http://www.winnebagoind.com/html/pro...bago/view.html

Here is something I found in a "Truck Trend" magazine. I could not find any info on thier web site. The mag did a 1500 mile test and had an average of 14 MPG. Actually pretty good power #'s for a 2.7 liter. It needs a 4bt or 6bt.

Randy

 

My dad gets 14mpg with his 35 foot motorhome that has the 5.9 ISB. Seems like that little thing would do better.

 

i'm starting to see a lot of Sprinter based vehicles around here, this is the first motorhome app i've seen; i'd think it's a little small for a motorhome.

talked to our UPS driver about the Sprinter based delivery truck he just got and he LOVES it. says it has plenty of power and gets almost 20mpg with that huge box on the back of it. i'd like to see that enine in the 1500's and durango's(even though they're HIDEOUS now). California would never go for something that efficient and emissions friendly though.

 

Here is what I don't understand. How can a Sprinter get that kind of mileage and yet a Liberty doesn't get much more ? A Sprinter is huge compared to a Liberty. They need to put that I5 in a Liberty. Actually the Liberty would probably only need 3 cylinders of that engine.

That I5 would be great in a Durango or 1500. Finally North America would have a fuel efficient vehicle of some size.

 

i think the main mileage thing is cause the 2.7L is an inline and the Liberty TDI is a V engine, also, i don't think the liberty has a 5spd auto behind it. i don't know why they didn't go with the I5 in the Liberty unless it's too big of block or something...i believe the finger pointing goes to the bean-counters.

 

Same question goes to why they put a v-6 in the Liberty instead of the very common and well proven 4.0. It has great torque and nearly as much HP. And got good milage.

Randy

 

I own a Sprinter based RV and before I bought my Ram 2500 Quad Cab, I looked at the Jeep Liberty. Every modern diesel engine design feature is used in the Sprinters, where the Liberty got a dinosaur. The only thing those 2 have in common is diesel fuel. I researched the Liberty and found that there is no justification to buy the diesel option compared to the V6 gas engine. My Sprinter has 4:11 gears and gets 20 mpg in town, hauling 6650 lbs of rv conversion around. Hiway mileage varies, worst was 18, running 70 mph in a 30-40 mph headwind, best 24 running 65 mph with no wind. On paper the engines look similar, but I could not find any positive information about the Liberty.

 

I saw one of the new UPS trucks last night and talked to the driver. It has a Mercedes diesel in it and man does it sound good. It takes off like a rocket and the turbo sings. I never heard a mercedes that sounded quite like that. I'm curious exactly what engine they have in them. It doesn't look like a Sprinter... looks like a regular UPS truck. I've seen a few Sprinters around here and they don't sound like that.

 

What if it had a 3:55s then we have some real MPGs.

 

The Liberty has an inline 4 Common Rail with a 5 speed automatic and lock up converter. Seems to me it should be able to get 30+ all day, but its advertised at 27 highway. After they've had a couple years to sort it out, I'll be looking at one for the wife.

 

and i'm wrong again...you're correct, inline 4 with a 5 speed auto. but i guess 27mpg isn't bad when you consider that it's pretty capable off road with a 2.5" lift, lockers and skid plates. no it's no offroad machine but it does well for a city-purposed vehicle that gets over 25mpg that's small enough for a 'jeep' size trail.

the more i find out about the sprinter I5 the more i like it. i think that'll soon become the small diesel swap of choice for 1/2 ton mileage trucks. as odd looking as the sprinters are, i'd really like to drive one now. kinda expensive to buy new, i've been looking at their cab/chassis options for setting up a light duty 1-ton service truck/utility bed and seems like a good option.

 

And you can get a sprinter with a factory diesel preheater (webaso type)

 

It would kill the performance. The 5 spd auto behind this motor is perfect for the powerband. 3:72 is the standard ratio, with the 4:11 as an option. DC will only authorize 6650 as maximum weight for a rv conversion. That leaves 2000 lbs for stuff and people.
The 2.7 ltr engine revs higher than a Cummins, it cruises very happy at 3000 rpm. I've taken mine through a number of mountain passes in CO, 9000-12000 ft and it will do the speed limit anywhere, without slowing down. You have to help it select the proper gear at times, but the auto has a slap stick function. Move tht shifter left and it down shifts, right and it upshifts. It's great for engine braking down 7% grades.
The Sprinter has been sold world-wide for 10 years, there are over a million on the road. Many are used for commercial delivery, ambulances, and police vans. If they put that motor in a small pickup, I'd own one.

 

Topless , what I was thinking is if its anything like the 5.9 theres lots of power avalible from mods , the low gears give low RPM and the mods give power , and it seems that most of the mods increase the MPGs also .

 

There are the standard mods available, chip, intake and exhaust. Most rv conversions that I know of, haven't done any. I haven't, mainly because I don't see a big need for them. I don't want the exhaust louder and the chip is $539. Since I don't drive it that much, modding it just isn't a priority. The price and availability of upgrades is getting better, since they're getting more common.
I will say the drive is better than any van I've experienced. It's a bit narrow inside but, the handling and turning are amazing for a vehicle it's size.