Forum Discussion

Walaby's avatar
Walaby
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2015

Horrible Fuel mileage update

Awhile back I posted a thread about horrible gas mileage. TV is a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500,5.7L, 3.42 gears, tow package (not HD). Trailer is Tracer 2640 RLS that weight is just under 6K.

I mentioned how I barely broke 8MPG on a trip. Several folks suggested dropping the tranny into M5 and drive that way. I did on my current trip and was able to achieve right at 9MPG. Definitely an improvement. Wish I could break double digit, but I don't see it happening.

Just thought I'd share since many of you offered good suggestions. I tried them all, and wanted to thank everyone.

Mike
Tow Vehicles
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    Just curious, how fast do you normally drive while towing?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2015
    Yup! So many folks go small thinking they will get fantastic fuel economy, when it doesn't happen they wonder why? Real life happens. My real smart brother bought a eco boost and towing a Jayco ultralight gets a whopping 9MPG. Heck, towing my 13,500 pound fiver with my dually I can get 10.5 all day. It is all in how your TV is equipped, and having the right tool for the job.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    When I tow the small trailer with my Fiesta EcoBoost 1-liter, it drops from the mid 40s all the way into the mid 20s! Its a flatbed, so it'll do mid 30's empty, but once the trailer is loaded the MPG-meter can tell! Pulls great though!
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Oct 03, 2015
    Slowing down helps more than anything. But you are unlikely to push it over 10 mpg unless you slow down to 40.
  • Tachdriver's avatar
    Tachdriver
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    I get 8 with what I have in my sig below. Keep it at 65. I plan for 7 MPG anyways.
  • ChooChooMan74's avatar
    ChooChooMan74
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    The Jeep this summer on my 3500 mile trip had times I was pushing 16mpg at 60ish MPH. That was hand calculated. My test tow with the EcoD, the computer said 15mpg at 65mph.
  • Rainier's avatar
    Rainier
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    I had virtually the same truck in the Chevy version pulling 7 K. I usually got approx 8-9mpg. I have a diesel now ang get between 13-14. In the end we don't camp for mpg. Who cares. Have fun and camp. When the gas tank is empty, fill it and enjoy yourself. Life is too short to stress.
  • ShinerBock's avatar
    ShinerBock
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    5.7L? Is that a typo? I thought 2002 was the last year of the 5.7L in the GM 1500s.
  • Rainier's avatar
    Rainier
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    I had virtually the same truck in the Chevy version pulling 7 K. I usually got approx 8-9mpg. I have a diesel now ang get between 13-14. In the end we don't camp for mpg. Who cares. Have fun and camp. When the gas tank is empty, fill it and enjoy yourself. Life is too short to stress.
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Oct 03, 2015
    9mpg is fine for a gasser. My 8.1L gets between 8.5 to 9.5mpg towing my 7200# TT at 62 to 65mph. Depends on wind direction and elevation changes. Non-towing I average 12 to 14mpg. Sometimes I have to mash the go pedal to feel that big block power.:B For me, it's not all about mpg's but about having more than enough to enjoy the drive.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025