Some mileage numbers...
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Some mileage numbers...
Well, we just got back from a 1700 mile trip towing our toy hauler from Ontario down I-79 through PA, the mountains of WV and into TN. Spent a few days riding our motorcycles in the Smokies and then made our way home along I-75 into MI and then back into Ontario.
Obviously, the trip down had a more grades to travel up and down than the return route. The trailer weighs in around 8500-9000lbs fully loaded. I ran around 70 - 75 mph the whole way with cruise control.
On the way down I averaged 9.6MPG and on the return I averaged 10.1MPG for an overall average of 9.9MPG. The trip computer and hand calculations are within 0.5MPG (with the truck being more generous)
Now I realize that travelling at that speed is bound to impact mileage, but still I expected a little bit better than this? Say 12-14 MPG.
Any thoughts or observations are appreciated.
BTW... I love this truck!!
Obviously, the trip down had a more grades to travel up and down than the return route. The trailer weighs in around 8500-9000lbs fully loaded. I ran around 70 - 75 mph the whole way with cruise control.
On the way down I averaged 9.6MPG and on the return I averaged 10.1MPG for an overall average of 9.9MPG. The trip computer and hand calculations are within 0.5MPG (with the truck being more generous)
Now I realize that travelling at that speed is bound to impact mileage, but still I expected a little bit better than this? Say 12-14 MPG.
Any thoughts or observations are appreciated.
BTW... I love this truck!!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
From: at the truck pulls
I think cruise is a killer too.
Going downhill it resticts the speed from going faster and getting the benefit of gravity, then all of the sudden you switch to uphill and it really tries to compensate and keep the speed, no matter how much gas it has to give it.
If you drive yourself you can roll down hill and gain a bit more speed for the uphill run, and if it slows down to 68 so be it, no need to mash the pedal to guarantee you stay at 70.
I NEVER use cruise while towing unless it's for 5 minutes or so to stretch or relax my leg, and this is only on trips over 6 hours or so.
Going downhill it resticts the speed from going faster and getting the benefit of gravity, then all of the sudden you switch to uphill and it really tries to compensate and keep the speed, no matter how much gas it has to give it.
If you drive yourself you can roll down hill and gain a bit more speed for the uphill run, and if it slows down to 68 so be it, no need to mash the pedal to guarantee you stay at 70.
I NEVER use cruise while towing unless it's for 5 minutes or so to stretch or relax my leg, and this is only on trips over 6 hours or so.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,222
Likes: 4,232
From: Kaysville Utah
So is that with Winter fuel blend? I know around here all the refineries switch to Winter blend no later than Oct 1st. The winter blend doesn't have as many BTUs as the summer #2 diesel. I always get better fuel mileage in the summer months.
I've been getting 12 to 12.5 mpg towing a 11,000lb Gooseneck horse trailer this summer and fall. And I have put the cruise on and rolled down I-15 and I-80 in utah and wyoming.
I've been getting 12 to 12.5 mpg towing a 11,000lb Gooseneck horse trailer this summer and fall. And I have put the cruise on and rolled down I-15 and I-80 in utah and wyoming.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 128
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We tow 32 feet of travel trailer, with a weight of about 6500 lbs. Our last trip from Ottawa to Syracuse netted us 14 MPG outbound, and 12 MPG homebound in very windy conditions. I was driving at 62-65 MPH.
I don't go over 65 MPH due to speed limitations on the trailer ST tires (I could over-inflate them but I don't).
I don't go over 65 MPH due to speed limitations on the trailer ST tires (I could over-inflate them but I don't).
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Shane
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
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I got 12 pulling my 7500 lb loaded fifth wheel 3 weeks ago at 65 for about 200 miles and 100 miles at 75.
I pulled a 28 foot gooseneck with ls180 skidsteer 90 miles at 75 netting 10.5. Hand calced wednesday.
Left thursday and came home last night with just miter saw, cordless tools, and miscelaneous tools in the box did 60 -65 for 220 miles. The DIC said 19.5 so I probably got 18.75 because I haven't refueled yet.
I pulled a 28 foot gooseneck with ls180 skidsteer 90 miles at 75 netting 10.5. Hand calced wednesday.
Left thursday and came home last night with just miter saw, cordless tools, and miscelaneous tools in the box did 60 -65 for 220 miles. The DIC said 19.5 so I probably got 18.75 because I haven't refueled yet.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 826
Likes: 1
From: The Sunshine State
I can't get better then 16.2 unloaded city,and around 19 over the road. Of course I drive it like I stole it, I just love leavin those Tundras,Dodges,and Chebbies in the dust when the light turns green
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1
From: Corinth, TX
I'm also in the "no cruise" camp, at least for mpg purposes.
my personal hand calc averages are 10.5mpg pulling either of my trailers (16' steel enclosed weighing just over 7500# or 35' fiver at 12000# loaded), about 16mpg mixed city/commute and close to 20mpg for all highway, keeping it at or under 75. That last number is much more sensitive to the fuel I get. I've had trips at 19.5, and ones at 22... but most are pretty much 20.
All of this is leading up to now, and I have about 6k on the truck. 1500 or so of that is towing.
my personal hand calc averages are 10.5mpg pulling either of my trailers (16' steel enclosed weighing just over 7500# or 35' fiver at 12000# loaded), about 16mpg mixed city/commute and close to 20mpg for all highway, keeping it at or under 75. That last number is much more sensitive to the fuel I get. I've had trips at 19.5, and ones at 22... but most are pretty much 20.
All of this is leading up to now, and I have about 6k on the truck. 1500 or so of that is towing.
