Quote:
Originally Posted by Baddad53
I got 7 to 8 mpg with DP - I am getting 8 to 10 mpg with V10.
My wife hated the size while traveling and liked it when it was parked. Only thing we gave up was washer/dryer. Plus she is driving it to releave me on trips ...she would never do that in the DP. Yes it was about size and costs. But my wife and I thought that the Axis/Vegas was just the right size (tanks and living space for us) MB based B's and C's. The ones with room we wanted had no capacity for GVWR.
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That's quite an improvement.
If Cummins is correct about their 20 to 40 percent improvement over a V10, it would suggest your 8 to 10 MPG could become 10 to 14 MPG if an Axis-size motorhome had a 5.0L diesel V8. And that sounds realistic compared to Winnebago Class A on Sprinter chassis that reportedly get as high as 17 MPG (granted they are slightly smaller and lighter than Axis).
What I don't get about diesels is buyers' acceptance of low power-to-weight ratio compared to many gas motorhomes. For example, this new Tiffin with 275 HP for 23,500-pound GVWR would be the same as Ford installing a 3.2L 185 HP inline-5 in an Axis. That would also make an Axis close in power to a 3.0L Sprinter V6. Would that seem adequate after driving a 305 HP V10?
By the way, I agree the larger Mercedes Class A on Sprinter chassis is a little low on GVWR for the way it's built. I also don't like the narrow rear track for such a tall motorhome, or the limited places to get it repaired. We do like the overall size and build quality which appear very good; although higher quality should be expected at that price.