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OwlHome
Explorer
Feb 23, 2018

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 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.
  • My F150 SCREW is averaging 14.5 MPG right now in mixed driving. It will kiss 20 MPG on a long highway trip without towing.

    I don’t have a travel trailer (TT) yet. I expect 6-8 MPG towing a TT. (Past experience towing a TT, a gas truck will generally get 6-8 MPG average while towing. Anything more is just a bonus and not to be expected.

    I heard a Toyota Engineer a few years ago on an interview talk about the Tundra’s MPG rating being lower and he made a comment similar to what you heard. In the real world these trucks get around 13-16 mixed driving. In other words, Nearly no difference.

    Thanks and good luck in your shopping.

    BTW... this forum is like any other. Sift through the chaff and the barkers, there are a lot of good people here who really want to help.

    Jeremiah
  • In my Ram, I get 15 mpg mixed and almost 20 on the highway. I have a 3.91 rear end which is too much of a trade-off for performance over economy in my opinion. My truck is really too powerful.
  • “We are trying to get into the RV world correctly by buying the tow vehicle first.“

    Exactly INcorrect! Buy or select the TT first then match a TV to it.
  • My around town, commute, mixed mileage in our 1/2 ton SUV (Expy) is 12-13.

    Towing drops to 8, freeway can come up to 15.

    I think that is real world typical of 1/2 tons.