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Opinions TRX

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hutch42

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Opinions TRX
« on: November 05, 2020, 03:30:56 pm »
Was wondering if any of the new TRX owners are forum members.  Would love to hear about the new model and your experiences.

Hutch

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Joseph

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2020, 10:01:23 am »
I don’t have any first hand knowledge on the TRX itself but I do have a Ford sedan with the eco boost. If it’s the eco boost engine your looking at and you don’t already own a veh with eco boost maybe rent a car with it for a week or so first. When I first tried out the car with eco I thought it was awesome power for a small engine. I’ve learned to dislike it a lot! I’m not sure if this is the best way to describe it but to say the power delivery isn’t linear.  As an example at cruise set at 70 and start going up a grade the engine is just too weak without the boost to hold any moderate grade. When it calls for boost the transmission slams down as the boost kicks in, there is nothing smooth about it. I’ve rented pickups with the eco boost and found them to be the same. Even driving around the city if I need to pick up speed at anything other than a very gradual increase the boost kicks in and it’s never smooth IMO. I like Fords ....a lot, never had a bad one per-say but I’ll never own another car of any brand with this type of boost. One of the reasons I was so pleased to read the new Godzilla engine is naturally aspirated.

Also I will say the eco boost in our car gets superb gas mileage for a full sized sedan on the open road. I get 34-35 cruising at 75. That’s as long as it’s flat and no wind cause once that boost kicks in the mileage tanks.


Just my 2 cents
« Last Edit: November 08, 2020, 10:03:59 am by Joseph »

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2020, 06:50:44 pm »
Interesting observation Joseph.

It seems worth a trip to your local U-Haul and rent (or test drive) a box truck rental with the Transit cut-away chassis for a live evaluation.
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Joseph

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2020, 11:45:04 am »
Ron, I also have to wonder how the longevity is going to be with an underpowered engine that’s boosted to obtain the needed power?  I don’t know if it’s working harder makes much difference or not.

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hutch42

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2020, 12:35:27 pm »
Thanks for the info. Good point.

I belong to 2 different forums that utilize the Transit eco boast.  Have not heard of any issues but you never know.

Was wondering if maybe a different drive train or rear end gear ratio in Vans or cutaways.

Hutch
« Last Edit: November 09, 2020, 01:20:22 pm by hutch42 »

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Joseph

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2020, 05:33:58 pm »
Hutch42.  That’s very possible, I’m only relating what I find in the sedan. The cutaway could be a completely diff beast. 

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2020, 08:45:40 pm »
Ron, I also have to wonder how the longevity is going to be with an underpowered engine that’s boosted to obtain the needed power?  I don’t know if it’s working harder makes much difference or not.
I was never a fan of tiny engines with turbos that require high RPMs to get the power.  I'll take the V10 or the latest beastly engine, the new 7.3L any day.
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hutch42

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2020, 09:05:00 pm »
Ron/Joseph

I do know that MPG is not that great in the ecoboost in a 9500 lb (out of the factory) Class C RV.  About 11-13 MPG.  The slew of HD 350 Transit B class is getting 13-15 MPG.

Hutch

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2020, 08:43:53 am »
Ron/Joseph

I do know that MPG is not that great in the ecoboost in a 9500 lb (out of the factory) Class C RV.  About 11-13 MPG.  The slew of HD 350 Transit B class is getting 13-15 MPG.

Hutch
And our 2007 E350-V10 PC 2350 gets 10.5mpg (a ~5000 mile trip average) when driving it like a TRX or Sprinter (highway speed limited to 62mph) and not towing.  My opinion is that 11-13 mpg is not a big enough of a difference, giving up one of the most reliable power trains with lots of power throughout the power band, just to gain a little in fuel economy.  If you can assure 13-15 mpg, then..... maybe....but I feel you have to drive a lot to justify it.

I believe Phoenix installs a propane generator in their diesel-driven chassis.  I feel that is another "ding".  We use our generator.  I wouldn't want to deplete critical propane for that purpose.  I need as much propane on hand for the fridge, cooking, hot water, and the furnace.  If you rarely boondock, then this is a non-issue.

Another point about an E-series with a gasoline generator is that if you live in tornado alley or hurricane country and loose power for days or weeks, you have a 41 gallon gasoline supported mobile power plant that can power your critical at-home operations consistently for roughly 80 hours between fill-ups.  Even longer with extra gas stored in your garage.

There are other reasons people want a TRX or Sprinter, but that is another topic.
« Last Edit: November 10, 2020, 09:06:27 am by Ron Dittmer »
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2 Lucky

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #9 on: November 10, 2020, 09:17:04 am »
Ron...
Thanks ;) for reminding me of several of the many reasons that I don't really want to even think about downsizing from our beloved 2551 just for a few more miles per gallons. And four feet shorter is not going to really get me into anymore parking spots. Oh ya, and the lack of ground clearance and payload...
 :)(: tymote 2o2
Dougn
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Joseph

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #10 on: November 10, 2020, 10:28:26 am »
Ron,  another thought on mileage. There is absolutely nothing about owning a Motorhome that’s a sound financially decision. You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6.  A motorhome is a luxury item and when you throw in insurance, up keep as well as depreciation the difference in fuel mileage between 8-14 is not the most important concern in my travel guide.  I get 8- 8 1/2 mpg pulling the jeep. Maybe more some times and I’ll bet less sometimes in the hills and mountains. I only check once or twice on a multi month trip just to know nothing major is happening. What I do know is there’s always room in the tank at my next stop.   (WH)
« Last Edit: November 10, 2020, 10:30:16 am by Joseph »

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donc13

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #11 on: November 10, 2020, 04:21:26 pm »
Ron,  another thought on mileage. There is absolutely nothing about owning a Motorhome that’s a sound financially decision. You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6.  A motorhome is a luxury item and when you throw in insurance, up keep as well as depreciation the difference in fuel mileage between 8-14 is not the most important concern in my travel guide.  I get 8- 8 1/2 mpg pulling the jeep. Maybe more some times and I’ll bet less sometimes in the hills and mountains. I only check once or twice on a multi month trip just to know nothing major is happening. What I do know is there’s always room in the tank at my next stop.   (WH)

Well said!

2Lucky...your words also well said Dougn!
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #12 on: November 10, 2020, 04:36:04 pm »
Yes I agree as well.  With very rare exception, a motor home is not a money-saving investment.  Know what you are getting into.  For example, routine maintenance on a diesel pusher is a lot more than on an E450.  Some people just pay it because they can afford it.  Others avoid a DP due to lack of affordability.  It is a matter of "how much" you have to work with.  Save some here, spend some there, each to his own with what works for him.  So for some people, they are more mindful of fuel economy than others.  I get that.  Just be sure you understand the trade-offs.
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Volkemon

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #13 on: November 10, 2020, 06:53:47 pm »
There is absolutely nothing about owning a Motorhome that’s a sound financially decision. You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6.  A motorhome is a luxury item and when you throw in insurance, up keep as well as depreciation the difference in fuel mileage between 8-14 is not the most important concern in my travel guide.  I get 8- 8 1/2 mpg pulling the jeep. Maybe more some times and I’ll bet less sometimes in the hills and mountains. I only check once or twice on a multi month trip just to know nothing major is happening. What I do know is there’s always room in the tank at my next stop.   (WH)

AMEN.  And it gives Mrs V a bathroom and bed, of known history, and cleaning, wherever we go. And a kitchen. Why its a mobile home...  :)(: 

You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6.   2o2 roflol  AWSOME.  That is my new signature.
« Last Edit: November 10, 2020, 06:56:58 pm by Volkemon »
""You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6""  Forum Member Joseph


WORD.

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CalCruiser

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Re: Opinions TRX
« Reply #14 on: November 10, 2020, 09:28:18 pm »

You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6.   roflol


Ecobust  >:( >:(
Goin' where the wind goes...