Dingy weight

Question

I have a Thor Palazzo 33.3 with a Cummims 300 HP diesel.  I currently plan to pull my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD Crew Cab pickup, which has a curb weight of 5200 lb.  Would I gain any increase in fuel mileage by pulling a lighter vehicle weighing 4300 lb?  I know stopping is more difficult, but it is not a problem when using a Brake Buddy. What would be the advantage of a lighter truck climbing Colorado mountains? My dingy has to be my personal vehicle also, so it needs to be a pickup truck.  The new 2016 Ford 150 4WD and the 2016 GMC Canyon 4WD both weigh 4300 lb.  Is there any real advantage to towing one of these trucks?

mdamerell · Answer

Your really asking about a difference of 900#. That would be negligent in mpg. It's normally more about aerodynamics. Tow the pickup you are most comfortable with and meets your other needs.

In my semi empty to 45,000# in the box is normally less than a 0.4 mpg reduction on the same route. Terrain and speed have a larger effect. So I doubt you'd see any difference.

As for performance, 900# difference on a 28,000# vehicle is like asking if I should dump 110 gallons from your tanks before climbing a hill.

rjstractor · Answer

Tow the truck you like better.  The weight difference is negligible.  With a gas C I noticed no difference between a 2200 lb toad and a 3000 lb toad, either performance or mpg.  With your diesel pusher it should be the same.  FWIW, posting the same thing twice in a forum is considered bad form.

Forum Discussion

Dingy weight

2 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Dry tongue weight versus fully loaded

dingy induced sway

Dingy towing

Effect ofd Dingy weight

dingy towing