Yahoo Message Number: 4804 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4804)
I happen to be acquainted with your friend and know for a fact that he catches REALLY HUGH fish...everytime.
Yahoo Message Number: 4816 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4816)
rvrobert:
Your Eagle friend may get a little better fuel mileage-his coach will weigh less than yours-but I doubt that he gets the mileage that he claims. Weight, engine size, speed, and terrain all need to be taken into consideration. I am curenttly getting 7 - 7.5mpg. and that is about normal.
Egon
"99 Allure
Yahoo Message Number: 4856 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4856)
We have a new 36' Allure with a 370. Pulling a 3300# Jeep just averaged about 7.5 MPG. Question? How many people have brakes activated on the towed vehicle? Most states require it if the trailer is over 3000#.
Yahoo Message Number: 4857 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4857)
I use the Brake Buddy and recommend it. Easy to put in the car and take out.
Ree
Full-timin' in a 2003 Allure #30852
Yahoo Message Number: 4862 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4862)
We have a 40' Allure and am pulling a 1999 Chevy Tahoe LT 4WD. I won't discuss MPG because I think it is a mute point based on driving styles and locations. However, I would never consider towing any vehicle without an aux braking system installed in the towed vehicle. I installed the US Gear Unified Brake in my Tahoe. It works off a two-axis accelerometer in the controller portion installed in the coach.
Jim Hughes
Jacksonville, FL
2000 Allure #30511
Yahoo Message Number: 4863 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4863)
I also use the Unified Brake system, allows you to adjust the amount of braking applied by adjusting a knob, you can also apply brakes on the tow by depressing a lever.
If the tow breaks away from your motorhome, the brakes on the tow vehicle are applied via vacuum.
I would not tow without an aux braking system.
Bill Harris
03 Allure 30912
GMC Envoy tow
Yahoo Message Number: 4876 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4876)
Bill
Just curious....what setting do you keep your brake set to on the US Gear control module?
Yahoo Message Number: 4877 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4877)
Jim,
Holland Motors advised that they usually set it at about 5. (Which is where mine ended up).
I notice that in normal stopping conditions, I get no more than 3 lights. We had a guy sit in the car as it was towed, and he watched the action of the brake pedal as another tech drove the coach, talking via walkie-talkies. That is how they fine-tuned the setting.
Bill Harris
03 Allure 30912
US
Yahoo Message Number: 4883 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4883)
I have just returned from a trip which is the first one since installing M&G tow car brake system. The only time I can feel any difference is in a very quick stop, but I feel safer having the system. I bought the M&G system because it does not involve a box on the floor of my tow car (Jeep Grand Cherokee.)
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 4901 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4901)
Hey Walt,
I have Grand Cherokee and want to do the samething with M & G but how do they hook up the air line from motorhome to cylinder and then when not pulling a toad disconnect
Brian 10030 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 4906 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4906)
You get a coiled air hose with fittings at both ends, and they install a female fitting on the back of the coach and a male on the front of the tow car. Both fittings are inconspicuous. It is no more difficult to hook up the brakes than the electrical cord.
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 4921 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4921)
Hi Walt
I have been thinking about the M&G brake system for my car. I presently have the brake buddy, but hardly use it. I think with the M&G I will use it.
Where did you get it installed?
Thanks
Tom Royer
2003 Allure 30858
on
Yahoo Message Number: 4922 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4922)
I met a Magna owner a few weeks ago who had installed the Smart Tire system on the towed vehicle. The signal transmission was by radio wave from the coach to vehicle. Is anyone using this system? Doug Rosenberg Allure 30929
Yahoo Message Number: 4928 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4928)
I am interested as well as to how well the system performs on a towed vehicle. I am about to have new tires installed on my toad and would like to consider some kind of tire monitoring system for it.
I understand that Smart tire now makes a new system that is built for passenger cars and is developing an add-on for the higher pressure tires on a coach for a system total of monitoring up to 20 wheels.
Does anyone have any experience with this type design or know anything further on it?
Jim Hughes
Jacksonville, FL
2000 Allure #30511
Tire system on the towed vehicle. The signal transmission was by
radio wave from the coach to vehicle. Is anyone using this system?
Yahoo Message Number: 4940 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4940)
I use the Smart Tire system on my toad because it is easy to have a blow out and do thousands of dollars of damage before you even know you have a problem (I have done this - another driver got my attention as he passed me and pointed back to the toad. The front fender was ruined by a blow out and I needed a new rim). The Smart Tire has warned me before the tire was flat and I was able to stop, plug the leak in the tire and blow it back up with air from the coach (I carry a 60' air hose in my driver's side front bay for that purpose.)
Gene #30496 Allure
Yahoo Message Number: 4942 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4942)
Jim
for passenger cars and is developing an add-on for the higher pressure tires on a coach for a system total of monitoring up to 20 wheels. Does anyone have any experience with this type design or know anything further on it?
I purchased the new SmarTire for my 2002 Envoy at the Pomona/FMCA, it was $433 & it cost me $64 to have the sensors installed on my wheels & re-balanced. It requires an antenna mounted in the engine bay & that was the hardest part of the install, running the antenna cable from rear to the dash area of my 99 Magna. It works very well & they promise the high pressure sensors for the coach wheels sometime the 1st quarter of 2004. If you have Silverleaf you can also buy a module from them that will display the readings on their unit.
Terry
Yahoo Message Number: 4943 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4943)
Smart Tire... I have always been kind of 50/50 on this until about a month ago. I took a couple out for a test drive in a new Allure, as I was pulling out of the parking lot the rear inner curbside tire started flashing and making noise with 0 pressure. It was flat, I would have never known and we would be out test driving an unsafe coach. That tire probably would have shredded up and ripped air lines, wheel well, etc. I think its a great idea and would recommend it.
Damon
Yahoo Message Number: 4948 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4948)
I have the Roadmaster brake on my Jeep Cherokee.
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438
Yahoo Message Number: 4949 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4949)
Terry
How & where was the coax cable for the antenna run? I understand that the antenna is a magnetic mount. Where & how was it placed/mounted?
I have been sending email back and forth to Smart Tire trying to get some answers to questions. I had originally thought that the receiver in the coach had a built in wire antenna and that the external antenna was an option. I guess the range is marginal.
Especiall with a 40' coach and then another 15-20' behind that.
Did you get the optional display that shows the position and a digital readout? I think to be safe the tire monitoring system is a great concept. Just not sure about the reliability of the receiver and RF effects on it by my ham radio equipment. Hopefully it will work. Waiting to hear from the technical folks at Smart Tire for answers to some of my latest questions.
Thanks for the response...keep us posted on how it performs.
Jim Hughes, KC4FWS
Jacksonville, FL
2000 Allure #30511
know
it
wheels
they
module
Yahoo Message Number: 4973 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4973)
Jim
that the antenna is a magnetic mount. Where & how was it placed/mounted?
I attached it to the bottom of the coach with clamps along the steel channel that runs the length of the coach. I did it this way although it could be susceptible to damage because when the high pressure sensors are ready it also requires another antenna positioned midway on the coach & I will use the same cable run & clamps. The antenna is indeed magnetic & I have it mounted on the rear curbside channel next to the hydraulic reservoir. It picks up the signal fine even through my stainless steel engine hatch. I did leave enough cable to mount it on the hitch if I had reception problems.
digital readout? I think to be safe the tire monitoring system is a great concept. Just not sure about the reliability of the receiver and RF effects on it by my ham radio equipment.
Mine came with a 1 /34 X 3" display that has a picture that rotates between coach & toad(when high pressure sensors become available.) It displays tire pressure & temperature as you cycle through the tires or comes on automatically showing you the problem tire when settings are exceeded. The only problem I've found is that the audible alarm is not loud enough for me to hear as it comes from the electronic box that is buried in the dash.
Terry
Yahoo Message Number: 4975 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/4975)
Terry
I used the same channel you used to run power and coax cables for one of my ham radio antennas I have mounted on the rear of the coach.
However, instead of clamping it to the channel, I ran the cables inside the channel one the right (curb) side. I also used some flex conduit (the blue stuff used in homes) to run the cables over the axles back to the antenna and up through the floor in the doghouse in front of the passenger seat. What a bear! Unfortunately, the channel and conduit does not have any room for anything else to be added.
I am curious how you mounted the clamps. Did you drill into the channel to secure the clamps? I had looked at that at first to try and use wire ties, but the floors of the bays were flat on top of the channels and there were no spaces to slide the wire ties through.
Apparently from what you described, the high pressure xmitr's are going to operate at a different frequency than the toad's. Or, the xmitr's have a weak signal and need a very close antenna. I wonder if it is possible to duplex or co-phase the antennas on the same coax? Or, does it need to have anothe coax run? You have any plans yet for the location of the second antenna and coax run for the high pressure system?
Thanks
Jim Hughes
Jacksonville, FL
2000 Allure #30511
Yahoo Message Number: 5043 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/5043)
One comment on the Smart Tire system. I had problems with the system early on. I was told by CC that they used to mount the antenna used to be mounted in the front of the coach which gave poor reception on the rear tires. The newer installs (mine included) were installed mid-coach with better results. My point: the antenna should be mounted so that the transmitters on the towed vehicle are within reach.
My problem turned out not to be the antenna location but a bad sending unit in one of the tires. The system works great now and I wouldn't want to be without it.
MAKE SURE THAT THE SYSTEM IS PROPERLY PROGRAMMED!
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438
Yahoo Message Number: 35637 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/35637)
You all remember the old addage: There are two things that men lie about; one is gas mileage and the other is.........(you know)
I have a 40' Intrigue 350 Cummins, towing a Honda Pilot. If I keep my foot out of the throttle and run about 60-65, there is an obvious difference in mileage, as much as a mile or more to the gallon, over pushing to keep up with the traffic at 75 mph. My Silverleaf is not accurate when compared to the actual fuel at refilling because I have installed 275/80's after having factory installed 275/75's.
After a career in the automobile business, I know that fuel/gas mileage is as subjective as any topic you can cover.
With fuel approaching $4.00 and may soon be $5.00 per gallon, just hold onto your seatbelts. It will get worse.
Oh well, it's that much less that the kids will have to argue over.
On my 70th Birthday the other day I recieved a card entitled "From God". I opened it and it said "See you soon!"
Everyone got a big laugh. (except me)
Have a Happy Holiday Season!
Larry Hanson
Yahoo Message Number: 35660 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/35660)
I just checked my log book and tallyed up the miles driven and the fuel used, I was quite surprised to find that I get around 13.25 MPG, while I usually drive 75 mph. So, it appears that I am doing better than most folks. Or could it be that I failed to log some of my fillups? I certainly hope not.
Ray
2000 Intrigue (350 Cummins engine) 11040
my
over
not
have
over.
Yahoo Message Number: 35668 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/35668)
Just finished calculating our recent 12,415 mile trip through the Maritimes and east coast. We have a 2006 40' Inspire, triple slide, 400 Cat and tow a Honda Pilot. Also have BMW motorcycle on the rear of the coach. For the entire trip we averaged 7.3 MPG and paid an average of $3.21 per gal. This takes into consideration the conversion of Canadian liters to gallons. I subscribe to the old saying " if you are worried about the MPG in a motorhome, don't buy one".
Jake
06 Inspire 51526
Yahoo Message Number: 35690 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/35690)
I have 1998 CC Magna with a Detroit Diesel Series 40 engine with an Allison 3060 transmission. I pull a Honda CRV and average 60 to 65 mph.
I get between 7.5 and 8.0 mpg depending on the terrain and wind.
Bob
CC 5489
Yahoo Message Number: 57051 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/57051)
Hi David,
We get 6.5 to 8.5 on our 2004 SOB with a ISL 400-2 Cummins on a 37,600 GVWR. Depends on hills, head winds, and did you know, one will get a mile per gallon better average going from west to east because of the prevailing west to east winds. Checked that out with 5 crossings of the fruited plains.
I set the cruise at 60 mph unless the speed limit is less. Been told that for every 5 mph over 55 mph, one Generally looses 1 mpg. At my age, the only time I get in a hurry is on the way to the potty.
Chuck & Mary B
Laughlin, NV
Shelby Dog, Miss Kitty, Mr Lucky Cat
Yahoo Message Number: 97726 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/97726)
I just proved, somewhat empirically, the old adage that if you go slow, you pay less. Tried two tankfuls (about 750 miles each) over I 40 through Tennessee, Arkansas, and part of Oklahoma. The terrain was similar, i.e. no big mountain ranges to cross. Pretty much the same climactic conditions, i.e. wind, temperature, etc. Set cruise at 64 for one tankful and 62 for the other. 6.1 mpg at 64 mph and 6.9 mpg at 62 mph. Obviously, this isn't a very scientific test, but I tried to keep things about equal with my driving.
This translates to a 13% improvement which then translates to about $50 saved on a $400 tank of diesel. Since I'm not in a particular hurry, I think I will continue to operate at 60-62 mph. Amazed at the coaches that fly by me at 70-75mph!
Dave Glen
'06 Magna 6591
Yahoo Message Number: 97727 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/97727)
Dave,
I agree with slow down and save money. I have averaged 7.00 mph for over 46,000 miles. Been all over the country. Flat lands to many mountains. Cat C-9 not the best mileage getter to begin with.
Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428
Yahoo Message Number: 97728 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/97728)
Dave,
Nice of you to share your experiment with us. I have for a number of years set the speed control at 62 while towing our Honda and running the generator. I have averaged just under 8 mpg (Cat C10). I actually find it peaceful at the slower speeds watching the frenzy. You may some day read my book in the making "Life in the Right Hand Lane". Puns and political incorrectness in abundance.
Tom & Patty Crews
2000 Magna - 5764
2005 Honda Pilot
Yahoo Message Number: 97729 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/97729)
Dave
We have just put 5k on our coach and experienced some of the same differences based on speed and with the addition of improvements using "Economy" and Cruise Control gave us ranges from 6.2 to 7.4 mpg. I have frequently forgot to push the Economy and later did the calculation for MPG and realized the difference. Thanks for you post. Larry & Linda 2003 CC Magna #6279
Yahoo Message Number: 97730 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/97730)
My cruise stays on 64-65 mph. Ocassionally, faster if I get trapped. My C-9 always gets about 7 mph no matter! Just had the valve lash adjustment done & they were somewhat out of spec so I interested in seeing how that helps mph....
D Jean
CC81072
Yahoo Message Number: 97735 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/97735)
Dave, Yes, the slower speed really works. Once we were traveling with Friends that would not ever drive faster that 55 mph. I got 10 mpg on flat level highway terrain, verses the normal 8.5-9 mpg I get at 62 mph for the same road conditions. According to Cummins techs, the 62 mph (about 1,600 engine RPM) is the maximum efficiently speed for my 8.3/ISC Engine.. The problem at 55 mpg is staying focused on the road, going that slow tends to allow my eyes to wonder too much.. I also noted an increase in fuel mileage at about 100K miles on the engine.. Once again the Cummin Techs, Said "Yep, that is typical"..
Lee Casebeer x 36 ft. '01 Intrigue with 147K