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pappy19 · 03-28-2014, 08:01 AM

I wouldn't rely on the "lie-o-meter", but do a hand calculation and see if your computer is correct.

Foiled Again · 03-28-2014, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastEddieB

Flexie has an indicator to show average gas mileage.

On the way up, we showed 20.6 and 21.5 mpg on the two tanks. Not bad with over 350 hp on tap.

Of course, we expected noticeably less pulling a trailer that size.

Still the results of the first leg driving south were a little disappointing:

(8.4 mpg) erk!

That was mostly expressway, averaging about 55 to 60 mph. Engine around 2,000 rpm.

Yikes!

Of note is that we were driving into some very strong headwinds - probably 20 to 25 mph or more.

For the next tank we were headed mostly eastbound on state roads and did a bit better - 10.5 miles per gallon.

I will report on subsequent tanks on the way home. It's certainly worse mileage than I expected but it is what it is.

BUT not to worry too much, 95% or more of your driving with the Flex will be non-towing, so you've got a big station wagon that will hold you the kids, grandkids and a small dog or two that gets 20 mpg. Towing - fergitaboudit!

Foiled Again · 03-28-2014, 08:13 AM

When I DO commission someone to restore an Airstream for me, I'll find out where that aluminum floor is manufactured and specify IT for the A/S.

You'd better get some warm slippers and thick rugs for any cold weather camping you do.

Happy Trails, Paula

m.hony · 03-28-2014, 08:32 AM

It seems that I get better mileage on state roads than on interstates.
I think there is less crosswinds and headwinds- the woods come right up to the edge of the road on state highways and interstates have that wide right of way and median- more open area = more wind.

mutcth · 03-29-2014, 06:00 AM

The winds are going to make a big difference. That said, I didn't get great fuel economy even when towing my little aerodynamic Argosy with a Flex - maybe an average of 12 mpg. Could be because I couldn't keep my foot off the fun pedal…

Tom

FastEddieB · 03-29-2014, 08:12 AM

Delayed just a bit leaving Peru, IN!

FastEddieB · 03-30-2014, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappy19

I wouldn't rely on the "lie-o-meter", but do a hand calculation and see if your computer is correct.

Thanks for the head's up - I had assumed it would be pretty close.

First check predicted 12.4 gph, actual 12.8.

Will check another tank, but nice that, if anything, it was pessimistic.

AdamFL · 03-30-2014, 08:45 AM

FastEddie. Funny to see you here..funny all us airplane guys have planes, boats, motorcycles and then campers. I just restored a 29 Airstream and have an F250 diesel ready to roll my bikes into. Probably headed your way this summer to camp and ride some. I think we met at a Cppp some years ago, and or SE Aero back in the early Cirrus days. My father in law Matt was always around from the beginning and I sort of hung around.

rodsterinfl · 03-31-2014, 08:32 AM

From what I continue to find, 12 mpg is average overall in most situations and, ironically, even in diesel applications while a few more miles are gained, by the time you factor the extra fuel cost, there is at least. 2mpg loss by cost difference alone. Yes you HAVE to use hand calculation to be accurate. I followed a semi for almost 40 miles on a state road heading home and got an extra mpg. I too think that state roads are advantageous especially when there is a breeze

FastEddieB · 03-31-2014, 01:29 PM

Just to let everyone know we made it home safely yesterday.

Whew!

Anyway, along the Ocoee, almost home:

And temporary home in front of our hangar at Copperhill, TN:

I promise I'll do a more lengthy trip report soon!

mutcth · 03-31-2014, 05:28 PM

Looking good - glad you made it home safely! Would love to hear your thoughts on the Flex and Camplite.

Tom

FastEddieB · 04-01-2014, 08:03 AM

We spent part of yesterday reorganizing our hangar, with the intent to see if we could squeeze the trailer in.

Most of the hangars are "T" shaped, but we got a reservation in early when the hangars were built and got an end one with extra space.

Maneuvering it into place with the help of a friend:

If fits!!!

The question remained...could we angle the Sky Arrow so the wing cleared?

VIOLA!

We're happy campers!

Trip report still pending - I may break it down into "chapters", each posted to a relevant topic.

Jim Lee · 04-15-2014, 08:22 AM

Do you have to grease the load leveling bars? I had a hitch like that once and was always getting grease on my clothes.

m.hony · 04-15-2014, 09:16 AM

The point of greasing the bars and balls is to make them squeak, creak, moan, and groan less.
After repeatedly getting grease on my hands and clothes I decided it was better to live with the S. S. Titanic noises.
errrr eeeee aawwww eeee clunk bump eee...
People in campsites lookin' at me- what you lookin' at? Yours sounds the same way...

FastEddieB · 04-15-2014, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Lee

Do you have to grease the load leveling bars? I had a hitch like that once and was always getting grease on my clothes.

Yes, it's recommended. Actually, before each use. There are actually grease nipples on the sockets to facilitate it, but I just brushed it on the ends of the bars.

I bought some red high pressure grease which I use. When stashing the bars, I put the ends in a heavy plastic bag. Also put a dollop on the hitch ball and the sway control balls.

The only creaking I got was when I think I had the Husky sway control cinched way too tight. No creaking from the bars themselves that I can discern.

m.hony · 04-15-2014, 11:03 AM

The noise will let you know when to grease-
It is almost silent immediately after lubrication.
A couple of months later and some rainy weather...
The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald...
A lot of the noise actually comes from where the weight bars attach to the hitch head.

FastEddieB · 04-15-2014, 11:22 AM

Similarly, I have ALWAYS greased trailer balls.

When I picked up my CampLite I commented on the dry ball and the fellow said grease was not necessary.

Half way home I bought that red high pressure grease I mentioned and slathered some on the ball. I think it already showed some wear in the chrome from lack of lubrication.

My understanding is that unlubricated metal-to-metal contact is generally to be avoided - that's what grease is for!

m.hony · 04-15-2014, 11:58 AM

They probably make a cover to put over the greasy ball to keep it off your clothes.
The wear on the ball is more or less according to tilt and such.
My ball now has less wear, but more miles towing. I attribute this to the Airstream's suspension and a proper hitch head setup. It is time for me to lubricate everything. It sounds like the Exxon Valdez running aground while driving through a campground.
Ordinary ole red bearing grease will git-r-dun.
Silicone lubricant in all the hitch head parts quiets her down. The silicone doesn't seem to get on your clothes as bad, but it sure gets on your hands while hitching/unhitching. I reckon I should wear work gloves while hitching, as well. I wonder if they make a cover for that- or if I should just put a gallon freezer bag over it attached with a rubber band-
The trailer people say no grease so you will come back to buy a new one sooner...

gmw photos · 04-15-2014, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.hony

They probably make a cover to put over the greasy ball to keep it off your clothes.......
..

Heh....yeah, I made one out of the bottom of a plastic water bottle. A zip tie pulled "just snug" enough to make it a slip fit onto the ball, but enough that the wind won't blow it off there while in camp.

....sometimes I'm such a cheapskate....

FastEddieB · 04-15-2014, 05:29 PM

I find it very difficult to believe that someone could be so incredibly cheap so as to resort to something as gauche as a water bottle as a ball cover!

Those in the know use tennis balls - and not just on our walkers!

Now just have to come up with something clever for the smaller sway control ball!