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Old 07-14-2018, 08:50 PM   #25
wrenchami
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 40
Default And now for something completely different

I bought a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe new a couple of years ago. This is the full size 3 row seating unit, not the 2 row Santa Fe Sport. I chose it because of the purported power, reliability, warranty and value. Seats 7, 3.3L V6, 6 speed. Lots of power, especially when pushed in the "sport" mode. 5,000 lbs towing. I like it alot. I added the Curt Class 3 hitch, trailer wiring, DC power, braking and 7 pin trailer connector myself. We live in the Sierra Nevada foothills and a week ago travelled to Hemet, CA, NE of San Diego to pick up a new to us 2014 2922KB, a 9.5 hr drive. By the time we inspected the unit and bought it the next morning and set up the WDH, etc. it was 11am and 100F. Heading NE to take the Mohave/Barstow route we hit peak air temps of 116F through San Bernardino. Over the Tehachapi's it was 114F and we kept the pace, falling once to 50mph, only out of caution. If the temp was lower, I'd have pushed it harder. The temperature gauge never budged off of it's regular reading the entire trip. I know that doesn't mean the ATF wasn't too hot, but it is a good indication that temp was being managed.

We got 16.7mpg on the trip home, including the mountain passes and pulling I-80 on the way to Grass Valley. This was in very high heat over 100F almost the whole way, AC running and pretty much maintaining the truck/RV pace on the CA-99 of 63mph. Trans almost always in 6th with the torque converter locked at that speed. On another trip, we recently got 25mpg with no trailer, a full load of people and luggage running AC. I am happy with these efficiencies. The Santa Fe is a VERY quiet vehicle, which made the trip just so much easier.

The Toyotas are certainly an excellent choice, but to me the premium price isn't worth it. This was just one trip, but I am very pleased with the results with the Santa Fe.
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'14 2922KB, 2x6V 115AH GC batteries up front. Slide out galley cabinet trays. All LED lighting. Awning LED light strip. LED night lights, front cabinets & in head. Liner-free shower mod. Exterior vent exhaust fan mod for head. Detachable shelves on galley walls. Bluetooth audio amp over fridge.

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe TV, Tekonsha P3 brake controller, Yandina160 combiner.

PO'd '78 American Clipper (21.5' class C), TM '03 3023QS couch model, Classic '75 GMC Eleganza II 26' Class A.
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