From 13.5 to 17 MPG with an Class B RV - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

5bikes · 12-03-2009, 02:18 PM

Does not sound like much but actually is a 22% improvement. All the tips from this website, lots of work, but little expense will save me hundreds of dollars over the next weeks, months and years. Plus I won't be polluting as much. Thanks Ecomodder members.

sandcruiser · 12-03-2009, 02:54 PM

nice, every improvement helps

Mustang Dave · 12-03-2009, 09:52 PM

A 22% improvement is very impressive.

The Atomic Ass · 12-03-2009, 10:24 PM

I noticed in your fuel log notes that the bike trailer drops your FE, have you considered loading the bike(s) into the RV, as opposed to trailering? The only issue might be securing them so they don't knock around while driving.

If the bikes aren't spotlessly clean you could always lay down a tarp on the floor.

koihoshi · 12-04-2009, 02:10 AM

WOW, that is a big improvement, actually. After looking at your mod list you did some good work on that. That'll pay off long term for sure. Good work!

thatguitarguy · 12-04-2009, 03:23 AM

Very impressive! What engine are you running in that?

Further down my list of projects is the mother of all eco-mods - I want to see how much of a mpg gain I can get in my 84 Pathfinder. 454 Chevy 4bbl carb.

rgathright · 12-04-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguitarguy

Very impressive! What engine are you running in that?

Further down my list of projects is the mother of all eco-mods - I want to see how much of a mpg gain I can get in my 84 Pathfinder. 454 Chevy 4bbl carb.

Whoa... carb's are notoriously hard to increase FE due to their "always on nature".

I suggest installing a 2bbl carb with an Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold and a restriction plate. Essentially copy what the NASCAR guys use. Then you are going to want to install miles of cavernous (think the size of a 1" water hose), steel braided transmission cooling lines. The trannies get real hot and reduce your efficiency on those motorhomes. I assume you have a 400 or 350 power glide in there right?

thatguitarguy · 12-04-2009, 09:47 AM

I can't detune it too much because it still has to climb steep mountains. That's always going to be a FE killer, but the power has to be available for when I need it. And the mods have to be cheap. Contrary to what you may have heard from U2 and Jay-Z, traveling musicians don't make much money at all.

I'd like to see if I can work out some kind of adjustable jetting like they have in airplanes, so it can be leaned out once up to cruise speed, but there is a lot of low hanging fruit in the aero department. I can move or enclose the draggy stuff on the roof, build a full belly pan, build a kammback, enclose the wheelwells, and replace the mirrors with rearview video.

This project will take a while, and it won't be done this winter.

rgathright · 12-04-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatguitarguy

I can't detune it too much because it still has to climb steep mountains...

All across the United States old Diesel school buses are filling up salvage yards... have you considered making a vegan-diesel bus yet?

You would be spending those hard earned guitar dollars better, getting more room and of course getting a lot of free PR too!

Can you say EcoModder's own version of a Guitar Hero?

thatguitarguy · 12-04-2009, 11:12 AM

If it were about what I wanted, I'd probably go with a electric/diesel hybrid bus like I used to drive, convert it to use veg oil, and cover the roof with high output photovoltaic panels, but in the real world situation, I have to work with what I already have, and what I can afford.