Question about expected gas mileage

[Britta]

Hello, I am considering purchase of a 2004 Pleasure Way EcellTS with a Ford E350 V-10 engine. It is 20 feet in length and has 81,000 miles on it. Will not be towing. Does anyone have experience with expected mpg for this engine in a Class B? We originally thought it had a V-8 but confirmed it was a V-10 and are concerned mpg will be 8-10. Thank you!

[Bangorbob]

I have had a few V10 RV's over the past few years. Shortest was a 22 foot, longest 31 Ft. The shorter ones I got around 10 mpg. Where I live I have to crawl over mountains whenever I leave home. I live near Las Vegas Nevada. Mountains north, south, east, and west. I usually traveled around 62-64 MPH which helped a lot. I currently own a Roadtrek 210, 22 ft with a chevy v8 and finished a 5K mile trip averaged approx 14 mpg.

[Britta]

Thank you for your reply. That is helpful!

[Steveva]

We have an 2011 Excel with a V10 and average 11-12 mpg. Generally drive 65-70 mph on the interstate and posted mph on local roads.

[Britta]

Thank you for your reply. Encouraging that the mpg might be more than 8-10!

[GallenH]

Well remember that 3000 miles at 20mpg means you'll use 150gal. If you're getting only 10mpg you'll use 300gal. That 150gal difference at $3.50/gal comes out to $525. It's $$$ but not as big of a deal as you might think without doing the math.

[Britta]

Thanks for that perspective. Where I live, gas prices have been $4.50/gallon for a long time. So, the differences in fuel economy do add up for an extended trip. Appreciate your thoughts.

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

There's so many factors that that affect MPG besides the engine..... that decreases mileage....

Higher speed, winds, mountains, and local traffic.

Remember, over time, fuel is the most expensive thing you can put in your vehicle. Fuel is not getting any cheaper.

Only you can evaluate whether the V10 is right for you. Good luck.

[otr]

Our 2000 Roadtrek 190V with a Dodge 5.9 litre V8 gets about 13.5 mpg over hill and dale in New England.
I know you asked about the Ford V10, but it looked like others were offering their insights!
The newer vans have unibody construction rather than a truck chasis and 9 or 10 speed transmissions which should really help mileage compared to the vans of the vintage of ours and the 2004 you are looking at.

The new Ford Transits have a 10 speed transmission and the Dodge Promasters have a 9 speed.

[JML]

My BIL has a 2012 Excel with the V10. He's in CO and does a lot of traveling thru the SW. He gets 11-12 on average. I have a 2013 Excel V8 and get 12.5-13.5 on average with the same travel area.

[andrewtschneider]

I have a 2014 Pleasureway on Mercedes 3500 . 5 cyl turbo diesel. I get 20-25 mpg depending on speed and hills. Better if i drive 55mph.I looked at a Chinook with a v10 and could not bring my self to 10 mpg. I bought my van used in Florida. It has been very reliable.

[Moto vita]

From memory I'd say 10-12mpg and I doubt a V-8 would be any better. Every time I drive my Sprinter I wish I had my v-10.

[dingo]

We have a 1999 Coachmen Starflyte 21' with the V10 on a Ford E350 chassis. Just turned 75K miles and consistently get 10 to 12 mpg, depending on terrain. Run 87 octane top tier gasoline. You will appreciate the V10 when driving any hills or mountains.

[Roadtrek Adventuous RS1]

Originally Posted by andrewtschneider

I have a 2014 Pleasureway on Mercedes 3500 . 5 cyl turbo diesel. I get 20-25 mpg depending on speed and hills. Better if i drive 55mph.I looked at a Chinook with a v10 and could not bring my self to 10 mpg. I bought my van used in Florida. It has been very reliable.

In 2014 , the Mercedes Benz Sprinter didn't offer the 2.7 FIVE cylinder engine and went to the SIX cylinder 3.0 engine, model number OM642.

The mileage in the SIX is 18 MPG with the dual rear wheels.

You're right, there's a huge difference between 10 MPG and 18 or 20. The best mileage is on flat roads, no wind and 55 MPG. On a very long trip I usually average 60-62 MPG and it's a sweet spot for cruising and covering longer distances.