Real world 1/2 ton truck mileage?
Hi all! First time posting. We are trying to get into the RV world correctly by buying the tow vehicle first. We are a family of 2 adults and 2 young kids. We are looking to get an RV no longer th...
Forum Discussion
1st - Those "advertised" numbers are based on EPA tests. The manufacturers can't decide to advertise whatever number they want. That said, I'm sure every manufacturer, including Toyota, submits the best combo for fuel mileage they can for the 1/2 ton pickup test, one that's not likely to be sold to the average consumer.
Now, for my 2014 F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost, 4x4, HD Payload Pkg which comes with a 3.73 rear end, the mpg varies greatly. And as long as I can stay 60 mph or there about, I can just about get to the EPA number for the F150, 21 highway. If I steadily drive 70 mph on the interstate, I'll be no better than 19 and change.
Currently, around town, with a large mix of subdivision and stop light induced stop and go traffic, I'm at 15.3 mpg.
I have noticed my truck, whether towing or not, gets terrible mileage at 65 mph or above.
For an example, towing my Jayco 23RB, with GVWR of 6500#, at 65 mph, in the low mountains of Virginia, with a head wind, I can get as low as 7.9. If, with the same conditions, except driving at 60 mph, my MPG will go up to almost 9 mpg.
And one last observation. This was pulling the aforementioned trailer, but I'm sure it translates to pulling empty also, but if the temperature is very cold, ie 30's or lower, the mileage was worse. This past December, we left Va pulling the trailer. The 1st tank of gas was in the upper 7's, with the temperature in the 30's. The MPG got better with each succeeding tankful. All other conditions were the same. The last tank, in the flats of lower and warmer Georgia and Florida, reached 10.2.
Now, for my 2014 F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost, 4x4, HD Payload Pkg which comes with a 3.73 rear end, the mpg varies greatly. And as long as I can stay 60 mph or there about, I can just about get to the EPA number for the F150, 21 highway. If I steadily drive 70 mph on the interstate, I'll be no better than 19 and change.
Currently, around town, with a large mix of subdivision and stop light induced stop and go traffic, I'm at 15.3 mpg.
I have noticed my truck, whether towing or not, gets terrible mileage at 65 mph or above.
For an example, towing my Jayco 23RB, with GVWR of 6500#, at 65 mph, in the low mountains of Virginia, with a head wind, I can get as low as 7.9. If, with the same conditions, except driving at 60 mph, my MPG will go up to almost 9 mpg.
And one last observation. This was pulling the aforementioned trailer, but I'm sure it translates to pulling empty also, but if the temperature is very cold, ie 30's or lower, the mileage was worse. This past December, we left Va pulling the trailer. The 1st tank of gas was in the upper 7's, with the temperature in the 30's. The MPG got better with each succeeding tankful. All other conditions were the same. The last tank, in the flats of lower and warmer Georgia and Florida, reached 10.2.
OwlHome wrote:
Hi all! First time posting. We are trying to get into the RV world correctly by buying the tow vehicle first. We are a family of 2 adults and 2 young kids. We are looking to get an RV no longer than 25ft. We plan to tour the US with whatever truck/trailer combination we end up with. When not towing the truck will mainly be used for hauling loads of mulch, compost, fencing, or lumber rather than as a family car. We live on a dirt road in a snowy state so we'll be wanting a 4x4.
Our mechanic, a self proclaimed "Chevy Guy" who tows his RV with his Silverado, suggested that we get a Toyota Tundra. In his experience they don't need much besides regular maintenance. When comparing Toyota Tundras to other 1/2 tons I noticed that Tundras seem to have a much lower Highway mileage number. I asked our mechanic about that and he feels that some manufacturers advertise mileage based on perfect conditions as he's only seen the higher numbers in his Silverado if he's maintaining a perfect 55 or 65 on the highway. I suppose that's true of any vehicle but I've come here to ask what other's have experienced in terms of 1/2 ton truck mileage when they aren't towing.
