Effect ofd Dingy weight

I heard recently, not sure how true, that the transmission mfg. in the Palazzo (Allison?) has identified a total weight that the coach cannot exceed oth raise it will void the transmissions warranty.

Of course you'll get better fuel mileage !
Not sure the savings would quite pay for a new truck tho. DUH ?:)

I posted somewhere and cant find where i wrote it down so i am going from my poor memory. I believe when i weighed mine it was 5540 lbs with full tank of gas. That is crewcab standard bed 4wd.

nevadanick wrote:
His weight could be right depending on how its equipped. My 2015 isnt much more than that and its equipped pretty well. Remmeber these newer trucks have an all aluminum engine and i'm sure they have saved weight where they can to get mpg up.

Well Sir,
All that you say could be possible. But, I'm one of those that likes to be sure. The Dinghy towing guide for our GMC labeled it as 4877 but, a certified scale put it just over 5300 with full fuel. Now, this for some folks may make a difference as to what kind and capable tow bar to purchase. So, this is why I questioned his weight. I do know the newer model Fords are using a lot more aluminum now days so, I'd like to see just exactly what one weighs, not "suggested weight".
Scott

His weight could be right depending on how its equipped. My 2015 isnt much more than that and its equipped pretty well. Remmeber these newer trucks have an all aluminum engine and i'm sure they have saved weight where they can to get mpg up.

Bamajohn wrote:
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. 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?

1. Would I gain any significant increase in fuel mileage by pulling a lighter vehicle weighing 4300 lb?

2. I know stopping is more difficult with my current truck, but it is not a problem when using a Brake Buddy and exhaust brake.

3. How much advantage is there towing a lighter truck climbing Colorado mountains?

Thanks for your help.

Well Sir,
Just wondering about the validity of your weight estimate on your present truck. We're hauling a 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab 4x4 and, I weighed it myself at a certified scale and it was just a hair over 5300. So, being that yours is a true 4-door, I would assume it's a bit higher in weight since the cab is larger and, the doors are larger etc.

Now, as for towing and weights and mileage, I will simply tell you this. We have an '04 Itasca Horizon with the C-7 330HP CAT and, towing nothing, towing our previous toad, an '11 Honda CRV EX-L 4-WD or, towing our toad before that one, an '04 lifted Jeep Rubicon, THERE WAS/IS NO DIFFERENCE IN FUEL MILEAGE!

I cannot speak for each and every diesel pusher out there but, I personally think there's few "fibbers" out there in the fuel mileage department. These coaches are heavy and it takes not only a lot to get it going but also a lot to KEEP it going. And, since they're not all that aero dynamic being that their' mostly a rolling Kleenex box, that you're going to get what your going to get in fuel mileage.

I wouldn't worry too much about fuel mileage. Buy or use the toad of your choice, within towing weights and limitations that is, and be happy.
Scott

FWIW, no need for multiple posts....


Our previous coach was a 35' Safari with the CAT C7 330. We started out towing an 86 toyota pickup 4x4 with a weight of about 4000 lbs. We then pulled my 00 toyota tundra with a weight of just over 5000 lbs. Couldn't tell the difference.

Ron