Oil Consumption - Fuel Mileage?

[SixPac]

I took my first extened trip ( total of 1,200 mi) in my 2001, 4x4, 3. 55:1, auto, pulling a 7,000 lb load, an enclosed, 20ft. car trailer. I was towing from St. Louis to Columbus, OH, and back, which is relatively flat. My truck had 2,100 miles on it at the beginning of the trip. I averaged 13. 0 miles per gallon (65 to 70 mph) and the truck used 1/2 quart of engine oil.



RPMs were kept below 2000 (execpt during downshifts) at all times, usually around 1700 - 1900.



Question:



1) Would 1/2 quart of oil consumption on a trip like this be abnormal or part of the "break-in" process?



2) Wouldn't you think I would get much better than 13. 0 miles/gal.



Bob

 

[nps]

Think the MPG is normal.



Is there any oil dripping from the bottom? I had a front timing cover leaking and lost about the same amount on a similar distance. If the bottom is dry, think the oil consumption is not normal. Now have about 8k miles on the truck.

 

[Archive]

SixPac... there are a few threads that discuss the mileage more indepth, but there are a lot of factors in mileage. Tire size, wind, temp. , height of trailer(wind resistance), etc. etc.



One piece of advice is to keep towing. Break it in towing and you should get better mileage.



1/2 quart of oil does seem a bit excessive.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

mileage is not surprising on that new a truck , plus you have a good size sail in that enclosed trailer hitting the wind . as far as oil , maybe a bit excessive , but again not surprising , mine used alot of oil when new , i still have quite a bit of blowby with 52k miles . maybe the BOMBing has affected my engine after all ??