Effect ofd Dingy weight

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