Realilistic mileage with a fifthwheel.
Just curious what kind of fuel mileage I can expect with a fifth-wheel. 1ton 4x4 duramax srw 36 Ft. 13Klbs fifth-wheel. I realize weather, road conditions whether it is flat or hills or mountains ...
Forum Discussion
Head and tail wind as well as speed is a very large factor. Remember friction increases exponentially or stated in physics by the square of the speed. Weight also plays a role but not as significant as speed and wind resistance. Weight comes in to play mostly when pulling up hill while gaining down hill. Driving habbits also plays a large factor with economy.
Saying that I generally get 12 mpg at 55-60mph with my Ford F350 SRW diesel pulling 39ft trailer for long distances that has a GVW of 16500. Not pulling I get 20 mph at 65-70mph. Also the quality of fuel plays a role while Ctane rateing is important. Most truck stops have a Ctane at a minimum of 40 except in states like California that require a Ctane of 50 which should provide better economy. Europe is mostly 50. Biodiesel does not have the BTU content of Diesel #2 and will not get the econmy as plain diesel. However, B5 does improve the ctane and is seems to be the sweet spot for mixing those fuels. My experience using B5 is mixed because one needs a controled environment to actually tell the difference. I don't use B20 if I can avoid it. I would never use pure jet fuel or biodesel because they burn much hotter and I question the effect on the turbo charger. Jet fuel simply does not have the additives that on-road low sulpher diesel has to lubricate the fuel system.
Saying that I generally get 12 mpg at 55-60mph with my Ford F350 SRW diesel pulling 39ft trailer for long distances that has a GVW of 16500. Not pulling I get 20 mph at 65-70mph. Also the quality of fuel plays a role while Ctane rateing is important. Most truck stops have a Ctane at a minimum of 40 except in states like California that require a Ctane of 50 which should provide better economy. Europe is mostly 50. Biodiesel does not have the BTU content of Diesel #2 and will not get the econmy as plain diesel. However, B5 does improve the ctane and is seems to be the sweet spot for mixing those fuels. My experience using B5 is mixed because one needs a controled environment to actually tell the difference. I don't use B20 if I can avoid it. I would never use pure jet fuel or biodesel because they burn much hotter and I question the effect on the turbo charger. Jet fuel simply does not have the additives that on-road low sulpher diesel has to lubricate the fuel system.
