JasonNOLA Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 Just completed my first road trip in a newly purchased 1994 Itasca. I purchased the RV with 81,000 miles on it in Phoenix from a private seller and drove it to New Orleans over a three day period. Happy to report that I was getting 17 MPG at one point in flat land Texas west of El Paso. My top speed on the trip was probably 65 on a downhill but my average speed was about 50. The only issues I had were the severe winds (50 mph gusts) blowing around Texas. There were several times when the little Itasca (named her The Turtle) was getting tossed around on the highway. I almost pulled over but I would not have felt safe on the shoulder. Also, the big 18-wheelers blowing by at 80+ MPH can be a little intimidating. My takeaway as a new owner so far is try to AVOID major interstates. They are not fun and the rest of the world now drives at 80 MPH, on average. In the future, I hope to find parallel highways and take my time....it's not like I would get there any faster! Here are trip details: Friday: Phoenix to El Paso (432 miles)Left at 8:30am and arrived there at 6pm Made several stops along the way for food, gas and photos. Had to stop at In n Out Burger in Tuscon because it's all the rage. Burger was great. Fries...nothing to write home about. Saturday: El Paso to Austin (577 miles)Left at 7:30am and arrived at 9pm This was a little out of the way but I was so glad to get off Interstate 10 and onto Highway 290. This is a great road that takes you through Fredericksburg, TX and through the Texas wine country. Who knew they had a wine region in Texas? Sunday: Austin to New Orleans (512 miles)Left at 6:45am and arrived at 7pm Nothing interesting to report here, except the big bridge over Lake Charles, LA is impressive and was probably the biggest "climb" I did. If anyone has read this far, is there any real benefit to the ECT button? I am not noticing any difference...but thank goodness for overdrive. Can't wait for the next trip! Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy in Jax Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 Thanks for the report. Safe traveling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1122 Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 The ECT button will hold your RPM's higher before your rv shifts, this will help when climbing hills. I keep mine on all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 If there is a next time at In n Out try double fried fries Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrel Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 Congratulations on your new TOY home. We have your cousin a 94 Winnebago Warrior. Never use the ECT, also drive slow like you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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