WGO Travato 59K/G: What Octane Gas?

[James_F]

Question for those of you who drive a current model Travato 59K (or G) with the current V6 Ram Promaster engine. What octane gas is recommended and what are you actually using, especially for those of you who deal with some mountain driving?

(Side note: in some places regular gas is considered 85 octane ... at higher alititudes (Utah for example) - never understood 85 octane in higher elevations).

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by James_F

Question for those of you who drive a current model Travato 59K (or G) with the current V6 Ram Promaster engine. What octane gas is recommended and what are you actually using, especially for those of you who deal with some mountain driving?

(Side note: in some places regular gas is considered 85 octane ... at higher alititudes (Utah for example) - never understood 85 octane in higher elevations).

What does your owner's manual say?

[James_F]

Originally Posted by BBQ

What does your owner's manual say?

I don't have an owner's manual since I don't own the vehicle yet. A pre-sales question, if that's permissible. I just wanted to know in advance what I am getting into if, for example, I was unaware that the vehicle requires premium versus regular. That has happened to a few friends of mine (not buying RVs, but other types of vehicles).

[mlts22]

87 Octane is what the manual says.

[James_F]

Originally Posted by mlts22

87 Octane is what the manual says.

Thank you for your response and concise information. I appreciate it very much.

[MsNomer]

We've got 59,000 miles on our PM with regular gas. Lots of mountain driving.

[Firesteel]

I usually run 87 and ran 85 on recent trip out west and it ran fine, even with going over the mountains.

[James_F]

Originally Posted by Firesteel

I usually run 87 and ran 85 on recent trip out west and it ran fine, even with going over the mountains.

Thanks again for the info everyone.

[dougbaty]

Originally Posted by James_F

Question for those of you who drive a current model Travato 59K (or G) with the current V6 Ram Promaster engine. What octane gas is recommended and what are you actually using, especially for those of you who deal with some mountain driving?

(Side note: in some places regular gas is considered 85 octane ... at higher alititudes (Utah for example) - never understood 85 octane in higher elevations).

At higher elevations a non-turbo engine draws in slightly less air with each intake stroke. The compression stroke compresses less air and delivers less power. Lower octane gas (85) works just fine in "thin air" for engines that require 87 octane at sea level. Hot air is also less dense than cold air. Utah is both high and hot (seasonally).

Piston airplanes lose power as they climb in elevation. Big problem with big mountains. Turbocharging helps overcome this limitation by forcing in more air.
DougB