04-21-2009, 11:45 PM
herbjohnsGrade climbing w/250 HP, 3208t
Need some advice regarding my '89 Regency. I live in the central valley of California and for all practical purposes the only way out is over mountains. On a 6% grade the speed drops to 40-42 MPH and maintains that speed. Is this normal performance for the 3208t? On flat land and small grades it runs great, even in 100 plus degree heat which we have lots of. If 40 MPH is standard I can live with that.
Thanks for any help, Herb
04-22-2009, 11:36 PM
Bill N.Y.Which transmission do you have? What rear end ratio do you have? Tires size? How many miles are on your coach? Have you weighed your coach? If so, what does it weigh?
Now, for the short answer: 42 MPH on a 6% grade doesn't sound "that bad" for a 250 HP 3208T Cat. Yes, you could do better.
Check with Towerguy and Tom Johns as they should be better equipped to answer this, for their coach is likewise equipped.
04-23-2009, 11:09 PM
herbjohnsBill, I can live with the short answer. If I can do better great but I'm not in a hurry. To answer your questions
Transmission - MT 643 Allison (4 speed)
Rear end - Not stated on any of the Gillig manuals
but it's probably a 4.10
Mileage - 62,000
Tires - 255/80R, XRV's 1 YO when I bought the
coach in September
Weight - G.V.W.R. is 29,640 but haven't had it
weighed
At an indicated 55 MPH it is turning about 2200 RPM. Shifting is smooth through all ranges and down shifts smoothly at about 45 MPH when climbing and shifts back to 4th when the grade levels out. Any other insights are appreciated.
Herb
Herb, I have the same setup exactly and I get about the same speeds. I have found also it seems that I can get better speed up a mountain with the cruise control and getting speed up some before I get to the grade.
sky
04-24-2009, 11:22 AM
herbjohnsSky, Thanks for your reply. Was hoping for a little more MPH going up grades and your solution seems about what I've experienced. And that's OK with me.
Again, thanks.
Herb
04-25-2009, 09:12 AM
robert and kimberly deluciahave the forty ,(counting bumpers).. im averaging about the same on hills ..about 85 to 90 hwy.non turbo 3208...