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Old 07-09-2012, 12:37 AM   #21
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Originally Posted by jamesroadking View Post
My 2011 F250 Crew Cab with a 6.7 diesel and with 3.31:1 rear axle ratio get 19 MPG not towing at 75 MPH and when I tow my Work and Play 30WRS which I guess weights in at about 10K lbs. in gets 10.5 to 11 MPG turning 1500 RPM's at 65 MPH.
I get about the same with the 2008 Dodge 3500 Megacab 6.7L Cummins pulling a TT weighing 7K loaded and with about 500 Lbs in the shell covered truck bed. RPM about the same. Empty it gets around 21 MPG at 65 MPH.

That's East bound from CA to Fla. West bound it drops about 1 - 2 MPG.

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Old 07-09-2012, 03:34 AM   #22
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I used to have a Silverado 5.3L towing much the same weight. My mileage ranged from 9.0 in the mountains and 11.5 on flat terrain. If you are using tow/haul mode, it is changing your shift points. The problem with that is that in the 55+ range, getting into your highest gear ratio is around 65. Try using tow/haul mode getting up to speed, then turn it off when reaching the speed you want. This should let the transmission settle into the higher gear and improve your mileage. When preparing to slow down or stop, turn it back on until you reach cruising speed again.
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Old 07-09-2012, 06:09 PM   #23
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Just came back from about 3,000 mile trip from flatlands to mountains and back. The Duramax did just fine and was able to climb all grades (we did not do any insanely steep ones). Since the pardette was driving I don't know what out max RPMs were but I doubt they were much over 2,500.

Average fuel economy for the whole trip was over 10.2 at 62-65 (including a large stretch at 70) dragging a 8,000-9,000 TH.

I was quite pleased. Only had one problem with the notorious, fuel filter loss of prime. Simple fix; just push the plunger on the fuel filter and it starts right up.

The only other dislike is the 26 gallon tank. However, a couple of diesel cans in the bed took care of any worries about running dry.

I wish the pardette would let me drive the rig...
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Old 07-10-2012, 12:49 PM   #24
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Did you do I-70 West of Denver? I'm tempted to do US 50 and I-70 from Reno to Denver this fall.

(26 gal tank sounds like a real PITA)

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Old 07-10-2012, 01:31 PM   #25
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I had an '06 2500HD 6.0 and pulled about 7200lbs and it struggled all the time. I wouldn't even of considered taking it across country or even more than a few hours. Best mpg I got was around 9. Traded in last December, got the Duramax and then a Sierra 365saq (14k) a few months later. Had driven from OH to FL and back and averaged 11.2 with the cruise set on 70-72. Got on the road, set the cruise, never looked back.
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Old 07-10-2012, 03:54 PM   #26
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'05 Ram QC 5.7 2500 gasser pulling about 8500lbs and I got 9 on the way home from picking the camper up in Pa coming through the mountains heading south. Got to checking and just spent $500. for new plugs, wires and boots since in has 57k miles on it and Dodge recommends plugs be changed at 30k since they still use copper plugs in the Hemi, who uses copper plugs anymore? hope the tune up gets me a little more mpg as I believe it would get around 12 a few yrs back with a slightly heavier load.
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Old 07-11-2012, 09:42 AM   #27
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Did you do I-70 West of Denver? I'm tempted to do US 50 and I-70 from Reno to Denver this fall.
I am not sure which highway we were on but we were well north of Denver when we headed southeast. We went through Oklahoma towards Amarillo, TX.
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(26 gal tank sounds like a real PITA)
Its really not, but it is a nuisance. When towing, I pull up YP at about 200 miles to locate the cheapest gas station.
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Old 07-11-2012, 10:32 AM   #28
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My wife and I just finished a camping trip pulling our travel trailer that totaled 1900 miles. Part of it was from Va to Ocean Lakes in Mrytle then back home then a trip to pigeon forge tn and back. I averaged 12 mpg running 70 to 75 mph. My total weight on the cat scales was 14200lbs. I have a 06 3/4 ton dodge diesel. There was no slowing down on hills and never turned over 2300 rpm. If you are a chevy guy get yourself a diesel and never look back. Just my opinion.
We have the same truck. Mileage pulling our 8,000lb shoebox is between 15 and 17. Pulls so easy sometimes we forget its back there, which isn't necessarily always a good thing. LOL. If great mileage and an abundance of power is something you desire, I agree....get a diesel.
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Old 07-12-2012, 08:19 PM   #29
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I just recently made a trip to Ocean Lakes campground in Myrtle Beach,SC from Augusta Georgia pulling a 2011 Shamrock 21ss weighing about 5000 lbs fully loaded.My TV is a 2011 Chevy silverado crew cab 4wd with towing package and 5.3 l v8.This was my first trip pulling the camper over 3 hrs and I was very disappointed with the mpg I got on the trip.I got 9.4 there and 8.6 on the way back.I thought the truck would tow alot better than it did.It was constantly hitting close to 5000 rpm going up hills at 65 mph.I was wanting to know what others that have a similar truck and camper setup were getting.I am seriously looking at trading up to a chevy 2500 hd.If anyone could help with any suggestions I would appreciate it.
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mtnguy it has a 3:73 rear end.It would lose 10 to 15 mph going up hills and that was giving it a good bit of gas around 4500 to 5000 rpms
Judging by these two statements is it safe to say you were 75-80 mph when not climbing hills? Thats crazy if true.

In that case its not the truck its the driver. Simmer down a bit on the go peddle while towing. Its not safe (for you or others on the road) to drive that fast while towing and certainly not advisable to try to "keep speed" up inclines while towing a heavy trailer. With those towing habits you're gonna kill your truck....and possibly yourself and others.
All that being said. You can't really expect much better mileage than about 10-11 mpg out of a half ton truck while towing a camp trailer of even medium weight. Just the way it is. 3/4 ton diesels are doing great if they can get mid teens for mileage while towing a decent size load. Really weigh the costs and benefits before you spend a butt load more money on a diesel to save $40 at the pump for the 5 times a year you tow your camp trailer.
My advice is to simply slow down. The trip will be far less expensive, stressful, and dangerous.
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:00 PM   #30
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It was constantly hitting close to 5000 rpm going up hills at 65 mph.
Yeah, the 5.3 only has about 335 lb of torque and that is not until over 4,000 RPM. If you have the 3.42 rear end, it makes the problem worse.

As for the 2500, it is not about the chassis but rather about the power plant. Any solution is expensive. You might re-gear your existing truck. Or trade for a model with more torque. Or just learn to live with it . . .

Good luck! Happy camping!
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:02 PM   #31
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Judging by these two statements is it safe to say you were 75-80 mph when not climbing hills? Thats crazy if true.
My guess is that he was in 2nd gear; not going 75 mph?
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:07 PM   #32
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My guess is that he was in 2nd gear; not going 75 mph?
I was speculating based on his comments that he was doing 65 up the inclines and that it would lose 10-15 mph when climbing hills. 65+10=75. Thats why I made that comment.
I don't think he'd be in 2nd gear while driving on level ground.

Based on his rpms and attempting to hold 65 up grades I would say he was driving way too aggressively/fast either way you slice it.
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:11 PM   #33
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Ah, I see what you are saying . . . .
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:19 PM   #34
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You either spend your money on a deisel or fuel. RVing is certainly not an activity where you can be overly concerned with mileage. Let's face it...you're pulling a house down the road...*<(:{)-
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Old 07-12-2012, 09:19 PM   #35
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I was speculating based on his comments that he was doing 65 up the inclines and that it would lose 10-15 mph when climbing hills. 65+10=75. Thats why I made that comment.
I don't think he'd be in 2nd gear while driving on level ground.

Based on his rpms and attempting to hold 65 up grades I would say he was driving way too aggressively/fast either way you slice it.
He was probably just trying to run with traffic. If done correctly it's safer than running 10 - 20 MPH slower than traffic.
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Old 07-12-2012, 11:48 PM   #36
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He was probably just trying to run with traffic. If done correctly it's safer than running 10 - 20 MPH slower than traffic.
That's debatable. Especially if you are adding to the danger by running your vehicle/trailer setup beyond its limits. What speeds is the common trailer tire rated for? I live on Interstate 80 where people fly around at 85 mph but there's also an abundance of tractor trailers putting around at 60-65. At those speeds your just part of the scenery and fit right in. Just gotta use your mirrors and patience and make sure your not trying to play frogger. Not quite as dangerous as driving recklessly.

But I don't want to start an argument based on differing opinions.
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Old 07-13-2012, 12:08 AM   #37
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I have to agree with about slowing down and taking your time. I have a 05 Nissan Titan and a sandstorm 203 slc and at its heaviest is right at 6800 pounds. I will run the highway at 55 mph and my truck not in OD will run right at 1900 Rpms which is perfect in my book. If I have to down shift my truck only go to 3500-3800 Rpms which is still not working the engine to much. I won't buy a diesel unless fuel goes down more and can guaranteed to stay but that won't happen. And I can't justify having a diesel the other 8 months out of the year I am not pulling my camper.
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Old 07-13-2012, 05:21 AM   #38
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That's debatable. Especially if you are adding to the danger by running your vehicle/trailer setup beyond its limits. What speeds is the common trailer tire rated for? I live on Interstate 80 where people fly around at 85 mph but there's also an abundance of tractor trailers putting around at 60-65. At those speeds your just part of the scenery and fit right in. Just gotta use your mirrors and patience and make sure your not trying to play frogger. Not quite as dangerous as driving recklessly.

But I don't want to start an argument based on differing opinions.
No argument. Some people choose to run with the 70-75 crowd. That's not reckless in my opinion. What is reckless is when you have someone running with the 60-65 crowd (which is fine just do it wisely) and then decide they want to go around the one in front of them but don't know how to use the pedal on the right. So they run side by side for miles. If they want the scenery , take the scenic route.
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Old 07-13-2012, 07:37 AM   #39
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I live on Interstate 80 where people fly around at 85 mph but there's also an abundance of tractor trailers putting around at 60-65. At those speeds your just part of the scenery and fit right in.
I find 1 of those truckers doing about 65, and drop myself behind him for miles and miles. Nice and relaxing, enjoy the scenery (not directly in front ), and watch the cars pass. I got me a deer gitter, and if I see his tires start to smoke, I know I need to think about slowing down my rig.

I wonder if it also helps with my fuel mileage, although I don't probably follow close enough to get in the good draft.
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Old 07-13-2012, 12:01 PM   #40
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What is reckless is when you have someone running with the 60-65 crowd (which is fine just do it wisely) and then decide they want to go around the one in front of them but don't know how to use the pedal on the right. So they run side by side for miles.
This is somehow different than tractor-trailers overtaking one another? Lots more of them on the road them RV's...or are they supposed to take the scenic route too?

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