Two fifth wheel towing scenarios...

Impulse24 wrote:
I have a 1996 GMC K3500 SLE with a 7.4 (454) and a 4.10 rear end.
Prior to buying a 5th wheel, We spent hours researching for the best tow vehicle and best fuel economy available. As usual I was told Oh buy Diesel, It will give you the power for climbing. That is true but overall if you have a Diesel it costs you more in Fuel purchase and repairs. I have also read the Myth Busters report that Wings and other type of deflectors don't work.
We'll I beg to differ about Diesel is better and air deflectors don't work. I average 10.2 mpg using 87 octane gas and a Wing adjusted to push the air over the trailer. Prior to using the wing I averaged 8.5 mpg my average speed is 55. So I prefer the 454 and the wing over diesel especially as most diesel users don't even get 9 mpg on a good day. Oh and as for pulling power, I can climb like the best without problems.
Now if you want to run down the freeway at 75 your fuel range will drop drastically. One of the reasons the old 55 mph was incorporated was to save fuel, It worked then and it works now.
But overall if you reduce your speed you'll increase your range.

Also note the price difference between Gas and Diesel, and compare and price. Gas is on average 60 cents cheaper than Diesel, However I have seen Diesel as much as 92 cents a gallon more than Gas. Of which there is no justification, Diesel is cheaper to produce than Gas and the only reason it is costlier is profiteering.


signed the Double Nickel