Section 2 --- Driving & Safety
The Executive 2005
44
Fuel Economy:
Driving style, wind resistance, terrain, vehicle weight, and engine-driven accessories are some of the fac-
tors that affect the fuel economy.
Guidelines to Help Increase Fuel Efficiency:
• When starting out, apply the throttle lightly and accelerate gradually. Avoid using exces-
sive throttle and accelerating quickly.
• Check the tire pressure. A low tire is not only a safety hazard, but also increases rolling
resistance to increase fuel consumption.
• While operating the motorhome, keep the engine at a low to mid operating range of 1100 to
1500 RPM. This will use less fuel than operating at higher RPM.
• Avoid using full throttle when ascending a long hill. This wastes fuel and increases engine
operating temperature from incomplete combustion. Manually downshift to a lower gear and
use less throttle. Fuel will burn more efficiently.
• Avoid extended idling to "warm-up" the engine. Start the engine and wait for normal oil
pressure to register. Engage the high idle feature until the engine coolant temperature
gauge raises. The engine is now ready for travel. Whenever coolant temperature is below
160° F (idling engine) incomplete combustion occurs, causing carbon build-up and raw fuel
to wash lubricating oil from the cylinder walls and dilute the crankcase oil.
• Excessive idling (more than 10 or 15 minutes) can clog fuel injectors, eventually causing
piston rings and valves to stick.
• Operate the transmission with the MODE function set to Economy whenever possible;
this allows for earlier shifts and enhanced fuel economy.
• Follow the maintenance schedule for the engine.
Refueling:
• Truck stops are good refueling points for motorhomes.
• Know which side the fuel port is on to prevent having to turn around in the parking lot to
reposition for the pump.
• Check overhead clearance heights before pulling through the fuel island.
• Be aware of concrete/steel posts installed around fuel islands.
• Avoid running over the fuel hose as it can get hung up on the motorhome, causing body
damage.
• Use of gloves is recommended for refueling. Store gloves in the outside compartment.
• To prevent grease and fuel deposits from being tracked into the motorhome when refuel-
ing, change shoes before entering. Store the extra pair of shoes near the entry door.
WARNING:
Avoid the risk of fire or explosion. Turn off all pilot lights and appliances before enter-
ing a refueling station.
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