Travelin' Light - What Does It Save?

[johntelling]

We drive from Sacramento to Southern California several times a year in our 39' diesel pusher, which has a 350 Cat engine. The fresh water tank is 68 gallons, and I have always filled it up before we leave, which means that I am carrying about 544 lbs up and over the Grapevine. I don't suppose it make a whole lot of difference driving down the valley, which is quite flat, but I bet it does going over the pass.

I could get water at the Camping World in Valencia, but would it be worth the effort? Does anyone have any idea how eminimating 500 lbs or so (I would have to have some water for emergencies) would affect the mileage, or the drive up the steep side of the Grapevine?

Thanks,

JT

[wolfe10]

JT,

As you have suggested, weight has has materially more affect on MPG on grades than on flat ground.

Don't know of any published figures on the affect of 500 pounds on your MPG.

But, you might read through this Caterpillar Corp document to see the affect of weight on HP demand on both flat ground and while climbing a 6% grade. Higher HP demand is directly related to higher fuel consumption:

http://www.catrvclub...anding_Perf.pdf

Brett