I am new to the fun of motorhome driving so not really sure what sort of performance to expect from the engine. I have a 1995 Autohomes Highwayman 3, it's a six berth coach built on a Peugeot Boxer base. The engine is a Peugeot, 2.5 diesel with a five speed gearbox and has 42k mileage. I have had it fully serviced before heading off on the open road. It seems to be happy cruising at 60mph, but the speed soon bleeds away on any hills until I have finally dropped into 2nd/3rd, then it manages to maintain momentum around 30mph or less depending on the steepness. So, the question is, is this normal or should it do better? Thanks.
Should be a bit better than that, but not a lot. I used to have a 1990 Eldiss Autoquest 5 berth on the Talbot base (forerunner of the Boxer) with the 2.5 diesel engine. Although it was slow enough to find LGVs overtaking on long motorway inclines, most of the time it wasn't too bad and could maintain a steady 65 - 70 mph (with my foot flat to the floor ).
The later ones have turbo diesel engines and I'm told they are much better
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Depends what engine you have, if its non turbo it will be pretty slow. A 1995 will be old technology indirect injection & even if its the turbo 2.5 it will only be 110bhp & with the large frontal area the performance wont be that good. it is possible to get the engine rechipped or remapped for more turbo boost, google for info.
------------- Sell my camper? I'd rather eat school semolina!
I think the missing link is NOT having a turbo. The turbo really does help and even at 2.5 I think for your average coachbuilt it should have a turbo. Mine will cruise at 60 and that's it. Same as you say on inclines, and feels very, very heavy at 3000KG.
I dont have a turbo or even power steering so I guess we do struggle. My next one will have both.
my fiat elddis autostratus 1989 2Ltr petrol (in gallery) aint to bad on hills unless its a very long incline,knocks along nicely at 65/70 no prob and returns around 26/28 mpg and 34 mpg with HHO running.
------------- Think this year is to follow old meet friends for 2014.
If you cant do someone a good turn,don`t do them a bad one,its nice to be nice you know,and little things mean much more later in life.
Pete.
Hi, Mine is a 1992 Mark 4 Ford Transit, 2.5D - no turbo. On hills it slows down just like yours. I read on the Ford Transit forum that if you channel more air to the engine, this modification should increase power but decrease mpg. I haven't tried it yet.
I think with these old engines, they may be more of a work horse than a race horse and we have to love them as they are, given their advanced years!
no, it is happy to plod along at 60mph providing the road is flat. any hint of a uphill section and the speed just bleeds away as you work back through the gearbox.
thanks to everyone for your interest and advice.