Page 16 - Summer 2020 Travelore 50

Page 16 - DRVC Travelore
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If your RV will be outside, it’s even more important to cover the tires. Look for a high-quality tire cover that’s UV-resistant since sunlight can quickly cause tires to wear down and potentially rot. If possible, keep your RV slightly off the ground before covering your tires for even better protection.
WATCH THE TIRE’S AGE
You might wonder what an RV tire’s life expectancy is. While each brand and each rating class tire may have a dif- ferent lifespan, it’s best to replace any tires that are older than six years of age for medium-duty vehicles and ten years, at most, for heavy-duty rigs. Don’t go by treadwear alone. A typical RVer will never wear out the tread.
Even if you take immaculate care of your tires, the stan- dard maximum tire age for most RVs is around six years. As they age, there could be hidden damage you can’t see with the naked eye. The last thing you need is to head out on your adventure and end up dealing with a flat on the side of the road.
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Rock-Solid Rules
According to Cummins the following are some facts regarding fuel economy, especially regarding diesel-fired rigs and over-the-road testing.
PERFORM REGULAR INSPECTIONS
When it’s time to put the RV in storage, thoroughly inspect the tires first. Take a close look at the tread and make sure that each tire is evenly worn. Replace any tires that show signs of dry rot, extreme wear, or bulges. If they don’t hold the correct pressure, it is a sure indication that replacement will be necessary before the next season.
Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your RV, and make sure that your tire tread has reasonable depth according to this information. With regular check-ups, you’ll feel good about the health of your tires so you can hit the road in confidence.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR TIRES
With a little bit of effort, your RV tires should be able to handle anything that comes their way. Always check for things like air pressure and tread health.
Cover the tires to protect them from the elements and to prolong their lifespan. Cleaning and rotating the tires will also ensure safe use for many road trips to come.
2. Every 10 psi of underinflation represents approximately a 1% penalty in fuel economy.
3. The most efficient drivers get about 30% better fuel economy than the least efficient drivers.
4. Above 55 mph, each 1 mph increase in vehicle speed decreases mileage by 0.1 mpg.
Summary
Every engine has a sweet spot where it delivers its best fuel economy. To optimize fuel economy, the engine should run at this speed during normal highway cruising. Motorhome manufacturers and chassis makers specify the powertrain, taking into consideration the desired vehicle’s performance (starting ability, grade-climbing ability, and cruise speed) and prospective vehicle owner’s desire to achieve fuel economy. RVers with trailers and fifth-wheel rigs are tasked with selecting the tow vehicle with the performance characteristics to safely operate and enjoy acceptable fuel economy.
1 Much of the information in this tech paper is derived from Cummings MPG Guide as well as information provided by Caterpillar. https:/forum.dieselrvclub.org
1. Tires make the biggest difference in mpg below around 50 mph; aerodynamics is the most important factor over 50 mph.
Driver behavior can account for up to 30% variation in fuel economy
Fuel Economy (MPG)
# of Drivers