Real life MPG numbers wanted.

[krj]

Hi all.
Just finishing another month plus trip in my 1/2 ton truck (Tundra) and pop-up camper. Love the truck, but I'd like more payload, and I'm sick of lifting the roof full of boards and kayaks every damn day! That's enough, I'm now ready to step up to a 3/4 ton truck (or 1 ton, if the deal was right) and hard-side camper.
Here's where you all come in, I want some real world mpg numbers from you hard-siders. Here's what I'm looking at (and seeking mpg info on); and extended cab, long bed pickup with an 8' camper. I'm leaning towards a 3/4 diesel with manual transmission, 4wd is a definite. While this is what I'm "leaning towards", I would like info on all different setups.
So, specifically, what I want from you all is; year/make/model/engine/transmission(manual or AT) of truck (4wd only, not interested in 2wd), make/model/length of camper, and, of coarse, mpg.
Thanks in advance for the info. I look forward to changing from the pop-up forum to the hard-side forum!
Kevin

[akblack10]

Kevin, I have a 2005 Ford F350 Dually 4x4 Diesel Truck, with a 2002 Bigfoot camper on it. I travel a lot with it LOADED and get 12-14 MPG for real! No BS! I am not knocking the pop-ups as they are great for many things but I got a hard-side because I didn't want to lift and drop the top everyday. And let's be honest, the soft sides do get wet and are not as warm as a hard side. I know that no truck / camper set-up is perfect for all situations but mine is pretty versatile and meets my needs 80% on road 20% off road. I have a Honda XR650L that I take when I am going to be doing exploring off road. My blog has lots of pics if you are interested in my set up.

www.apocketfullofwanderlust.blogspot.com

My Tacoma only got 17-18 MPG so 12-14 with a big diesel is pretty darn good! Just saying.
-AK

[cnynrat]

I have a 1999 F350 (4x4, 7.3l Powerstroke diesel, auto-trans, super-cab, long bed, SRW). We carry a Bigfoot C25 10.6 camper. On the highway we get about 13 mpg.

[Regcabguy]

My friend's got an '05 2500 Dodge CTD,srw, w/auto,4.10 gears and 35 x12.50 x 18 Toyo MT's. He's carrying a 9.5' Sixpack self contained camper. He's getting 10.5 city with it. Going from a 285-75-17 Toyo AT to his present tire cost him 3 mpg.

[sisu]

This is an excellent subject that I'd love to see visited by pop-up folks with similar weighted campers to see how much the BIG AIR FOIL we hard siders have effects mileage.
Personally without the camper running with just the dog and my wife I get 18-20 MPH with the Cummins 2500 8 ft bed, quad cab and I run at 1750-1800 RPMs on the highway unless conditions are bad or the road ois screwed. With the 1994 9.6 Northern Lite camper we average 13-14 MPG running the same RPMs. 2006 5.9 liter, auto trany

BTW we own a 1999 Tacoma that gets 20 MPG on the highway in 5th gear BUT if we load it up with kayaks, or tow a boat, or tow the 4 place kayak trailer with and packing in a wall tent, stove gear etc. the mileage goes to hell in a handbasket quick. Drops down around 15, so the camper on the Dodge and towing a boat, kayaks etc. the mileage stays the same as I stated above. Therefore the Tacoma has become a day use vehicle.

[youwillforget]

I have an 06 GMC 1/2 ton with the small v8. I get 19ish on highway 65 to 70mph that goes up to 21 if I stay 60mph or less. I tow a small pop up 1 or 2 times a year, if I have the ATV in the bed and 2 bicycles on the hitch carrier I get 16ish going 65mph.

[krj]

Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming. If anyone has done engine mods that would affect mileage, please include that info as well

@ AK - Is your rig manual or AT?
@ sisu - Year and transmission of your rig?
BTW, my current setup; '03 Tundra with FWC Grandby, gets 13mpg on a good day. Without the camper, I have once gotten as good as 19mpg.

[jpzeroday@hotmail.com]

Truck: 2011 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax
TC: Chalet DS116RB
GVW: 14K#

Recent trip: ~1000 mis Las Vegas, NV to Albany, OR
Frequent elevation change.
Some strong headwinds.
Target highway speed: 70ish

MPG: 10.1

Notes: this is about as big a camper truck combo as you can get and this is about as fast that can be safely travelled over varied (not flat) terrain. Therefore, this is probably very close to a real-world replicable case for this truck in terms of fuel efficiency.

[Photomike]

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD 6L
4x4
Club cab
AT

1992 Northern Lite
9.6'

Over the past three years I have been getting 11 - 12 MPG, most of the time it is 11.9 mpg on longer trips averaged out (this is from the prairies to the mountains). It does get a lot better mpg in the mountains than on the flats, still have not figured that out.

[wirenut]

I hauled my 11' Fleetwood 11x on a Chevy '07 D/A reg. cab 4 x 4. I got around 13mpg. The whole rig weighed about 11,500. I now carry the same camper on a Chevy '05 D/A CC dually 4 x 4. It has a custom aluminum flatbed with tool boxes full of tools. The whole rig weighed 13,000. I get about 11.5 or 12 mpg with this truck.
Since you are wanting to haul a hard side truck camper I suggest you skip the 3/4 ton and get a 1 ton. Just about everyone hauling a truck camper is over their GVWR, there's no reason to make the problem worse by getting a 2500.

[akblack10]

My F350 is a Crew Cab w/ 8' bed, Automatic Transmission, and 4x4 Dually.

[owhiting]

99 f250 long bed 4x4 with a Bigfoot 9.6 and it gets 13ish loaded. Thats why I got rid of my Tundra that got 8.6 mpg loaded. It was a screamin little truck empty but it was just over worked. The Ford Powerstroke will pull 70 over Vail pass with the camper but I am sure the fuel milage is about 4 mpg when I do that.
I chose the Bigfoot hard side because it is built like a boat and has no membrane roof to leak, and no mechanism to fail. I have seen that happen before with a pop up truck camper but it could have been owner operator error. You would be amazed at how heavy a pop up camper roof is!!
Fiberglass shell that is easy to clean, no fabric that can flap in the breeze at night and it is insulated.

As others have stated here go for the 1 ton!

[dieselandmud]

16.2 mpg. last trip in the mountians
2002 F250, 7.3, CC, shortbox, 4x4, AT, 3.73 gears. SuperChips (old one).
2010 Lance 825 dry weight is just under 1800lbs.

[sisu]

2006 2500 cummins 8 ft bed quad cab, auto trany, 30k on rig, all stock, manual windows in fact I searched for this rig a long time so it would have low miles and as plain Jane as possible.

[IdaSHO]

My ugly duckling (and heavy at that) routinely gets 14mpg average loaded. Thats north Idaho traveling, where NOTHING is flat.

1996 F250 Powerstroke 4x4
4:10 gears, Auto trans
Ugly modified Bell camper weighs 2600lbs loaded.


http://www.bonnefinstudios.com/kwb/projects/bellcamper/wintertrip15.jpg

[akblack10]

I posted a question on the RV.Net site about 6 months ago asking truck camper folks how to increase fuel milage. I wanted to know if anyone had increased their mileage with fuel additives or computer chips etc.... Just about everyone said don't waist your money, just drive 60 mph and that will give you the best results! So on the trip I am currently on, I have been driving 60 mph and I must say, mileage has been good, about 13 (12 -14 range) the entire time! I am loaded heavy too! The best thing about driving 60 is that I can stay in the right lane and the rest of the traffic passes me. It really is a lot more peaceful driving when not trying to pass truckers when I drive 70 or faster. I also see a lot more things from the right lane driving 60 mph. So driving 60 mph gets my vote for the best way to improve mileage, see more and have a lower stress trip! When I need the extra power to pass someone or merge to the left, my big diesel named "Bertha" has the power. I wouldn't go back to a smaller gas truck no mater the size or weight of my truck campers in the future!

[olsen_karl]

Not exactly what you're asking for, but FWIW:

2000 GMC Sierra 2500 (3/4 ton), 6.0L gas V8, 4L80E (4-spd) automatic transmission, 4WD, extended cab, longbed, stock suspension, 245/75/16 wheels/tires (stock size), no heavy add-ons (i.e. stock bumpers, no winch), with Northstar TC800 pop-up camper (8-foot length, fits entirely within bed, but tailgate must come off). Most of the time when traveling, there is a large 4-bike rack on the rear hitch, with 2 to 4 bikes on it -- not sure how much this matters in terms of MPG on this truck though.

Real world MPG at 65mph max: 12 hwy, hand-calculated. I've seen 12.5 (slower highways, 55mph), and occasionally 11.5 (higher speeds, say 70-75), but almost all of the time it's right around 12 mpg. Truck has plenty of power, but I try to go easy on the accelerator to keep the MPG as good as possible.

[Capt Eddie]

F 450 loaded with Lance 1040. Flatbed with tool boxes. 16800LB 4 x 4. Four door, On it's best day I can get 9mpg.

[Oni]

Hey Kevin

What kind of mileage are you getting with your Tundra and pop up? That's the route I'm planning on going. Wanna take my kid to the National Parks and camping all over the place.

[krj]

Thanks guys, keep em coming.
Any more gassers out there?

Dieselandmud, what are you doing to get that mileage, thats what I'm shooting for!
@ Oni - I get 13ish with the camper on. I'm going to sell it, if your interested PM me.

[cnynrat]

Dieselandmud, what are you doing to get that mileage, thats what I'm shooting for!


My guess it has a lot to do with the weight of his camper (1800 pounds dry). My Bigfoot is over 3000 pounds.

[High Water]

2009 Dodge 3500 DRW Cummins, 6 spd AT - no modifications
2006 Lance 1130
14' x 102" cargo trailer filled with bikes
Total scaled weight loaded for a 4 day weekend 18,000 lbs
I live in western CO so no mater which way I go its mountains

are you ready... 8.5 mpg Calculated at the pump consistantly, computer in the truck is optimistic.

Yea it sucks! I've been thinking about putting a pop-up on my first generation Tundra and getting a small trailer.
:(

[krj]

8.5, ouch! But that is alot of weight (and fun!) you are hauling.
I'm selling my Tundra and FWC if your interested...

[jronwood]

I have a 2002 7.3 auto F-350, DRW Crew Cab (the black one and read family) 4x4 4:10's, running loaded not givin a care as to mileage (or any mods yet) 10-11. My old 2000 F-550 (the one with the black fender flares/tarp) 7.3 manual 2WD 3:91's SuperChip (on lowest setting), loaded for bear (17-20K) 11-14 (highest ever 16. weighed 12,500 empty). Replacement for the 550 is a 2000 F-550 V10 auto 4x4 4:88's crane truck (Hiab knuckle and log bed), gets 11 mpg empty with foot your of it, on flats, any load or hills 6-7mpg. and Good trucks. The gasser is a local truck, the 350 is my over the road"er" . Good trucks, can haul about ANYTHING you care to put on them, ESP. F-450/550's. They are SERIOUS trucks. I am converting my F-350 to a 450 via, springs, mounts, rims/tires (19.5's). Likely I will find a 4x4 F-450/550 to swap axles over to get bigger brakes as well. The heavier the better up to the 550 (F-450 and 350 share the Dana 80 rear, just dfferent brakes and hub). Front axles/springs are the same 350-550, hubs and brakes change.

Something worth noting, ( I currently own both deisel AND gasser) the difference between high test gasoline and Diesel has begun to grow, and as that continues the math on the diesel "advantage" becomes less important, and this is especially important as you mull over a "bigger truck". If you can find a medium (F250 ish) truck that can work for you, the bigger diesel makes less mathamatical sense also, depending on how much tripping you do vs. around town. I especially like hopping in the V10 in the dead of winter to plow snow. So, I guess add in the "how far north are you and how colds does it get" factor.

Jronwood




890828908389084 Jronwood

[gm4x4lover]

I have 2000 f350 crew cab dually, 4x4 auto with 3.73 gears and usually travel 70-75mph. It has a super chips tuner, exhaust, down pipe, and an intake. It will be getting a trans soon so hope fully all these numbers go up some. It scales by its self 8600lbs. My camper is a 10.5' older real lite (or not so real lite). Empty weight on the campers is about 2300lbs, loaded a little over 3k. I have a 14,000 lb gvwr equipment trailer and I usually haul my 87 k5 rock crawler on it. The empty weight of the trailer is 3500lbs, the k5 6200lbs, 500lbs tool box and usually 500lbs-750lbs of coolers, tools, spare parts, firewood for 5 days. On the highway the best is see empty is about 19 mpg. When I put my 10k trailer behind it (no camper) about 15 mpg. When I have my camper by it self my gross weight is usually 11,600 lbs and my best mileage is 11 mpg. When I combine my truck, camper, trailer, and k5 together my gvwr is over 22,000lbs and I will still see 11 mpg. My range for fuel (stock fuel tank) with truck empty is around 650 miles. The best I have ever gotten with just the trailer and the k5 on it was 535 miles. The best with the camper on the back was about 400 miles. We also live at the foot of the mountains and all our recreation time is spent in the mountains. Vail pass, Monarch pass, Eisenhower tunnel, Floyed hill, Wolf Creek pass, and La Vita pass are all very common to pull at those weights. If we went east at an easy 65 I think some of those numbers might be a little better.

[Chrisbuilt]

1994 crew cab long box with a 460 and OD auto 4x4. 9.5'camper and a 7000 lb trailer, gross weight is 17,400 lbs. I get 8.6 mpg at 60-65 mph.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v724/Chrisbuilt/a47afff5.jpg

[warejn]

I have a 98 TJ with a 2.5 ltr, soft top,it's got g2 Dana 44's, 5.13 gears and 33x 12.50's. I get 16 or so and 14 loaded for a trip.

I live in the hills above Denver so it's always uphill. I want to see what it's like in the flats.

[motrhed]

I currently have a 2006 Corsair 9'2" that has been on 2 different trucks. The first truck was a 2004 Chev 2500HD 4x4, ext. cab, long box with the 6L gasser and auto trans (with minor mods - Banks exhaust, cold air kit, controller, air bags, 265/75-16 AT tires, etc.)
89602
During a 9000km trip to Alaska, the Yukon, and Northern B.C. a few years ago, it averaged about 9.5 mpg fully loaded. There was alot of highway (not much of which was flat) but also a fair amount of gravel (Top of the World Highway, The Dempster, Telegraph Creek, & Granduc Mine). The rig would get as much as 11 mpg on a lazy flat terrain highway trip.
The second and current truck is a 2007 Chev 2500HD 4x4, crew cab, long box with a Duramax and 6spd Allison. It has a 4" Rancho lift (with RS9000 shocks), 305/75-16 BFG AT 10 ply tires, air bags, but is otherwise pretty much stock. This truck handles the camper even better - loads of power/torque (365hp/660 ft lbs) and the suspension is fully adjustable to control the higher up weight of the fully loaded Corsair. I generally get about 11 - 14 mpg depending on the highway, conditions, and speed. When we are going out for a weekend of playing in the wilderness, I tow a 16' enclosed toy trailer, but have never bothered to keep track of the mileage. The pic below shows the '07 nose high as I had extra (unforeseen) weight at the front of the trailer, it typically sits level.
89616
I plan to stick with diesel and will be getting a higher weight capacity truck next time around.

[krj]

Thanks guys, keep the info coming.
Motrhed, great to see a direct comparison between a gasser and a diesel. Where I am (NW MT) those mileages pencil out to a $43 savings with the diesel over 1000mls. Would take a while to overcome the extra price of a diesel at that rate. How have the maintenance costs of the 2 different trucks compared so far?
Kevin

[LimaMikeMike]

2006 Ram 3500 QC 4x4 Srw
5.9 Cummins 4spd auto 3.73 factory tire size.
Lance 825 -2500 lbs loaded with gear/water

12-13 MPG avg at 70mph, Best 15 MPG on flat highway. 18-21 empty consistanly, all numbers hand calculated. Truck was stock with the exception of a Intake.

I recently added a smarty programmer and will be playing with it this spring/summer to see if it will improve.

I had basically the same truck with a hemi and the same set up netted me 6-7 MPG:Wow1:. It was a pain to drive in the mountains it spent most of its time in second gear.

The maintenance difference for me is tiny, A hemi holds 7L of oil a cummins 10L price difference is minimal, the fuel filter is reasonable and cummins brand oil filters are dirt cheap. Other than that a diesel can be more expensive to fix bits and pieces wise, but will have 2-3x the life span of the best gas engines out there if looked after.

Diesel fuel is the same price of gas here.

90133

[redthies]

1994 crew cab long box with a 460 and OD auto 4x4. 9.5'camper and a 7000 lb trailer, gross weight is 17,400 lbs. I get 8.6 mpg at 60-65 mph.

What do you get without the trailer behind? 10?

I towed a 3000lb toy hauler pop-up (tent-trailer with 31" muds etc) with my 92 F350 cc, 3" lift, 35s E4OD auto and 460 from BC tocentral Mex and everywhere in between. 10 mpg was about average. Didn't even know the trailer was back there. I am just looking at the same truck with a ZF5 manual, and hope I can get another 2 mpg or so. I will also belooking at trading the trailer for a slide on camper.

[motrhed]

Thanks guys, keep the info coming.
Motrhed, great to see a direct comparison between a gasser and a diesel. Where I am (NW MT) those mileages pencil out to a $43 savings with the diesel over 1000mls. Would take a while to overcome the extra price of a diesel at that rate. How have the maintenance costs of the 2 different trucks compared so far?
Kevin
The major difference between the 6L gas and the Duramax is the available power and torque. The OEM ratings for the '07 D'max is 365hp and 660ft/lbs of torque... there is no economical way to get that much torque out of the gas engine and still have reasonable fuel economy. Regarding maintenance costs between the two, the differences have been negligible. Oil changes on the diesel cost more due to the larger oil capacity but other than that most of my costs relate to the mods that I made to each truck. That being said I am about to spend more money on the D'max to correct some factory shortcomings (transfer case pump upgrade, transmission line upgrade, swap to Allison Transynd oil, etc). If you plan to haul or tow heavy loads on a "regular" basis, diesel power is the way to go. If you don't haul heavy loads on a regular basis, it may be more cost effective to stick with a gas engine.

[morrisster]

Truck: 2004.5 (LLY) Silverado 3500 D/A QCLB 4x4
Camper: 2004 Starcraft pine mountain starmate 9 - stated weight wet #1900 - my total loaded weight is between 10 and 11000
Tires 265/75/16 Load range E
13000 mile avg mpg, with the camper - 14.2

[Christian P.]

13 mpg. Does not seem to matter the speed or condition. 6.5 turbo diesel.

http://www.expeditionportal.com//images/stories/articles/CP/BigFoot2500/P1000883.jpg

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/58492-Our-new-North-American-Overland-Combo-GMC-Sierra-4x4-Bigfoot-2500/page3

I guess it's not too bad considering I am carrying a full house. My FZJ80 was getting 10-11 mpg.

[motrhed]

Depending on where you live or travel, fuel prices vary widely. Diesel used to be cheaper than gasoline in most areas but that seems to have reversed over that past few years. Around here diesel is currently selling for about the same as premium gas... which sucks! Now more than ever, diesels need to produce better hp, mileage, and longevity to make the initial purchase worthwhile - gas engines are a bit more appealing if the truck is not under constant load.

[Chongzilla]

My friend's got an '05 2500 Dodge CTD,srw, w/auto,4.10 gears and 35 x12.50 x 18 Toyo MT's. He's carrying a 9.5' Sixpack self contained camper. He's getting 10.5 city with it. Going from a 285-75-17 Toyo AT to his present tire cost him 3 mpg.

He might want to check how far he travels on the road compared to how far his ODO says he travels. I upsized my tires and thought they killed my mpgs as well but they actually get me about 1 mpg better then stock. I travel 30% further with my larger tires then my ODO says I travel.

05 Dodge QCLB 4x4 on 35 A/Ts with a leveling kit, getting 17 mpg city and 19 highway no aftermarket parts or tunes. I get about 15 loaded with a 10,000 trailer and I live in an area full of big hills.

[wonderfulremark]

13 mpg. Does not seem to matter the speed or condition. 6.5 turbo diesel.

http://www.expeditionportal.com//images/stories/articles/CP/BigFoot2500/P1000883.jpg

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/58492-Our-new-North-American-Overland-Combo-GMC-Sierra-4x4-Bigfoot-2500/page3

I guess it's not too bad considering I am carrying a full house. My FZJ80 was getting 10-11 mpg.



and what is your unloaded MPG?
My 6.5 gets about 15-16MPG unloaded and 13MPG loaded with a 9.5ft camper.

Mine's a CrewCab Longbox 4x4.

[dzzz]

Depending on where you live or travel, fuel prices vary widely. Diesel used to be cheaper than gasoline in most areas but that seems to have reversed over that past few years. Around here diesel is currently selling for about the same as premium gas... which sucks! Now more than ever, diesels need to produce better hp, mileage, and longevity to make the initial purchase worthwhile - gas engines are a bit more appealing if the truck is not under constant load.

I agree. Most people maybe should just skip the diesel unless there's a compelling reason to not use a gas engine (extreme mileage, single fuel, vehicle weight)

I get ~9-10 mpg driving 60-65. In my case I think the pop-up helps a lot a higher speeds.

[trail-explorer]

...
Since you are wanting to haul a hard side truck camper I suggest you skip the 3/4 ton and get a 1 ton. Just about everyone hauling a truck camper is over their GVWR, there's no reason to make the problem worse by getting a 2500.

This is my recommendation too. Newer hard sided campers are HEAVY.

[Ajraservices]

A diesel truck will cost you about 14 cents per mile more to drive than a diesel if you consider initial premium investment, fuel filters, extra oil, and fuel conditioner.
That being said, the extra power and easier towing ability is worth it.

[krj]

I finally have some number to contribute to this thread that I started!
I recently sold my 2003 Tundra and 1988 FWC Grandby. For what I got for those, I bought a 1999 3/4 Dodge Cummins, QCLB, 5spd AND a '95 Cascade 8.5' hardside camper.
With the old rig I was getting 13mpg. First trip with the new setup and I averaged 15.5mpg. 660 mile trip, hand calc'd, mixed city and highway. First half no faster than 60mph or greater than 1800rpm. Second half, bumped it up to 65mph (2000rpm) on the highway and mostly into a head wind, no change in mpg. Diesel is now 10 cents cheaper than the premium that I was running in my Tundra! Oh yeah, I no longer have to deal with the pop-up!

[BCHauler]

108785
This was my first trip with this configuration, so the comparable data is thin, but here it is:

2001 F250 v10 4.30 gears, crew cab shortbed 4x4 with brand new 255/85/16 KM2's. Camper weight is unknown, take a look at the picture and guess. Trailer is light and can be lifted and moved by hand. Truck had 5 passengers weighing approximately 620 lbs. Route was approximately 1000 km round trip from sea level over the Cascade Mountains driving the Coquihalla Highway (elevation 4068') and the Coquihalla Connector (elevation 5760') to Summerland in the Okanagon (elevation 1490') and then back. For the most part, speed was a consistent 95 kmph or 60 mph.

Mileage there was 8.7 mpg or 27.1 L/100km and 9 mpg or 26 L/100km on the way back. As a point of reference, I have done most of that route without the camper or trailer in the dead of winter with 235/85/16 tires and averaged 13.5 mpg. FWIW my numbers are not corrected for the larger tires.

edit: okay, my rudimentary calculations put the corrected numbers at 9 mpg or 26 L/100km there and 9.5 mpg or 24.9 L/100km back.

[redthies]

Good to see you are getting some time away Todd. I have obviously forgotten my days with the 460. 9 mpg is scary, but with the Coq in the calculations, not really a surprise.

[BCHauler]

Yes, curious to see what flat mpg would be. Unfortunately, not a lot of flat here in BC.

[krj]

How are prices of diesel vs gasoline up there? Diesel has dropped down below mid-grade gasoline down here. At least in MT.

[redthies]

In the south coast area of BC (Vancouver), reg gas is $1.36 per liter, and diesel is at $1.32. That translates to $5.17 per US gallon for gas, and $5.01 for diesel. Premium is $1.54 or $5.85 per gallon. National average for reg is around $4.50.

Canada is one of the largest suppliers of fuel to the US. Makes me wonder why we can't get it for at least the same price, if not significantly less up here. But I won't think about that too long, as it makes me think of ways to torture oil company execs, and govt tax collectors...

My 97 F350 with PSD auto is getting 18.2 mpg mixed driving with a heavy foot. This is with a shackle reversal that has me about 3" over stock, and 35" Toyo MTs. My only longer trip with the camper on was over some incredibly high and long mountain passes, and I got closer to 12-13 mpg. The camper is a 10' Adventurer 10T (2007). We are going to Hood River in 3 weeks, so I'll post up mileage numbers after that trip. I'm hoping for at least 15 mpg on I-5 at a steady 60 mph. Fingers crossed!

[charlieaarons]

8.5-9.3 mpg on pavement at 60mph. Maybe not too bad for loaded weight over 27000 lb, cross section is 12'7" tall and 7'10" wide, 5.92 gears, portal gearboxes and 47" tires.

Charlie

[redthies]

Charlie, with a Unicat on a Mog, fuel economy probably shouldn't be a big issue:)

[duneyeti9]

F350 6.7 PS with a Lance 835 and towing a wrangler I get just over 12 if I keep it under 70. Without the Wrangler I have never gotten better than 14. Of note I get 21+ with the truck empty. I’m just shy of 5,000 lbs per axel with everything loaded and full tanks. These #’s are from the onboard computer but I have hand calculated and my #’s were always within .5 of the computer so it doesn’t lie too bad. I travel mostly in the south east US and Texas, not many mountains.

[grizzlyj]

Good to see Charlie adding some balance! :)

My mog is 21000lbs, 13' tall, and also does about 8 miles per US gallon

But, diesel in the UK has just come down to about £1.30 per litre if you shop around, £5.90 per UK gallon, £4.92 per US gallon, or $7.65 per US gallon today at £1 = $1.56

Its interesting to see how many people on this forum assume everyone here is from the Americas, so no-one thinks to mention which gallon you're using ;)

Similarly, in comparison to a mog, how many haul such a lot with relatively small trucks but still get similar mpg. If everyone here had to pay UK prices for fuel how much smaller would both what you take with you, and how big a rig you have, become?

What will the typical camper rig be in 20-30 years time? Horse drawn? ;)

Jason

:)

[redthies]

What will the typical camper rig be in 20-30 years time? Horse drawn?

I'm thinking nuclear powered hover-camper!

[mtwoodcutter]

My first post to the forum. MPG info is of great interest to me - thanks to everyone for sharing. Drove my '94 F250 pre-powerstroke (7.3L IDI diesel, 4x4, 4.10 gears) from Montana to Inuvik and through AK last year with about a 1k lb early 70s Alaskan camper and another 1k pounds worth of people, food, tools, parts, etc. Hand calculated over 6k miles was 16.5 mpg. I was hoping to break 17, but it didn't happen. The truck is stock, but I ran Stanadyne performance fuel additive.

[mudmony]

over the years, my experience with diesels has not been that much difference, but always kept fuel records
89 f250 with cab over, 7.3, 12.8...275k miles buried in 04
95 f250 with cab over, 7.3 powerstroke, 11.5...325k still used daily
2000 f250 with cab over, 7.3 powerstroke, 12.3...275k still used daily
2004 2500 duramax, empty 15.9...245k....still used daily

[redthies]

95 f250 with cab over, 7.3 powerstroke, 11.5...325k

I'm heading down south on I5 to Oregon tomorrow with my 97 F350 cc 7.3 auto (272,000 miles) with 3" lift, 35s and a 3000 lb cab over. I'm hoping to do better than 11.5! I'll post up on Tuesday with the numbers...

[redthies]

12 at best... Damn!

[ib14a69]

Left olympia to plain wa last week for the overland rally in my mega cab dually 4x4 with 5.9 cummins, 990 artic fox camper pj 14k tilt trailer, 89 fj62, a quad and lots of tools and other supplies. I was about 21k lbs in all. Pulled into the camping site about hrs away at 14.1 mpgs

[redthies]

I was about 21k lbs in all. Pulled into the camping site at 14.1 mpgs

Is the 14.1 hand calculated or on the overhead computer? If its for real, it makes me want to do the 12 v 5 speed swap soon!

[ib14a69]

14.1 was with 3.73 gears 2006 5.9 cummins with an auto. Only 33k on motor

[jronwood]

Just did 2000 miles with this set up, trailer creates camperlike drag (can see it on leading edge of tarp). Flat calm 65 mph, at 2100 rpm (4:10's) around 11.???. Then tried 70 mph, 10.????. Then whilest in UP Mich. at 50mph on straight backroad got 15mph. Coming home went 75, 10.??, so no real surprises except really going slowish at 65 didnt help much, just put her down and go! The 15 did surprise me but we were just plodding along and in no hurry. This is a F-350 4x4 stock, CC/CC 120K 7.3 with 4:10's auto. I do have duals and 19.5's but they didnt change gearing. I love being able to bring WHATEVER you want. Trailer was likely 6K+

Jronwood

117277

[jefe4x4]

2001.5 Dodge (see specs below) with small hard side Lance gets 14-15 mpg going 62 mph with no head wind or steep hills. 10,400 pounds wet. The mpg actually gets better when I go slower on dirt roads, probably for lack of wind resistance and a 6 speed manual with 3.54's.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z240/jefe4x4/DSCN1152.jpg
With no camper on the truck barely squeaks out 19.5 mpg. I have never broken 20 mpg empty. I have no 'wire' boost or any other upgrades (except a big air cleaner). Recently, I added a little extra pipe to the waste gate tube on the turbo so the turbo kicks in sooner. I think this has helped with the mpg (but maybe not the heat) but I've not had it on a long trip yet. First of October jeanie and I will find out on the "VOLCANO TOUR' of the US west coast taking a couple weeks and camping as close to the cones and as primativo as possible. We're going for the same reason we went to Yellowstone a few years ago. "BEFORE IT BLOWS!"
I'm going up Imogene Pass here:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z240/jefe4x4/DSC07659.jpg
I worked on the front end of the truck to make it more off-road worthy, cutting part of the useless bumper and fender off, and adding some 4340 ChoMol tubing to the bumperettes and installing a radiator saver.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z240/jefe4x4/DSCN0016.jpg

regards, as always, jefe

[tjmp111]

140617

This is my set up. 96 F-250, 4.10 gears 5 speed, ATS turbo, and a chip, 9 foot camper, and a 22 foot BBF powered Thunderjet. This combo weighs in at 19,600lbs I pull the 4-5% grades at 65-67mph, I am not easy on the go button but I get around 11 and have seen 12 with this set up.

[redthies]

Look, I have your trucks cousin!

141793

[DDW]

1999 Ford F350 Superduty, 7.3L turbo 2WD dually with Bigfoot 9.4 camper. Keep it around 62-65 on the highway, get around 14.5 - 15 mpg. No difference towing a light trailer.

[Mundo4x4Casa]

Kevin,
If you get the 'right' 3/4 t. truck, you'll be o.k. with a small hard side. With only the loaded Lance 165s 8.5' camper on I get 14-15 mpg on the open road on my '01 Dodge 2nd gen. Cummins. I drive at about 62 mph most of the time on the interstates. The only engine mod is a short tube added to make the turbo kick in sooner. It helps with both the power and mpg, but makes the engine run hotter in the summertime. The '01-02 Dodge Cummins were plagued with lift pump failures, which I fixed by putting a different lift pump down on the frame rail (and off the engine block) making it a pusher instead of a sucker. I do have a low fuel pressure idiot light.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z240/jefe4x4/DSCN0927.jpg
As with many Jeeps I've owned it's a work in progress. Here are the stats as a comparo:
3/4t. short bed Dodge 4x4. In this year Dodge, the only differences between a 3/4 t. and a 1 t. were two more tires on wider hubs and added 'Hips'; hub extensions on the front axle for the big off-set 1 t. wheels. We checked the part numbers at the dealer and almost all of them were the same: 3.4t/1t. The rear axle may be a different track width. I can't remember whether it's wider or narrower. I have the Dana 80 rear end with an added Power Lok LSD. NV5600 cast iron case 6 spd. manual trans. NV241H.D. transfer case (has a wider chain for snow plow use) 3.54:1 gears which put peak torque (1600 rpm) right at 55 mph. When I ordered the truck new, I specified the 'Camper Package' which came with a rear anti-sway bar and one thick secondary spring on top. Basically this rear spring set up was the same as a one ton. Subsequently I added another 2-leaf set of secondaries to the upper pack and it now is a defacto 1.25 t. load capacity truck.
Tires are 32.8" tall, all around with the fronts 285x75R16's on stock wheels, and the rear has 33x15.50-R16's on 12" wide, high load rated aluminum wheels which act as super singles. A warn 15000 pound winch and winch bumper with stock repellant cage.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z240/jefe4x4/DSCN0016.jpg
I still like this set up as the truck with camper on weigh in just a bit over 10,000 pounds. When I'm towing my jeep on car trailer the GCVW jumps to 15,400 pounds and my mileage goes down....a little bit. But I drive slower with less stupid pedal when towing, so it's probably a wash.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z240/jefe4x4/542cd3dd.jpg
regards, as always, jefe

[redthies]

In this year Dodge, the only differences between a 3/4 t. and a 1 t. were two more tires on wider hubs and added 'Hips'; hub extensions on the front axle for the big off-set 1 t. wheels. We checked the part numbers at the dealer and almost all of them were the same: 3.4t/1t.

It now is a defacto 1.25 t. load capacity truck.

I still like this set up as the truck with camper on weigh in just a bit over 10,000 pounds.

All this sounds true and reasonable, but I have to be the devils advocate and ask "what is the GVW Dodge gave your truck at the factory?" Every single 2nd gen 2500 I've owned or looked at has a max GVW of 8800 lbs. 3rd gen Dodge 3500 SRWs have a 9900 lb gvw. It's fine to add springs, bigger brakes, airbags etc, but what happens if you get in a fatal accident? Your door sticker still says what Dodge rates the truck at. Go over it and you are putting yourself in a potential bad situation.

My '97 F350 has a GVW of 9200 lbs, and I scaled the truck/camper today. Loaded for travel my combo weighs in at 11,600!! I have done a lot of things to make the truck work well, and it carries the load fine, and I figure most cops would be ok with a little over the gvw, but I am now seriously thinking dually.