Chinook Motorhomes

[HappyCamper2]

Hello everyone...I'm about 8 months from retirement and looking for a good used RV...I saw a 2002 Chinook that really caught my eye, with about 53,000 miles and new tires...actually there were a couple out there, same year..how is the V10 engine?? reliable, gas hog?? ..I would appreciate any insight on these RV's Thanks from a Rv newbie in the making...Skip

[eric1514]

The V-10 is a terrific motor. And very thirsty, too. There are stories of the early ones blowing spark plugs out, but it's not common and didn't keep me from buying a C with a 1999 V-10 in it. It runs very well and is strong and powerful.

But, as I mentioned, I think you could pour raw gas down its throat and it wouldn't flood. If you get much better than 10-12 mpg at freeway speeds, I'd be surprised. I get 9-10 mpg in a 24 ft E350 Class C driving 55-65mph, not the 75 poster here in AZ. At 75, I'll get 8. Also, they are huge and take up a lot of room in the cabin, especially in the passenger foot well area. I'm going to sell my C and get a B with preferably a MB 4 or 5 cylinder diesel, because I'm tired of buying gas for that pig. Even a small Chevy V8 in a Roadtrek Ranger would be a huge improvement, albeit with a large reduction in living space.

YMMV,
Eric

[stanw909]

10-12 is what I've heard.i met a lady with the 7.3 diesel and she said she consistently got 12 mpg so I don't think the diesel will help.The Chinook quality is legendary and if you can find the rear corner bed/bath setup you will sleep better.BTW. Chevy's with the 6.0 v8 get about the same mpg.

[HappyCamper2]

Thanks for the info...a V10 is not in the picture for me either..did the Chinooks ever offer a smaller engine?? just wondering...Happy Easter!

[accrete]

just for info's sake on millage... since the "Small chevy v8" was mentioned... our 1500 chevy awd with the 5.4L v8 maxed out at scales (~6800 to 6900lbs of the available 7000 GVWR) gets 13 to 15 around town and 15 to 17 on the road (~15 when towing our 2300lb 15ft fiberglass trailer.)

Thom

[eric1514]

Originally Posted by accrete

just for info's sake on millage... since the "Small chevy v8" was mentioned... our 1500 chevy awd with the 5.4L v8 maxed out at scales (~6800 to 6900lbs of the available 7000 GVWR) gets 13 to 15 around town and 15 to 17 on the road (~15 when towing our 2300lb 15ft fiberglass trailer.)

Thom

The small Chevy in the Roadtrek Ranger is a 4.8l V8. I'm very curious as to what people are getting for mileage. In the Ranger thread, one person reported getting 20, but there are so many variable involved. But you're getting 15 to 17, so maybe 18 to 20 on the hwy is doable.

Eric