RV MAIL
LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
FUEL FIGURES
Great article on fuel-testing the D- MAX ( GoRV # 67 ). I have a 2015 model that now has 188,000km on the clock . We tow an offroad Supreme Territory ( 3500kg ATM ). I am very mindful of the weight allowances and have my own digital scales .
We are finalising a 3.5-month trip up to Cooktown via Charleville and down the Kidman Way back to Melbourne .
With fuel prices at the $ 2 / L mark , economical driving habits become even more important than ever . We have averaged 17.2L / 100km , which I think is excellent considering the age and with only a five-speed and less-efficient engine capacity . I mainly drove in manual and fourth gear .
Steve Abraham
TOO MUCH GROUND CLEARANCE ?
Having done a bit of travelling , and having held an HC licence for 50 years , I am amazed at the ground clearance of modern caravans .
Ground clearance is good , but the towing vehicle also has ground clearance but less than half that of the van . So what ' s the point if the car won ' t get there ?
With the extra height , the centre of gravity is higher , thus stability is compromised , as is fuel consumption .
GH Forbes
WIND DEFLECTOR LOCATION
Many years ago , when I lived in the UK , wind deflectors were tested similar to your tests ( GoRV # 67 ). However , it was found that the best location was just above the windscreen , causing best possible fuel consumption .
Phil
magazine , we ’ d like to hear it ! Email your feedback to info @ gorv . com . au
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