Fuel Consumption

[maurshir]

We have now put about 2000 miles on our new Sprinter chassis, (2022 model yr), Sportsmobile RV. Compared to our old unit, 2008 model yr, it looks like the new one will get about 2 mpg poorer mileage. I would like to think the driving style is unchanged and the only real difference is the new one is the "middle" length, which obviously adds some weight. Both are 2 WD and have the Mercedes engines and drivetrains that were standard at that time. Should I be surprised at this increased fuel consumption?

[Fitz]

What is the actual mpg number?

[Orv]

2000 miles is few enough that some of that may just be due to the drivetrain being "tight" and not fully broken in.

[maurshir]

Careful, flat land cruising, 60-65 mph, the old rig would do about 22 mpg, the new one seems to about 20 mpg. I transfer all fuel data into a spreadsheet and have a ton of data for the old rig.

[Spenard]

Agree with new vehicle drivetrain tightness Also do you have the same tire size and tread and tire inflation I suspect the larger size will continue to reduce MPG due to weight and areodynamics

[Karl]

Just finished driving my Chevy 2008 3500 express 4x4 Duramax Sportsmobile from central Arizona to Alaska over Cassier highway and the Alaska Highway. Planned on using just the Alaska Highway but wildfires closed it above Ft Nelson. Had to back track which added over 500 mikes to the trip. Put on approx 4100 miles without a squawk. Fuel consumption was 17.45 mpg for the entire trip.
Amazing trip with magnificent vistas and lots of wildlife.

[doublevan2]

Remember FONDLY the "old" Cassiar HWY before they ruined it by paving ? Hard packed river sand - 65 mph and gentle dips vs potholes and 3/4 inch gravel chunks last time I drove it in 2005ish. Beautiful spots to camp pre tourist season with grizzlies along the road in spring and black bears in the fall. Jealous I am - glad you enjoyed your trip !

[maurshir]

Tire inflation is the same. I believe tires are the same, unless Mercedes changed the standard tire size, 2008 vs 2022. Thanks for mentioning aerodynamics. The new unit is 4" higher. A Mercedes rep I talked to thought, but wasn't positive, that the 2008 and 2022 high roof Sprinter vans were the same height. In turn this would imply to me that the roof AC that Sportsmobile now uses is 4" higher than the one supplied when they did the build in late 2010. Is there any reader out there who can comment reliably on the 2008 van height versus the 2022 van height? As mentioned earlier, both are 2 WD with standard Mercedes suspension.