Fuel mileage on Dodge 5.9 Cummins while towing

[Nevadastars]

We just sold our Class C and plan on getting a fiver. In fact I picked up a clean one owner 07 Ram 2500 4x4 5.9 SRW quad cab just for that reason. Our original plan was to get a fiver in the under 10-11k range and under 34ft total length.

But now with the cash we got for our C, I am toying with the idea of an early (2000-2004) diesel pusher. But after doing a quick search, I see guys report 7-8 mpg with a toad. That's what we were getting with our class C.

So, if the fuel mileage will be substantially better with the Dodge and a fiver, we will stick with our original plan. But boy, those DP's are impressive with the build quality. Thanks for any mileage numbers or advice.

[Durb]

We have pretty much the same engine. Our 5er tows at 10,000 pounds. Using the fuel economy gauge I can get 13.2 on flat roads at constant speed. It tanks once I hit the mountains but once I head back downhill the fuel economy recovers and I generally average 11.1 for the trip. From Portland, OR to Yellowstone I averaged 12.1 mpg one way. Stop and go traffic and headwinds stomp a mud hole in the fuel economy real quick. If you have the automatic you will find your sweet spot for towing will be 62-65 mph. If not already added, you will want an exhaust brake to tow that heavy with the 5.9 Cummins.

[romore]

We have never worked out the mileage for our 05 2500 but at 3/4 to one tank of fuel per day pulling our 5600 gvw fiver I am happy.

[tahoemc]

I have an '04 5.9L w/ 48RE & 4.10, pulling a 31' 5r between 9,500 & 10,000lbs, typically 10-11 when towing, 18-19 on the highway empty.

We like the convenience of a TV & trailer compared to a MH, able to drop & tour, and one less drivetrain to maintain. Different strokes for different folks 🙂

[JustLabs]

Me Again wrote:
I would use 11-12 for the RAM at that weight. Assuming a 48RE auto and 3.73 gears. Chris

Spot on.

My '07 5.9 had the G56 manual behind it. The G56 was geared lower than the 48RE and turned a couple hundred more rpm.

The G56 with 3.73s was more like having 4.10s in the axles.

Pulling about 11,000lbs always put the mileage between 10-11

[Nevadastars]

Me Again wrote:
I would use 11-12 for the RAM at that weight. Assuming a 48RE auto and 3.73 gears. Chris

Yep, 48RE and 3.73's. Thanks Chris

[Me_Again]

I would use 11-12 for the RAM at that weight. Assuming a 48RE auto and 3.73 gears. Chris

[Nevadastars]

Thanks for the serious responses. For those that feel the need for a sarcastic response because I ask a simple question, why bother posting? Mileage is not a game changer either way, but it is a factor in our decision. We are weighing the pros and cons of each.

We have been looking at later model fivers and honestly have been unimpressed with the build quality, so started toying with the idea of a DP in the same price range. Thanks again for the SERIOUS replies.

[ScottG]

I think for the sake of your comparison, I would use 9~10 mpg for an 07 Ram/Cummins.
There are other years that do better but that's not germane to your comparison.

[BarryG20]

On my 01 Dodge Ram CTD auto which was modified a bit with rv275 injectors and a programmer set on normal or towing. The truck not towing would normally get 19-20 mpg. That is hand calc'd over 350k miles of checking it almost every tank with summer fuel, winter fuel it would drop about 1-1.5mpg. Towing our 31 foot, 10k fiver it would vary between 10.5 and 13 depending on speed, road conditions and wind. Generally it was right around 12 give or take 1/2mpg

Just got a new 2017 Ram haven't had the trailer hooked up to it for more than a mile so far so cant speak yet about the new ones mileage towing. Not towing so far it varies from 16-19mpg.

[fj12ryder]

Nothing wrong with being concerned with fuel mileage. The difference between 8 mpg and 10 mpg in a year of driving 10,000 miles is over $500. That could equate to another 10 days of camping, or another 220 gallons of fuel.

I agree about not letting fuel mileage be the sole concern, but not considering it just for the "experience" of RVing is equally one sided. Honestly we use our RV to travel, not for the "RVing experience", whatever that is. Not everyone does things the same way.

Our 2001 Dodge dually Cummins gets between 10 and 11 mpg pulling our 15,000 lb. toyhauler. About 20 mpg unloaded. With a 40 mph tailwind it will get 14 mpg. 🙂 Found that out in Texas last year. lol

[rhagfo]

We pull an 11,200# 5er with. 2001 5.9 with manual 5 speed, and get between 11 and 12 mpg towing.

[downtheroad]

Senior member with lots of RVing experience asking about fuel mileage?

Get the one you like best and works best for you. You know that both are going to get horrible "fuel mileage."
Good fuel mileage is not part of the RV experience no matter what you drive or tow.

Anyway, good luck with your choice.

[donn0128]

10 on a good day.
RVing is or should not br all about fuel economy, but about the experience. If your that concerned about 1-2 MPG maybe you should sell everything and stay home.