Increase in fuel mileage.

[davidjsimons]

I took my first trip into the mountains this weekend with my new truck and TT. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my truck actually got better fuel mileage crossing the mountains on a switch back road than compared to the open interstate. I was getting about 10.5 on the interstate and almost 1 mpg better on the mountain roads. Granted, my trailer is small compared to my truck, Cougar 28RBS and a DRW Ram 3500, but it was still a surprise. I was expecting a drop of at least 1/2 to 1 mpg. My truck has 4.10 rears and I was able to just ease up off the corners without a lot of excess throttle. The Jake brake was nice on the switch backs on the downhill side. I actually used very little of the brake pedal. The drive was as much fun as my stay has been. Hopefully, the same can be said for my trip home on Sunday.


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[labs4life]

Good deal. Enjoy your trip.
I too am out right now and the first time I pulled my camper down the interstate with my new truck. Truck only has 1800 miles and I got 11.6 on the trip up based on the computer. I checked the computer twice versus hand calculations and it was right on. Hopefully it might get a bit better as the truck gets broken in. If not still pleased. I have 3.55 rears in my PS 250. I am pulling a 311 bhs Sprinter which has a dry weight of 8260. Almost hit the s ales going up but we were in a hurry, said the DW!!

[mhs4771]

What were you cruising at on the interstate vs the switch-backs? Bet speed was the reason for the change in mileage.

[Ken / Claudia]

On my truck speeds, freeway 55-60 I get 16 up to 17 mpg empty. 65-75 it drops to 11-12mpg. I tow at 55-65s and get the 10 to 11mpg. I have not checked at lower speeds towing yet. But, remember the 460 and 454 engines I had them and was lucky to get 6 mpg, mostly towing was below 5mpg. I just wish fuel costs could be the same as thoose days.

[davidjsimons]

What were you cruising at on the interstate vs the switch-backs? Bet speed was the reason for the change in mileage.

65-70mph.


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[Pmedic4]

I was pleasantly surprised when going from a 24ft TT weighing about 5500 lbs and getting 8-9 mpg, to a 5ver around 7000 getting 9-10mpg. I'm assuming it more about wind resistance? I usually drive 60-65 when towing.
Today brought the 5ver home from service, and was a windy day, only got about 8 average for the 100 mile trip, so guess it really depends.

In my empty truck, I really notice a difference when I drive faster: 60-65 get about 19-21, at 70+ that drops to 17-18. Being an RV owner, we all accept low mpg, or we'd just fly there.

[ed cobos]

guess i should feel good - 55 - 60 i get 11+ mpg, but those winds - coming down from grand canyon to barstow got down to 7-9. ford f150 v8 towing 24 foot tt. do you have it on "tow" or once on the highway, back to normal? i don't know if there is a huge difference.

[jsmith948]

guess i should feel good - 55 - 60 i get 11+ mpg, but those winds - coming down from grand canyon to barstow got down to 7-9. ford f150 v8 towing 24 foot tt. do you have it on "tow" or once on the highway, back to normal? i don't know if there is a huge difference.

FWIW - the 'Tow-Haul' mode does not change your gear ratios. It changes your shift points so your truck does not "hunt" for the proper gear while under load.
I always run in 'tow-haul' when towing - that is what it is for:)

[mhs4771]

Don't know about Fords, but on GMs when in Tow/Haul it also locks the Torque Converter up in lower gears, cutting down on slippage and heat.

[jsmith948]

I believe you are right. I notice a much more positive upshift and can feel a more positive downshift when coming to a stop.