Galena
Raleigh, NC
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Joined: 08/02/2005
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I had been requested to provide info our first trip with our SuperNova. I will try to be brief and I am comparing to our 2006 Seneca we traded. As always there were things we liked about both.
The SuperNova was a dream to drive with handing and power but we were not in the mountains. Did not have any effect when big trucks whizzed by, was not true with the Seneca. It is a stiffer ride but none of the sway with the Seneca. Loved the outside storage, finally I can get EVERYTHING in without having to get on my knees! Great holding storage capacity with grey and black tanks, did not empty until we left after three days.
We added washer/dryer and satellite and in general the layout worked very well. Things we liked: two baths, king sized bed, bunk beds, layout of unit, great storage except for kitchen. Things we did not like: Need more for storage and counter space in kitchen, (we converted over the cab area to storage), the cabinet over the couch needs insulation, when the sun heated the side of the RV, chocolate cookies were soft. We kept blowing a fuse when we raised or extended the bed (not the sideout but dealer indicated there is modification for this problem, but since this is a 2009 not sure why it was not changed). We are going to the configuration with 2 legs on the table, not stable with just one, C02 detector kept going off. The International appers to have a lot of "normal noises" that the Seneca did not. I think in gereral the Seneca had more style inside, which is surprising since GS usually has great looking RVs on the inside.
Questions for current SuperNova to answer if possible:
1) On the trip down it was 90 degrees and the engine temperature appeared to vary from about 190 to 210. When it reached the 210, it appeared a "fan", some noise could be heard, and the temperature would go down and the fan would cut off. I assume I do not have a fan with a therostat, what is happening??
2) On the road it about the same noise a the Duramax Seneca, but when one starts out or you push down on the accelarator on the road it is LOUD, really loud. Is this the transmission or a loud turbocharger??
3) Has anyone added insulation behind their cabinets?
Very pleased with the unit.
I would like to hear from others, since I find I can get better answers from the forum.
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Texas TC
Corinth,Texas
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Joined: 05/28/2007
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You have a viscous fan that cuts on and off depending on the temperature of the water. That is the main noise difference between the International and Chevy chassis (I also had a 5500 Kodiak Duramax chassis before the SuperNova).
When starting off, the engine seems to have the fan engaged until you get to highway speeds. I have found the "econ" mode reduces the fan and start off noise because it allows the transmission to shift through the five plus overdrive gears at a lower rpm. I have also found that the econ mode will give you the best fuel mileage. If you are talking about going to a lower gear at higher speeds like for passing or hills, the transmission is down shifting to a lower gear and yes, as the rpms go up, the engine noise increases. When it goes back to overdrive, the engine gets very quiet again.
I have noticed the overhead cabinets over the sofa get a little warm but not to a severity that would make me change anything. As far a storage is concerned, we have designated the basement storage compartment next to the exit door as back stock for the house supplies. There, we keep paper products, extra water and drinks, etc. and restock the inside cabinets as required. It has worked well for us.
The way these things drive is simply amazing. I am sure that the Freightliner chassis might be a little better because of the air suspension, but at the price point of the Gulf Stream vs. anything else out there, there seems to be no competition.
2008 Gulf Stream SuperNova (6331)
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
The engine fan clutch in my motorhome measures the air temperature going out of the radiator, and will engauge the fan into it's high speed mode when the air temperature reaches 165F (155F for a class C Ford with 460" engine).
You might have a very loud noise when starting out because of the fan getting hot when you are sitting at a traffic light, that sound can go away when you start out with a cold engine, or in cooler weather (if my guess is correct). Or it might be you have a low ratio first gear, and the engine is going at a higher RPM? I would not know for sure.
If you drop it off at my house, I will take it for a long test ride, and go camping for a week or two, and let you know about where all the noises are coming from - no charge! You just pay for the fuel! Ha ha,
Fred.
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