1297 Mile Road Trip in Our NEW RV! (Shake Down Time)

Trip setup & fuel/shake-down plan

• Approach is a real-life “test drive” mindset for a new RV/van.
• Goal: measure performance metrics—especially miles per gallon (MPG)—and compare against the onboard computer.
• Refueling approach: they want to stop using truck stops and instead manually track fuel, including figuring out the new unit (notably locating the gas cap).

Fueling + manual MPG calculation

• First fill-up: 34.3 gallons for $140.69.
• Manual tracking: they forgot to capture some totals during the first fill, so they later rely on notes/calculator/math.
• Second fill-up (estimated): 44.8 gallons used for the tested distance.
• Distance traveled (MPG test): 395 miles
• Manual MPG result: ~8.8 MPG (rounded up)
• Onboard computer MPG result: 7.6 MPG (not fully trusted; said to be potentially off)

Interpretation

• They expected closer to ~10 MPG, but achieved less.
• Main suspected contributors:
  • High winds
  • Harder driving for long hours
• They estimate wind can reduce fuel economy by roughly 1–2 gallons.
• Speeds were often around the limit (commonly ~70 mph).

Road & handling impressions (Class C, E350 platform)

They’re testing how the RV handles:

• Potholes
• Wind
• Highway speeds

Key handling notes

• Feels more stable when fully loaded (fresh water + gear).
• Stability improves when wind is less severe or directionally favorable.
• The shorter wheelbase affects comfort/ride (noted as a factor).
• Later in the trip, heavy wind (especially around South Dakota / I-90) made the last hours “awful.”

Noise & cabin comfort observations

Platform-to-platform difference

• Cabin sound differs from earlier experience (E-Series vs prior Ford F-Series/Dynamax).

Noise changes by speed

• Cabin feels more open, with more road noise above ~45 mph.
• At ~65 mph, they need to turn music up significantly.
• When slowing at traffic lights, music volume needs adjusting again.

Wind impact

• Wind is described as a major factor for Class C noise/handling, particularly above the cabin where the superstructure is.

Windows / quality

• Noted less premium window quality vs the Dynamax.
• Mention of no double glazing and perceived noise differences.

Convenience & comfort features

• They like reliable cruise control (“a must”).
• They appreciate:
  • Installed digital/infotainment panel
  • CarPlay
  • 110V outlet, USB, and USB‑C
• They miss some prior features—specifically that they lost heated seats.

Storage / cupholders

• Multiple cup/bottle holders are present, including a workable (possibly improvised) can holder.

Safety & monitoring features

• TPMS / tire pressure monitoring:
  • Sensors for all six wheels
  • Readouts visible on the dashboard (they say no extra monitor is needed)
• Spare tire:
  • They don’t think there’s a spare wheel
  • Instead, they rely on a tire repair kit and pump
• Mirrors:
  • Good size but not heated/electrically operated
  • Slight visibility impact from the overhang, but they’re used to it

Travel highlights & challenges

Route/time pressure

• Drove about ~530 miles in one long day, yet still had a ways to go.
• Targeted arrival around 7:00 PM, shortly after.

Notable events along the way

• The creator references a past traumatic tire incident (“wheel came off” story) whenever they drive I‑90 / South Dakota.
• Encountered many insects.
• Non-stop driving is said to increase fuel burn.
• Roadworks zones and oversized-cargo navigation were additional concerns.

Arrival + campground setup (Badlands / “Nomad View”)

Destination & context

• Arrived at Badlands, South Dakota, at “Nomad View”, described as a familiar tradition spot.

Camping changes / location selection

• Noticed more marked/limited areas and fewer favorable viewing options compared to last time.
• Found a more private spot, with many vacancies:
  • “More places, less view” overall.
• They considered scouting better “view” spots in the morning, but most were unavailable.

Leveling & slides

• Tested auto-leveling and it works properly.
• No slides; leveling stabilizes the unit quickly due to the short wheelbase.

A/C issue after arrival

• It gets hot, and the air conditioner doesn’t reliably blow cold air.
• They estimate it may take 5–15 minutes to start producing cold air.
• They compare it to prior experience where the A/C had been reliable.
• They discuss that an inspection missed something they later discovered during a test drive.

Evening routine & travel preference

• Dinner first, then plan to sleep soon after a long drive.
• They feel driving one long day (~550 miles) is preferable to splitting into two shorter travel days due to wasted time in-between.

Lifestyle/health note from the creator

• Explains the origin of the name “Irene Iron Travels”:
  • Named after their fitness and nutrition business: Irene Iron Fitness
• Focus of the business:
  • Strength training and “real food”
  • Emphasis on moving, feeling, and eating better
• Claims there are:
  • No fad diets
  • No strict restrictions
  • No calorie counting
• Invites viewers to check the description for a new-customer offer or group challenge.

Notable locations, products, or speakers

Locations

• QuickTrip (Wisconsin/Minnesota mention)
• Badlands National Park / “Nomad View”
• South Dakota
• Highway 90 / I‑90
• Sinclair gas station
• Cracker Barrel in Sioux City (referenced)
• I‑90 / South Dakota is specifically noted as a “beware tire incident” stretch

RV/vehicle context

• Class C motorhome on an E350 platform
• Contrasted with prior Dynamax on a F-series platform
• Mentions earlier 6.7L diesel experiences

Named roles/people

• Aaron (jokingly described as an “Inspector” / “Inspector Gadget”)
• Chris (mentioned in comments about concerts/volume)
• Violet

Products/features mentioned

• CarPlay
• TPMS for six wheels
• Cruise control
• 110V / USB / USB‑C outlets
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Air conditioner (intermittent cold-air issue)