Forum Discussion

Eric_18's avatar
Eric_18
Explorer
Jan 01, 2019

Towing MPG

Hi All!
Pretty serious about changing from Class C motorhome to Truck-trailer combo, due to overall costs associated with driving it.
The biggest trailer we're looking at is about 8,000 dry & 10,400 GVW.
My plan is to get a Ford F150 or Dodge 1500.
Curious what kind of towing MPG people are getting.
The best we've gotten in our motorhome is 7.4 MPG with the F450 chasis & V10.
Thank You!
Eric
Tow Vehicles
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 01, 2019
    A 10K GVWR trailer would be at the limit of most 1/2 ton trucks payload and handling limits. That size trailer would put many gas engine trucks in the 8-10 mpg range, depending on what speed you tow.

    Welcome to the forum Eric!

    Jerry
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2019
    Everything being within the limits of the tow vehicle ratings, wind drag trumps weight. I think 8-10 mpg is a good guess.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Jan 01, 2019
    You're not going to save enough, if any, to make the swap worth while.

    Bill
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2019
    I was going to say it then changed my mind by changed it again. You will be sorry if you get a 1/2 ton to tow that kind of weight. I had a half ton and towed a 8K TT and it worked it to death. a young girl ran into the side of my truck and I used that wreck for an excuse to buy a 3/4 ton. night and day difference in towing but I lost 1 mpg in doing so
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jan 01, 2019
    Maxing out a half ton truck won’t make driving fun and I’ll wager your MPG stays nearly the same.
  • 1320Fastback's avatar
    1320Fastback
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2019
    You will get around the same milage with such a small motored truck at those combined weights.
  • corvettekent's avatar
    corvettekent
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2019
    We get 10.5 MPG towing with a gross weight of truck and trailer at 21,000 lbs. This is a one ton diesel.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 01, 2019
    Get a bigger truck, you wont be sorry.
    I get 11 avg with my combination.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Jan 01, 2019
    ha, ha... I get about 10 mpg towing a #5000 TT with my F150... And that's on a flat and level road, no head wind, etc... :)

    Good luck with a #10,000 TT and an F150... :)

    (if you are worried about mpg's and rving... Well, you'll just have to decide which you desire more I guess??)

    Mitch
  • snowpeke's avatar
    snowpeke
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2019
    10 k with a 1/2 ton is just to much get a 3/4 ton diesel I get 12 to 13 mpg pulling 10k with my 2002 Duramax

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