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i was surprised at the gas mileage my 2015 Ram Laramie showed in the 34 mile trip from the dealer to home. I used a quarter of a 26 gal tank, so this is somewhere around 6 gal used or 5.5 miles per gallon. The camper weighs 7120, the truck is rated for 8250. The hitch weight is 700 lbs and the truck capacity is 1,320. Not pulling i can get 20-22 mpg on the highway at speeds from 60-70. I knew 7000 lbs would significantly decrease the mpg but didn't expect a 75% decrease. Anyone have long term experience with mpg while towing they could share?
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Hi Gerry,
Your towing mileage does seem excessively low. See this thread for a similar discussion https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...a-1500-4wd-slt Towing mileage in the 9 to 10 MPG range would be more normal.
RobLast edited by Cate&Rob; 03-02-2020, 05:30 PM.Cate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, Canada -
Gerry
If you are averaging around 20-22 on the highway while not towing I would guess that have "high" gears for better fuel mileage. While these gears provide good mileage for everyday driving they are not that good for towing. A vehicle with a towing package will have a "lower" gear ratio that will not have the best highway mileage but will actually help with the towing mileage.
BrianBrian & Michelle
2018 Reflection 29RS
2022 Chevy 3500HDComment
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I remember the first trip with a similar trailer and my 2012 longhorn. I checked for holes in the gas tank!
That 5.7 hemi is a thirsty engine, but I never saw an average below 8 or 9 mpg over a long period. What were the road and weather conditions during that short trip? Maybe try and report again over a longer trip.
Happy camping!Last edited by Pierre&Deb; 03-02-2020, 05:28 PM.Pierre and Debbie
2018 Ram 3500 SLT srw lb
2018 GD Reflection 337 RLSComment
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Hi Gerry,
You can compensate for the fuel economy gearing described by Brian, by selecting a lower top gear while towing. Select the highest transmission gear that prevents transmission downshifting on moderate grades at highway speed. This should keep the engine towards the lower end of its power range which is best for towing fuel economy.
I have a completely different engine, but my best economy while towing is 2100 RPM at 60 MPH. I use 5th gear of my 6 speed transmission to get this. Others with the same engine and a newer 10 speed transmission use 7th or 8th gear to tow at this same RPM.
RobCate & Rob
(with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
2015 Reflection 303RLS
2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
Bayham, Ontario, CanadaComment
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I tow at 60-62 mph. I am really heavy. Average is 8.5. I get 3 mpg when towing up steep grades with a head wind. 15 mpg when towing on flat roads with a tail wind. Pretty pleased with 6.6 coming over Donners Pass in CA with wind advisories.2017 Momentum 376, 2019 Ford F450
2022 Triumph Scrambler Motorcycle
E-bikes, Hobi Pedal Kayaks
Kota the dog and KC the Kitty CatComment
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