Question about Gas Mileage

[LotusBloom]

Hello everyone. I'm new here. I found this site because I fell in love with a 1991 Airstream 190 which I'm thinking about buying. Does anyone know what type of gas mileage these get while running the dash a/c? Unfortunately because gas prices are so high now, I need to keep this in mind before I buy. It doesn't make sense to buy something if I can't afford to go anywhere!

Any advice for someone who is new to the Airstream Class B world? I'm giving up my pop-up camper and I've decided that for my needs, a class b is what I need to get.

Thanks,
Bobbie

[LotusBloom]

I did check and the Airstream that I might purchase has a 7.5 liter Ford engine since I'm sure this can make a difference for the gas mileage. It's a 1991 with 52k miles.

How reliable are these? I'll have my mechanic take a look at it but I'm a single mom of 2 young children (ages 9 & 11) so I need something dependable but I'm also on a budget and can't spend tons of money for a newer model.

Thanks.

[overlander63]

The 7.5 is a reliable workhorse that has been around for decades. The downside is, they are not the most fuel efficient engines in the world.

[87MH]

Originally Posted by overlander63

The 7.5 is a reliable workhorse that has been around for decades. The downside is, they are not the most fuel efficient engines in the world.

That is the old 460 engine - I would not expect more than 10 to 12 mpg out of that setup.

There is not a lot of room in the engine compartment to work around - especially in the front - a '91 (17 years old) could be expected to need new rubber (belts and hoses) and other normal repairs (starter, radiator, alternator, AC) before too long - even with only 52K on the odometer

[bryanl]

I get maybe 10-11 mpg solo and perhaps 9-10 when towing a 75 Ambassador.

Do also check the B-190 enthusiasts website for some real 90's Airstream B-190 fanatics.

The new sprinter based B-vans will get 20+ solo and 12-15 when towing a few thousand pounds.

[Skater]

Yep, that's about what I get with mine - 10-12 mpg, depending on conditions. Note that several people have reported the smaller engine (the 351) actually gets WORSE mileage in the B-vans, probably because they have to work so much harder. The V-10s get around 10-12, too, but that's not an option for a 1991 model.

This thread on the B190 site talks a little bit about people's experience with mileage on these - one guy is up to 14 mpg when conditions are perfect.

Thanks for the plug for the site, Leipper. Fanatics is right!

[LotusBloom]

Thanks to everyone for replying. I looked at it this afternoon and I didn't get the warm fuzzies with it because of how it drove but I did fall in love with the airstream. They seem to be built solidly with a lot of nice amenities. The interior was in great condition and absolutely beautiful. I'm going to keep looking. I guess I'll have to deal with the low gas mileage because they seem worth it but I think I'm going to look for one that isn't as old. They sure are hard to come by. I'm guessing it's because everyone loves theirs so much!

I do appreciate everyone's help.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by LotusBloom

They sure are hard to come by. I'm guessing it's because everyone loves theirs so much!

They only built something like 1100 of them, starting in 1989, so it's a relatively small number to start with, and you have to figure that some are now in junkyards.

That said, RV Trader currently has two listed, a 1994 and a 1997, and it's not unusual to see them pop up on Craigslist or eBay (b190.com has links on the site to eBay and RV Trader that automatically update every day - they're on the left side of the pages). They're around, you just have to look for them.

[Haoleman]

Because of gas mileage issues, larger motorhomes are taking a real hit pricewise. I had a 94 B 190 a year ago and sold it. I replaced it with a 33 ft motorhome that was powered by a Cummins 5.9 diesel engine and we just completed our 5000 mile winter trip. It averaged 10-12 MPG and had a lot more room than the B van. You might look for an older unit . Mine was a champion Ultrastar. We decided that due to the economy we wouldn't travel next winter so we sold the motorhome. After 4 tries on eBay and Craigs List we finally got it sold for $15,000 and everything worked. It wasn't a beater. You might want to set your sights on something like this. Mine was a pusher but there are several front diesel units with the Cummins 5.9 that I saw for around $10,000. Don't waste your time with any other diesel engine brand unless it's a Cat. All the Chevy or GMC diesels are a bucket of trouble.

Terry