank. ;)
Here's how I determine my 'instantaneous' mpg and my 'average' mpg.
At one time I used a Scan Gauge II but gave it up due to vision problems. I now utilize the Ultra Gauge...
UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center (http://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/ultragauge_wired.htm)
It monitors many different parameters, including Trans Temp, but gives me instantaneous mpg (which of course varies with current driving conditions) and more importantly, Average (cumulative) mpg. Since I installed it nearly two years ago my average (cumulative) mpg stands at 8.99 mpg.
It also has a feature whereby you can reset everything when/if you fill your tank. ;)
Did you buy the Plus model or the MX?
Jim
When I use the trip computer, it always provides a higher mpg than when I calculate it manually; however, Ford's trip computer is much closer than Tiffin's which said I got 16 mpg instead of the actual 9 mpg.
Larry,
Darn. I was hopeful to discover an error in my ways and better fuel consumption on future trips. On the other hand, it is reassuring to hear an owner who gets similar mileage under similar circumstances, so our results are likely normal.
No "mileage anxiety", but no mileage joy either. It is just what it is with a gas V10 in an E450. There are many things I like about the Lazy Daze, but the 2WD, low clearance, and V10 gasser aren't among them. Considering the entire package, it is still better than anything out there that we have seen, so it is a keeper. Since we will be towing either an enclosed trailer or a 4000 lb. 4X4 toad for the foreseeable future, we will assume that our fuel consumption will stay at about 8mpg and it is just part of the package. The 6.7mpg fills are still a little painful, though.
HD
My old 460 V8 delivers 8.08 MPG over the last 21,600 miles. It has 55K miles on it.
Never worried me, except certain stretches of road where we have to plan our fill ups to avoid running out, or, heaven forbid, not fueling with “Top Tier” gasoline. Just in case I carry a can of Techron to add.
It sure would be nice to have a bigger fuel tank, but then the weight would kill me. Que sera, sera. Or as they say now, it is what it is.
Since we will be towing either an enclosed trailer or a 4000 lb. 4X4 toad for the foreseeable future, we will assume that our fuel consumption will stay at about 8mpg and it is just part of the package.
If you want to feel better, compare the mileage of your LD to whatever car you normally drive, based on MPG per pound.
Lets say your LD's weight is 17,000-lbs, with a 4000-lb toad, and it gets 8-MPG.
That's equal to a 4250-lb car getting 32-MPG. Few 4250-lb, gasoline powered cars get 32-MPG.
Now, doesn't that ease the pain a little?
Driving at 50-55 MPG will give better mileage, if you don't fall asleep or get run off the road by a big rig.
Larry
"Did you buy the Plus model or the MX?"
Jim
You tend to ask the questions for which I have no ready answer. :(
However, a quick trip to the LD in my side yard turned up this info: I own the MX 1.3! I do not know if that version has been superseded by a newer one.
One thing for sure, the Ultra Gauge is by far the most user friendly of the two I've owned, but only after you have mastered the programing via the menu. Ask Chris if that's not true. ;D
P.S. I leave for June Lake tomorrow morning! 8)
"Did you buy the Plus model or the MX?"
Jim
You tend to ask the questions for which I have no ready answer. :(
However, a quick trip to the LD in my side yard turned up this info: I own the MX 1.3! I do not know if that version has been superseded by a newer one.
One thing for sure, the Ultra Gauge is by far the most user friendly of the two I've owned, but only after you have mastered the programing via the menu. Ask Chris if that's not true. ;D
P.S. I leave for June Lake tomorrow morning! 8)
Thanks, Steve. They are still selling the MX which is the one that has transmission temperature.
Jim
Incidentally folks, that "Demonstrator" on the Ultra Gauge web-site is one of the best tutorials I've ever encountered on-line. :o 8)
"It is just what it is with a gas V10 in an E450."
---
Bingo. It's a heavy vehicle with a big engine; fill it up, drive, fill it up, drive, fill it up, drive..... The first question - and often, the only one, after they hear the answer! - that so many people ask is, "What kind of mileage do you get on that thing?"
(Other than simple curiosity), I can see keeping track of mileage for the following reasons:
To calculate and record mileage with the object of testing which highway speeds are most efficient under which conditions.
To see if one's figures are out of line with the 'norm' (whatever that is) and if a very low figure might indicate an engine or other issue.
To alter one's driving habits/style to increase mileage.
If one has a fixed amount budgeted for fuel and wants to maximize travel distances.
Otherwise, what does one do with the mileage information? I reserve my concerns for a multitude of other RVing issues that one encounters in this lifestyle, but mileage is not one of them.
As ever, YMMV.
I calculate my fuel consumption per tank because the MPG for the previous tank gives me an idea what my range will be for the next tank. I like to refill at about 66% to 75% of the range for a full tank. I plan my fuel stops accordingly. The difference in range for a 6.7 mpg tank and a 9.2mpg tank (differences in fuel consumption that we saw during one 3000 mile trip in the Lazy Daze) is considerable.
We used to vacation in Mexico on the Baja California Peninsula. This practice was essential when fuel stations are widely spaced and sometimes closed. Old habits die hard.
HD
Joan
"Otherwise, what does one do with the mileage information?"
As the man said: If yore gonna dance ya gots to pay the fiddler! ;D
I keep track of mileage for 2 reasons: to get an idea if the vehicle is running ok, and to know what my range is so I can plan on gas stops. On this trip of about 2500 miles we've averaged about 8mpg towing the Jeep Liberty.
Lazy Bones wrote: "At one time I used a Scan Gauge II but gave it up due to vision problems. I now utilize the Ultra Gauge...
"
Let me know if you'd like to sell off the Scan Gauge II. I wouldn't mind having another one for a different truck...
Chip
Sorry Chip... it's already found a new home with a member of this board. ;)
(Just posted this from yesterday it was lost in drafts)
We bought the MX model of ultra gauge and calibrated the first time for accurate results but I find that our milage calculated the old fashioned way, miles traveled between gas stations filled all of the way up (not in Oregon) divided by millage driven.
This results with a lower number then the ultra gauge display's for the average milage but is close. The average display is around 9.2 and we are getting 8.8 but some times better closer to the 9.2. The instantaneous milage number seems to be close but is also slightly higher as I estimate it vs the old fashioned way. I also use the cruse control and cruse near 60 on interstates and use the add speed or reduce speed buttons when driving on cruse control. I also look at my ultra gauge which has settings which I can fine tune for best milage vs speed. We don't tow but sometime we have a small motor cycle less then 200 lbs on a back rack and we always carry bikes. I have kept a log on my phone of all the miles driven vs fuel bought and price paid. I should add it all up to see the grand number but I am sure I will be disappointed with the number. We try to offset the LD milage with our Ford C-Max plugin/hybrid and have driven most of our local driving on battery which we charge at night. Our LD has improved our fuel economy over our older 84 itaska which gets 6.5 max and an improvement in range of about an additional 150 miles which gets us from Costco/Top tier fuel to the next one without those unknown fillups we have done with the itaska many times...
Karen~Liam
26 ~ MB
We're (still) considering buying an UltraGauge primary to help me monitor transmission and coolant temperature. (I'm all in for the purchase but DW thinks differently.) I've read that many UltraGauge users simply use the first screen and sometimes the second screen and only a fraction of the gauges. I'd find it helpful to know which gauges UltraGauge or ScanGauge users have found the most helpful. So if you have a spare minute, could you share this information with me?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
Oil temp and tranny temp.
Transmission and Coolant temperatures. Intake air temp and battery voltage on a scan gauge.
Jim
Miles per gallon seems to be more of a concern for people who have never owned an RV, especially when gas prices are going up. I know it was for me before purchasing my LD in 2008 when gasoline prices more than doubled to $4.60 per gallon in just a few months. Probably the reason why I chose the standard V8 on the 24' at the time (Steve assured me it had plenty of power and at the time I had no intention of towing). But it didn't take long for the joy of traveling to override any worries about mileage. Nowadays it is not even something to think about. Currently getting 9.4 mpg towing a Forester, previously for the first 6 years got 10.4 without towing. Knowing what I know now I would have kicked in the extra $1k for the V10.
"Knowing what I know now I would have kicked in the extra $1k for the V10."
---
There was at least one thread (probably several) on the old Yahoo board with queries from those planning to order a 2008 24' (and later; the V-8 was standard on the short rig until 2015) on whether to go with the standard/default V-8 engine or opt for the extra cost V-10 (One can probably find those threads in the archives). At that time, I remember that the majority of opinion felt that the V-10 was the better choice, even if one was not towing.
We're (still) considering buying an UltraGauge primary to help me monitor transmission and engine oil temperature. (I'm all in for the purchase but DW thinks differently.)
Thanks in advance for sharing your experience.
i posted in another thread here you can get this info out of the $5 torque pro app and a $12 usb dongle. works pretty well for me...
Horsepower/Torque graph? (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=30974.msg180247#msg180247)
We originally bought the Ultra Gauge to be able to read Error codes and also to be able to read the transmission fluid temperature although at this time we do not tow. Now that we have it we have set up the first two pages with the first page being primary information and actually now the transmission fluid temp is on page two. I now use page one as speed, instantaneous fuel economy, average fuel economy, air intake temp, engine temp and % engine load. I drive mostly with Cruse control and fine tune it with the fuel economy vs speed vs % engine load factors setup on one and then switch to page two for other information about temps etc. I like the large easy to see numbers and the amount of information I can get on on each page. The programming is not difficult although now if I had to change something it would require some rereading the manual. Truth be told, I forgot how the thing works form a year ago when I first programmed it but I could figure it out again. -There is always trial and error?
I do recommend the ultra gauge as a great monitoring unit which gives you a look at the information which the engine computer is operating on.
Karen~Liam
26 ~ MB
I ordered the UltraGuage MX for the error codes, transmission temp, and mileage for my 06 26.5 MB and connected it last weekend but got error codes on the transmission gauges on the 2nd page.
I unplugged it until have more time to play with it so back to just doing the math to estimate the mileage in the meantime - which will probably do anyway even with the gauge out of habit. It got just under 9mi to gal on 1st half of 2 night trip to Ft Bragg/Mendocino area from Sacto this past Sun which is normal for it. Filled up there so will need to fill up again to get mileage for the 2nd half.
The UltraGauge errors on the transmission gauges may be a user or ordering error but Just a heads up to others I ordered the Ford other (non can) programming option with a note to change it accordingly to the most appropriate compatible option for an 06 e450 with 6.8 v10 since I wasn't sure which programming option to order. They penned in Ford CAN 2008 on the receipt and looks like that is what it is programmed for based on the gauges.
Rich Meek
On my UltraGauge I use one screen only. It has:
Engine coolant temp
Trans temp
Miles of fuel to empty
Gallons remaining in tank
Instant MPG
Trip Average MPG
I have a number of alarms set up so if something else, that I don't want to monitor on a frequent basis, goes out of a certain range, I will receive an alert. I think I have about 30 of those alarms set up. Three that I know of offhand are engine coolant temp above 225, trans temp above 225, and gas tank below 1/3.
Ken F in NM