Towing mpg question

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Sep 13, 2021 | 10:30 AM

#16

GEugeneS

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 789

Likes: 16

From: West Coast/L.A. Area

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icculus

Hey y’all. Got a 02 7.3 and just did my gas mileage coming back from the coast. Mostly flat.

I am pulling a 10k lb travel trailer. My tires are close to 35” so that doesn’t help. Doing 65-75 the whole way

was getting about 9 mpg

what are y’all getting with a similar setup?

In the 14 years I have owned the truck, my overall average has been 13.4 mpg. Most of my mileage though has been pulling a 5th wheel, a 13,000# until 2015 and thereafter a 10,000#. My average for pulling has been 11.1 mpg, that with a RWD 4:10 rear end and LT235/85/R16 tires. I don't push it too hard and my average speed is usually about 60 mph.

Sep 13, 2021 | 01:45 PM

#17

GregA

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 465

Likes: 53

From: Connecticut

10.5 mpg pulling any car/trailer box at ~70mph/2000RPM, regardless if it's the 10k# 28-footer, ~15k# 34-footer, or the 32' travel trailer (your guess on the weight is as good as mine).

Sep 13, 2021 | 07:44 PM

#18

RigCity

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 1,216

Likes: 94

3-5 gallons per hour depending on conditions/load size lost track of what an mpg is lol if you think your mpg is low you can check fuel pressure, replace fuel filter if needed, and look for turbo leaks on the easier side. If you have never replaced the spring in the fuel pressure regulator I’d replace it on account the job is under 10 minutes. Easier the truck gets up to speed better the GPH.

Sep 13, 2021 | 07:56 PM

#19

RA101725

Banned

Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 3,541

Likes: 458

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icculus

That sounds about right if you're really trying to pull a 10k parachute 75mph. It's not the weight as much as it is the frontal area creating the wind drag. The 4x4 lug tires and automatic transmission don't help either.

Sep 13, 2021 | 08:00 PM

#20

RA101725

Banned

Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 3,541

Likes: 458

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufushusky

Don't forget the 48x96 C sticker on the back glass on 42"s.

Full disclosure: I used to own a 04.5 CR Cummins..... and I loved the thing....

Solid workhorse with the NV5600 behind it. One of the best IMO along with the 7.3/ZF6 and LBZ/ZF6 combos.

Sep 13, 2021 | 08:22 PM

#21

KubotaOrange76

Its Comin Right for us!

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 12,144

Likes: 2,633

From: GA

My 6.7 common rail in 12’ dodge actually made fuel when towing over 85 mph

in all seriousness these guys covered it. Your soeedo is roughly 8% off so add that to the miles and recalculate.