Mountain Trip MPG
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From: Denver
Mountain Trip MPG
Took a 1000 lb. load of stuff from Denver down to St. George, Utah over I-70. Kept it under 70 mph and got 15 mpg. Not too bad considering I had to drop into 3rd gear a few times on the approach to Eisenhower Tunnel (11,200 feet, 7% grade) and Vail Pass (10,600 feet, 7% grade.)
Coming back with only 500 lbs. got 17 mpg but on a different route, US Route 160, which has Wolf Creek Pass (10,850 feet, 7% grade), but no other steep passes. This was the first long trip I've taken in the truck and was impressed that it held 65 mph easy in 5th gear up La Veta Pass (9,400 feet, long 5% grade.)
But for mountain driving 4th gear to too widely spaced from 3rd. With a 0.80 5th gear, 4th gear doesn't need to be 1.00; it would be better if it was 1.10 or thereabouts.
Coming back with only 500 lbs. got 17 mpg but on a different route, US Route 160, which has Wolf Creek Pass (10,850 feet, 7% grade), but no other steep passes. This was the first long trip I've taken in the truck and was impressed that it held 65 mph easy in 5th gear up La Veta Pass (9,400 feet, long 5% grade.)
But for mountain driving 4th gear to too widely spaced from 3rd. With a 0.80 5th gear, 4th gear doesn't need to be 1.00; it would be better if it was 1.10 or thereabouts.
