New To Me Tow Vehicle

[LJS1211]

In November I traded my 2013 Ford F150 with a 5.0 V8 and 66,000 miles for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with a 5.0L gas engine with only 17,000 miles. I was very happy but hadn't towed with it until this past weekend. Happy to say that the first trip was great and the truck exceeded my expectations. There were times I forgot the trailer was even back there which never happened with my 1/2 ton. Stability, braking and gas mileage all improved with my new 3/4 ton truck. Was very nervous up to this point since it was the first tow but now I can't wait for all the trips we have planned for 2018. One of the better decisions I've made and best part is the DW agreed and that's all that matters at the end of the day.

[HangDiver]

Nice looking truck! Curious what the difference in gas milage is?

[LJS1211]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

Nice looking truck! Curious what the difference in gas milage is?

Best I could get with my Ford was 9 mpg and this past weekend I got 10 going to the campground and 12 coming home. Set the cruise at 65 which I use to do with the old truck. I'll take the extra 3 when I can get it

[ronheater70]

Didn't know Chevy made a 5.0 and put it in the 2500, I think you meant 6.0!
It's a good Motor and a good truck, glad it works out for you. I Went from a 1/2 ton Ecoboost f 150 to a 2500 6.4 Ram and the difference between towing was night and day, much more relaxed. I knew I was going to be upgrading in the future to a larger RV and just did, I'm glad I have the larger truck!

[Walholler]

I had a 2001 GMC 2500HD with the 6.0 engine, towing our 30ft. Holiday Rambler I could get 11 mpg. at 60 mph. all in flat country of Louisiana and Texas. Purchase a new 2015 Chevrolet 2500HD with the 6.6 Duramax diesel, towing our new 32 ft. Crusader Lite, I get 14.3 mpg at 65 mph in mountains and flat country. Best thing about the diesel is when it hits those steep mountain grades the engine rpm does not go crazy when the transmission is searching for the lower gears.

[bshort]

When I had a 2015 2500 6.0L, I think the best I got was 8. Most of the time it was 7.5.

[ronheater70]

So took about 3 posts for folks to come in and rain on the guys happy day. Not quite a record, but close.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by LJS1211

In November I traded my 2013 Ford F150 with a 5.0 V8 and 66,000 miles for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with a 5.0L gas engine with only 17,000 miles. I was very happy but hadn't towed with it until this past weekend. Happy to say that the first trip was great and the truck exceeded my expectations. There were times I forgot the trailer was even back there which never happened with my 1/2 ton. Stability, braking and gas mileage all improved with my new 3/4 ton truck. Was very nervous up to this point since it was the first tow but now I can't wait for all the trips we have planned for 2018. One of the better decisions I've made and best part is the DW agreed and that's all that matters at the end of the day.

As noted above, your 2500 HD gasser is a 6.0L, not 5.0L.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by LJS1211

Best I could get with my Ford was 9 mpg and this past weekend I got 10 going to the campground and 12 coming home. Set the cruise at 65 which I use to do with the old truck. I'll take the extra 3 when I can get it

I know this sounds a bit crazy but I used to tow at 65 because of the limitations on the ST tires. I found that if I dropped my speed to just 62, my mileage increased 10%.

In other words, a 5% decrease in speed equaled a 10% increase in fuel economy. Im in! The difference in my arrival time is measured in mere minutes

[ronheater70]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

I know this sounds a bit crazy but I used to tow at 65 because of the limitations on the ST tires. I found that if I dropped my speed to just 62, my mileage increased 10%.

In other words, a 5% decrease in speed equaled a 10% increase in fuel economy. Im in! The difference in my arrival time is measured in mere minutes

Now That is some good info there.

[tbaker65]

That's a nice setup man, good for you!

Happy Camping!

[Murbella7]

Originally Posted by LJS1211

In November I traded my 2013 Ford F150 with a 5.0 V8 and 66,000 miles for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with a 5.0L gas engine with only 17,000 miles. I was very happy but hadn't towed with it until this past weekend. Happy to say that the first trip was great and the truck exceeded my expectations. There were times I forgot the trailer was even back there which never happened with my 1/2 ton. Stability, braking and gas mileage all improved with my new 3/4 ton truck. Was very nervous up to this point since it was the first tow but now I can't wait for all the trips we have planned for 2018. One of the better decisions I've made and best part is the DW agreed and that's all that matters at the end of the day.

One really good thing about the Chevy is that even if you upgrade your van to a huge 5th wheel, you won't need to upgrade the truck. It will just about anything.

[oldcat]

Congratulations on the new truck! I have been towing a similar weight trailer with my 6.0 2500HD gasser for over 20K miles. Take it from me, you have many enjoyable miles of towing ahead of you.

Safe travels.

[pd2436]

I have the same truck, a 2015 2500 with the 6.0, even the same color.
I traded up from a 2005 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton and although I loved the 05, this 15 is an awesome truck. Like you I don't even know my 2618 VS is even behind me while towing.
But my mileage is a bit lower, I got an average of 8 to Colorado and back to St Louis last summer. Guess I have just not found that sweet spot yet.
I'm sure you will enjoy your truck as much as I do mine.

[PSU Turf]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

I know this sounds a bit crazy but I used to tow at 65 because of the limitations on the ST tires. I found that if I dropped my speed to just 62, my mileage increased 10%.

In other words, a 5% decrease in speed equaled a 10% increase in fuel economy. Im in! The difference in my arrival time is measured in mere minutes

The sweet spot with my Duramax is right around 62 mph. Every vehicle has a different optimum speed for mileage due to aerodynamics and peak engine efficiency.

[Steveboe]

I'm glad to see that you are happy towing with a truck that is made for that. To many light weight trucks doing this kind of work.

[LJS1211]

Originally Posted by pd2436

I have the same truck, a 2015 2500 with the 6.0, even the same color.
I traded up from a 2005 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton and although I loved the 05, this 15 is an awesome truck. Like you I don't even know my 2618 VS is even behind me while towing.
But my mileage is a bit lower, I got an average of 8 to Colorado and back to St Louis last summer. Guess I have just not found that sweet spot yet.
I'm sure you will enjoy your truck as much as I do mine.

What tire pressure are you running? Had mine set at 65 in the front and 75 in the rear but curious about others with similar set up.

[Powerman]

Love my 2500 Denali 6.0, But battery died in Jasper tenn rest area> took 3 hours for aaa to show up . 200 to replace got reimbursed. 3 years and 2 days old.

[Murbella7]

Originally Posted by PSU Turf

The sweet spot with my Duramax is right around 62 mph. Every vehicle has a different optimum speed for mileage due to aerodynamics and peak engine efficiency.

Down under I found that 92km/hr (about 57mph) is the most efficient on our roads with my 2004 2500HD 6.6l.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by Murbella7

Down under I found that 92km/hr (about 57mph) is the most efficient on our roads with my 2004 2500HD 6.6l.

About the same with my '16 F350 6.7. On back roads that is a great speed. On the interstates I'd feel a hazard and keep it at least 62 and usually 65.