realistic MPG expectations
after some searching, I'm wondering what kind of mileage people are getting when towing. I know the frontal area of the trailer is a big factor, as far as wind resistance, even more so than weight. ...
Forum Discussion
So I see a lot of posts regarding fuel mileage. Many of which are difficult to believe, such as "I get the same mileage towing my 20,000 lb. fifth wheel as I do not towing it". Personally I don't believe this and if you do I have some ocean front property in western Kansas I'd like to sell you. My "real" data is below.
I drive mostly 55+ mph to and from work each day, 62 miles round trip.
Each way = 4 miles at 30 mph on gravel roads, 12 miles at 65 mph, 15 miles at 70 mph.
I drive 65 or under while towing my 5ver.
2013 GMC 2500HD, long bed, regular cab, 4X4, 6.6L Diesel, purchased new.
2010 Jayco 31.5 RLDS, weighed 10,500 at grain truck scale a year ago coming home from the lake.
2,170 miles mostly towing - 11.29 mpg (75% or more towing)
2,763 miles some towing - 15.18 mpg (less than 25% towing)
27,499 miles no towing - 17.10 mpg
These numbers are based on actual numbers from 65 tanks of fuel between 10/19/13 and 5/28/15.
I don't have the exact numbers but in May 2012 my 2009 gas engine GMC averaged about 7-9 mpg towing to California and back, 3000 miles round trip, and averaged about 15-16 mpg when not towing.
Updated data after 2000 miles round trip towing a 20' cargo trailer loaded one way and empty on return. 72 tanks of fuel.
4364 Miles Mostly Towing 11.98 mpg
2973 Miles Some Towing 15.29 mpg
27499 Miles No Towing 17.10 mpg
I drive mostly 55+ mph to and from work each day, 62 miles round trip.
Each way = 4 miles at 30 mph on gravel roads, 12 miles at 65 mph, 15 miles at 70 mph.
I drive 65 or under while towing my 5ver.
2013 GMC 2500HD, long bed, regular cab, 4X4, 6.6L Diesel, purchased new.
2010 Jayco 31.5 RLDS, weighed 10,500 at grain truck scale a year ago coming home from the lake.
2,170 miles mostly towing - 11.29 mpg (75% or more towing)
2,763 miles some towing - 15.18 mpg (less than 25% towing)
27,499 miles no towing - 17.10 mpg
These numbers are based on actual numbers from 65 tanks of fuel between 10/19/13 and 5/28/15.
I don't have the exact numbers but in May 2012 my 2009 gas engine GMC averaged about 7-9 mpg towing to California and back, 3000 miles round trip, and averaged about 15-16 mpg when not towing.
Updated data after 2000 miles round trip towing a 20' cargo trailer loaded one way and empty on return. 72 tanks of fuel.
4364 Miles Mostly Towing 11.98 mpg
2973 Miles Some Towing 15.29 mpg
27499 Miles No Towing 17.10 mpg
