mileage towing

[SRehberg]

We just bought a new to us '96 29 ft Alpenlite 5th wheel. According to the mfg's label, the empty weight is 9200 lbs with a loaded weight of 12,500.



I'd like to know what to expect towing the setup. I realize driving style, speed, wind etc all come to play but we will tow around 60 mph. The truck is a '96 3500 4x4 5 spd w/4. 10 gears. Any ideas? Thanks;

 

[DaveAnderson]

If mine is any indication I think you should expect 10-11 MPG

 

[Driftwood Ram]

I agree with Dave. We get pertty constant between the high 10's to

high 11's.

Since you have a 5 speed and gear vendor maybe as high as 12. Oo.

 

[MAleshire]

As a rule of thumb figure 50% less than what you get running without the 5th wheel.

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the replies. I usually run 19-20 mpg empty so I guess 10 is my expected mileage. I had hoped to do better (don't we all ) but I think the Cummins is the best mileage engine out there. Thanks!

 

[burnin oil]

I tried not to tow in fifth untill atleast 1700 RPM. I ran RPMs up to 2500 hundred constant with my 3. 55 gears and still managed 11. 8 MPG hauling a 15k 5ver. You should be easily able to break into the 11s.

 

[jshumate]

I towed a '97 29 ft. Alpenlite with a '97 CTD 5sp, 4:10 SWD for 8 years and the mileage seemed to average about 12. The 5ver towed very easily.

I added a TST #5 plate, AFE intake and a 4" exhaust, which seemed to help alot.

 

[SRehberg]

I keep the truck in each gear until I hit 2000 rpm then shift. If I'm in 5th I make sure I stay above 1600 rpm due to the 5th gear nut issue. Our truck is bone stock so would it help mileage to add modifications to the engine? I'm not expecting high mileage, but I hope for better than single digit.



Jshumate, your rig sounds about identical to ours. I'm not familiar with the TST plate numbers, is a #5 mild or?



Thanks everyone!

 

[GaryOwen]

I usually have gotten in the 12 to 13 mpg range with my 95 towing various fifth wheels at 62 to 65 mph. I never have gotten less than 10, even in a strong headwind. Expect you will get at least as good. It has a TST#8 and 5" exhaust. It definitely gave the truck more git up and go, but really didn't see much, if any, improvement in mileage.

 

[SRehberg]

Thanks for the information on the mileage, it looks like the average runs around 10-13 mpg so that isn't bad considering the weight pulled and the frontal area of the trailer. I'll have to research the TST plates as that seems to be a common upgrade along with larger exhaust. Thanks!

 

[WILLD420]

I get 8-9 pulling my 37' toyhauler. It weighs about 10K empty 11-12 loaded. I have an automatic and 3. 55 gears. Doesn't matter if I tow with little tires or my 35's I still get 8 mpg. I get about 16-17 empty, so 50% is a good rule for me with my big trailer. With a smaller car trailer I get about 12-13 if I go slow.

 

[J&LRam]

I had a stock '96 2500 4. 10 5 speed that was used towing my tripple axle implement trailer that truck and trailer grossed 21-23000 lb. It would average 10-10. 5 on long highway hauls to out of state job sites.

My current 5er has a 11200 GVWR and the stock '03 in sig averages 12. 5 on long trips driving legal speeds to 65 mph. I don't drive faster than that. I'm retired now but this truck was doing 21-22 on my 600+ mile a week commute. These aren't just best tanks but are averages and are pencil figures .



Jim

 

[SRehberg]

The mileage figures sound pretty good considering the loads pulled. I drive at about 60 mph. We plan to try a 1,000 mile trip here in a few weeks so it gives me hope the truck will do well which will be our first run with the trailer. Thanks

 

[WILLD420]

The big difference I see is the stickshift.

It takes all my self control to keep the truck I have and deal with the stupid auto trans issues.

If I could find a similar truck with a 6 speed and a longbed I think I'd trade it in a minute.

 

[SBeretz]

I am a huge fan of the manual for pulling. I know the auto's are awesome nowadays, but the manual is still the king (in my mind) for heavy pulling with the Cummins!

 

[SRehberg]

I like the manual but if I had a choice I'd opt for the six speed as the 5 spd has some big jumps in ratios. All in all though I prefer it over the automatic I had in my previous 12 valve. The six speed conversion is doable but gets a little pricey