Milage towing 4600lb trailer w/5.7 2011 QC 1500

[James_in_Utah]

Hi,
I just towed my trails about 600 miles, and seemed to average about 8.9mpg going 60 mph. My 05 Dakota probably would have gotten 11 or so on the same route. I'm disappointed the 1500 didn't do a little better. Does that sound about right? I get about 16 normally.
thanks
James

 

[aplineman]

Doesn't sound very good to me. My 2014 normally gets around 20 city and 23 highway unloaded. Hauling my rzr4 (around 4500lb with trailer) I average 17.

 

[bouf0010]

So many variables here - 6 or 8 speed? 3.21, 3.55 or 3.92 rear end? Driving face in the wind or no wind. Through mountains or flat highway. What type of trailer? Tall/short with a flat face, v-nose?

I have a 26ft 6k lbs trailer that I tow - got 9mpg avg driving 600 miles through mountains - same trailer driving on a flatter highway, 12 mpg.

6 speed, 3.92, some wind varying in direction, tall slight angled trailer.

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[h2oman]

Those are about my towing numbers.

 

[cableguy_hd]

5.7 with 3.92 rear end I get @9-10 with over 7k behind me

 

[James_in_Utah]

Well I just got this truck about a month ago. Not sure which gear ratio it has. I did notice the tires are slightly bigger than original equipment. It has 275/65R20s now, and came with 275/60R20s. I guess I need to test whether it is really judging distance correctly. How do I determine the gear ratio?

 

[BoldAdventure]

Well I just got this truck about a month ago. Not sure which gear ratio it has. I did notice the tires are slightly bigger than original equipment. It has 275/65R20s now, and came with 275/60R20s. I guess I need to test whether it is really judging distance correctly. How do I determine the gear ratio?

James, go here, put in your VIN
https://ram.custhelp.com/app/ram/eqlisting_detail/session/L3RpbWUvMTQwNDIzOTc4MS9zaWQvUTdqRCpjWWw=

And get a build sheet for your truck.

 

[James_in_Utah]

Thanks I'll try that. I do feel a little better. I just filled up, and I calculated 12.8 mpg while the evic display was showing 10.0. We will be driving about 400 miles on Friday and I'll see how it does. We did have a pretty good headwind on the way here. BTW, the build sheet says it has the 3.55 axil ratio.

 

[audio1der]

5.7 with 3.92 rear end I get @9-10 with over 7k behind me

I was just going to say the same thing. 5.7, 3.92 6spd gets 9-10mpg pulling our 32' travel trailer (tall) through the Rockies. I should think you'd do better.

 

[Sweetee]

Hi,
I just towed my trails about 600 miles, and seemed to average about 8.9mpg going 60 mph. My 05 Dakota probably would have gotten 11 or so on the same route. I'm disappointed the 1500 didn't do a little better. Does that sound about right? I get about 16 normally.
thanks
James

That does seem a bit low, but wind, terrain and driving style can certainly affect the results. I just helped a friend move his son using my RCSB Express (4x2, 3.55) and my 14x7 cargo trailer. We were loaded "to the gills" and I got 12 MPG for the entire weekend.

 

[James_in_Utah]

Also, I have the 5 speed automatic transmission, and a cap on the bed. Maybe the EVIC is just underestimating mpg? Especially when towing?

 

[James_in_Utah]

Just did a 10 mile test using mile markers, and my odometer said I only went 9.6 miles. I did the test twice, same results. So, my odometer readings are off by 4%, but that still doesn't account for the EVIC mpg readings being off by 2.8 mpg. Has anyone else tested the accuracy?

 

[TomR00]

LOL, there's no guarantee the mile markers are exact either! I would imagine there's a tolerance allowed there too.

 

[bouf0010]

Theres a 3.2% difference in your tire diameter from the stock to the aftermarket.

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[DatacomGuy]

Mirrors mine, which is the same config as you, but mine is crew cab.

5.7, 3.55, under 7K, with LT275/65R20.. I average 8-9ish (i live in the App foothills)..

I did pretty good in florida with the stock tires.. 10.5-11ish.

8-10mpg is pretty average from what i can tell. Too many variables to pinpoint exactly what it should be.

 

[James_in_Utah]

I'm think ethanol is killing my milage.

 

[James_in_Utah]

We're still on the road, and I've verified a couple of times that my odometer only rolls up 96 miles every 100. Sweet. That means I'll get an extra 4000 under warranty. Anyway, My milage seems to be between 9 and 11, maybe 12 while pulling about 5500lbs. I do have a cap, which does seem to reduce milage.

 

[clark123456]

Watch your speed...you are probably doing faster than what the truck reports.

 

[bouf0010]

^useless comment of the month award goes to... lol

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[clark123456]

^useless comment of the month award goes to... lol

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Thanks for the award. I still stand behind the comment, even if you find it useless.