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Thread: 95 Marathon

  1. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    anytown
    Posts
    8,908

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    George, this is just an observation on mileage that is my personal opinion. The mid to late 90's Series 60 engines seem to deliver the best fuel economy. That is based on information provided by owners on this site, but is mostly anecdotal. I can say with certainty how much fuel I put in my coach because I keep records of that, but like all others I cannot accurately attribute quantities to the engine and generator.

    From the Detroit Pro Driver display my mileage shows anywhere from 7.1 to 8.3 over approximately 5000 mile blocks. To measure consumption per tankful skews the infoirmation because there are factors which greatly influence mileage. Your right foot is one of the biggest factors and if you are inclined to run at 65 to 75 you will get poor mileage compared to when you run 55 to 65. Headwinds have a big impact as does driving in mountanous areas. If you tow a Hummer you will not get the mileage you will with a VW Beatle.

    But despite all the talk of mileage and fuel economy, it is only important in the context of how far you can go between visits to a truck stop, unless you like hanging around truck stops.

    Let's put this in context. If you drive 20,000 miles per year, and one coach gets 8 mpg, and a second gets 6 mpg the difference in operating cost per year is $2500 based on $3 fuel. Unless you are considering a Series 60 and an 8V92 the spread between any two coaches is going to much less. In reality fuel is a small part of ownership. The real cost of ownership is depreciation so if making an economical purchase is one of your primary considerations stick with an older coach, Series 60 equipped, very well maintained, and with every mechanical thing up to date, especially tires with new dates, new batteries, new air bags, etc. Depreciation will be less than a newer one, the major expense items will have been made by the previous owner, and with the Series 60 you will get better mileage.

    In the end however keep in mind buying a coach is a balancing act. There are some really cheap buses out there, but if they do not meet your needs or you have to spend serious money to bring them into reliable shape they are not so cheap after all. My free advice is to decide what you want and need, settle on a price that is reasonable for the coach of your dreams and then scour the market for your new coach. It is out there. Don't get hung up on fuel mileage because it is just a very small part of ownership.

  2. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Laguna Hills
    Posts
    128

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    We consistently get 8+MPG with our 99 Prevost shell....towing a Grand Cherokee... to and from OKC, to and from California wine country and lastly to and from Vegas. Jean and I belong to the 60 to 62 MPH club...our previous 97 Prevost shell never broke 8MPG towing the same Grand Cherokee....good luck

  3. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Sarasota, Florida
    Posts
    27

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    I think i have found the one!!!!!! 1997 liberty that just been completely repainted and will have new tires, battery, new air bag and values, new bushings, new shades, new front seals and just is beautiful. The family that had this coach wanted to keep it for a long time but the gentlemen got sick and passed away. This only makes me feel very sad and only hope that i can care out and complete what he started. What is the major difference between classic and elegant liberty? Also who will finance a 97 coach?, I do not want to pay cash i would rather leave the funds in the bank..

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    thomasville,nc
    Posts
    1,209

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    The EL has a Allen Bradley controller for the electrical system,air operated pocket doors,water and sewer dumps on both sides,always 4 cruise airs,and different fabrics inside,there will be many more differences.Some like the classic because it is simpler in the electrical system,also many classics have 4 cruise airs.

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Bristol, Tn
    Posts
    1,647

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    The 97 Elegant lady also has 24 volt Coach lighting - interior lights are bright and snap on quick. Great for old eyes.
    Roger that!
    2008 Liberty DS XL2
    2023 Denali Ultimate
    My 6th Prevost

  6. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Sarasota, Florida
    Posts
    27

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    This lady has 4 battery and 4 cruise air. I can do with out the power door and any future electrical problems. Can i change the lighting system to 24v? Also can i plumb the water and sewer system to to other side as well?
    Thanks everyone for your advise i am very glad to be a part of the origination that help beginners. I have read almost every thread and learned so much which inturn has help me make a very important decision. If anyone near Sarasota Florida and needs help I would be there in a flash. More question to come

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    thomasville,nc
    Posts
    1,209

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    I don't think that it would be worth it to change from 12-24 volt lighting,it would be fairly easy to add a water fill to the other side plumed back across to the water fill solenoid,but I think that adding a dump might require you to remove the waste tank to weld a flange on it to be able to add the dump valve to the other side.IMHO these are not deal breakers,just convenience items.

  8. #18
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Sarasota, Florida
    Posts
    27

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    jack14r thanks for your response. Your right this is not a deal breaker. I just place a deposit on the lady and wait to see what the out come of the inspection. Took the wife to see it and she thinks i am nuts, given the economy, but i told her she married me and everyone thought she was nuts so it my turn.

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Jasper
    Posts
    3,775

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    George,

    The Lady already has a water fill from the starboard side that goes through the filter and regulator. It also has a gravity fill on that side. As for a dump on the starboard side, that would be a big project. You don't need 24 volt lights, you'll be happy with the simple 12 volt system, they're very bright if you turn up the rheostat.

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