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djg's avatar
djg
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014

mpg on 3/4 or 1 ton trucks

I currently have a chevy 1500, 4.8 looking to upgrade to a bigger truck but I don't want to loose too much fuel mileage. Currently getting about 15mpg U.S gal, 18mpg Imperial gal, wondering what the fuel mileage on the bigger trucks are, I have a 1993 Northern Lite camper, pretty lite at 1450LBS dry, when loaded I'm about 800Lbs over in the box but dot in Canada says it's ok because I've done the springs, shocks, brakes and tires, said to keep records in the truck, also insurance says ok cannot find too much info on camper hauling mileage, lots on towing mileage though but that's a different animal, thanks for any info you guys can supply
Truck Campers

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  • twodownzero's avatar
    twodownzero
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2014
    I get 12-15 mpg depending on how hilly it is with a 3k lb camper on the back. SRW 1 ton Dodge Ram 3500 4x4, quad cab, diesel, 6 speed.

    A gas truck isn't going to do 15 mpg with a heavy camper but the newer trucks with 2 overdrives and 3.73s should have no problem with power or mileage as long as it's a diesel.

    A gas engine will be lucky to do 10 mpg with the same load. Even if it is similar in size and weight, a gas engine will need 4.10 or deeper gears and gas engine has less energy per gallon than gasoline and it adds up.
  • Joe417's avatar
    Joe417
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2014
    With a 2008 6.0 ltr. 2500HD crew cab long bed (6300 lbs. with me in it)and 4.10 gears we get:

    14 mpg empty(best ever was 15 mpg and only on 1 trip)

    11 - 12 mpg with 10K lb. 5th wheel (2200 lbs. tongue weight)

    11 - 12 mpg with 4500 lb. AF in the back (3800-3900 empty).(not accurate, tires are 2 in. dia. over stock size so displays 61 when doing 65). So it's actually doing a bit better than 11 - 12 with the AF.
  • pjay9's avatar
    pjay9
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2014
    To answer your question...lite 18-19 mpg diesel all up at 17800# with boat 11 to 11.7 mpg and I am running down the road too.

    To be a little more specific...Are you buying new? The new trucks have loads of power but that takes fuel so shouldn't be too hyped up on getting better or equal for a bigger truck...Buying used? now that takes on a different look...some trucks have done better from year to year with in the brand and across the big 3. So I think what you need to look at is...what are you considering and re-ask the question. Plus find out about what the issues are for that truck, some of us will tell you. Good luck!
  • Ski_Pro_3's avatar
    Ski_Pro_3
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2014
    ajcal225 wrote:
    2003 Ford F-250 4x4 6.0l Diesel with an automatic.

    Driving 65 MPG on the highway empty I get 18-19 MPG.

    Towing 7500 pounds 60 mph I get 15-16.

    With a 9.5' cabover and towing 7500 pounds at 60 mph I get 10.5.


    Mileage has been consistent for as long as I have owned the truck, not pinning the throttle to the floor every time I hit a hill. Other people driving my truck get ~2 mpg less than I do but are more aggressive.


    I would bet that this is going to be, within a 1mpg, what the average is. I get 15-16 with my camper without towing is the only thing I could add. I get the same ajcal is posting empty and towing my tractor which weighs about 7500lbs.
  • ajcal225's avatar
    ajcal225
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2014
    2003 Ford F-250 4x4 6.0l Diesel with an automatic.

    Driving 65 MPH on the highway empty I get 18-19 MPG.

    Towing 7500 pounds 60 mph I get 15-16.

    With a 9.5' cabover and towing 7500 pounds at 60 mph I get 10.5.


    Mileage has been consistent for as long as I have owned the truck, not pinning the throttle to the floor every time I hit a hill. Other people driving my truck get ~2 mpg less than I do but are more aggressive.
  • kayco53's avatar
    kayco53
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2014
    I have a 2007 2500hd 4x4 with the 6liter and 6spd 3:73 gears.
    With my old but light 8ft camper (1300 lbs) I get about 19 to 20 liters per hundred kilometers in mountains Hope Princeton highway BC
    Empty with a canopy I get 15.3 to 14.8 per hundred depending on time of year.Driving around the limit and not slowing down on hills.

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