Originally Posted by ck1404

At what point don't motel rooms seem cheaper? I've gone through that strategy in my mind too and at this point, we no longer have a camper. I know - the stop wherever you want thing, no reservations, etc. We've camped for many years.

I look at the new motor homes a lot and can't make the math work out. Seems like the last time we checked into a KOA - with reservations way ahead of time - the full hook-up cost was $40. In that area, the motel rooms cost about $60. Factor in how much it costs us to haul the RV too - equal or money ahead with a motel room. And, you don't have to deal with the water, waste, various hook-up concerns. Get up and go the next morning and often times with a good breakfast.

Seems like the RV industry is starting to show some effect from higher gas prices. Like I said before, I've done the math and anyone that does do that will have a hard time justifying the price of a RV. I love them, but can't see buying another.

Originally Posted by guy_914

We towed a 7000 lb conventional Jayco TT last summer in SW USA for 7500 miles.....have a 2004 Supercab, 17" wheels, 4x4, 5.4L, 6.5 ft bed and 3.55 rear end...we avergaged 8.9 mpg....mostly with O/D off.....too many grades was constantly downshifting. We averaged between 60 and 65 mph...A/C on most the time.

Looks as though 8 or 9 mpg with a 7000 lb RV TT is about what to expect.

Originally Posted by Aubrey3

what kind of mileage does a powerstroke get with this kind of load (say 7000lbs)?

Originally Posted by J Jones

My friend has an 04 F250 Powerstroke which gets 20 mpg empty at 70 mph. This is about the same as my F150 with 5.4, 3.73. When I pull 5000 to 7000 lbs, my fuel mileage drops to 12 mpg using OD on flat surfaces. Pulling the same load, the Powerstroke still gets over 17 mpg. The bottom line is that if you pull a lot - get a diesel.